A large majority of Canadians bank with one of the “Big Five” financial institutions—RBC, TD, Scotiabank, BMO, and CIBC.

These banks dominate the market as they offer widespread access and a comprehensive suite of financial products, from chequing accounts to mortgages and investment options.

I hear the same questions posed all the time – “Which bank should I pick to work with?” or “Which bank is the best?” and I’ve never been able to offer a simple answer. With so much similarity in their offerings and fees, how do you know which one is the right fit for you?

The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Choosing the right bank (or credit union) comes down to asking the right questions, evaluating your personal banking habits, and understanding the subtle differences that can impact your experience—and your bottom line.

So while I can’t give you a simple answer of which one is the best, here are some questions to ask yourself when evaluating which option might be best for you:

1. What kind of customer service experience do I want?

While the Big Five all offer customer........

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