Chances are, the COVID-19 pandemic has already affected your day-to-day life. As uncertainty casts its shadow, businesses around the world are scrambling to adapt and make sure they can continue to operate. Client-facing businesses such as banks and financial institutions have made major policy changes in order to ensure that Canadian home-owners are fully supported during this crisis. Ranging from mortgage deferrals to credit relief, Canada’s banks are pulling out all the stops to support our local communities and businesses.
Do you have a mortgage at the moment? Curious about what some of the big players are doing to help out borrowers like yourself? Read on below to find out!
How Canadian Banks Are Changing Their Policy
TD Canada Trust
“In response to the rapidly-evolving COVID-19, TD announced additional proactive measures to further support our customers, colleagues, and communities. Alongside Canada’s six largest banks, TD has announced a commitment to work with personal and small business banking customers on a case-by-case basis to provide flexible solutions to help them manage through challenges such as pay disruption due to COVID-19; childcare disruption due to school closures; or those facing illness from COVID-19. This support will include up to a six-month payment deferral for mortgages, and the opportunity for relief on other credit products. If you are directly impacted by COVID-19 and as a result are facing financial challenges, let us know by reaching out to us at 1-888-720-0075. We are prepared to help you find a solution to meet your needs. You’ll have a lot on your mind, and we want to be there for you.”
First National
“During these challenging and uncertain times, we wish to confirm that First National has a program in place to address payment difficulties caused by the current COVID-19 pandemic. We appreciate that there may be requests to self-isolate, there may be a pause to regular employment or other work-related matters resulting from COVID-19 that may impact you. Our financial relief program is customized to each individual’s circumstances and could include deferral of payments on mortgages for up to six months. If you have any questions, you can reach us at 1.866.557.5509 or by email at accounts@firstnational.ca. We commit to working with our customers on a case-by-case basis.”
Scotiabank
“Scotiabank is here to help our customers navigate this uncertain time. We have announced additional measures to reduce and delay the transmission of COVID-19 and to provide financial relief to those who need it most.
As every situation is different, we are committed to trying to work with all our customers on a case-by-case basis to help understand, and hopefully alleviate, financial hardships that may be experienced as a result of COVID-19. Our support measures are flexible, including payment deferrals for mortgages and relief on credit products for those who qualify.
Should you have any existing Scotiabank customers contact you for guidance, please recommend they call 1-800-4-SCOTIA (1-800-472-6842). While we may experience slower than usual response times due to a high volume of calls, please rest assured that Scotiabank is committed to providing our mutual customers with the best service we can.”
Street Capital / RFA
“We join Canadians across the country in expressing our concern for those directly impacted by COVID-19. We understand that some borrowers may be experiencing financial hardship and we’re committed to working with them through these difficult times.
Under the terms of their RFA mortgage, borrowers may have options available to them, including skipping or deferring payments. We encourage our clients to contact us at the first sign of difficulty to discuss their individual situation. COVID-19 is impacting all of us, in one way or another. Now more than ever, we must stand together to navigate this situation. Please know—we’re here to help.
Wishing you and your family good health.”
Royal Bank
“This support will include up to a six-month payment deferral for mortgages, and the opportunity for relief on other credit products.
Individual Canadians or business owners facing hardship are encouraged to contact their bank directly to discuss options that could be available to them.
These measures are an important first step and underscore the resilience of Canada’s financial system and the strength of our major banks. Banks will monitor evolving economic conditions and consider other measures if necessary.
Canada’s banks have a long history of standing by Canadians through challenging times and this commitment will continue throughout this crisis and beyond. To start, find out about how you can skip a payment by contacting your branch and more information will follow. What does RBC’s relief plan look like? Further details will follow in the days to come. For more information, please refer to rbc.com.“
Antrim Investments
“We’re not providing official payment holidays at this time. However, no NSF fees will be charged.
If clients cannot make the payment then just let it bounce. Client will not be penalized and no foreclosure action will be taken at this time.
Please be patient when making a call to the lenders as I am sure they will be receiving an influx of calls in the coming day and weeks.
Stay safe!”
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