BC's Tournament Capital. Population 97,000. Where the North and South Thompson rivers meet — TRU campus, forestry, ranching, and BC PTT first-time buyer exemptions that save thousands at closing.
Get $100 with KOHO — Code 45ET55JSYAKamloops sits at the confluence of the North and South Thompson rivers in BC's Interior, surrounded by arid grassland hills and ranchland that give the city a distinctly western character. Known as the "Tournament Capital of Canada" for its sports hosting infrastructure, Kamloops is also home to Thompson Rivers University (TRU), a comprehensive institution with over 25,000 students that has become one of the city's largest employers. The surrounding economy draws on forestry, ranching, mining, healthcare, and increasingly on tourism and the film industry attracted by the dry, photogenic landscape.
Kamloops real estate is notably more affordable than Kelowna and far below Metro Vancouver. The majority of detached homes fall well within the $600K–$835K range where the BC first-time buyer PTT exemption applies in full, making Kamloops an excellent market for first-time buyers entering the BC property ladder. EQ Bank's 3.00% savings rate accelerates down payment savings. KOHO's $100 sign-up bonus and 5% cashback on groceries reduce living costs. TRU students are particularly well-served by KOHO's no-fee base plan. All major bank branches serve Kamloops along Columbia Street and the surrounding commercial corridors.
| Bank | Monthly Fee | Savings Rate | Sign-up Bonus | Branch in Kamloops | No-Fee Option |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EQ Bank | $0 | 3.00% | — | Digital only | ✓ |
| KOHO | $0–$19 | — | $100 | Digital only | ✓ |
| Tangerine | $0 | 5.00% promo | Varies | Digital only | ✓ |
| Scotiabank | $11.95–$30.95 | 0.01% | Varies | ✓ | Limited |
| TD Bank | $10.95–$29.95 | 0.01% | Varies | ✓ | Limited |
| RBC Royal Bank | $11.95–$30.00 | 0.01% | Varies | ✓ | Limited |
No monthly fee, 5% cashback on groceries, and a $100 sign-up bonus. Use code 45ET55JSYA at sign-up.