The Pas is a vital hub for northern Manitoba — serving forestry workers, healthcare professionals, and Indigenous communities across a vast region. We ranked the best banking options for The Pas and area residents.
Get $100 with KOHO →The Pas workers — whether in forestry at the Tolko Industries mill, healthcare at the Kelsey Trail Health Centre, or government services — benefit from KOHO's 3% interest rate on every dollar with no monthly fees. For workers in surrounding communities accessible only by ice road or air, KOHO is often the most practical banking solution — fully digital, no branch required, Visa card accepted everywhere. The $100 sign-up bonus (code: 45ET55JSYA) is a meaningful boost for any northern resident.
EQ Bank's 3.75% savings rate gives The Pas residents a significantly better return on savings than any traditional bank in the community. CDIC insured and fee-free, EQ Bank is ideal for forestry and healthcare workers building savings for retirement, home improvements, or a southern property.
Access Credit Union (formerly Portage Credit Union) has expanded its northern Manitoba presence and serves The Pas area. As a Manitoba provincially-regulated credit union, deposits are insured by the Deposit Guarantee Corporation of Manitoba (DGCM) — providing unlimited deposit protection. Access CU offers local mortgage products, personal loans, and community-focused banking for northern Manitobans.
RBC has a branch in The Pas, providing residents with access to a full suite of products including mortgages, investments, and business banking. RBC's nationwide network is particularly valuable for The Pas residents who travel frequently to Winnipeg or beyond for healthcare, education, or employment transitions.
TD's consistently top-rated mobile banking app is an advantage in northern communities where digital access is often more reliable than branch visits. TD provides full banking services in The Pas with strong app-based tools, CAF fee waivers for any military-connected residents, and consistent service standards nationwide.
| Bank | Savings Rate | Monthly Fee | Deposit Insurance | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KOHO | 3.00% | $0 | CDIC (Peoples Bank) | Northern workers, daily savings |
| EQ Bank | 3.75% | $0 | CDIC | High-yield savings |
| Access CU | ~2% | $0–$8 | DGCM MB (unlimited) | Local full-service, mortgages |
| RBC | 0.01% | $11.95–$30 | CDIC ($100K/cat) | National reach, investments |
| TD | 0.01% | $10.95–$29.95 | CDIC ($100K/cat) | Mobile banking, full service |
The Pas (pop. ~5,500) is the gateway to northern Manitoba — a regional hub serving dozens of remote communities across the Cumberland House, Opaskwayak, and Swan River regions. Major employers include Tolko Industries (the Pas lumber mill, one of Manitoba's largest), the Kelsey Trail Health Centre (regional hospital), Keewatin Polytechnic University, and various federal/provincial government offices. The Opaskwayak Cree Nation (OCN) — immediately adjacent to The Pas — is a significant economic and cultural presence with its own commercial enterprises including The Pas Marketplace. The Pas Trappers (MJHL) and the iconic Trappers' Festival (February) are cultural anchors for the northern community.
Yes. Access Credit Union is regulated by the Province of Manitoba. Deposits are insured by the Deposit Guarantee Corporation of Manitoba (DGCM), which provides unlimited deposit protection — no per-category or per-dollar cap for eligible Manitoba credit union deposits.
Yes. Manitoba has a tiered Land Transfer Tax. On a $185,000 home in The Pas, the LTT is approximately $1,575. First-time buyers purchasing a home for primary residence may receive a rebate of up to $1,500, potentially making the net LTT very small. New homes may be fully exempt for first-time buyers — consult a Manitoba real estate lawyer.
The Pas is one of Manitoba's most affordable housing markets. Typical homes sell for $150,000–$230,000. This affordability, combined with steady government and forestry employment, makes The Pas a practical choice for workers who prefer northern living with manageable housing costs.
Yes. KOHO is fully digital and available to all Canadian residents with internet access. For communities accessible only by ice road or air — like many communities north of The Pas — KOHO's digital-first model is often the only practical banking option beyond traditional bank accounts accessed remotely.
Banking options for First Nations members vary based on individual circumstances. KOHO and EQ Bank work for all Canadians regardless of residency status on or off reserve. Access Credit Union's community focus and the presence of RBC and TD in The Pas serve OCN members who bank in town. Note that some income on-reserve may be tax-exempt — consult a tax professional for guidance on banking structures that align with your situation.
KOHO works throughout The Pas, northern Manitoba, and every Canadian community. Use code 45ET55JSYA for a $100 bonus.
Get $100 with KOHO →Disclaimer: Interest rates and fees current as of March 2026. KOHO interest earned on eligible balances; terms apply. CDIC insures eligible deposits up to $100,000 per depositor per category at member institutions. DGCM provides unlimited deposit protection for eligible deposits at Manitoba credit unions. Manitoba LTT figures are estimates; first-time buyer rebate subject to eligibility conditions. Consult a real estate lawyer for exact closing costs. On-reserve tax exemptions are complex — consult a tax professional. Bremo earns a referral commission if you sign up for KOHO using our link — this does not affect our rankings.