Digital doorway opens financial future for newcomers to Canada: RBC launches 15-minute self-serve Pre-Arrival Account Open capability

• Prospective newcomers who currently live in Hong Kong, China, India and six other countries are eligible to use RBC's self-serve Pre-Arrival Account Open capability
• Ahead of leaving their home country, newcomers can transfer up to C$75,000 in one to three instalments
• New digital process continues RBC's legacy of helping more than one million newcomers build their financial future in Canada
• RBC also helps newcomers unlock immediate savings and value through unique offers

TORONTO, Sept. 10, 2026 /CNW/ -- One crucial first step for newcomers wanting to make Canada their home has just become much more convenient with the launch of RBC's new self-serve Pre-Arrival Account Open capability.

This user-friendly digital experience takes 15 minutes or less to complete, allowing newcomers to open an RBC Advantage Banking account before they come to Canada and transfer up to C$75,000 in one to three instalments. Upon their arrival in Canada, they can activate their account to immediately gain access to their funds.

Having a Canadian bank account set up before newcomers arrive means they can hit the ground running. They'll be better able to pay for what they need from day one and get their new life off to a strong start.

"Beginning life in a new country is challenging enough; setting up a bank account to access your money shouldn't be," said Jay Acharya, Senior Vice President, Everyday Banking, RBC. "By making it easy for newcomers to take care of this important first step before leaving their home country, we're helping them be financially ready when they arrive, ensuring they have one less thing to think about as they begin building their future in Canada."

Why bank with RBC?
Beyond the new self-serve Pre-Arrival Account Open capability, Acharya notes that RBC has a long track record and extensive expertise in working with newcomers, having helped over one million newcomers build their financial future in Canada.

"Our support is based on a deep understanding of the newcomer experience, as many of our newcomer specialists were once new to Canada themselves," added Acharya. "Providing assistance designed for newcomers by newcomers makes such a difference to everyone we welcome through our doors – digitally or in-branch."

There are many other reasons for newcomers to make RBC their bank of choice to help them establish themselves in Canada, including:

• Support in more than 200 languages. Newcomers can speak with someone in their preferred language, by phone, video chat or in person at any RBC bank branch.
• Extensive banking network. RBC has the largest combined bank branch and ATM network in Canada, with more than 1,100 branches and 4,000 ATMs across the country.
• Convenient and secure digital access: Bank safely anytime through RBC Online Banking and through the RBC Mobile app.
• Savings and rewards: RBC helps newcomers unlock immediate savings and value through unique offers – more details are available at www.rbc.com/startoffers 

For more information about RBC's comprehensive banking solutions and resources for newcomers, including the new self-serve Pre-Arrival Account Open capability, please visit www.rbc.com/coming-to-canada 

Questions about RBC's new self-serve Pre-Arrival Account Open capability? We have answers!

• Can I transfer money to Canada before I arrive? Yes, if you currently live in one of the nine international countries listed below, you can digitally set up an RBC Advantage Banking account up to 12 months before you arrive in Canada. Transfer in up to C$75,000 – in one to three instalments – and then you can activate your account when you arrive in Canada, ensuring you have ready access to your funds.

• Newcomers in which home countries are eligible for RBC's new self-serve Pre-Arrival Account Open capability? Newcomers who currently live in Hong Kong, China, India, Philippines, Vietnam, Antigua and Barbuda, Costa Rica, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago are eligible to use this new self-serve capability.

• How do I activate my RBC personal banking account? Upon your arrival in Canada, you can activate your account by visiting any RBC branch.

• How can I begin building my credit history in Canada? After activating your account, you can qualify for a credit card with a limit of up to C$15,000* – with no Canadian credit history required* – and begin building your credit history here by using your credit card and making on-time payments. * Eligibility and other terms and conditions apply. See www.rbc.com/new-to-canada for full details.

• Does it cost money to open my bank account? No – and the RBC Advantage Banking account waives its monthly fee for the first year after your arrival in Canada.

• Why is setting up a Canadian bank account an important first step for Temporary Foreign Workers and International Students before they arrive in Canada? By opening a Canadian bank account before they arrive here and transferring in up to C$75,000, Temporary Foreign Workers and International Students can obtain the 'proof of funds' document they need for their visa requirement. For Temporary Foreign Workers, employers in Canada typically pay wages through direct deposit, which requires a Canadian bank account. Having this account set up early can make it easier to receive wages without delays.

• Where can I find out all the details about RBC's self-serve Pre-Arrival Account Open capability? This couldn't be easier – simply visit www.rbc.com/coming-to-canada 

Disclaimer
This is intended as general information only and is not to be relied upon as constituting legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. The information presented is believed to be factual and up to date but we do not guarantee its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the authors as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or any of its affiliates.

About RBC
Royal Bank of Canada is a global financial institution with a purpose-driven, principles-led approach to delivering leading performance. Our success comes from the 105,000+ employees who leverage their imaginations and insights to bring our vision, values and strategy to life so we can help our clients thrive and communities prosper. As Canada's biggest bank and one of the largest in the world, based on market capitalization, we have a diversified business model with a focus on innovation and providing exceptional experiences to our more than 19 million clients in Canada, the U.S. and 27 other countries. Learn more at rbc.com.‎

We are proud to support a broad range of community initiatives through donations, community investments and employee volunteer activities. See how at rbc.com/peopleandplanet.

Media contact:
Kathy Bevan, RBC Corporate Communications, 647-618-2287

SOURCE RBC Royal Bank