anyone accessed their PC account(s) in Quebec?

[mada726]

I was thinking about this a few months ago, but I just want to make a point. I should have kept this personal, but I want to share it to you guys.

I was wondering if anyone has accessed their President's Choice No fee bank account in the province of Quebec (and Yes, the no fee banking account and the Interest Plus/Interest First savings account is not offered there)?

For me, when I was in Montreal back in July, I was able to access to access my no fee account at a CIBC bank machine - all with no fees, even in Quebec. I wonder what experience you had encountered when you were in Quebec and you had tried accessing your account at either a CIBC bank machine and what was the outcome.

Anyways, there's one word of caution that I want to point you out, guys - especially if you are using your PC debit card at either a Loblaws, Maxi or Provigo store in Quebec (I haven't tried that out myself as of yet...). Most stores with these banners will treat your PC debit card as if it was a debit card, but you will not earn PC points as a result (only with the PC MasterCard, you can earn).

If in any doubt that the person who is working at a checkout at one of these grocery stores in Quebec ultimately refuses your PC debit card, then just in case: Carry cash, use a debit card from your other bank or another credit card. DO NOT (under any circumstances) cause a situation that will disturb other shoppers (unless you curse in English and/or French)....If in doubt, try and speak to the manager of the store to get things sorted out. If by any reason, that you cannot settle with a claim, then by all means, either:

- File a complaint to the BBB (Better Business Bureau)
- Contact President's Choice Financial immediately after the incident
- Contact the ombudsman (I don't know who for this particular topic).


Anyways, these words will help make sure that your experience will go smoothly as planned. If anyone wants to discuss about this, then please feel free.

[HoTiCE_]

The No-fee account is theoretically offered in QC. The hiccup is that due to federal regulations (anti money laundering legislation), you MUST open it in a physical branch.

Provincial regulations on the other hand make it impossible for them to have a physical branch in QC so far. I'm not 100% sure on what specifics but I'd bet its because PC cannot at this day guarantee french documentation and personnel in their call centers.

We can, however, go to the closest one, in Ontario and open an account and it will be accessible online and at all CIBC branches in QC as any other location nationwide

[Thanh]

The No-fee account is theoretically offered in QC. The hiccup is that due to federal regulations (anti money laundering legislation), you MUST open it in a physical branch.

No it's not. PCF services (excluding the CC) aren't available to Quebec residents due to the lack of bilinguism. To be able to operate in Quebec, they would have to offer their services in french. It doesn't mean that you can't go to Cornwall and open up accounts. I've been using them since 2004 without any problem and I always laugh when I hear colleagues, family or friends complaining about banking fees !

And to the OP, yes all standard operations work through CIBC's ATM even in Quebec.

[Dare8]

Hi.
I live in QC and I would like to open a President's Choice no fees account. If I travel to ON to open the account, won't they require an Ontario address? If not, where can I go in Ottawa or Cornwall to open the account?

Thanks

[markj]

i drove to cornwall (about 1 hr from montreal) and opened a savings account so its definately possible...

interesting to hear they wont give you pc points if you pay by debt...i can confirm using the pc mc will give you pc points in quebec...

[Thanh]

Hi.
I live in QC and I would like to open a President's Choice no fees account. If I travel to ON to open the account, won't they require an Ontario address? If not, where can I go in Ottawa or Cornwall to open the account?
Thanks

Go to Cornwall and open all the accounts you need. I would suggest scheduling an appointment with Helen. She's nice and she knows what she's doing so it only takes her 10min to open accounts.

And no, you don't need an ON address. The only limit is that they won't let you open Mutual funds and/or RSP's accounts since they simply don't produce Quebec-specifics tax forms.

[Dare8]

Thanks for the replys. I will go to Cornwall to open the account. A search of the pcfinacial website indicates that I should go to a pavillion at "Your Independent Grocer" on 23 9th Street. Can anyone confirm this is the place to go?

Thanks

[webworm]

Yes that is the correct location for the YIG in Cornwall. You will eran the PC Points in Quebec.

[mada726]

Sorry if this just got bumped, but I have a strong "hunch" I want to tell you guys.

What if a retailer (other than Loblaws' corporate stores in Quebec) refuses to accept my President's Choice debit card even though they recognize it as an debit card? Who should I contact? I have this got in mind the other day and although this is highly unlikely, It would be my moment of shame that would be traumatized for the rest of my life. I have made a posting on my blog (do a search on President's Choice and you'll get the result) though.

[simms]

Why would you bump a 6 month old thread to ask such a dumb question? Why would you be traumatized?? It's a debit card with the Interac symbol. It will be accepted. End of story.

[brunes]

I think all you guys should go to http://www.pcfinancial.ca/ and click on the big "now Serving Quebec" banner at the top right....

[mr_raider]

I think all you guys should go to http://www.pcfinancial.ca/ and click on the big "now Serving Quebec" banner at the top right....

Only CC services from what I see.

[brunes]

Only CC services from what I see.

Still, this thread is silly. The idea that a retailer in Quebec would refuse PCF debit cards at Interac simply because you can't open the account in Quebec is preposterous. What about people traveling? What about Americans, do their Visa cards get refused too?