In Canada, the summer often feels like the shortest season. Make the most of summer by carrying out your banking needs from home or through a quick in-and-out at your local ATM. Here are four tips to get your bank errands done quickly and conveniently.
Tip #1: Order foreign currency online
Travelling this summer? If you’re like the many Canadians who have been itching to get away, your summer plans may include a trip out of the country. Because it’s always a good idea to have local currency on hand when travelling, you’ll likely need some foreign cash before you leave.
Did you know you can order foreign currency online? As easy as you can order a new swimsuit or sunglasses, you can order the foreign currency you need.
If you are an RBC client, simply sign in to RBC Online Banking. You can then order up to $2,500 daily from over 40 currencies and pick it up at any of the 1200+ branches across Canada. You will get a call when it’s ready — typically within three business days.
Purchasing foreign currency online before you travel lets you avoid potentially inflated exchange rates and international ATM fees — and leaves you with one less item on your travel to-do list.
Tip #2: Get U.S. cash at an ATM
If you’re heading across the border, it’s even easier to get the currency you need. At most major banks, you can skip the ordering part altogether, and withdraw U.S. cash from your Canadian or U.S. dollar account at your local branch ATM. Check with your bank for more details.
Tip #3 Deposit cheques from home or at the ATM
If you’ve received a paycheque, government cheque or some birthday money from a favourite relative, it’s quick and easy to deposit your funds. Simply sign in to the bank mobile app (like RBC Mobile app) on your mobile device, use your smartphone to take a picture of your cheque and deposit it into the account of your choice (check out this step-by-step demo). It’s a secure and convenient way to deposit cheques — and you don’t even need to leave the comfort of home!
If you prefer, you can also deposit your cheques at the nearby branch ATM. Processing time is similar as within the branch, and you can make your deposit on your schedule, including after branch hours or over the weekend. There’s no need to stand in line at the branch, and the ATM will walk you through your deposit step by step.
Tip #4: Get Canadian cash in the bills you need
Sometimes you need a little cash. Sometimes you need a lot. Whether you want a $5 bill to pay for lemonade at the stand down the street or some $100 bills to cover a large contracting payment — or anything in between — you can access the cash you need at most ATMs. For example, if you need $200, you can choose forty $5 bills, twenty $10 bills, five $20 bills, four $50 bills or two $100 bills … or any combination that adds to $200.
Spend less time at the branch and more time enjoying the sun this summer with these banking tips that let you take care of your money matters on your terms.
This article 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. 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.
