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Published October 22, 2024
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Best New Bank Account Offers and Promotions in Canada for 2024

Chequing account offers include cash rewards, gift cards, waived fees, merchandise and more. You may need to complete qualifying activities to get the offer.

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This may influence which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own.

ALSO CONSIDER: Best chequing accounts | Best No-fee Chequing Accounts | Best Student Bank Accounts | Best Senior Bank Accounts

It’s satisfying to get something for free — especially when that something is cold, hard cash. But money isn’t the only thing you could get for opening a chequing account. Chequing account offers include gift cards, waived fees, merchandise and more.

Banks offer account promotions to incentivize new customers to sign up. If you’re in the market for a new chequing account, compare account features and promotions to nab the best offer for your lifestyle and spending habits.

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Simplii Financial™ No Fee Chequing Account with Student Banking Offer

Join Simplii Financial™ and earn $500 when you open a No Fee Chequing Account and set up an eligible direct deposit of at least $100 a month for 3 straight months. Offer expires October 31, 2024. Terms and Conditions Apply.

Best chequing account offers and promotions

Best for cash bonus on banking package

BMO Performance Chequing Account

BMO Performance Chequing Account
  • Bonus Offer
    Up to $600*
  • Monthly Fee
    $17.95
    Waived with minimum balance
  • Number of Transactions
    Unlimited
Our Take
  • Enjoy unlimited everyday banking transactions, no-fee daily banking for loved ones through a family bundle, up to a $40 annual fee rebate on your BMO credit card, and more on the Performance Chequing Account.
  • The Bank of Montreal (BMO) is one of Canada’s Big Six banks offering personal and business accounts, lending products and investment services. Read our review of BMO for more information.
Product Details
  • Get up to a $600* cash bonus: Earn $350 when you open a new BMO Performance Chequing Account and make a deposit of any amount by October 31st, 2024. Earn an extra $50 when you invite a family member as part of a BMO Family Bundle and have them open their account by October 31st, 2024. BMO’s most popular account offers unlimited everyday banking transactions for a competitive price. Earn an additional $200 when you open a Savings Amplifier Account, make a deposit of $10,000 or more by October 31st, 2024 and maintain that balance at all times until January 31st, 2025.
  • Performance Chequing Account, as one of BMO’s popular accounts, offers unlimited everyday banking transactions for a competitive price.
  • Add an account and subtract the fees with the BMO Family Bundle that lets your loved ones enjoy no-fee daily banking with all the benefits and privacy of separate chequing accounts.
  • Enjoy unlimited transactions when visiting a BMO branch or ATM and when using BMO Online, Mobile, and Telephone Banking.
  • Get up to $40 of your BMO credit card annual fee rebated annually with a Performance Plan Chequing Account. Enjoy all the perks of a BMO credit card, with lower fees.
  • Feel secure with OnGuard Identity Theft protection at no charge. You’ll get complimentary access to OnGuard with the Performance Plan – saving you over $150 a year.
  • Enjoy all these benefits for $17.95 per month – or, pay no monthly fee when you keep a minimum balance of $4,000.
  • The Performance Plan chequing account is eligible for CDIC insurance.

Best gift card and tiered monthly fee

CIBC Smart™ Account

CIBC Smart™ Account
  • Bonus Offer
    $400
  • Monthly Fee
    $6.95-$16.95
    Waived with minimum balance
  • Number of Transactions
    Varies with monthly fee
Our Take
  • Pay for what you use with the CIBC Smart™ Account, which offers a flexible monthly fee that adjusts to the number of transactions you make.
  • Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, also known as CIBC, is a full-service multinational financial institution and one of the Big Six banks in Canada. Read our review of CIBC for more information.
Product Details
  • Get a $400 cash when you open your first chequing account and complete the qualifying actions.
  • The monthly fee varies by the number of transactions included: $16.95 for unlimited transactions, $6.95 for up to 12 transactions, or, for 13 to 20 transactions, $6.95 plus $1.25 for each additional transaction.
  • Waive the monthly fee and enjoy unlimited transactions by maintaining a $4,000 minimum daily balance.
  • Free Interac e-transfer transactions that count towards your total transactions.
  • Access to nearly 4,000 ATMs across Canada.
  • One free non-CIBC ATM withdrawal per month in Canada.
  • Shop online and in-app using money directly from your CIBC Smart Account with Visa* Debit.
  • Manage your daily spending and grow your savings with help from CIBC Insights — a tool included in the CIBC Mobile Banking App that offers tailored tips based on your debit and credit card activity.
  • CIBC Smart Balance Alert gives you a heads-up when your account is short on funds. That gives you time to make a transfer and avoid a non-sufficient funds (NSF) fee and a declined payment.
  • Checkout with CIBC’s digital payment options, including Visa Debit, Click to Pay, Google Pay, Apple Pay and Samsung Pay.
  • Save up to 10 cents per litre on gas by linking your CIBC card with Journie Rewards to save on gas at participating Pioneer, Fas Gas, Ultramar and Chevron locations.
  • Bank in-person, online or in the mobile app.
  • Only available to Canadians aged 25 and older.
  • CIBC Smart Account offers for students, newcomers and foreign workers.
  • Deposits are eligible for insurance from CDIC

Best reward and a multi-product rebate

RBC Signature No Limit Banking

RBC Signature No Limit Banking
  • Bonus Offer
    $450
  • Monthly Fee
    $16.95
    Rebates available
  • Number of Transactions
    Unlimited
Our Take
  • RBC Signature No Limit Banking offers unlimited debit transactions, free Interac e-Transfers®, and up to a $48 annual fee rebate on eligible RBC credit cards.
  • Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) is one of Canada’s Big Six banks providing banking, investment, and lending solutions to individuals and businesses since 1869. Read our review of RBC for more information.
Product Details
  • Switch to an RBC chequing account and complete the criteria to receive $450 if you open an RBC Signature No Limit Banking® account by April 18, 2025. Conditions apply.
  • Unlimited debits transactions in Canada, valuable savings and even more.
  • Get a credit card for less – Up to $48 rebate on the annual fee of an eligible credit card.⁵
  • FREE Interac‡ e-Transfer transactions.⁶𝄒⁷
  • 3 non-RBC ATM fees waived/month, $2 each thereafter.⁸
  • 5 FREE cross-border debits/month, $1 each thereafter.⁹
  • No minimum balance (even to get rebates).
  • Monthly Fee¹: $16.95 (or less with rebate).²
  • $10.95 or $5 monthly fee with Value Program Rebate.¹⁰
  • $12.95 monthly fee for seniors¹¹ — or less with Value Program Rebate.¹⁰
  • Avion Points¹² – Enroll your account in the Value Program to get a minimum of 1 Avion point for every $10 you spend in-store and online using your enrolled account.
  • Overdraft Protection¹⁵ – Fee waived (overdraft interest applies if used).
  • Safe Deposit Box¹⁶ – Up to $12/year discount on regular fees.
  • Non-Sufficient Funds (NSF) Fee – 1 NSF fee rebated every calendar year.²⁶
  • 1 book of cheques FREE, afterwards Fees Apply¹⁷
  • Bank Drafts¹⁸ – 6 FREE/year, $9.95 each thereafter.
  • Online, Mobile and Telephone Banking FREE.
  • eStatements FREE.
  • Monthly Paper Statements $2.25 without cheque image, $2.50 with cheque image.
  • Right Account Guarantee® If you’re not completely satisfied within the first 4 months, we’ll refund your monthly fees for up to 3 months.¹²

Best for cash bonus

Scotiabank Preferred Package

Scotiabank Preferred Package
  • Bonus Offer
    Up to $600*
  • Monthly Fee
    $16.95
    Waived with minimum balance
  • Number of Transactions
    Unlimited
Our Take
  • You can enjoy unlimited transactions, e-transfers and a first-year annual fee waiver of up to $150 on select credit cards with the Scotiabank Preferred Package.
  • Founded in Halifax in 1832, Scotiabank is one of Canada’s oldest and largest banks, a more or less permanent member of the country’s Big Six financial institutions. Read our review of Scotiabank for more information.
Product Details
  • Earn up to $600 with a Scotiabank Preferred package and an investment plan¹.
  • Earn an additional 0.05% on your Momentum Plus Savings Account
  • Unlimited debit transactions and Interac e-transfer transactions
  • First year annual fee waiver (up to $150) on select credit cards
  • Earn points on every day purchases with the Scene+™ program
  • 4 more perks
  • Rates, fees and other information are effective as of Mar 1, 2024. Subject to change.
  • Terms and Conditions Apply. Click ‘Apply Now’ for complete details.

Best for bonus cash-back and interest rate

TD Unlimited Chequing Account

TD Unlimited Chequing Account
  • Bonus Offer
    Up to $600
  • Monthly Fee
    $16.95
    Waived with minimum balance
  • Number of Transactions
    Unlimited
Our Take
  • The TD Unlimited Chequing Account is a convenient way to manage your daily expenditures, with unlimited transactions, free Interac e-transfers and a first-year annual fee rebate on select TD credit cards up to $139.
  • TD Bank, founded in 1955 is one of Canada’s Big Six banks offering bank accounts, credit cards, loans, and investment solutions. Read our review of TD Bank for more information.
Product Details
  • Earn $400 by opening a TD All-Inclusive Banking Plan or TD Unlimited Chequing Account by September 26, 2024 and complete two of following by November 30, 2024: 1. Set up a Recurring Direct Deposit. 2. Set up a Recurring Pre-Authorized Debit Payment. 3. Make an Online Bill Payment.
  • Get $200 by depositing $10,000 into the new eligible Savings Account within 30 days of account opening and maintain the balance for 150 days. Explore additional cash offers with the following deposit tiers. Earn: $50 for $2,500 deposit; $100 for $5,000 deposit; $200 for $10,000 deposit.
  • Monthly fee: $16.95. ($11.95 for customers 60 and older.) No fee if you have $4,000 in your account at the end of each day of the month.
  • Unlimited transactions included per month.
  • Free Interac e-transfer transactions.
  • Use your TD Access Card for online and in-person shopping, and cash withdrawals, wherever Visa is accepted.
  • Visa and Interac Zero Liability protection: no customer responsibility for any unauthorized transactions.
  • No additional fee for using non-TD ATMs in Canada. Other banks may charge their own fees.
  • Foreign ATM fees: $3 in U.S. and Mexico, $5 in any other foreign country.
  • Use TD MySpend to track monthly spending and improve spending habits.
  • Direct deposit for paycheques, mobile deposit for all other cheques.
  • Access to the Simply Save program, which automatically transfers small amounts of money to a linked TD savings account when using your TD Access Card.
  • CDIC protection for eligible deposits.

Best cash-back bonus and a modest interest rate

Simplii Financial™ No Fee Chequing Account

Simplii Financial™ No Fee Chequing Account
  • Bonus Offer
    $500
  • Monthly Fee
    $0
  • Number of Transactions
    Unlimited
Our Take
  • With no monthly fee, unlimited debit purchases and free access to more than 3,400 ATM machines across Canada, Simplii Financial’s No Fee Chequing Account is a low-cost way to handle your day-to-day banking.
  • Simplii Financial is an online bank owned by CIBC that offers savings and chequing accounts, credit cards, mortgages, loans, lines of credit, registered plans, GICs, and mutual fund accounts. Read our review of Simplii Financial for more information.
Product Details
  • Welcome offer: Earn $500† when you become a new client and open a No-fee Chequing Account by October 31st, 2024. Add an eligible direct deposit of at least $100 a month for 3 straight months. Offer ends October 31st, 2024.
  • No monthly fees.
  • No minimum balance.
  • Unlimited debit purchases, bill payments and withdrawals.
  • Free access to over 3,400 CIBC ATMs across Canada.
  • Shop online and in-store with the Simplii Financial Debit Mastercard, which can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted.
  • Direct payroll and pension deposit.
  • Optional overdraft protection for $4.95 a month.
  • Pre-authorized bill payments.
  • Account-to-account transfers, including automatic transfers.
  • Send personalized gift cards.
  • Earn $50 by referring a friend who opens a No Fee Chequing Account or other eligible account.
  • Interest rate: 0.01% on balances of $25,000 or less; 0.05% on balances greater than $25,000.
  • CDIC protection for eligible deposits.

Best for bonus cash-back and interest rate

Tangerine No-Fee Daily Chequing Account

Tangerine No-Fee Daily Chequing Account
  • Bonus Offer
    $250
  • Monthly Fee
    $0
  • Number of Transactions
    Unlimited
Our Take
  • Tangerine’s No-Fee Daily Chequing Account offers free access to 44,000 ABMs worldwide, overdraft protection, financial monitoring tools and a secure way to shop both online and in person.
  • Tangerine is a subsidiary of Scotiabank and offers chequing and savings accounts, GICS, registered accounts, credit cards, mortgages, loans and investment products. Read our review of Tangerine for more information.
Product Details
  • Switch your payroll deposits and you could get $250.
  • No monthly fee.
  • Interest rate: up to 0.1%.
  • Free online daily banking, including debit purchases, bill payments, pre-authorized payments, Interac e-Transfers and ABM transactions that use Scotiabank’s ABM network.
  • ABM withdrawals with other banks in Canada: $1.50.
  • ABM withdrawals on other networks worldwide: $3.00.
  • Free first cheque book (50 cheques). $50 for each additional cheque book.
  • Tangerine Client Card with Visa Debit can be used anywhere Visa is accepted, and can be added to Apply Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay.
  • Card is covered by Interac and Visa Debit Zero Liability protection, so you won’t have to pay for unauthorized purchases.
  • Access to tools and alerts that help monitor spending activity.
  • CDIC protection for all eligible deposits.

Best for bonus reward points

The PC Money™ Account

The PC Money™ Account
  • Bonus Offer
    Up to 125,000 Points ($400 value)
  • Monthly Fee
    $0
  • Number of Transactions
    Unlimited
Our Take
  • The PC Money Account from President’s Choice Financial is not just another no-fee chequing account. It’s a rewards program, too. Every time you spend money using your PC Money Account card, you’ll earn PC Optimum points that can be put toward future purchases.
  • President’s Choice Financial is part of Loblaw Companies Limited with millions of account holders across Canada that save bank fees and earn rewards through the PC Optimum points system.
Product Details
  • Enjoy up to 125,000 points in welcome offers when you open a no monthly fee PC Money™ Account. Here’s how: (1) Earn 75,000 points when you set up a minimum of $1,500 in payroll or pension direct deposit for 3 consecutive months, starting within 60 days of opening your account. (2) Earn 50,000 points: That’s 10,000 points for each of your first 5 bill payments of $50+ within 60 days of opening your account.
  • Earn 10 PC Optimum points (five regular, five bonus) for every dollar spent.
  • Earn up to 25 PC Optimum points per dollar spent at Shoppers Drug Mart.
  • Earn up to 5,000 points per month when making bill payments with your account.
  • No monthly fee.
  • No minimum balance required.
  • Free unlimited everyday transactions online and in-store, including electronic fund transfers, withdrawals at PC Financial bank machines, self-serve bill payments and purchases in Canadian dollars.
  • Free Interac e-Transfer® services.
  • The PC Money Account card, provided by Mastercard, is compatible with Apple Pay and Google Pay digital wallets and can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted.
  • PC Financial provides Mastercard Zero Liability Promise for unauthorized purchases.
  • Free access to PC Financial ATMs.
  • CDIC protection on eligible deposits worth up to $100,000.
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Ad Icon

Simplii Financial™ No Fee Chequing Account with Student Banking Offer

Join Simplii Financial™ and earn $500 when you open a No Fee Chequing Account and set up an eligible direct deposit of at least $100 a month for 3 straight months. Offer expires October 31, 2024. Terms and Conditions Apply.

Methodology to identify the best new bank account offers

NerdWallet Canada selects the best chequing account offers and promotions based on the overall value of the bank promotions. In addition, our evaluation methodology considers the value of the bank and account features, such as monthly fees, minimum balances, and included services. The accounts considered for this list are available to Canadians in more than one province.

    Summary of the best new bank account offers in Canada

    AccountIntro Offer
    Best for cash bonus on banking package
    BMO Performance Chequing AccountUp to $600*
    Best for cash-back and tiered monthly fee
    CIBC CIBC Smart™ Account$400
    Best reward and a multi-product rebate
    RBC Signature No Limit Banking$450
    Best for cash bonus
    Scotiabank Preferred PackageUp to $600*
    Best for bonus cash-back and interest rate
    TD Unlimited Chequing AccountUp to $600
    Best cash-back bonus and a modest interest rate
    Simplii Financial™ No Fee Chequing Account$500
    Best for bonus cash-back and interest rate
    Tangerine No-Fee Daily Chequing Account$250
    Best for bonus reward points
    The PC Money™ AccountUp to 125,000 Points ($400 value)

    *Offer value explained on bank account card above. 

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    Why choose a chequing account with an introductory offer?

    By SHANNON TERRELL

    If you plan to open a chequing account, it pays to pick one with a competitive intro offer — literally. You could receive cash, free merchandise, promotional rates on other banking products or the chance to waive off credit card fees. Just be mindful of the offer’s terms and conditions. You may need to perform an account activity or transaction to receive the offer.

    Who should consider a chequing account with an introductory offer?

    Anyone interested in opening a chequing account should consider an account with an intro offer. Promotions vary by provider, but many offer attractive cash bonuses.

    How to qualify for a chequing account’s intro offers

    Some offers are available as soon as you open an account. Other offers require customers to complete qualifying activities or transactions to receive the offer. You may need to:

    How to find the best chequing account offer for you

    The ideal chequing account offer depends on your lifestyle. Some accounts have cash bonuses, while others offer gift cards or merchandise. A chequing account that comes with a gift card to a store you don’t visit won’t be as practical as an account that offers cash.

    You also want to take note of any qualifying activities or transactions. Since you must fulfil these criteria to ensure you are eligible for the promotional offer, make sure the steps you need to take to earn the offer are worth your time and money. If you don’t use preauthorized debit payments, for example, there’s no sense in setting them up just to receive a gift card.

    Considerations for chequing account offers

    An enticing bank account offer is worth considering but shouldn’t make or break your account selection. A lucrative cash promotion won’t make up for an account with steep fees or limited ATM access.

    Does the account you’re interested in have features suited to your financial goals and spending habits? Your chequing account should be a practical fit long after the excitement of the welcome bonus has faded.

    Nerdy Tip: Read the fine print. To make sure the account you’re considering is right for you, take a long, hard look at the fine print. Read the terms and conditions of the account and scout for ongoing fees, penalties and restrictions. No account is without its drawbacks, but your chosen account should fit your lifestyle.

    Other new bank account promotions from the Big 6 Banks

    Bank of Montreal (BMO)

    Chequing accounts:

    • BMO Performance and Premium Chequing Accounts: Earn up to $600 with a new Savings Amplifier Account
    • BMO Plus Chequing Account: Earn $100
    • BMO Student Chequing Account: Earn $100 and get six months of Domino’s pizza (worth $95)
    • BMO Banking for International Students: Get up to 12 months of Domino’s pizza (worth $190)
    • BMO NewStart Program for newcomers: Earn up to $600 and a $100 Walmart Canada eGift card

    Savings accounts:

    • BMO Savings Builder Account: Earn up to 2.20%
    • BMO Savings Amplifier Account: Earn up to 5.50% with a new BMO Student Chequing Account, NewStart Program for newcomers, Performance, Premium and AIR MILES Plan 
      Earn $200 with a new Performance or Premium Plan
    Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC)

    Chequing accounts:

    • CIBC Smart Account and Smart Account for Newcomers: Earn up to $600 with a CIBC eAdvantage Savings Account and get 6 months of Disney+
    • CIBC Smart Plus Account: Earn up to $600 with a CIBC eAdvantage Savings Account and get 12 months of Disney+
    • CIBC Smart for Students and Smart for International students: Earn $100 and get 6 months of Disney+

    Savings accounts:

    • CIBC eAdvantage Savings Account: Earn up to 5.25% with CIBC Smart Account, CIBC Smart Plus Account and CIBC Smart for Students
      Earn $200 with CIBC Smart Account and CIBC Smart Plus Account
    Royal Bank of Canada (RBC)

    Chequing accounts:

    • RBC VIP Banking and Signature No Limit Banking: Get an Apple iPad
    • RBC Advantage Banking for students: Earn $100

    Savings accounts:

    Scotiabank

    Chequing accounts:

    • Scotiabank Ultimate and Preferred Packages: Earn $600
    • Scotiabank Preferred Package with the StartRight Program offer for newcomers: Earn $350
    • Scotiabank Student Banking Advantage Plan: Earn $100 and 7,500 Scene+ points (up to $75 value)
    • Scotiabank Student Banking Advantage Plan for domestic and international students: Earn $100 and 7,500 Scene+ points (up to $75 value)

    Savings accounts:

    • Scotiabank MomentumPLUS Savings Account: Earn up to 6.00%
      Earn 1,250 Scene+ points ($12.50 value) with the Scene+ Student Banking Bundle for domestic and international students
    TD Bank

    Chequing accounts:

    • TD Unlimited Chequing Account and All-Inclusive Banking Plan: Earn $600 with TD ePremium or Every Day Savings Accounts
    • TD New to Canada Banking Package with the Unlimited Chequing Account: Earn $600 with TD ePremium or Every Day Savings Accounts
    • TD Student Chequing Account and TD International Student Banking Package: Earn $125

    Savings accounts:

    • TD ePremium and Every Day Savings Accounts: Earn $200 with TD Unlimited Chequing Account and All-Inclusive Banking Plan
    • TD Every Day Savings Account: Earn 1.00% bonus interest rate with TD New to Canada and International Student Banking Packages
    National Bank of Canada

    Chequing accounts:

    • The Connected® package: Earn $300 if you are between 14-24 years of age

    Chequing account alternatives to consider

    If you’re concerned with bank fees, a no-fee account without a promotional offer may be well worth your consideration. And you don’t need to limit yourself to chequing accounts — a credit card may be a more lucrative option for someone seeking rewards.

    The best choice for you depends on your financial situation, but here are a few alternative options to explore:

    Product TypeProsCons
    Credit cards with rewardsEarns rewards.

    Some cards offer insurance coverage.
    Annual fees are common.

    High interest rates on borrowed funds.
    Hybrid bank accountsCan be used as a savings and chequing account.

    Competitive interest rates.

    Notable hybrid accounts:
    -EQ Bank's Savings Plus Account
    -Wealthsimple Cash account
    -Neo Everyday account.
    Limited availability in Canada, and typically only offered by online banks.

    Frequent ATM use could result in many added charges.
    No fee chequing accountsNo monthly fees.

    Unlimited transactions are common.
    Rarely offers access to branch banking.

    Low to no interest.

    FAQs for new bank account offers

    Where can I find new bank account offers?

    Many banks have promotions for customers opening a new chequing or savings account. Most banks advertise new bank account offers on their websites and in physical branches. See our picks for noteworthy chequing account offers and promotions in Canada.

    Which chequing account offers the best promotion in Canada?

    The best chequing account offer for you depends on your preferences and banking needs. Figuring out how and where you’d use the offer value and whether you’d be able to complete the qualifying transactions to receive the offer, can help you find the ideal account with the best promotion. 

    Which bank gives you money to open a new account?

    Many Big Six banks, such as BMO, CIBC, Scotiabank and TD Bank, offer cash bonuses when you open a new chequing account and complete the qualifying actions. Our picks for best new bank account offers also include online banks, such as Tangerine and Simplii Financial, that have attractive cash-back promotions.

    DIVE EVEN DEEPER

    EQ Bank vs. Tangerine: Features and Differences

    EQ Bank vs. Tangerine: Features and Differences

    One of the main differences between EQ Bank and Tangerine is how the two online banks handle fees for using ATMs.

    Can’t Open a Bank Account? Here’s What to Do

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    If you can’t (or don’t want to) open a bank account in Canada, managing your finances is tricker and more expensive. Here are the options to be aware of.

    Tax-Free Savings Account: What a TFSA Is and How To Use It

    Tax-Free Savings Account: What a TFSA Is and How To Use It

    A tax-free savings account (TFSA) can be used to tax-shelter your investment and the interest earned inside this account. You can contribute up to $7,000 in 2024.

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