A smart setup for student life.
Take on the world
A flexible chequing account with unlimited transactions. You'll be able to get money to the people who matter, reliably and securely.
Save on fees
Hit the books while we take care of the numbers. No minimum balance and no monthly fee, so you won't have to stress about your bank account.
Protect your balance
Apply for optional Overdraft Protection and provide a cushion for unexpected changes to your balance. Pay only if you use it.1
Key product details
| Monthly fee | $0 |
| Interac e-Transfer® | Unlimited, free |
| Interac e-Transfer Request Money | $1.50 each |
| Global Transfers | $50 - $999.99: $5 CAD $1,000 - $5,000: Free Special countries: $15 CAD |
Frequently Asked Questions
The Students First Account is only available to full-time undergraduate students at not-for-profit post-secondary educational institutions. Full-time status can vary and is determined by the post-secondary institution in which students are enrolled.
To open a new Students First Account, you'll need to provide proof of enrolment. This could be a photo or screenshot of your tuition receipt, letter of acceptance or time table. We'll reach out to you if we need to confirm your enrolment to maintain your student status in September of each year.
Yes. This could be a joint account. Your co-applicant does not have to be a student.
Within Alberta, you pay regular fees at non-ATB ABMs. You should be notified of these fees and prompted to approve them before proceeding with the transaction.
Withdraw cash at any ABM outside Alberta, but within Canada, on our dime. We'll reimburse $4.50 per withdrawal for up to two withdrawals per month.
Travelling outside of Canada? Withdraw cash at any ABM on the Cirrus® network for a fee of $5 per withdrawal (this does not include fees you may agree to pay when making the withdrawal at the non-ATB ABM). We'll reimburse $8 for one withdrawal each month at ABMs in the US.2
After you’ve applied and been approved for overdraft protection, you won’t pay for it unless you decide to use it. If Overdraft Protection is used, there is a minimum charge of $4 or interest, whichever is greater. Interest is calculated daily on the daily closing overdrawn balance at 19.25% per annum, charged and payable monthly.2
Overdraft Protection is only available by application and on approved credit.
Ready to get started?
Student life can be tough, but with a Students First Account, managing your money doesn't have to give you a headache.
Smart student banking solutions
A line of credit for life on campus
The Students First Line of Credit
This low-interest line of credit (LOC) is a no-brainer deal for students. Access money as you need it and repay on your terms.
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Brightside by ATB
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ATB Gold Cash Rewards Mastercard®
This Mastercard is a smart choice for students thanks to its $0 annual fee and unlimited cash back.
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The No-Fee All-in Digital Account®
This student-friendly account comes with a line of credit—plus unlimited digital transactions and no monthly fee or minimum balance.
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The Professional Students Line of Credit
Professional training isn’t easy. But funding it can be. Enjoy a preferred interest rate and take up to 25 years to repay.
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The Springboard Savings® Account
Premium interest plus no obligations or minimum balance equals one great deal for students. Balances over $5,000 earn even more!
Learn moreYour ticket to the career—and lifestyle—you want.
The Apprenticeship Line of Credit
Step into your future with confidence—and immediate, reusable access to your full approved amount. Plus, repay on your terms.
Learn moreA smart setup for student life
The Students First Account
The best chequing account for Alberta students makes it easy for them to take on the world. Enjoy unlimited transactions, no monthly fee and more.
Learn moreOn approved credit. You pay the greater of $4.00 or monthly interest only if overdraft protection is used. Interest is calculated daily on the daily closing overdrawn balance at 19.25% per annum, charged and payable monthly.
For the ATB Advantage Account, you pay only monthly interest if overdraft protection is used.ABM withdrawals are converted to Canadian dollars using an exchange rate 2.5% above the exchange rate set by Mastercard International Incorporated (which operates the Cirrus® ATM Network). Some transactions may take a few days to be processed. You’ll be charged the applicable exchange rate on the day your transaction goes through your account, not necessarily the rate on the day you made the transaction.
Related documents: Little Book of Account Info (PDF), Additional Services & Associated Charges (PDF).
Interac e-Transfer is a registered trademark of Interac Inc. Used under license.
Cirrus is a registered trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated. Used under license.