Many Canadians still search for "KOHO vs Stack" because Stack was once a popular no-fee challenger bank. This guide covers what Stack offered, how it compared to KOHO when it was active, and what KOHO users get today that Stack never delivered on.
Stack was a Canadian fintech startup that launched around 2016, offering a no-fee prepaid Mastercard with zero foreign transaction fees. It was primarily marketed to travellers and digital-savvy Canadians who wanted to avoid the 2.5%–3% foreign transaction fees charged by major banks.
Stack's key features included:
Stack attracted a following among frequent travellers and budget-conscious Canadians, but it never expanded into savings accounts, credit building, or a comprehensive financial platform.
Stack Financial shut down its consumer banking product in 2021. The company transitioned away from retail banking. The reasons cited by the company were strategic and financial — building a sustainable banking business in Canada is extremely competitive, requiring significant regulatory compliance costs and customer acquisition spend.
Stack customers were advised to withdraw their balances and close their accounts. Stack no longer exists as a consumer banking product. If you're looking for a Stack-like experience, KOHO is the closest and most developed alternative.
| Feature | KOHO (2025) | Stack (Discontinued) |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Active — 1M+ users | Discontinued (2021) |
| Monthly fee | $0 (free tier) | $0 |
| Foreign transaction fee | 0% (premium plans) | 0% |
| Cash back | 0.5%–5% (plan dependent) | None |
| Interest on balance | 3%–5% | None |
| Credit building | Yes ($10/mo add-on) | No |
| TFSA/RRSP | No | No |
| Budgeting tools | Yes (advanced) | Basic |
| App rating | 4.7 | N/A (shut down) |
KOHO has evolved far beyond what Stack offered at its peak. In 2025, KOHO includes:
For the travellers who loved Stack's zero FX fees, KOHO Extra ($9/mo) and KOHO Everything ($19/mo) both include 0% foreign transaction fees — plus you earn cash back on those purchases, which Stack never offered.
If you were a Stack user looking for a replacement, here are the top options:
Over 1 million Canadians have already switched to KOHO. Earn up to 5% cash back, get 3%–5% interest on your balance, build credit, and never pay a bank fee. Use referral code 45ET55JSYA for a welcome bonus.
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Stack no longer exists. For Canadians who loved Stack's zero-fee, zero-FX model, KOHO is the best replacement — it does everything Stack did and far more: cash back, interest on balance, credit building, RoundUp savings, and a premium tier with 0% FX fees for travellers.
If you had a Stack account and haven't found a replacement yet, open a free KOHO account today. The free tier alone surpasses everything Stack offered.