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Daily Banking

How to switch from a bank to a credit union

September 8, 2023
4
min read

The process can seem overwhelming at first, but once you break it down step-by-step, it’s easier than you might think!

Young man working on laptop

When did you open your first chequing account?

If you’re like most people, you’ve probably been with one financial institution for most of your life. But lately, you’re thinking about making a change.

Why should you switch to Cambrian?

  • You’re paying high service fees at your current bank.
  • You want a better interest rate for your savings account.
  • You want to join a cooperative where you have a say in how the organization is run.
  • You want to bank with a financial institution that supports your local community.

Even if you aren’t happy with your current bank, you might be nervous about switching. Will it take a lot of time? What if you miss a payment during the switch? And is it really worth all the effort?

You’ve come to the right place - we’ve made the process straightforward from start to finish!

It’s never been easier to switch to Cambrian. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to change financial institutions:

Find a credit union that offers what you need

First question: What are you looking for in a financial institution?

While you have plenty of options to choose from, you want one that meets your unique needs. When you’re shopping around, keep the following in mind:

  • What do they charge for service fees, e-transfers, and more?
  • How easy is it to get in touch with customer service if you need support?
  • What are the interest rates on savings accounts?
  • What rates do they offer for loans and mortgages?
  • How are they involved in your local community?
  • Does the institution exist just to make profits for its shareholders, or to better serve its members?

Through Unfee, Cambrian members bank for free. All you need is to set up a recurring monthly deposit (like your paycheque or retirement benefits), and your bank fees will be refunded on the first of every month.

Even though switching your accounts takes some time and effort, you’ll go from paying monthly fees to banking for free.

Think of it like paying yourself to switch—because you’ll save money every month!

Learn more about the difference between banks and credit unions.

Open your new account

Next up, it’s time to open your new Cambrian account.

To do so, you’ll need to provide a few pieces of ID (like your passport or your driver’s license), your address, and your social insurance number.

Make sure to set up online banking and download our mobile app, so you have your new information when you’re on the go.

At Cambrian, you can open a new account without stepping foot in a branch! Open your account online today.

Make a list of your recurring expenses and bills

It’s time to update any account that has your former banking information. This will be unique to your circumstances, but a few common bills include:

  • Utility costs
  • Cell phone plan
  • Cable & internet
  • Subscriptions
  • Car payments
  • Insurance
  • Mortgage & loan payments

Once you’ve identified each recurring expense, you can update your payment information with your new Cambrian account.

Switch your payroll information

Whether it’s the profits from your online business or the paycheque from your employer, make sure to change where your income is deposited. You’ll likely need to provide a void cheque.

At Cambrian, you can download a void cheque from our app or online banking.

Don’t forget to update your information with the CRA, too! Make sure all your automatic deposits are set up with your new account.

Tidy up loose ends

A few more things you might want to do:

  • Order new cheques. If you need cheques, you can order them directly through the Cambrian app.
  • Download the mobile app & set up your online account. For ease of access, set up your new account on your phone and home computer.
  • Re-schedule automatic withdrawals. Do you make automatic contributions to a savings or investment account? Make sure to set those up with your new account, too!

Transfer funds & close your old account

Once all your deposits and expenses are accounted for, you’re free to close your old account.

You’ll need to transfer your money from your old account to your new one. To figure out how to do that, it’s best to contact us directly.

Before you close the old account, double-check that all your bills and direct deposits have been updated with your new information.

If you’re worried about missing payments, you can even leave your old account open for another month or two just to ensure everything’s been moved over.

Make the switch today!

Just like that, you’re on your way to banking with a more affordable, convenient, and community-based financial institution.

At Cambrian, we can help you get started with your new account! Contact us to start banking for free.

Today’s Rates

*All rates and yields subject to change without notice.
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“I had a wonderful experience at Cambrian. I've been with the same institution for the last 21 years and all the fees and restrictions have finally pushed me into wanting to make some changes.

My advisor was prepared for my arrival with all the documents ready and waiting. He took the time to go over each one...”

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