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The days of digging through your wallet for cash or cards are quickly disappearing. In a world dominated by smartphones and digital convenience, mobile payment apps are now at the forefront of how Canadians spend.

In 2023, over 36% of Canadians used a mobile payment method at least once a week — nearly double the rate from five years ago — and more than 1 in 10 (13%) of Canadians no longer use cash. With tap-to-pay terminals now nearly universal and digital wallets integrated into almost every new phone, it’s clear that mobile payments are no longer just a trend — they’re the norm.

Why choose mobile payments?

Convenience is key. Mobile wallets allow users to store credit, debit, gift and loyalty cards in a single app. That means no more fumbling for the right card at checkout. And because most of us always have our smartphones in hand, mobile payments reduce the chances of forgetting a wallet at home.

Digital payments also provide a clear transaction record, making it easier to track purchases than relying on paper receipts or your bank statement.

Are mobile payments secure?

Yes. In fact, mobile payments are often more secure than traditional card swipes or chip-and-PIN transactions. That’s thanks to a process called tokenization, where your actual banking or card details are replaced with a unique, encrypted code.

Most mobile wallets, such as Apple Pay and Samsung Pay, require a face scan, fingerprint or passcode to complete a transaction. This added layer of biometric security protects users even if the phone is lost or stolen.

In most cases, mobile purchases are also covered by your bank’s or card issuer’s fraud protection policy. But it’s still wise to review the specific terms with your financial institution.

How do mobile payments work?

Think of your phone as a digital wallet. Once you download a payment app — like Google Pay, Apple Pay or Samsung Pay — you can link your bank cards, loyalty programs and even transit or event passes.

When it’s time to pay, just unlock your phone and hold it near the contactless reader. That’s it. In some cases, biometric verification (fingerprint or face ID) is needed to approve the purchase.

Look for the contactless symbol — if a store supports tap payments, mobile apps should work too.

Will my loyalty points transfer?

Most major Canadian loyalty programs, including PC Optimum, Aeroplan and Scene are compatible with digital wallets like Apple and Google Pay. However, you may need to manually add each card to your wallet app.

Keep in mind that smaller or legacy loyalty programs may not yet support mobile wallet integration. When in doubt, check with the program provider before deleting that physical card.

Can I earn new rewards using a mobile payment app?

Yes — though not always from the app itself. Most mobile wallets do not offer their own points or cash-back programs, with a few exceptions.

Samsung Pay previously offered Samsung Rewards in the U.S., but the program was discontinued in 2021.

Google Pay and Apple Pay occasionally offer limited-time promotions, especially for new users, but no ongoing rewards structure exists.

However, you can still earn the same credit card or loyalty points as you would by using the physical card. Some apps, like Starbucks, do offer in-app rewards that accumulate with every purchase made through their branded system.

What to look for in a mobile payment app

Here’s what to prioritize when choosing a digital wallet:

• Security features: Look for biometric authentication (face or fingerprint ID).
• Bank and card compatibility: Make sure your credit union or bank is supported.
• Loyalty and reward integration: Choose apps that let you store and use your loyalty cards.
• Ease of use: An intuitive user interface makes checkout faster and simpler.
• Retailer acceptance: The broader the support, the better the experience.

Best Canadian payment apps in 2025

When evaluating the best payments app available to Canadians, we focused primarily on an app’s compatibility with Canadian financial institutions and loyalty partners, its security features and reported user satisfaction.

Apple Pay Canada

One of the first e-wallet payment apps to arrive in Canada was Apple Pay. Launched in 2011, it took a while for Canadian banks to get on board and allow the app to link with their cards (the app could not access to all major Canadian banks until 2016). Now, almost a decade later Apple Pay syncs with most national and provincial financial institutions and credit unions.

For security, it relies on tokenization, so your banking info is not stored on your phone and, as an added level of security, it asks for a face or fingerprint ID before your payment is processed. The app can be used at most contactless terminals and throughout Canada at major retailers like McDonalds, Staples and Tim Hortons.

Google Pay Canada

The Android equivalent to Apple Pay is Google Pay. This app supports most Canadian debit and credit cards plus it allows you to add transit passes, tickets and loyalty cards in addition to payment methods.

Google Pay also relies on tokenization to protect your security, but unlike Apple Pay users are not required to provide face or fingerprint ID for a payment to go through. This lack of a secondary authentication feature is either a pro or a con, depending on whether you find the added step an annoyance or an attractive safety feature. The app, like Apple Pay, is compatible with Canadian credit and debit cards, as well as loyalty cards, tickets and boarding passes.

Samsung Wallet

Formerly known as Samsung Pay, this app supports NFC payments and even works with some older magnetic stripe terminals. While it offers robust security features, it has limited support among Canadian financial institutions compared to Apple and Google Pay.

PayPal Canada

While the PayPal mobile app calls itself a wallet, it’s not an e-wallet like Google Pay, Apple Pay and Samsung Pay. With the PayPal payment app, you can only send and receive money, you can’t pay for purchases via tap at a retailer.

An upside to PayPal is that it can be used to send money to anyone almost anywhere in the world as long as you know their email or mobile number and they have a PayPal account. There’s no fee to send money to someone in Canada from your PayPal or linked bank account. Essentially, the app gives you the facility to do on your phone what you’ve been doing with PayPal via your computer for years — no more, no less.

Starbucks Canada

The Starbucks app isn’t a full e-wallet, but its popularity and rewards integration make it worth mentioning. Users can preload funds, pay, and earn “Stars” toward free drinks and food. It also offers mobile ordering and digital gifting.

Available for both Android and iOS, Starbucks patrons can load money onto the app, then pay for in-store purchases, pre-order beverages and snacks and send a friend a digital Starbucks gift card. Starbucks rewards are also built right into the app, so users earn “Stars” (which can be redeemed for free food and drinks) every time they make a purchase.

Alipay

Popular among Chinese tourists and residents, Alipay is available in Canada but mainly supports users with Chinese bank accounts. It’s increasingly accepted by Canadian retailers in urban centres and tourist-heavy zones.

What is the future of mobile payments?

With 80% of Canadians now owning a smartphone, it’s only a matter of time before physical cards become a backup rather than a necessity.

In the coming years, expect more Canadian brands to offer in-app rewards and one-tap ordering to compete with the convenience of apps like Starbucks. As digital wallets expand to include government ID and health cards (as already piloted in provinces like Ontario and Quebec), mobile payments will become even more integrated into daily life.

Sources

1. Payments Canada: Canadian payment data for 2023 (Oct 7, 2024)

2. Statista: Number of smartphone users in Canada from 2018 to 2024 (Jan 18, 2023)

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

The financial strain on Canadians has reached unprecedented levels recently, with metropolitan centres such as Toronto and Vancouver experiencing dramatic increases in living costs. These elevated expenses continue to burden residents across the country.

Toronto’s Greater Area (GTA) residents are particularly impacted, with new research from Oxford Economics revealing that they dedicate a larger portion of their income to housing costs, more than almost any other major city globally. This sobering statistic highlights the severity of the region’s affordability crisis.

As a direct consequence of these financial pressures, Ontario has witnessed a concerning rise in mortgage delinquencies and missed bill payments, signaling growing economic distress among its residents.

Debt keeps on mounting

According to newly released data from Equifax, Canadians are struggling with debt like never before. In the first months of 2025, there has been a concerning 17.06% increase in people who are either late on payments or completely defaulting on their bills compared to last year.

The GTA is particularly affected, leading the nation in the rate of mortgage payments that are more than 90 days overdue. But the problem extends beyond housing — Ontario residents are showing the highest increase in defaults across various types of debt, including credit cards and auto loans year-over-year.

This troubling trend isn’t new for Ontario, which has consistently shown mounting debt problems over recent years.

Data shows a significant increase in non-mortgage payment defaults across Canada, with some provinces experiencing dramatic spikes. Ontario leads the nation with a 24% rise in delinquencies during Q1 2025 compared to the previous year. Alberta follows with a 15.93% increase, while Quebec rounds out the top three at 13.95%. British Columbia and the Western Region also saw notable increases of 12.63 and 12.49% respectively.

In contrast, some regions maintained relatively stable delinquency rates. Newfoundland reported a minimal increase of 0.48%, while Manitoba saw a modest 2.04% rise in missed payments.

Best and worst cities for delinquent payments

At a municipal level, Toronto stands out with a 24.28% year-over-year increase in delinquency rates, significantly higher than other major Canadian cities. For comparison, St. John’s experienced only a slight uptick of 1.19% during the same period.

For non-mortgage debt in Q1 2025, Fort McMurray leads Canadian cities in delinquency rates at 2.56% — Edmonton is in a close second at 2.26% with Toronto rounding out the top three at 2.17%. This indicates significant challenges in debt repayment across major urban centers.

Looking at provincial statistics, Alberta shows the highest delinquency rate at 1.97% in Q1 2025. Saskatchewan follows at 1.82%, while New Brunswick and Ontario report rates of 1.77% and 1.72% respectively.

In terms of non-mortgage consumer debt, Fort McMurray residents carry the heaviest burden among analyzed cities, with an average of $37,269, while Toronto ranks seventh out of nine cities studied, with residents owing an average of $21,048. At the provincial level, Newfoundland leads with the highest average personal non-mortgage debt at $24,770, while Ontario sits at seventh place among provinces with an average of $22,543 per person.

Sources

1. BNN Bloomberg: Toronto housing among least affordable on this global index. Here’s what experts say needs to change (June 8, 2025)

2. Equifax: Non-Mortgage Delinquencies Reach Levels Not Seen Since 2009 (May 27, 2025)

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

As more Floridians face evictions from mobile home parks, Kerrie Bacci is demonstrating how to stand your ground — even if that ground is owned by a huge property management company.

Bacci owns her mobile home in Shangri La Mobile Home Park in Largo, Florida. What she doesn’t own is the land it sits on. She leases her lot from Chicago-based Equity LifeStyle Properties, which owns 200 such parks in the U.S.

When the property management company served Bacci with an eviction notice, she took the matter to court and won. Her attorney Michael Hildebrandt, who helped her win, says too many people in similar situations don’t fight.

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“Most people in these parks don’t have the means or capabilities of defending these evictions properly, so they wind up giving up their homes,” he says. “They wind up moving out. They wind up selling their homes to get away from the problem.”

Bacci shared her story — and the power of speaking up — with WFTS Tampa Bay.

Property manager’s backlash against resident

Bacci believes she was targeted after she complained to the property management company about the dumpsters near her property. She said the area wasn’t being maintained.

“I had to go out three to five times a week and wash it down," Bacci said.

She erected a sign in the dumpster area without management’s approval. The property management company cited her for that. Then it cited her for other violations, including installing an intercom speaker and having planters and reflectors extending over the property line onto the sidewalk.

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The property manager also issued a violation citing her for “disturbing the peaceful enjoyment of the community.”

“They want everyone under their thumb, in check, doing what they say,” Bacci commented.

Bacci had an altercation with the local property manager who arrived at her home and started measuring her lot without her consent.

The Florida Residential Landlord-Tenant Act states that a landlord needs to give “reasonable notice” (typically 24 hours) before entering a rental property.

Bacci captured the confrontation on camera as a police officer arrived. Bacci told both the property manager and officer to leave — and they did.

“No one should have to go through that," she said of the confrontation. “I was in my own home.”

The next thing she knew, Equity LifeStyle Properties served her with an eviction notice.

Judge rules against eviction

Lawyer Michael Hildebrandt represented Bacci at an eviction hearing and the judge ruled in her favor.

When asked about the eviction complaint and ruling, Equity LifeStyle Properties issued a statement that read: “the judge in the hearing ruled in Ms. Bacci’s favor because management stopped issuing additional rule violations once a 30-day notice to vacate was posted.”

It also said the company hoped Bacci would continue to follow community rules and regulations so that “further legal proceedings can be avoided.”

As WFTS reported, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation has investigated Bacci’s complaint about Equity LifeStyle Properties and forwarded it to the Office of the General Counsel for review.

Hildebrandt said other people who live in Equity LifeStyle Properties mobile parks have reached out to him.

“I’ve been contacted by people as far as the east coast of Florida that are dealing with the company that owns these parks,” he said.

Tenants need to know their rights around evictions, whether they lease land in a mobile home park or an apartment.

Protect yourself from unlawful evictions

Look up your state’s landlord-tenant laws. As Jacksonville Legal Aid reveals, Florida has specific laws that apply to the eviction of residents in mobile home parks.

In Florida for instance, a landlord can send an eviction notice if a tenant didn’t make any attempts to correct an issue within seven days after being asked to do so.

You can protect yourself by making sure you keep the home or lot you lease in good condition and that you do not unreasonably disturb other tenants.

A tenant may have a right to withhold rent if the landlord has engaged in unlawful behavior.

If you receive an unfair eviction notice, you may need to provide documentation indicating how they’ve violated their end of the rental agreement.

Since rules around evictions and tenant rights can be complex, it’s wise to do as Bacci did, and seek the advice of a reputable attorney.

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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

When Hurricane Helene tore through Ruskin, Florida, in 2024, Robert Paul and his wife lost nearly everything. Their home was destroyed, and like many Americans, they turned to their insurance provider for relief — and were relieved when their $30,000 claim was quickly approved.

But that relief quickly turned to frustration. The settlement check from the National Flood Insurance Program bounced — twice.

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The first time, officials blamed a bank switch. The second time, the bank refused to resubmit the check altogether. “It again came back as no good,” Paul told WFLA, “so now the bank has told us they will not resubmit [the check].”

It’s the kind of scenario no one wants to deal with in the wake of a disaster. So what happened next? And did the Pauls ever get the money they needed to make repairs? Here’s what happened, and what you can do if you find yourself in a similar situation.

Did the family get their money?

Yes — but only after a new check was issued.

At the end of April, representatives told Paul to expect a new check in the mail, which he could then cash.

Until the check cleared, Paul and his wife had to wait to begin repairs on their home.

In Florida, it’s common for homes in certain areas to flood after hurricanes, which makes flood insurance essential.

What is the National Flood Insurance Program?

The National Flood Insurance Program, or NFIP, is managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). It partners with about 50 insurers to offer policies to homeowners and renters who want protection from floods.

Since most standard homeowners insurance policies don’t cover flood damage, many homeowners, renters and even businesses purchase coverage through the NFIP, provided they live in a qualifying area.

Policies typically cover up to $100,000 for your belongings and $250,000 for damage to your property. If your property is in a high-risk flood area, you’re required to purchase flood insurance.

While no one wants to deal with flood damage, you’ll need to work with your insurance company to file a claim. It’s important to document the damage and file a claim as soon as possible.

Once an insurance adjuster assesses the claim, you can start repairs — or wait for the check to arrive. But as Paul and his wife discovered, that process doesn’t always go smoothly.

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What to do if you run into a similar issue

First, try to stay calm. After a major storm, it’s natural to want to start repairs right away.

In the meantime, review your insurance plan to see if you’re eligible for additional claims or if more documentation might help your case. Insurance adjusters will let you know if more visits are required, which could delay your claim.

If your check bounces, contact your insurance company immediately and follow their instructions.

Use your damage estimate to start getting quotes from contractors.

If you can afford it — and if your insurer approves — you might choose to pay out of pocket while you wait for the check. If not, you may have to wait, assuming you can still live in your home. This experience may also be a chance to plan better for the future.

While you can’t avoid floods or property damage, you can better protect yourself financially. Consider setting aside savings in a separate emergency or disaster fund. That way, when the unexpected happens, you’ll have some cash to help you handle the situation.

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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

You’ve hit your late 50s, you’ve got a nice cushion in your Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and suddenly you find yourself wondering if that cushion will provide you with enough comfort to retire today.

The promising news is that yes, you may be able to retire today at 58 years old with $970,000 in your RRSP. But you’ve got enough life experience now to know there’s always a bit more nuance than that.

Retiring earlier means you’ll need to wait a couple years before you can start claiming Canada Pension Plan (CPP) benefits. And it means needing a solid plan on your retirement expenses, health care and even taxes.

Don’t have that all set in stone? Then you may have to delay retirement.

Here’s what to consider before handing in your notice.

Get a clear picture of your financial situation

Deciding if it’s possible for you to retire will depend on whether you have a clear idea of how you’ll cover your expenses if you stop working. Since you can’t claim CPP benefits just yet, the $970,000 in your RRSP needs to be truly enough to cover all of your expenses until you can.

Many retirees use a common retirement budgeting tactic, the 4% rule, to ensure there’s enough money from their retirement accounts when making withdrawals, even when adjusted for inflation. With $970,000 in a RRSP, you can typically withdraw $38,800 each year before taxes. Of course, your retirement income may be higher if you have more assets held in other retirement accounts.

Look at your spending now and whether this will change once you retire. Aside from costs like food, clothing and transportation, take a look at what you owe as well.

For example, do you still have personal loans you need to pay off? Will it be a few years before you no longer have a mortgage? If so, you need to factor in your monthly payments in your retirement budget.

Compare your spending with your retirement income — is it enough to live on? Do you have other income sources like investments from brokerage accounts or pensions (assuming you can tap into them right now)?

If not, you may need to hold off until you have more in your nest egg. Or perhaps when you can start to claim CPP benefits if you’ll need to rely on that extra boost to afford your retirement expenses.

Debt Hack: If you still have debt, consider lowering the interest cost on that debt with a lower-interest loan. To find low interest rate loans quickly, use a rate consolidator such as Loans Canada. By working with multiple lenders across Canada, Loans Canada can offer competitive rates with better terms.

Making early retirement work for you

Still want to retire early? Here’s where getting crystal clear comes in handy: If you’re not clear on your income and expenses, you could be at risk of running out of money down the line.

As in, it’s still possible to make it work if you’re willing to get creative with how you can afford it.

Say you estimate your retirement expenses will be $50,000 each year and your only income source is your RRSP until you decide to claim CPP benefits when you’re 60. In this case, you’ll need to cover around a $12,000 shortfall (it’ll depend on how much you need to pay in taxes) for the next two years.

Instead of leaving your career entirely, see if you can work part-time hours or freelance for your current employer. Side hustles or gig work is another way to fill in any income gaps. Your skills may easily lend themselves to a side business idea. That way, you can free up some time to pursue your ideal retirement lifestyle while earning income.

Another option is to find ways to drastically reduce your expenses like downsizing to a smaller home, relocating to a lower cost of living area or selling one of your cars. Giving yourself that financial breathing room can take a lot of pressure off finding part-time work, or feeling that you have to wait longer before retirement is on the horizon.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

You’ve worked hard to save for retirement and the time is finally here. Now, the challenge isn’t about how you’ll spend your time. A far more pressing concern is the fear of outliving your savings, which may influence how you spend your money.

In other words, this apprehension could lead to spending less and truly enjoying your retirement. But how do you spend without anxiety when many Canadians aren’t sure how long their savings will even last.

According to Spring Financial, the average person has around $272,000 saved by the time they retire. That being said, a BMO survey discovered that 76% of Canadians are worried they will not have enough money in retirement because of rising prices. Even wealthier seniors are too scared to spend.

The answer could have to do with your mindset, and your very valid fear of running out of money. It’s hard to change your habit of saving when you no longer need to.

Here are some best practices to make sure you can enjoy your money without the risk of outliving your nest egg.

Determine a retirement budget

Having a clear spending plan in place is key now that your ‘accumulation years’ are over. Taking the time to assess your expenses can help ease your fears.

One simple task you can do right now is to track every penny you spend, and on what. That way, you can see how much money you might need for the basics and anticipate any costs that might go down or up.

For example, you plan to downsize in a few years, so your housing costs will go down. Or, you don’t travel much now, but want to in the future, so that cost will go up.

Having a better understanding of what you’ll spend during retirement will help you to see how you can safely withdraw from your retirement accounts.

Using the 4% rule — where you withdraw 4% of your portfolio in your first year of retirement, then adjust the amount for inflation in the years that follow — can be a useful guideline. However, it might not be the best strategy for you.

Instead, finding a way to get a steady source of income to cover the essentials may be the way to go.

Have a fixed source of income

The 2024 MassMutual Retirement Happiness Study found that the longer someone is retired, the less fear they have about financial uncertainty.

While there weren’t indicators as to why this may be, having a solid financial plan could help you feel more comfortable spending more.

You can do so by establishing your essential costs and making sure you have fixed income sources to cover them. Then, you look at what you have leftover to spend as your fun money.

You have several options to choose from when it comes to fixed income sources. Most Canadians will qualify for the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and/or Old Age Secuirty (OAS). There are also fixed-income securities, such as municipal bonds, whereby you’re paid interest at regular intervals.

Annuities are another popular option. You invest in or purchase a contract backed by an insurance company. You’re paid regularly, for a specified amount of time, based on premiums paid or a lump sum payment you’ve made.

Once you’ve figured out your baseline spending — what you need to pay for housing, transportation, health care and food — you can make a plan on getting it from fixed income sources. Then, determine the amount you can withdraw safely from other sources to spend on extras, like travel.

Work with a fee-only advisor

A financial advisor can help you to assess your needs and to figure how much you can safely spend during retirement.

As you plan for retirement, consider consulting a fee-only advisor — you pay a set rate for their services but not commissions on products they sell you. Then, meeting with them once or twice a year after retiring may be enough to make sure you’re still on track.

Sources

1. Spring Financial: The Average Savings by Age in Canada – How Do You Compare? (May 5, 2025)

2. BMO: BMO Retirement Survey: Over Three Quarters of Canadians Worry They Will Not Have Enough Retirement Savings Amid Inflation (Feb 12, 2025)

3. MassMutual: 2024 MassMutual Retirement Happiness Study

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

I love to bundle up. And I’m not talking about adding extra layers of clothing when it’s cold outside. I mean that I enjoy saving money when companies offer bundling bonuses or discounts to customers who get more than one product from the same merchant. It’s an especially popular marketing strategy with telecommunications, software and food companies (who hasn’t gotten a Big Mac Value Meal to save money on fries and a beverage?).

In recent years, Canadian financial institutions have begun to catch on to the popularity of product bundles, offering a wide variety of different packages to encourage customer loyalty, while saving clients money on their banking needs. Here’s a general look at some of the different kinds of multi-product bundles available at various Canadian banks.

Banking account services/product bundle rebates

Many banks offer premium, all-in-one bank accounts with a variety of features and products for a set monthly fee that is at a much lower price point than what it would cost if you were to pay for all your transactions individually.

For example, a bank might offer a premium bank account that charges a monthly $30 fee but features a plethora of products and services that would be much more expensive if paid for individually.

Possible products and services include things like:

• A free premium credit card (a savings of $120 yearly)
• Unlimited daily transactions for things like withdrawals and Interac e-transfers, which often cost at least $1 each
• A set amount of free bank drafts (which can average $8 or more each)
• A free safe deposit box (that can cost $60 a year)
• Overdraft protection (which can cost around $5 a month)
• Paper chequebooks (approx. $20)

Just from the above items and services, depending on how often you make withdraws and send Interact e-transfers, you would easily make back the $360 a year that you would pay in monthly fees. Better yet, many banks in Canada will even waive the monthly fee as long as you keep a minimum balance (often ranging between $3000 to $6000) in your account for the full month.

Lower fee product bundles

Not all financial institutions offer clients the option of keeping a set minimum amount in an account to avoid monthly fees altogether. Rather, some banks give clients a complete or partial monthly fee rebate based on how many other banking products they have at the bank.

So, for example, if you pay a monthly account fee of $30, some banks will offer a 30% (or more) fee reduction if you also have a credit card, a mortgage and/or an investment account with them, saving you over $100 a year. (If you are considering getting a mortgage with your bank to enjoy a bundle perk, remember that a long-term relationship with your bank can also get you a better mortgage rate) .

Family bundles

Another package that some banks offer is a family bundle. This kind of bonus package allows clients with a specific kind of premium account to invite family members (who live in the same household) to each open their very own separate chequing account and not pay a monthly fee. Given all the fees that chequing accounts are usually subject to at traditional financial institutions, family bundles could save client’s loved ones hundreds of dollars yearly.

Cash/high-interest rate bonuses

Some banks know that nothing speaks louder (or encourages brand loyalty more) than a straightforward chunk of money and a high interest rate. That’s why to attract new clients, some financial institutions feature a one-off amount of bonus money and a generous promotional interest rate for opening an account. Some banks also require that clients “bundle up”: open an account and apply for a bank branded credit card to be eligible for a cash/interest rate bonus.

Not all bundles are created equal

While a bundle can be a smart way to save on bank fees and enjoy a few nice extras, it’s vital to do your research because not all of them are good deals. Not all banking packages offer unlimited transactions or feature a good interest rate. Generally, for a bundle to be a decent value you need to keep all your money and accounts with one bank (such as savings, chequing, credit cards, etc), which means you can’t shop around with other banks to take advantage of things like better interest rates or bonus promotions.

Furthermore, keeping several thousand dollars in a bank account to ensure your monthly fees are waived isn’t as attractive as it looks when you consider that your money could be earning anywhere from 3% or more if you invested it in a no-fee or low-fee GIC or investment account.

It’s hard to overlook these bundling downsides when there are so many safe and user-friendly online banks that don’t charge any fees at all and still offer unlimited transactions and outstanding interest rates on savings and/or chequing accounts. So, before you bundle up, be a greedy consumer and consider all your banking options and how much they really save you. Personally, I’ve found that banking/investing packages from alternative or online banks tend to offer more value than with traditional banks.

Final word

Though terms and conditions vary from bank to bank, doing your research on bundles could end up saving you money and headaches. The convenience of your finances being managed in one place offers peace of mind, but also knowing that you made the smartest choice by bundling because it saves you money, or gets you better rates for other products from your bank, is a satisfaction you cannot beat.

Ask your bank, or friends who bank at other places, and see if there is a bundle package, similar to those mentioned in this article, that could be relevant to you.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

Cross-border trips from Canada to the United States hit a pandemic low in February, according to new data showing a sharp decline of nearly 500,000 travelers compared to last year. In February 2025, Canadian travel to the US dropped by 235,000 trips, according to CBP data, marking the steepest year-over-year decline.

This trend comes on the heels of a steady recovery in international travel since the easing of pandemic restrictions, but Canadian trips have yet to fully rebound. Trade tensions between Canada and our southern neighbour have certainly contributed to hesitancy of Canadians to taking a trip across the border.

Tariffs take hold

It has been a stressful time for our two nations, as hefty tariffs hit consumers in the wake of the President Donald Trump returning to the White House. Canadians have taken notice, and have taken action. The Elbows Up and Buy Canadian movements have inspired the nation’s citizens to choose alternative countries to visit and from which to purchase. And the movement is only beginning and is picking up momentum.

Barbara Barrett, executive director of the Frontier Duty Free Association, described the sharp drop in cross-border travel as "catastrophic," telling CBC News that sales at duty-free shops along the Canadian border have plummeted by about 80% compared to pre-pandemic levels. She said the industry has never fully recovered since COVID-19, and recent disruptions have made matters worse.

"Without exaggeration, it’s a crisis,” Barrett stated, adding that the situation feels "pandemic-level" as border traffic remains significantly lower than before.

Reddit weighs in

Canadians and Americans alike have taken to social media to voice their thoughts on both the tariffs as well as the impact of the Buy Canadian movement. While some feel it’s a waste of time, just a statement and performative, others agree the collective voice and action of Canadians will send a loud and expensive message across the border.

Reddit user shpydar is solidly in the latter camp, and offers some stats to prove it.

"Now let’s put this in perspective on how this part of our resistance to US tariffs and threat to annexation will be devastating for the US economy," he said on Reddit.

"Canadians are not only the single largest group of international travelers to the US making a whopping 31% of all international travelers to the US in 2023, we also spend the most money on tourism in the US accounting for 24.1% of all tourism dollars earned in the US in 2023.

If the US continues to apply tariffs and threaten our sovereignty, a lot of US citizens will lose their jobs, especially if this continues into summer.

Elbows up! It’s working."

Redditor peeinian agrees. "It’s also not worth shopping there. The prices are the same, if not more than in Canada, then add 40% exchange, 25% tariff and 6% GST and you’re paying almost double," he said.

"CBSA has been pulling almost everyone in that is over their exemption limit to pay tariffs and duty since the trade war started. For years they wouldn’t bother if you kept it under $100/person for a day trip."

Though sentiment is largely positive about the news of the decline, where there was disappoinment in the numbers, it wasn’t because people thought it was a waste of time. In fact, where there was disappointment, it was the opposite.

"That number should be much higher. It’s only a 13% decline from a year ago," according to HelloKleo.

What’s next for Canada and the US?

Canada and the US are more than just neighbours — they’re each other’s biggest economic lifelines. In 2022 alone, they traded nearly a trillion dollars in goods and services, and Canada remains the top customer for most US states. But that relationship is hitting some serious turbulence.

Earlier this year, President Donald Trump slapped new tariffs on Canadian imports, citing border security concerns. Canada fired back with its own countermeasures, setting the stage for a fresh trade war. Experts warn this could send shockwaves through both economies, pushing up prices, slowing growth and disrupting industries that rely on smooth cross-border trade.

The US economy is already expected to grow slower than originally predicted, with inflation likely to rise. Canada, heavily dependent on US trade, won’t escape the impact either. Businesses on both sides of the border are bracing for a rough ride, with some American firms already feeling the pinch.

As tensions escalate, the big question is whether cooler heads will prevail — or if this economic standoff will only get worse.

Sources

1. US Customs and Border Protection: Traveler and Conveyance Statistics

2. CBC News: Cross-border trips to the U.S. reach COVID lows with nearly 500,000 fewer travellers in February (March 18, 2025)

3. Reddit: r/ontario — Cross-border trips to the U.S. reach COVID lows with nearly 500,000 fewer travellers in February

4. Statistics Canada: Canada and the United States: The numbers on a unique relationship (March 21, 2023)

This article Canadian cross-border travel hits pandemic lows as costs and concerns riseoriginally appeared on Money.ca

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

The Canadian Competition Bureau has launched legal action against DoorDash for what it calls "deceptive marketing practices" — specifically, for luring customers with low prices that don’t reflect the real cost at checkout.

The central issue? Something known as drip pricing, a tactic the Bureau says misleads customers and undermines fair competition.

What DoorDash is being accused of doing

According to the Competition Bureau, DoorDash has used a tactic known as drip pricing for nearly a decade, collecting close to $1 billion in mandatory fees from Canadian consumers.

Drip pricing happens when companies advertise an attractive base price, only to tack on unavoidable fees at the end of a transaction. These fees — often hidden until the final screen — can include service fees, delivery fees, or "regulatory response fees" that aren’t taxes but effectively act like a service tax.

At the heart of the Competition Bureau’s case is the customer’s inability to understand or know the full price of the service until after the transaction. It’s a tactic known as drip pricing and it happens when

In particular, the Bureau lists the following as factors in the deceptive marketing practice of DoorDash:

• Unattainable Prices: DoorDash’s website and app allegedly show prices that no one can actually pay because mandatory fees are added at checkout.

• Misleading Fee Labels: Some fees were allegedly made to look like government taxes when they were, in fact, imposed by DoorDash itself.

• Long-Term Pattern: The Bureau says this has been going on for years, and it’s asking the Competition Tribunal to force DoorDash to stop the practice, pay a penalty, and provide restitution to affected Canadians.

A $26 billion industry built on hidden fees?

The stakes in this legal fight go far beyond a single company. Canadians now spend just over $26 billion a year on food delivery — five times more than in 2019. That’s a massive shift in how we eat, driven by convenience, tech, and lifestyle changes. But as delivery apps like DoorDash become everyday tools, the hidden costs built into these platforms can quietly drain household budgets.

If you’re ordering out once or twice a week, drip pricing could mean you’re paying an extra $5 to $10 per order in surprise fees. Over a year, that adds up to hundreds of dollars — money that most Canadians haven’t budgeted for, because the true cost wasn’t shown upfront. Multiply that across millions of users, and it’s easy to see how companies like DoorDash have collected close to a billion dollars in these fees.

The Competition Bureau’s crackdown isn’t just about holding one company accountable — it’s about stamping out a business model that quietly shifts the financial burden onto consumers, one delivery at a time.

Why DoorDash and why now?

The reason why the Competition Bureau took action is because this type of marketing is because deceptive pricing has a very real impact on the wallets of Canadians. To understand, here’s a list of the ways deceptive pricing can affect your life:

• It distorts your budget: When you plan your meals or groceries based on prices you see online, only to be hit with extra fees at checkout, it throws off your spending plans.

• It undermines trust: You can’t make smart decisions if you can’t trust what you’re seeing. This is especially important in an era when online services dominate everything from food to travel.

• It raises the cost of living: In practical terms, drip pricing means you’re paying more than you expected — for less than you thought you were getting.

A pattern of misleading practices

DoorDash isn’t alone. The Bureau has taken similar actions against companies like Cineplex, Rogers, and Canada’s Wonderland. In each case, the companies were called out for either drip pricing or false advertising claims.

For example, in 2024, Cineplex was fined nearly $39 million for misleading customers with mandatory booking fees that weren’t included in the ticket price. This isn’t the only company putting the squeeze on your dollar. Money.ca’s Credit Card Editor, Cory Santos, examined how greedflation continues to take a bite out of everybody’s budget in his report: Greedflation Report: 2025.

Know the signs — and speak up

As a consumer, you can protect yourself against deceptive marketing and greedflation pricing by watching for red flags:

• If the price at checkout is noticeably higher than what was first advertised, you’re likely seeing drip pricing in action.
• If extra charges appear without a clear explanation, or look like taxes but aren’t, report them.
• The only mandatory fees that should surprise you are those imposed by the government — like sales tax.

For those impacted by deceptive pricing, the Competition Bureau encourages you to report it on their website.

Final word

What’s happening with DoorDash isn’t just about one company — it’s about setting a standard in the digital economy. Canadians deserve transparency, especially when every dollar counts. The Competition Bureau’s crackdown sends a message: misleading consumers isn’t just bad business — it’s illegal.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

Calgary has been steadily growing in popularity over the last decade or so, thanks to affordable housing (compared to Canada’s other urban centres), a booming job market and proximity to some of Canada’s most stunning landscapes. If you’re thinking of moving there, check out this list of 12 of the best neighbourhoods in Calgary.

Methodology

To create our list, we focused on factors like liveability, good schools, affordability, access to parks, safety and transit. To gather data, we used a variety of sources, mainly relying on numerous community websites, as well as Zumper, CMHC, Remax and other real estate sites to get housing prices. Neighbourhoods varied widely as to the amount of detailed information that was available.

Here are the top 12 neighbourhoods in Calgary

1. Beltline

Key features: Parks, close to downtown, a little bit of everything

Average house price: $485,483

Average rental cost of 2-bedroom apartment: $2,759

Located just south of Downtown Calgary (making it ideal for young professionals who work in the inner city), this bustling urban hub is jam-packed with amenities. It’s got a wonderful mix of retail shops, lively bars and restaurants, as well as businesses like banks, medical services and yoga studios so you never have to go far to get what you need. The area is especially popular for its nightlife, with plenty of brew pubs, live music and dance clubs. The Beltline Urban Murals Project showcases public art (and is part of the popular BUMP festival) so you’re essentially living amidst an open-air art gallery. The neighbourhood is also home to Central Memorial Park, a large space that is the city’s oldest park. Beltline also has good access to transit via several buses and the relatively close C-Train, and it also has plans to create two kilometres of protected bike lanes.

2. Altadore

Key features: Family friendly, lots of parks, shopping and good schools

Average house price: $1,324,937

Average rental cost of 2-bedroom apartment: $1,906

One of the best (and more expensive) neighbourhoods in Calgary for families, as well as for young professionals, Altadore lives up to the old cliche that it really does have something for everyone. Offering a mix of bungalows, luxury homes and condos, it’s close to one of Calgary’s most popular shopping and dining districts (there’s over 190 retailers), Marda Loop, so you’re never far from great shopping, dining and activity options. The area also has top schools, parks, daycares and an arena. In the summer, Sandy Beach with its pathways and picnic areas is a popular community hang out. While it is one of Calgary’s more expensive areas, Altadore gets top marks for safety and overall livability.

3. Sunnyside

Key features: Great transit, scenic views of Bow River, good schools

Average house price: $455,596

Average rental cost of 2-bedroom apartment: $2,245

Close to the downtown core (which can be easily accessed via a leisurely walk across the pedestrian Peace Bridge), on the north side of the Bow River, this picturesque neighbourhood is great for families and young professionals who want to live close to where they work in the city centre. You’ll find some of Calgary’s oldest historic homes in Sunnyside, as well as new condo developments. The pathways along Bow River invite long walks and bike rides. The neighbourhood is known for its good schools, community spirit and excellent transit, as it’s served by bus routes, as well as its own dedicated station on the C-Train.

4. Hillhurst

Key features: Community spirit, good schools, close to Bow River

Average house price: $1,248,294

Average rental cost of 2-bedroom apartment: $2,029

Abutting the Sunnyside neighbourhood, this community on the north bank of the Bow River shares many of its assets, like coveted schools, an active community centre and amenities like parks. Close to Bow River, you can also enjoy water-based sports, as well as ample biking and hiking pathways.

5. Kensington

Key features: Trendy, artistic and youthful feel

Average house price: $455,596

Average rental cost of 2-bedroom apartment: $2,179

Tap into Calgary’s hip, youthful vibe in this walkable area. Filled with independent stores, hip cafes and well-regarded restaurants, there’s plenty to see and do in Kensington, which is also why it’s popular with tourists. Exuding an eclectic energy, the area is one of the city’s foremost creative hubs with lots of galleries, as well as the delightful Kensington Art Walk. The neighbourhood is especially known for its indy coffee shops, Sunday brunch restaurants and live music venues.

6. Edgemont

Key features: Massive green space, walking and biking paths, family friendly

Average house price: $639,583

Average rental cost of 2-bedroom apartment: $1,928

Located in northwest Calgary, if being close to nature and an outdoor lifestyle is important to you then Edgemont may be a perfect fit. The area boasts ample green spaces, like Nose Hill Park, as well as a network of ravines that provides over 30 kilometres of walking and biking trails. Perched atop a hill, the views are second to none, with equally excellent vistas of the Calgary city skyline, as well as the Rocky Mountains on clear days. Safe, with good schools and an enviable sense of community, Edgemont is one of the best neighbourhoods in Calgary for young families

7. Brentwood

Key features: Active community association, good transit, close to University of Calgary

Average house price: $525,335

Average rental cost of 2-bedroom apartment: $2,186

Often topping local lists of the top neighbourhood, Brentwood is an attractive mix of large estates, single-family detached homes and a few condos. It’s got an active community association, as well as a recreation centre. Parks (including newly renovated Blakiston Park), proximity to biking and hiking trails and respected schools, make it one of the best family neighbourhoods in Calgary. Because it’s close to the University of Calgary, it has robust transit service, with a network of bus routes and its own C-Train station stop.

8. Varsity

Key features: Popular with families, good schools and transit

Average house price: $545,062

Average rental cost of 2-bedroom apartment: $2,565

This well-established community in the city’s northwest is everything you’d expect from suburbia: Tree-lined streets, a nice mix of housing types, a family-friendly vibe and an abundance of parks. Boasting a C-Train stop and various bus routes, it also has excellent schools and is close to one of the city’s main shopping destinations, Market Mall, making it one of the best neighbourhoods in Calgary.

9. Crescent Heights

Key features: Close to post-secondary institutions and Bow River

Average house price: $912,387

Average rental cost of 2-bedroom apartment: $1,591

A welcoming residential neighbourhood with a family-friendly feel, Crescent Heights has great schools, offers easy access to some of the city’s best hospitals and is close to post-secondary institutions like the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) and the University of Calgary. Residents also appreciate its proximity to bucolic Bow River with its numerous biking and hiking paths and water-based activities.

10. Inglewood

Key features: Expensive, historic homes, safe

Average house price: $1,014,029

Average rental cost of 2-bedroom apartment: $2,679

A small town feel with big city amenities, that’s the best way to describe this safe, quaint neighbourhood. One of the city’s oldest districts, it’s got lots of historic homes, generous greenspace and a convenient mix of shops, restaurants and bars. Centre Street North is a popular shopping and restaurant destination.

11. Currie

Key features: Tight community, urban development success story

Average house price: $803,989

Average rental cost of 2-bedroom apartment: $1,747

Just southwest of downtown, Currie is one of Calgary’s most historic neighbourhoods. Set on a former Canadian Forces Base, it’s considered a major success story in urban transformation and community development. It’s known for its walkability, close-knit community, parks and variety of housing.

12. Upper Mount Royal

Key features: Exclusive, some of Calgary’s most expensive real estate, excellent schools

Average house price: $6,077,980

Average rental cost of 2-bedroom apartment:  Ranges between $1,600 and $2,975

If money is no object, consider calling the neighbourhood of Upper Mount Royal home. Reputed to contain Calgary’s most expensive real estate, you’ll find mainly stately old historic homes (some of the oldest in the city) and new, architecturally awe-inspiring mansions with sweeping, landscaped yards in this southwest corner of Calgary. The area pretty much gets As across the board when it comes to factors like top-notch schools, walkable distance to downtown, very low crime rates and overall livability (though it gets an F when it comes to affordability).

FAQs

What is the nicest neighbourhood in Calgary?

What makes a neighbourhood the “nicest” will depend on your own individual priorities. If you want a family-friendly place close to downtown, Brentwood may be ideal. If you value a hip, youthful buzz, check out Kensington. Edgemont could be a good fit if you prioritize an active outdoor lifestyle with plenty of walking and biking.

What is the safest area to live in Calgary?

Calgary is generally regarded as a safe city, however, Upper Mount Royal, Brentwood and Edgemont have reputations as being especially safe.

Which side of Calgary is best to live on?

Calgary as a whole is a safe and dynamic city with ample amenities and beautiful, liveable neighbourhoods so the “best” side to live on will depend on your own unique needs. That being said, the southwest and northwest regions are considered by some to contain Calgary’s best residential areas.

What is the richest neighborhood in Calgary?

Upper Mount Royal is generally regarded as one of the richest neighbourhoods in Calgary.

This article 12 best neighbourhoods in Calgaryoriginally appeared on Money.ca

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.