TD Canada Trust and CIBC are both Big 5 banks with full-service Canadian banking. CIBC is known for the Aventura rewards program and strong newcomer banking through CIBC Smart for Newcomers. TD is known for Sunday hours and the Aeroplan travel card. Here's how they stack up in 2025.
| Feature | TD Canada Trust | CIBC |
|---|---|---|
| Basic chequing fee | $10.95/mo | $6.95/mo |
| Mid-tier chequing fee | $16.95/mo | $14.95/mo |
| Premium chequing fee | $29.95/mo | $29.95/mo |
| Fee waiver balance | $4,000 | $3,000 |
| Free transactions (basic) | 12/month | 12/month |
| ATM network | ~3,500 | ~3,400 |
| Branches | ~1,100 | ~1,000 |
| HISA rate | 0.01% | 0.01% |
| 1-yr GIC (posted) | ~3.65% | ~3.65% |
| 5-yr fixed mortgage | ~6.84% | ~6.84% |
| App Store rating | 4.7 | 4.7 |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 | 4.4 |
| Rewards program | TD Rewards / Aeroplan | Aventura |
| Student account | Free (limited tx) | Free (Smart for Students) |
| Newcomer banking | TD New to Canada | CIBC Smart for Newcomers |
| Discount brokerage | TD Direct Investing | CIBC Investor's Edge |
| Sunday hours | Yes | Limited |
CIBC's Smart Account is a standout product — it uses a pay-as-you-go model with tiered pricing that can be cheaper than TD's flat-fee accounts for light users.
Edge: CIBC — The CIBC Smart Account starts at $6.95/mo vs $10.95 for TD's basic account, and the fee waiver threshold is $3,000 vs TD's $4,000. Better deal for most customers.
Both banks offer poor savings rates. CIBC's eAdvantage Savings Account is slightly tiered but still not competitive with online banks. For serious savers, look at EQ Bank, Simplii, or Tangerine.
Aventura points can be redeemed for any travel purchase at a fixed rate, giving flexibility beyond a single airline. The CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite offers solid earning rates on dining and groceries.
Better for dedicated Air Canada flyers. TD Points are less flexible overall than Aventura for travel booking.
Edge: CIBC Aventura for flexible travel redemption. TD for Air Canada loyalists.
Posted rates are identical. CIBC has a strong digital mortgage application process. Both offer first-time home buyer support and FHSA-compatible accounts.
CIBC wins — $6.95/mo base fee and lower waiver threshold.
CIBC wins — Smart for Students has unlimited free transactions.
TD wins — Aeroplan card earns faster on Air Canada.
CIBC wins — Aventura points can book any flight at any airline.
TD wins — more branches and Sunday hours.
Even CIBC's $6.95/mo adds up. KOHO is entirely free, earns up to 5% cash back, and doesn't require a minimum balance. Try it alongside your main bank.
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Choose TD if you value Sunday banking, Air Canada Aeroplan rewards, or want the largest branch network.
Choose CIBC if you want a lower base fee, lower fee waiver requirement, flexible Aventura travel rewards, or unlimited free student banking.
CIBC offers better pricing for most everyday banking customers. TD wins on convenience and Aeroplan. For fee-free banking, see Canada's best online banks.