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CIBC at a glance

The Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, or CIBC, was founded in 1867 and is and one of Canada’s Big Six banks.

CIBC account options
Savings
Chequing
Visa and Mastercard credit cards
Investing
Other CIBC services
Mortgages
Loans and lines of credit
Wealth management
Business financing
Insurance

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce overview

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, or CIBC, is a full-service financial institution founded in 1867. It is considered to be one of Canada’s Big Six banks. Over 1,100 banking locations and 3,400 ATMs serve millions of CIBC clients every day. Clients can access most everyday banking, saving, borrowing, wealth management and other financial services via the CIBC online banking portal, mobile app, and telephone.

As part of its corporate social responsibility efforts, CIBC’s climate action initiative provides resources to help clients transition to low-carbon living, responsible investment options, and a CIBC Green Vehicle Loan.

Online banking capabilities at CIBC

CIBC clients have had access to online banking since 1995. These years of experience in digital banking have informed the CIBC bank’s effort in making it robust, secure and easy to use. Clients can use the award-winning website (cibc.com/en/personal-banking.html) and mobile app for everyday banking, free credit score monitoring, personal financial insights, opening new accounts, and more.

The CIBC app receives 4.0 and 4.3 out of 5 stars on Google Play and Apple App Store, respectively, indicating general satisfaction for CIBC mobile banking from tens of thousands of users.

Note, you’ll first have to register your CIBC debit or credit card to start using CIBC online banking on your device.

Is my money safe at CIBC?

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce is a member of the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC). In the unlikely event of bank failure, your CIBC savings, chequing, combined savings-chequing accounts, Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs), and registered savings accounts are eligible for CDIC’s deposit insurance.

CIBC bank uses multiple layers of security, verification for any account changes, fraud alerts, and other enhanced security measures to protect your money. Additionally, you’re covered by the CIBC Digital Banking Guarantee, which promises to refund any money lost to fraud, provided you follow digital banking security guidelines.

CIBC account types

CIBC savings accounts

CIBC eAdvantage Savings Account: Earn regular interest on all balances and a higher interest rate when your savings exceed $200 any month.
CIBC US$ Personal Account: Manage U.S. dollar deposits and withdrawals while earning modest interest on your savings.
CIBC US$ Personal Account for Seniors: Get modest interest and two free monthly transactions with this no-fee bank account.
CIBC RRSP Daily Interest Savings Account: To help build retirement savings with guaranteed principal and interest rates.

CIBC chequing accounts

CIBC Everyday Chequing Account: 12 transactions per month for a $4 monthly fee.
CIBC Smart Account: Option to choose the number of transactions you want per month for up to a $16.95 monthly fee. Pay no monthly fee if you maintain a $4,000 minimum daily balance.
CIBC Smart Plus: Unlimited transactions with no monthly fee, if you maintain a daily balance of $6,000 in your chequing account or $100,000 in combined eligible savings and investments.

CIBC also offers special chequing accounts to serve youth, students, seniors, foreign workers and newcomers to Canada.

» MORE: Read our CIBC Smart Start youth account review

CIBC credit cards

CIBC offers Visa and Mastercard options for personal, business, student and U.S. dollar spending. Clients receive travel points, privileges, cash-back or no annual fee benefits on CIBC reward cards from partners — Aventura, Aeroplan and Costco. A few of the featured cards include:

CIBC investing accounts

Other CIBC bank services

Mortgages.
Loans.
Lines of credit.
Insurance.
Wealth management.
Business and commercial financing solutions.

CIBC Bank fees

Banking fees can vary based on the accounts you have and how you use them. Here are some of the common fees you may encounter using CIBC bank’s financial products and services:

Non-sufficient funds: $45
Overdraft protection: $5 monthly or pay-per-use options for select accounts
ATM: Up to $5
Dormant account fees: $20 for 2-4 years; $30 for 5-8 years; $40 for 9 years (not applicable for clients aged 18 years or younger)
Account transfer to another financial institution: $100 for a registered account and $19.50 for a regular account

Who CIBC is best for

Canadians who want to keep all their finances in one place, value online banking, and like the option of in-person banking.

CIBC has product offerings that are similar to the other big banks, offering account bonuses, rewards and discounted fees. Aside from the variety of banking options, personal and business clients can consider the overall client satisfaction that CIBC is propelling through technological innovation and climate action initiatives to match their unique needs.

Pros and Cons of CIBC bank

There’s plenty to like about CIBC bank, but no bank or credit union is without its drawbacks. Here’s what to consider before you open an account.

Pros of CIBC

Variety of personal accounts and credit cards.
Wealth management and financial planning services.
Financial solutions for seniors, youth, foreign workers and newcomers.
Award-winning online banking and mobile app.

Cons of CIBC

Lower interest rates on savings products compared to online-only banks.
Account and transaction fees are charged on most accounts.
Higher account transfer fees than other big banks.

How CIBC compares to other big banks

	CIBC	BMO Bank	Scotiabank
Number of countries served	Global	More than 10	More than 30
Number of branches in Canada	Over 1,000	More than 900	900
Mobile app?	Yes	Yes	Yes
Are deposits insured?	Yes, by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation.	Yes, by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation and Canadian Investor Protection Fund.	Yes, by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation.

The CIBC telephone banking number is 1 (800) 465-2422 with service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

You do not need separate login credentials to access your CIBC rewards account. After you’ve registered your eligible credit card via online or mobile app banking, you’ll be able to manage your rewards from your banking portal.

DIVE EVEN DEEPER

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) Review

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