Banking for Rimouski residents, UQAR students, marine scientists, and Bas-Saint-Laurent families — compare the top options for a better banking deal.
Get $100 with KOHO — Zero FeesKOHO is the best no-fee option for Rimouski students and residents — zero monthly fees, 3.0% on savings, and a $100 welcome bonus. App disponible en français. Perfect for UQAR students and young professionals who want maximum savings from every paycheque.
EQ Bank pays 3.75% on savings — the highest available for Rimouski savers. Excellent for building an emergency fund or saving for a first home alongside your Desjardins account. GICs available at 4.5%+.
Desjardins is deeply rooted in Rimouski and the Bas-Saint-Laurent. Multiple caisses populaires serve the community. AMF Quebec provides unlimited deposit insurance — protecting every dollar with no ceiling. Desjardins offers strong student banking packages for UQAR, as well as mortgages, business banking, and wealth management in French.
TD maintains bilingual service in Rimouski. Good for residents who need pan-Canadian banking or have financial connections outside Quebec. TD's student banking plans are competitive alongside Desjardins.
RBC rounds out Rimouski banking with bilingual service, mortgages, and investment products. Their Avion Rewards program suits professionals who travel for work from Rimouski to Quebec City or Montreal.
| Bank | Monthly Fee | Savings Rate | Deposit Insurance | Rimouski Branch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KOHO | $0 | 3.0% | CDIC ($100K/cat.) | No |
| EQ Bank | $0 | 3.75% | CDIC ($100K/cat.) | No |
| Desjardins | $0–$15 | ~1.5% | AMF QC (Unlimited) | ✅ Multiple |
| TD | $10.95–$29.95 | ~0.01% | CDIC ($100K/cat.) | ✅ Yes |
| RBC | $10.95–$30 | ~0.01% | CDIC ($100K/cat.) | ✅ Yes |
Quebec's property transfer tax applies to all Rimouski purchases. Rates: 0.5% on first $58,900 · 1.0% on $58,901–$294,600 · 1.5% above $294,600. Rimouski is one of Quebec's more affordable larger cities — median home price approximately $305,000. For a $305,000 home, expect roughly $3,026 in droits de mutation. No first-time buyer exemption in Quebec.
Rimouski (pop. ~55,000 CMA) is the administrative capital of the Bas-Saint-Laurent region and one of Quebec's most important marine science centres. The Université du Québec à Rimouski (UQAR) and the Institut des sciences de la mer (ISMER) attract students and researchers from across Canada and internationally. The St. Lawrence River at Rimouski is one of the widest tidal rivers on Earth, giving the city a unique maritime identity.
The local economy is driven by education, government services, healthcare, and aquaculture. Real estate is significantly more affordable than Quebec City or Montreal, with typical prices around $290,000–$360,000. Desjardins is the predominant institution, but digital banks offer compelling savings rates for UQAR students and young professionals building their financial foundation.
Yes — KOHO's zero monthly fees and 3.0% savings rate make it ideal for students. The $100 welcome bonus can offset textbook costs or first month's rent. The French-language app is convenient for francophone students. Pair it with a Desjardins student account for full-service banking needs.
On $320,000: $295 + $2,357 + $381 = approximately $3,033. No Quebec first-time buyer provincial exemption. The tax is billed by Ville de Rimouski after closing.
Yes — Desjardins offers a Forfait Étudiant for post-secondary students with reduced or zero monthly fees and access to student lines of credit and OSAP/AFE-compatible accounts. UQAR's campus and the Caisse de Rimouski have a well-established relationship.
Zero fees, 3.0% savings, app en français. Perfect for UQAR students and Rimouski residents.
Claim $100 — Code: 45ET55JSYABremo is an independent comparison site. We may earn referral fees when you open accounts through our links. Rates approximate as of March 2026. Not financial advice.