CIBC's no-fee digital bank reviewed — free chequing, ATM access, and savings rates for Canadians in 2025.
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Try KOHO Free — Code 45ET55JSYASimplii Financial is the no-fee digital banking arm of CIBC (Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce), one of Canada's Big Five banks. Launched in 2017 when CIBC ended its partnership with PC Financial, Simplii offers a full suite of banking products — chequing accounts, savings accounts, credit cards, mortgages, and personal loans — with no monthly fees on the core account.
Because Simplii operates under CIBC's banking charter, all deposits are directly CDIC-insured without any third-party intermediary.
| Product | Fee | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| No-Fee Chequing Account | $0/month | Unlimited transactions, CIBC ATM access |
| High Interest Savings Account | $0 | 0.10% regular, promos up to 5.25% |
| Cash Back Visa Card | $0/year | 4% cash back on eligible restaurant/bar |
| Personal Loans | Varies | Competitive rates, online application |
| Mortgages | N/A | Full mortgage suite |
| GICs | $0 | CDIC-insured term deposits |
The core Simplii product is the No-Fee Chequing Account. It includes unlimited debit transactions, free Interac e-Transfers, free bill payments, and free access to CIBC's network of over 3,400 ATMs across Canada. There is no minimum balance and no monthly fee — ever.
This free access to CIBC's ATM network is a significant advantage over pure fintech apps like KOHO, which have more limited ATM access. For Canadians who regularly withdraw cash, Simplii provides big-bank infrastructure without big-bank fees.
The regular savings rate at Simplii is 0.10%, which is low but typical for big-bank digital arms. Simplii frequently runs promotional savings rates for new customers, sometimes as high as 5% for the first 5 months. After the promotional period, however, the rate drops significantly. For ongoing high-rate savings, EQ Bank or KOHO's savings component are stronger options.
Simplii's no-fee Cash Back Visa card is one of the hidden gems in Canadian banking. It earns 4% cash back at eligible restaurants and bars — one of the highest rates for dining in Canada — plus 1.5% on groceries, gas, and drugstores, and 0.5% on everything else. For Canadians who eat out frequently, this card delivers excellent value at zero annual fee.
| Feature | Simplii Financial | KOHO (Free) |
|---|---|---|
| Institution Type | CIBC subsidiary (full bank) | Fintech (via Peoples Bank) |
| Monthly Fee | $0 | $0 |
| Savings Rate | 0.10% (promo up to 5.25%) | Up to 5% |
| ATM Access | Free at 3,400+ CIBC ATMs | Limited |
| Cash Back (spending) | Via credit card only | On every debit purchase |
| Welcome Bonus | Occasional cash bonus offers | $20 (code 45ET55JSYA) |
| Mortgage/Loans | Yes | No |
Simplii Financial is a strong choice for Canadians who want a full no-fee banking relationship with big-bank infrastructure. The free CIBC ATM access, mortgage products, personal loans, and excellent dining credit card make it well-rounded. If you currently bank at CIBC and want to eliminate monthly fees, Simplii is a natural fit.
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