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Tangerine US Dollar Account Review 2024

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Tangerine’s US Dollar Savings Account can be used to hold and grow your US dollar funds pending when you need them.

Like the other savings and chequing products this bank offers, you do not pay monthly account fees, and there are no minimums to watch out for.

While the savings interest rate you earn is only 0.10%, it beats what some big banks offer as of this writing.

This Tangerine US Dollar Account review covers its benefits, pros, cons, and alternatives.

TL;DR: Tangerine’s US Dollar Savings personal account pays a regular 0.1% interest. While this rate is higher than some big bank USD accounts, you can earn significantly more with the recently introduced EQ Bank US Dollar Account.

Tangerine US Dollar Savings Account

You can open a personal or business USD account at Tangerine and earn a “decent” rate on your money.

Features of the personal USD account include:

  • No minimum account balance
  • No monthly account fee
  • An interest rate of 0.10%
  • Easy access to USD GICs
  • Eligible for CDIC protection

If you are planning on opening a Business Tangerine US Dollar Savings Account, there are a few extra steps you need to take.

You must have a USD business chequing account at another financial institution to easily transfer funds between this account and the one you open with Tangerine. You are also required to first open a Tangerine Business CAD Savings Account.

The business USD account offers a higher interest rate.

Pros and Cons of Tangerine USD Savings Account

Pros

When you open your first savings account, you earn a promotional rate for five months, after which the rate becomes 0.10%.

There is no minimum monthly balance required to keep the account fee-free, and you can transfer USD between your linked bank accounts free of charge.

If you do not plan on using your USD funds anytime soon, you can also open a Tangerine USD GIC account if the rates are better.

When the GIC matures, it is paid back into your USD savings account.

Cons

The regular 0.10% is significantly lower than what you earn from Tangerine’s online bank competitors like EQ Bank, ICICI, and Canadian Western Bank.

It took me over three months to open a Tangerine USD business account. The paperwork required was not straightforward, and responses from the bank were particularly slow.

Lastly, you cannot make bill payments or send Interac e-Transfer directly from your USD account.

Related: Tangerine Savings vs EQ Bank Savings Plus Account.

Tangerine vs. EQ Bank US Dollar Accounts

EQ Bank’s new U.S. Dollar Account offers the best savings rate for USD funds at 2.00%. This is 10x what you earn with a Tangerine US Dollar Account.

The main features of the EQ Bank US Dollar Savings Account are:

  • No monthly account fees
  • Non-promotional 3.00% interest rate on every dollar
  • Free USD transfers between linked USD accounts in Canada
  • Free CAD transfers from your EQ Bank Canadian dollar account to your USD account
  • Access to cheaper international money transfers using Wise
  • CDIC protection

Before opening an EQ Bank USD Account, you must open a free EQ Bank Savings Plus account. This account is denominated in Canadian dollars and offers a high interest rate.

Tangerine USD Account vs. Alternatives

The table below compares Tangerine’s USD offering with that of RBC, BMO, and EQ Bank.

FeaturesTangerine US Dollars Savings AccountEQ Bank US Dollar Savings AccountRBC US High Interest Savings AccountBMO USD Premium Rate Savings Account
Interest rate0.10%3.00%0.50%0.05%
Monthly fee$0$0$0$0 (included with other bank plans)
Minimum balance requirement$0$0$0$0
Free transfers to linked accountsYesYesYesBased on transactions included with your bank plan
Free Interac e-TransfersNoNoNoNo
Free debit paymentsN/AN/A1 per monthly cycleN/A
Physical branchesNoNoYesYes

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get my US Dollar funds from Tangerine?

You can transfer your USD funds to a USD chequing account at another financial institution and withdraw your money that way.

Can I send money through Interac e-Transfer from Tangerine Savings?

No, you need to open a Tangerine Chequing account if you want to send email money transfers or pay bills.

What types of savings accounts does Tangerine offer?

Tangerine Bank has general savings, TFSA, RRSP, US$, RRIF, and Children’s Savings accounts.

Related:

Tangerine US Dollar Account Review
  • Ease of use
  • Fees
  • Convenience
  • Minimum balance
  • Interest rate
Overall
4.2

Summary

The Tangerine US Dollar Account pays a competitive savings rate on your USD funds. This review covers its pros, cons, and alternatives like EQ Bank.

Pros

  • No minimum balance
  • No monthly fee

Cons

  • Not the best savings rate on USD

Top Banking Offers for March

Stop paying monthly fees with a free chequing account + $400 bonus

Get $400 cash bonus when you direct deposit $100 for three months.

Unlimited debits, online bill payments and Interac e-Transfer transactions.

No monthly account or transaction fees.

Get a high interest rate on your savings (6.00% interest rate offer).

Get the TOP spending and savings account with 5% rewards and $20 bonus

Instant approval and a $20 welcome bonus when you make your first purchase.

Earn up to 5% unlimited cashback on purchases while paying no fees!

Earn 3.00% to 5.00% interest on your entire account balance.

Free debits, e-Transfers, bill payments, budgeting app, and access to credit building.

Earn a regular 4.00% interest on your savings account

Earn a non-promotional 4.00% high interest rate on every dollar.

Free access to a hybrid account with unlimited transactions & e-transfers.

Access to a prepaid card that pays an average cashback of 5% on purchases.

No monthly or annual account fees; free budgeting app.

Author

Gravatar for Enoch Omololu, MSc (Econ)
Enoch Omololu, MSc (Econ)

Enoch Omololu, personal finance expert, author, and founder of Savvy New Canadians, has written about money matters for over 10 years. Enoch has an MSc (Econ) degree in Finance and Investment Management from the University of Aberdeen Business School and has completed the Canadian Securities Course. His expertise has been highlighted in major publications like Forbes, Globe and Mail, Business Insider, CBC News, Toronto Star, Financial Post, CTV News, TD Direct Investing, Canadian Securities Exchange, and many others. Enoch is passionate about helping others win with their finances and recently created a practical investing course for beginners. You can read his full author bio.

About Savvy New Canadians

Savvy New Canadians is one of Canada's top personal finance platforms. Millions of Canadians use our site each year to learn how to save for retirement, invest smartly, maximize rewards, and earn extra cash. We have been featured in prominent finance media, including Forbes, Globe and Mail, Business Insider, CBC, MSN, Wealthsimple, and TD Direct Investing. Learn more about Savvy New Canadians.

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6 thoughts on “Tangerine US Dollar Account Review 2024”

  1. Gravatar for Dan

    Hi Enoch, can I use this Tangerine USD account to pay for online shopping which requires payment in USD?

    • Gravatar for Enoch Omololu

      @Dan: I don’t think so. You will need a USD credit card or a USD chequing account for that.

  2. Gravatar for Jake

    Hello Enoch, Tangerine charges $10 annual inactivity fees for $CDN accounts. Does Tangerine also charge an inactivity fee for $USD Savings accounts?

  3. Gravatar for Ryan

    If I open a Tangerine USD chequing account, can I link it to my Tangerine debit card and use it in the United States to take money out of ATMs or to pay using my USD account?

    • Gravatar for Enoch Omololu

      @Ryan: I am not sure as I only have a Tangerine USD savings account and do not have a debit card.

  4. Gravatar for Sam

    You do not need any sort of business account to create a USD account at Tangerine. A personal account works just fine.

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