Scotiabank in Canada introduces Nova Credit into their digital customer application process
In a groundbreaking move, Scotiabank has launched digital onboarding experiences that integrate with Nova Credit, making it easier for newcomers to access credit in Canada. This initiative is part of the bank's commitment to removing barriers and helping newcomers qualify for higher credit limits with greater ease and confidence.
Scotiabank's pioneering role began with its initial partnership with Nova Credit in 2023, and the seamless digital integration was announced in 2025. As of August 2025, Scotiabank is the only Canadian bank known to have integrated Nova Credit's Credit Passport into its digital onboarding for newcomers seeking credit cards.
The StartRight Program, designed to help newcomers build a strong financial foundation from day one, is now accessible through these new digital onboarding flows. This program offers benefits such as no monthly account fees on a chequing account for the first year and no-fee international money transfers.
Nikki Cross, from Nova Credit, discussed the importance of consumer-permissioned data in a Q&A, emphasising the significance of this integration. Collin Galster, chief operating officer at Nova Credit, stated that the collaboration with Scotiabank shows newcomers can be served at scale by integrating Credit Passport seamlessly into digital banking experiences.
This integration removes a major barrier that has historically forced millions of newcomers to start over upon arrival, despite having established credit history in their home country. Nova Credit's Credit Passport allows newcomers to use their international credit history from select countries to receive higher credit limits on Canadian credit cards.
Kingsley Chak, senior vice president, retail client value, deposits and investments at Scotiabank, expressed pride in being the first bank in Canada to fully integrate Nova Credit into a digital onboarding experience. He believes that this collaboration is helping newcomers arrive and thrive in Canada.
Further reading is available on the Imprint and Nova Credit team-up to boost real-time credit access. The use of consumer-permissioned data, as advocated by Nova Credit's COO, Collin Galster, is seen as the future in streamlining the process of financial services access for newcomers.
This article does not contain any advertisements. It is intended to inform readers about the innovative steps Scotiabank has taken to make life easier for newcomers in Canada.
- The collaborative effort between Scotiabank and Nova Credit, initiated in 2023, has led to the integration of Nova Credit's Credit Passport into Scotiabank's digital onboarding, offering insights into the financial history of newcomers.
- Scotiabank's integration of Nova Credit's Credit Passport has been well-received by technology analysts who see it as a significant step towards openbanking, enabling newcomers to access finance with less barriers from digital platforms.
- The Imprint and Nova Credit partnership aims to leverage data-driven analytics in providing real-time credit access, serving as a prime example of how technology can foster collaboration and innovation in the finance sector.
- With the successful integration of Nova Credit's Credit Passport into its digital onboarding, Scotiabank is effectively harnessing the power of data to facilitate business growth and enhance newcomers' financial experiences, demonstrating a commitment to the future of finance and technology.
