Expert Review — March 2026
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Motusbank Review Canada 2026

Meridian Credit Union's online bank — strong mortgage rates, free chequing, and competitive savings. The underrated online bank most Canadians haven't tried yet.

🏆 Our Top Pick for Daily Spending: KOHO

Motusbank excels at mortgages and savings. For everyday spending, KOHO wins — 1% cash back on groceries, no NSF fees, and a better mobile experience. Both are free to use.

Get KOHO Free — Code 45ET55JSYA

What Is Motusbank?

Motusbank is the federally regulated online bank subsidiary of Meridian Credit Union — Ontario's largest credit union with over 75 years of history. Launched in 2019, Motusbank operates coast to coast (unlike Meridian branches, which are Ontario-focused) and offers no-fee chequing, competitive savings rates, GICs, mortgages, and personal loans entirely online.

Motusbank sits in an interesting niche: it has the product depth of a credit union (competitive rates, member-focused ethos) with the reach of a national online bank. Its mortgage rates in particular are consistently among the best available without using a mortgage broker.

Motusbank Products & Rates (2026)

ProductDetailsRating
No-Fee Chequing$0/month, unlimited Interac e-transfersExcellent
HISA (Savings)~3.0–3.5%Good
TFSA Savings~3.0%Good
GICsCompetitive, locked-in ratesGood
Mortgage RatesAmong Canada's lowest — often below Big Six by 0.3–0.5%Excellent
NSF Fee$45Poor
ATM AccessTHE EXCHANGE Network (3,000+ ATMs free)Good
Cash Back on SpendingNoneN/A
Credit BuildingNoneN/A
CDIC InsuredYesExcellent

✅ Motusbank Pros

  • Competitive mortgage rates — often best in Canada
  • Free chequing account — no monthly fee
  • 3,000+ free ATMs via THE EXCHANGE Network
  • 3%+ savings interest
  • Full TFSA, RRSP, and GIC suite
  • Credit union values — member-focused
  • CDIC insured

❌ Motusbank Cons

  • No cash back on debit spending
  • $45 NSF fee
  • Less name recognition than Tangerine/Simplii
  • Mobile app less polished than KOHO
  • No credit building feature
  • Customer service primarily online/phone

🏆 Motusbank Verdict 2026: 7.8/10

Motusbank earns 7.8/10 — particularly strong for mortgages and savings, but not the best for everyday spending. If you're shopping for a mortgage, Motusbank's rates should be on your shortlist. The no-fee chequing and solid savings rates round out a competitive package.

The gap: no cash back on spending and a $45 NSF fee mean Motusbank shouldn't be your primary daily spending account. Pair KOHO (free, cash back, zero NSF fees) with Motusbank (savings and mortgage) for a powerful combination.

Motusbank Mortgage Rates — Why They Matter

Motusbank's mortgage rates are one of its biggest draws. As a credit union subsidiary focused on digital delivery, Motusbank can offer rates 0.3–0.5% below the Big Six banks. On a $500,000 mortgage, that's $1,500–$2,500 per year in savings. Motusbank offers variable, fixed, and HELOC products with straightforward terms and no unnecessary complexity.

Who Is Motusbank Best For?

Motusbank is best for Canadians shopping for a competitive mortgage, those who prefer credit union values over Bay Street banks, and people looking for a solid combination of savings rates and no-fee banking in one place. It's especially worth considering if you're already banking with a credit union or want rates below the Big Six without using a mortgage broker.

🏆 Best for Daily Spending: KOHO

Use KOHO for your daily spending to earn cash back and avoid NSF fees. Use Motusbank for your mortgage and savings. Both are free — together they beat any single big-bank option.

Get KOHO Free — Code 45ET55JSYA

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