Digby, NS — Banking Guide 2026

Best Banks in Digby, NS

Bay of Fundy scallop capital. Population 2,000. A charming harbour town at the mouth of the Annapolis Basin, famous for Digby scallops, the ferry link to Saint John NB, and Nova Scotia's approximately 1% municipal deed transfer tax.

Get $100 with KOHO — Code 45ET55JSYA

Banking & Property Taxes in Digby, NS

Nova Scotia Deed Transfer Tax — Digby

  • No provincial land transfer tax in Nova Scotia
  • Municipal deed transfer tax: approximately 1% of purchase price
  • Rate set by municipality — confirm with your lawyer
  • No provincial first-time buyer exemption
Municipal Transfer Tax Only: Nova Scotia eliminated the provincial deed transfer tax. Digby and surrounding municipalities levy their own rate — typically around 1% of the purchase price. Always verify the exact rate with your real estate lawyer at closing.
Digby DTT Example: On a $185,000 home in Digby, the estimated municipal deed transfer tax is approximately $1,850 (roughly 1%). Confirm exact rates with your conveyancing lawyer.

Digby sits on Annapolis Basin where it opens into the Bay of Fundy — one of the world's great tidal experiences. The town is famous worldwide for the Digby scallop, harvested from the bay and served in restaurants throughout Atlantic Canada and beyond. The Digby Scallop Days festival each August is one of Nova Scotia's most popular food events. The Bay Ferries Princess of Acadia connects Digby to Saint John, NB, creating economic links to New Brunswick.

Digby has some of the most affordable real estate on the Nova Scotia shore. Harbour-view properties and heritage homes are available at prices far below comparable Maritime coastal markets. The approximately 1% municipal deed transfer tax adds modest closing costs. EQ Bank and KOHO are the strongest digital banking choices. Royal Bank and Scotiabank have Digby-area branches for local transactions.

Top 6 Banks for Digby, NS

EQ Bank
Best High-Interest Savings
3.00%
Savings Plus Account (everyday rate)
Monthly fee: $0

Pros

  • No fees ever
  • Free e-Transfers
  • GICs up to 4.5%
  • TFSA & RRSP accounts
  • CDIC insured

Cons

  • No physical branch
  • No chequing account
  • No credit cards
KOHO
$100 Bonus + 5% Cashback
5%
Cashback on groceries & transit (Extra plan)
Monthly fee: $0–$19

Pros

  • $100 sign-up bonus
  • 5% grocery cashback
  • No-fee base plan
  • Credit building
  • Instant virtual card

Cons

  • No physical branch
  • Premium fees for top tier
  • No mortgage products
Get $100 Bonus — 45ET55JSYA
Tangerine
Best Promo Savings Rate
5.00%
Promotional rate for new clients
Monthly fee: $0

Pros

  • 5% promo new clients
  • No-fee chequing
  • Free Scotiabank ATMs
  • Cashback credit cards
  • CDIC insured

Cons

  • Promo rate time-limited
  • No physical branches
  • Limited mortgage options
Scotiabank
Digby — Scotiabank
Scotia
Full-service branch banking
Monthly fee: $11.95–$30.95

Pros

  • Local branch
  • Scene+ rewards
  • Mortgage specialists
  • RRSP/TFSA/RESP
  • CDIC insured

Cons

  • Monthly fees required
  • Low savings rates
  • Branch hours limited
TD Bank
Digby County — TD
TD
Full-service branch banking
Monthly fee: $10.95–$29.95

Pros

  • Regional branch access
  • TD Direct Investing
  • RESP services
  • CDIC insured

Cons

  • Monthly fees
  • Low deposit rates
  • Limited local presence
RBC Royal Bank
Digby — RBC
RBC
Full-service branch banking
Monthly fee: $11.95–$30.00

Pros

  • Local branch
  • Avion travel rewards
  • Mortgage & HELOC
  • CDIC insured

Cons

  • Monthly fees
  • 0.01% savings rate
  • Complex fee structures

Side-by-Side Comparison

BankMonthly FeeSavings RateSign-up BonusBranch in DigbyNo-Fee Option
EQ Bank$03.00%—Digital only✓
KOHO$0–$19—$100Digital only✓
Tangerine$05.00% promoVariesDigital only✓
Scotiabank$11.95–$30.950.01%Varies✓Limited
TD Bank$10.95–$29.950.01%VariesRegionalLimited
RBC Royal Bank$11.95–$30.000.01%Varies✓Limited

Digby NS Municipal Transfer Tax Calculator

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deed transfer tax in Digby, NS?
Nova Scotia has no provincial land transfer tax. Digby and surrounding municipalities levy a municipal deed transfer tax of approximately 1% of the purchase price. On a $185,000 home, that is approximately $1,850 at closing. Confirm the exact municipal rate with your conveyancing lawyer before closing.
Does the Digby-Saint John ferry affect property prices or banking?
The Bay Ferries service between Digby and Saint John, NB creates economic and real estate connections between the two provinces. Some buyers have purchased in Digby for its lower prices while maintaining employment links to Saint John. Banking works seamlessly across provinces with national institutions. Mortgage financing in Digby uses NS rates and regulations regardless of your ferry access to NB.
What industries support Digby's economy?
The scallop fishery is the dominant industry — Digby scallops are among the most prized in the world. Commercial fishing more broadly, tourism, government services, and healthcare support the local economy. The ferry operation generates transport and hospitality employment. Remote work has brought new residents to Digby, attracted by the low cost of living and ocean setting.
Is Digby a good place to buy real estate in 2026?
Digby offers some of the most affordable coastal real estate in Atlantic Canada. Properties with harbour or bay views trade at prices that would be unimaginable in most Canadian coastal markets. The approximately 1% municipal deed transfer tax adds modest closing costs. EQ Bank's 3.00% HISA and the federal FHSA are ideal tools for accumulating a Digby down payment quickly.

Digby Residents: Get $100 Free with KOHO

No monthly fee, 5% cashback on groceries, and a $100 sign-up bonus. Use code 45ET55JSYA at sign-up.

45ET55JSYA

Claim Your $100 Bonus