New to Canada from Ukraine
Ukrainian-speaking staff
Our trained Ukrainian-speaking staff, available both in our branches and through our Contact Centre, are ready to help you open bank account for Ukrainian refugees. For in-person assistance, please call your nearest UCU Branch to schedule an appointment with a Ukrainian-speaking member services representative.
Assistance to newly arriving Ukrainians
UCU offers financial literacy support to Ukrainians moving to Canada, including families and small business owners. We provide resources that help build a strong financial foundation through webinars and seminars that explain banking, investing, financial planning, borrowing, starting businesses, and the Canadian tax system.
Waived fees
To assist newly arrived Ukrainians in Canada in establishing a financial foundation, UCU waives regular banking fees for essential financial products and services for three years. Additionally, fees for transferring money to family or friends in Ukraine or neighboring countries are also waived.
Special Offerings with:
Welcome Ukraine Package
The Package is for adults (older than 18) and includes:
Bank Accounts
No-fee chequing account, no-fee savings account, $150 membership fee deposited in 3 yearly installments of $50 for active accounts
Learn MoreEnhanced Debit Card
No-fee Debit Card, $1,000 daily ATM withdrawal limit, $1,500 daily in-store purchase limit
Learn MoreCredit Cards
UCU Limited’s Collabria Mastercard® offering provides our members with a range of credit cards both for personal use and for business
Learn MoreLoans
Personal loans, car loans, education loans, immigration expense loans, mortgages, business loans
Learn MoreDigital Banking
Open an account online from outside of Canada using UCU Digital banking services. Connect with support via video or telephone
Learn MoreInternational Transfers
Fees are waived when sending money by international wire to family or friends in Ukraine or in neighboring countries
Learn MoreWelcome Ukraine Webinar Series
UCU, founded by Ukrainians for Ukrainians
Make payments from
UCU Mobile Banking app
Discover the UCU Mobile Banking app that gives you real-time access to your accounts wherever you happen to be
Learn MoreUCU Online Banking
Manage your finances online quickly, and securely 24/7 from your PC or Mac at home, work, or on the road
Learn MoreBranch
We have 16 locations throughout Ontario and you can schedule an appointment with a Ukrainian–speaking member services representative
Learn MoreWelcome Ukraine:
FAQs
All about opening a bank account for Ukrainians
You can open your account online (using your mobile phone or a computer) or in person by visiting any Ukrainian Credit Union branch. You can also open an account online if you are currently located in Ukraine.
Yes, you can also open an account with UCU online if you are currently not located in Canada.
Click on ‘Open an Account‘.
The first question asks: Are you a Resident or Citizen of Canada? Answer by clicking ‘No’
Welcome – This page will determine your eligibility to apply online. Click yes if you are 18 years of age or older to proceed
Personal – Enter your email address, country code and mobile phone number
Accounts – Select an account(s) and answer yes if you would like a debit card and credit card
Verification – To populate your information, use your mobile phone to take a photo of your Ukrainian photo ID and yourself.
Types of identifications accepted:
Ukrainian Driving Licence
Ukrainian ePassport
Ukrainian Passport
Proceed with the rest of the application
If you have any questions and want to speak to one of our representatives, please call the UCU Contact Centre:
From Ukraine: +380 89 324 0486
From Poland: +48 22 397 16 11
To open a bank account, you will need valid legal documents confirming your identity such as a passport, driver’s license and, if you have already been required to obtain one in Canada, your Social Insurance Number (SIN).
Since March 2022, the Ukrainian Credit Union has been offering a special package tailored for newly arriving Ukrainians displaced because of the war. This package includes no-fee accounts for three years, along with debit and credit cards, virtual accounts, and more.
Any valid government photo I.D. such as a passport or driver’s license.
Yes, the Ukrainian Credit Union offers a Ukrainian language support service. All UCU ATMs located at our branches are bilingual. Additionally, our website, Contact Centre, and branch staff speak multiple languages, including English and Ukrainian.
The best way to begin establishing your credit history in Canada is by obtaining and using a credit card, loan, or any type of credit account, such as a mobile phone plan or home internet service. UCU Welcome Ukraine package offers a choice of seven personal credit cards.
To apply for a credit card with UCU you need to be a member of UCU, in good standing and have a household income over $20,000. You can also obtain a credit card guaranteed with a deposit you place on a UCU account.
Yes, UCU offers a debit card and an Enhanced Debit Card that works on the Mastercard system and allows you to use the card for online transactions.
Newcomers can open various deposit accounts beyond savings and chequing including a GIC, RRSP, TFSA, FHSA, RRIF, and RESP.
Those wishing to invest instead in stocks, bonds, and mutual funds market can do so through the UCU Wealth Strategies Group.
Knowledgeable English and Ukrainian-speaking UCU staff is available to help when needed.
To obtain a loan you need to have good credit history and a steady income. UCU has a specialized loan program for newcomers from Ukraine who do not have a Canadian credit history. For personalized service, make an appointment with one of our knowledgeable Ukrainian-speaking specialists who will help you with your specific needs.
To send a wire transfer from Canada to Ukraine, visit your local UCU branch and bring the following information:
- Beneficiary/recipient’s name and full address
- Account number
- Bank name and full address
- Institution number
- Swift Code / BIC / IBAN code (optional)
- Routing Number (domestic)
At present, the Ukrainian Government has imposed restrictions on outbound transfers from Ukraine. Once these restrictions are lifted, you will have the ability to transfer your funds from your Ukrainian financial institution to UCU. Upon opening an account with us online, our Contact Centre representative will provide you with all the essential details regarding how to initiate the transfer of your funds from your financial institution in Ukraine to your UCU account.
Enhanced Debit Card
In addition to the debit card features:
- Withdraw cash surcharge-free at UCU and Exchange Network ATMs
- Deposit cash or cheques, change PIN and review account balances at UCU and Exchange Network ATMs
- Make in-store purchases with the contactless tap-and-pay feature
With the UCU Enhanced Debit Card, you can also:
- Make secure online purchases on retailer websites or apps wherever Debit Mastercard is accepted
- Make recurring payments for utility or subscription services wherever Debit Mastercard is accepted
- Withdraw cash at international ATMs on the Mastercard Network
