National Bank of Canada Reviews 

So. I gave 3/5 stars because already I am having concerns about this bank. I am 45 yrs old. This is my first credit card with them. I saw a promotion on creditcard genius site and thought I would give it a try. Here are my concerns in no particular order (thus far. After dealing with the 4..? Major canadian banks for *years*. TD, RBC, Scotia and BMO). Sorry HSBC.. also not in the top 4 in my opinion. I got the national bank world elite credit card. It said the fees were waived for the first year and credit card genius is supposed to give $100 for taking it. That was enough for me to give'er a try. Ok, so, 1. They sent me a letter saying I had to show another piece of I.D AFTER saying I was approved. When I went into the branch of which they are few and far between the staff said online in the application they only take one piece of I.D in the online application but they need 2. Ok. No biggie. But why doesn't it just ask for 2 online and make me show I.d to pick up the card like royal bank has done if you want to check me out in person? It struck me very odd that they said *I* would then have to call them afterwards to say I did this. The branch doesnt notify them? That seems like the Bank's task after I show up and give the branch my I.D. Apparently they added it into the computer but I had to call to tell them this. It seems all very unprofessional to me. 2. When I got this letter it said there is a national bank locator website and it gave the web address for this. I went there and it showed all national bank offices from the brokerage side of things to head offices I would assume (I only looked in london where I am) and branches. It said the closest national bank to me was in the TD tower downtown which turned out to be an investment office and she directed me to a Branch in Masonville. They should probably tell the customer to only look at those national bank locations that are branches. That seems pretty self explainitory however I didn't know if there was a branch in that building and i'm not sure the website differentiated between investment offices and branches. Ok and 3. The first year no annual fee. They charge it and you have to pay it then they refund months later. Apparently. I was just told on the phone now that it is charged but then on your 4th statement it is refunded. That isn't how it reads online nor is it showing up as first year free anymore on their website. I should have screen shot it because I don't trust anyone especially banks :) but the lady on the phone just now said it would show up on the 4th statement. Here is to hoping I don't have to contact the ombudsman. Anyway. It reads online or did before they cancelled their signup bonus July 1, 2023 that "your annual fee will be charged and then refunded no later than the 4th bill statement". To me this reads that they will do both on the same day like TD does with my 29.95 chequing acct fee and many other credit cards do with their fees (that are first year free) to avoid people making the call I just did to national. Anyway prince of travel website helped me figure out what is going on a bit. It seems the promotions for sign up bonus ended June 30 and I write this today July 17 previously wondering why the heck I can't find first year waived now and thinking I should have screenshot everything when signing up getting nervous I read the sign up bonus wrong. The lady on the phone said it would be refunded my 4th month. All good. I can lose 150 for 3 months. Very stupid and unorthodox way of doing it but whatever. A side topic..I read a week or two ago that this card (world elite) gives $150 in travel credit per year. I suppose that was just added in leiu of the annual fee rebate of the same amt? I hadn't seen that before. Wonder if I can still snag it late this year if I was also reimbursed for my annual fee. It also says *per calendar year*. Perhaps I can snag it in the fall and again in the spring. Travel expenses are airport parking..LOUNGES :) etc. Anyway. Odd way to run a bank but we shall see what happens. It seems very unorganized is all. Like it just opened or something and no one knows what is going on but I think it has been around a while.... idk.. My first time to this rodeo. The reviews here don't look good but then.. I can't imagine any bank really getting great reviews. They are banks not restaurants.

Been calling this bank (Brittania branch) several times trying to speak to a bank advisor regarding my TFSA and RRSP accounts; left phone messages, not once did I get a call back. The previous bank advisors I have been assigned to have left the bank, no choice but wait until i get my money out.

They called me freaking out like school children saying, “we received a call saying you’re moving your mortgage to another bank”. When in fact I had said, “I’m paying off my mortgage”. Then they immediately turned and said, “oh perhaps we can help with with some investments”. And I replied, after seeing your attitude and history toward me, for my investments I will be going to another financial institution. When I’ve needed them in the past they made everything difficult for me. Now that I came into loads of cash and can pay my mortgage and have money to invest they’re sucking up to me. I don’t recommend National Bank for those with a lot of money or those just starting out. In fact, they should be ashamed of their representation and customer service and I will never use their bank again for anything.

I have booked multiple appointments in the last 24 hrs because I had questions regarding the FHSA account and they have all been cancelled because it's IMPOSSIBLE to book a freaking appointment with someone in Quebec. Great customer service. Bravo!

Awful customer service. Long wait to get through on phone, employees who cannot provide basic information. Even a simple question such as "What is the amortization period of my mortgage?" cannot be answered. "The bank does not have this information, go to the branch".

The customer service at the National Bank of Canada has been subpar. Whenever I have reached out with inquiries or concerns, I have often been met with long wait times and unhelpful responses. It has been frustrating to have to deal with unresponsive representatives who seem uninterested in addressing my concerns.

I am an old customer of National Bank of Canada. For me, the staff are very friendly and familiar. They are always initiative to help, guide and providing right advice to their clients. I am very comfortable to deal with them. Last week I requested Mr. Rajat Bhola, the finance advisor to get some back dated statements and he provided in a short period of time with smiling face. Also, help me to invest some amount in the right product for getting better investment. He is such a humble, hardworking and well informed source in the bank. I am fully satisfied with his quick service. Other Bank family members are really helpful and warm welcome to the clients. For them all clients are respectful.
Again, Thanks a lot and best wishes for the bright future of National bank and his hardworking staff.
Gautam Panchal

I find the staff of the branch National Bank Canada (NBC) located on 780 Baseline Ottawa Ontario incompetent, unprofessional and unaware of the fundamental rights of clients. I had earlier deposited a significant amount of money through another financial institution in this branch in early November 2022. At the time I was told of a hold of ten business days on funds to which I agreed. After FOUR MONTHS, late February 2023 I wrote a check to settle a transaction at another financial institution and NBC did not honour my check. I visited the branch immediately to inquire about the reason. I was told that the manager had put a hold of SIX MONTHS (!) of which I was never informed. Such inappropriate act of the staff not only shocked me it infuriated me as well. I left the bank and called the head office later in the evening. I got my money back eventually, but the damage of a bounced check had already been done. Mental stress, Terrible pressure and Harassment at the hands of the bank staff were additional damages. I filed a complaint asking for redress; the response was negative, uncivilized and uncourteous. I rejected the staff. When I contacted the manager, Mr. Brian Ballinger, his response was indifferent to my concerns. I closed my account at NBC branch and would never advise any friend or relative to do business with it. NBC may take a notice of it for disciplinary action against the staff violators of NBC guidelines and discriminatory behaviour I experienced at their discretion.

Debit card never worked.
for 2 months tried various options like requesting new PIN etc.
they said it will take 15 business days to send PIn by mail inside canada.( never had this type of service from any of the canadian banks so far)
Then today called to request new debit card as current one is defective, the guy on the phone took a sweet 40 minutes to put me on hold and check everything from his end and all this after security verufication etc and finally put me on a one lat hold to come back and said due to security reasons they cannot mail a new debit card ( so why did he ask me all the security questions) and suggested me to go to a branch with 2 pieces of ID and i told him i dont need any debit but they are living in medival time and not 2023 where every other bank has absolutely no security issues in sending a debit card to client home address..what a pathetic state of this bank

I am writing a few words to appreciate the wonderful services I received recently from Mary Grace, Customer Service Manager at the National Bank of Canada's Baseline Branch in Ottawa. My experience was phenomenal. All my questions were resolved and procedures were handled in the most professional manner.
She is an excellent client-focused manager as she knows how to keep things in perspective. I appreciate her outstanding work and attention to detail in resolving my issues.
Keep up your excellent performance, Mary...and the clients really need you!

Terrible customer service. Was told I was investing in GIC and funds ended up in mutual funds. Huge loss and no remedy to my complaint.
Beware!!

This bank is a complete joke. I just opened an account online and recieved an email stating that I can deposit checks etc and have $100 released while they hold the rest. Pretty typical. There's no branch here so the closest machine is done via a local credit union. I go there and deposit $100 CASH as I needed to etransfer some rent oweing. We'll get home to etransfer and my entire account is locked and gives me a 1800 number to call. It's closed I wait up until it opens eastern time as I'm in BC. The customer service was deplorable I get transfered around for over an hr then they tell me that I deposited in the wrong machine. How is this possible it's the address on the website. Then the next person says they have to verify the check. They will not listen that it is cash not a check and transfer me again to the next person. Now I'm told a other story about how it's a new acct blah blah despite being told my funds release $100. I request a manager and am told there is no manager and hung up on. I have called over 50 times and have been refused a manager and nobody seems to know any customer service. As it is now ,6pm and have been dealing with this for 12 hours I'm a little more than angry at this point. During sign up they wanted to to transfer my buisness funds and all my personal funds over to their bank. Good thing I didn't because getting my $100 is an issue imagine a couple thousand in their hands. I have never been refused a manager in my life anywhere if asked for one how do u not have a manager for National Bank. I am not 100 percent locked out of my online account and have been hung up on by 9 agents throughout the day. Now I'm being told to call another number at 7 am est because they are closed now. Not sure where to go now as I'm beyond irrate Do not don buisness with this bank save yourself time and anger. Not to mention paying $28 a month in fees figured it would be a good bank haha

If I could give 0 star. This is not your regular bank. I had my brokerage account opened 3 months ago and gave them void check from my TD bank and they could not link accounts. I again mailed them $25 check about a month ago which was deposited into my account but it will take 10 more days of verification before it will be linked. I missed my RRSP deadline and will have big tax implication. Stay away from National Bank.

I could be your mirror...
Never recommended... NEVER!!!!.

Client of National Bank of Canada. rom Québec City.
lotengo01agmail.com

I have a checking account at NBC for 16 months, at the beginning, October 2021, on my searching in two branches of the same bank, the agents gave me the same current offer at the time, under some conditions of course, among the benefits I'll touch two:
1. No fees for three years.
2. Return of 300.00 on the same account, under conditions.

Conditions I was respected.

After 8 months I visited the second branch and the answer was, "you should to demand on the branch your account was opened", after appointment, "we'll verify your account", after the year, fee charged, why?, very simple, "for your second year, you must comply some conditions...", Ok, how about my 300.00?, "we'll verify again", ok, how many times?. By email twice, "everything is ok, you'll receive your 300.00 soon".

Finally, after more than half a year of checking and checking once again, the final answer, "you are not able to receive the 300.00, because at the moment of your opening the offer had expired and the agent was wrong once and once again".

In my opinion Banks must respect clients, this Bank is not serious, I feel I was cheated, deceived.

Never I'll recommend National Bank Canada.

Terrible service, terrible bank! About a month ago I called and asked to send me last statement for my car loan, I didn't receive yet. I called them last week and waited on the line 4 hours and just hang up! Now calling them again and waiting about an hour and the automatic service says, "Why are you waiting here go online on Facebook they can help.
I sent a message on Facebook, and Kyla said that she can't help for security reasons, and I know all my information so that I can verify it !
Why does customer service online exist if they can't provide any online services??? see screenshot 4 hours waiting!!!
Never never never will be their customer again or use their services!

I really don't know why I still bank with them. Absurd hours, who can bank before 3pm or 4pm? Additionally, there is no or rarely any weekend hours. If that wasn't bad enough their cards barely work. Doing my third card change in 6 months. I hate that company so much. Thankfully, I already opened my new account with TD. Good riddance.

this is the most awful bank that you can have an account in, as customer service does not exist! there were times that I spent more than 2 hours waiting and no body picked up the line!

If you value your time/ sanity, do not open an account with NBC.

- Opened an account online. Received a message saying debit card would be sent in the mail.
- One week later, still no card. Received PIN in the mail.
- Called customer service, waited in hold for 22 minutes, line disconnected before i could speak to anyone
- Called this branch, they didnt pick up
- Contacted customer service via Facebook messenger. They advised that if I needed a debit card right away I should attend the branch
- Drove to branch, showed them confirmation email as well as conversation with customer service. branch refused to issue card. Teller went to ask manager, manager advised that if you open an account online you cant get a card from the branch until after 90 days and one direct deposit goes through your account.
- The branch doesnt know why customer service advised that I should attend the branch. Customer service doesnt know why the branch wouldnt give me a card:
- Told teller to close account. Gave up.

Wasted my time and gas driving to Mississauga (closest branch). Google will show an NBC in Oakville, but its not an actual branch, just Wealth Management. Be aware that there are very few convenient branch locations.

Not sure what kind of bank makes you wait 10 days to two weeks for a debit card. Its 2022. Not sure what kind of bank has online customer service and branch customer service that dont communicate with each other?

Ive opened accounts online at normal banks before and received my card in two business days at the most.

Confirmation email implies you receive your account information after signing up online (you don’t). If you need to switch a PAD to your new account, you wont be able to do so until you receive your card (up to two weeks apparently).

There is a reason why most people choose to bank with the Big 5. Please listen to the reviews you find online about this bank and stay away.

I've had a credit card with them for about 5 years with minimal issues. I recently decided to consolidate all of my financial accounts to one bank and, based on my credit card experiences, figured I would go here. I filled out the online application and got an email saying they would be in touch within a few days. 2 weeks later I decided to call and follow up as I hadn't heard anything (I know, that should have been the first and only clue). After about an hour and a half of holds and transfers I get an in-branch agent who tells me that I need to make an appointment with a branch that is a 2-hour round trip from me. Apparently, even though they have every piece of financial info that they need to make a decision, my ability to produce a drivers license and sign my name is the make or break factor. When I asked if they could review the financials and tell me if it was a go before I took a day off work and drove 5 cities over so as not to waste my time if I was declined on info they already have on hand, I was told NO!!!! I had to come in and show a drivers license or passport before they could make a decision. Not tax records verifying income. Not a paystub to show employment. Not utility/ rent receipts to prove Canadian address. One piece of government issued photo ID and a signature. Then she tells me....this part is just funny...that after opening an account, a debit card will likely not be issued to the account until several direct deposits from primary income source are received by them and that it typically takes 3 MONTHS of account observation before a decision to issue one can/will be made. Yes, you read that right, 3 MONTHS FOR A DEBIT CARD ON A NEW ACCOUNT!!!! And better yet, if I decided that I needed cash badly enough to take another day off work and make another hour each way drive, my in-branch withdrawl limits would be capped as a new customer for "account security". Even though all funds in the account would have been from direct deposit sources made by either a large company or government deposits. When I pointed out that my credit rating is excellent and they have already issued me a credit card with a limit several times my monthly salary I was told too bad, so sad...just in more professional and condescending phrasing. How do they possibly bring in new clients????

As a side note..I found a different bank to transfer everything to. Even though I started the process at 11pm, I had new checking & savings accounts and a new credit card in under 40 minutes from a bank whom I've never worked with before. ​Completely, done online, at home, in my pajamas

I have an auto loan with NBC and the bank doesn't have an option to accelerated repay without opening a chequing account(of course with a monthly fee). Tried to open a chequing account online and the bank hasn't responded even after multiple online applications. Looks like the Bank is restricting the customers from repaying the loan to collect interest.