Updated: March 2025 • 8 min read

Simplii Financial Review 2025

Our Rating: 3.9 / 5

Simplii Financial is CIBC's no-fee digital banking brand. It offers a free chequing account, high-interest savings promotions, a cash back Visa card, and access to CIBC's extensive ATM network. For Canadians already in the CIBC ecosystem or who value ATM access across the country, Simplii is a practical no-fee option.

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Simplii Financial Background

Simplii Financial was created in 2017 when CIBC and Loblaws ended their PC Financial banking partnership. CIBC took over the banking operations and rebranded them as Simplii Financial, retaining many of the same no-fee features that made PC Financial popular. Today Simplii serves millions of Canadians as a lower-cost alternative to CIBC's full-service accounts.

Simplii Financial Products

ProductKey Feature
No-Fee Chequing AccountUnlimited transactions, no monthly fee
High-Interest Savings AccountPromotional rate for new deposits; lower ongoing rate
Cash Back Visa Card4% on restaurants/bars, 1.5% on groceries, 0.5% on everything else
Personal Line of CreditCompetitive rates for eligible customers
MortgageDigital application via CIBC platform
GICsFixed-term options
Global Money TransferInternational wire transfers with competitive rates

No-Fee Chequing Account Features

Simplii Cash Back Visa: Standout Product

Simplii's Cash Back Visa is one of the best no-fee credit cards in Canada for restaurant spending — 4% back on bar and restaurant purchases is among the highest rates available on a no-fee card. The card also earns 1.5% on groceries and 0.5% on everything else. For Canadians who eat out frequently, this card is worth having.

Simplii vs. Tangerine vs. KOHO

FeatureSimplii FinancialTangerineKOHO
No-fee chequingYesYesYes
ATM networkCIBC (3,400+)Scotiabank (3,500+)Select ATMs
Cash back on debitNoNoYes (1–2%)
Credit cardYes (4% restaurants)Yes (2% chosen categories)Prepaid Visa only
Savings ratePromotionalPromotional3–5% (plan-dependent)
Budgeting toolsBasicBasicExcellent
International transfersYesNoNo

Pros

Cons

Who Should Use Simplii Financial

Final Verdict

Simplii Financial is a solid no-fee bank with two genuinely excellent products: the no-fee chequing account with CIBC ATM access, and the Cash Back Visa card with 4% back on restaurant spending. For everyday banking with built-in budgeting and cash back on debit, KOHO is a better primary account. For a no-fee credit card with exceptional restaurant rewards, Simplii's Visa is hard to beat. Many Canadians use both.