Canada’s First “Anti- Bank”: Savings with a Difference at ING Direct

August 24th, 2009

Orange Direct ing Canada

The History of the Bank of Canada: ING Direct Beginning ING Direct Canada is one of the largest banking intuitions in Canada. They are part of the ING Direct chain that has financial institutions all over the world including America, France, Australia, Spain, Italy, Germany and Austria. However, the first ING Direct was launched in Canada.

The entire corporation is proudly Canadian.

ING Direct prides itself on being different than any other bank. In fact, in a sense, they consider themselves an “anti-bank.” Sure, they do all the banking duties such as establishing bank accounts, setting up loans and handling mutual fund investments, but they do it without that ‘banker’s attitude’ that many people find cold and uninviting. In fact, they do it without a bank at all.

That’s right. ING Direct actually has no branches established. Instead they do their banking online, over the phone or with Automatic Bank Machines. They still have customer service representatives working over the phone so you don’t have to sacrifice savings for service. Many people prefer to do banking this way and ING Direct makes it simple and secure. Furthermore, ING Direct takes the money they save on braches and passes the savings onto you with higher interest on your savings and investments.

ING Direct chose Canada to launch their virtual bank in 1997. This is because, although Canada had several large banks, there was no real choice. They were all the same faceless banks offering the same benefits and interest rates.

ING Direct set out to change that when they launched with a simple television commercial in 1997. Since then ING Direct has become a global venture with 1.5 billion clients worldwide and 900 employees. They have over billion in assets and have estimated that they have paid over billion in higher interest rates to their clients.

Look for the Orange and Blue at ING Direct The colours of ING Direct are orange and blue. Although it is completely virtual, ING Direct has lately launched different “Banking Cafes” where you can go in, have a cup of coffee and talk to a bank teller about your finances. You can set up a bank account, re-evaluate your mortgage and go over your savings all in a cafe-like environment.

You can also access your account online with INGDirect.com. Just look for the orange and blue.

Savings Accounts with ING Direct There are several different types of savings accounts for whatever you need, all with competitive interest rates. Choose from an Investment Savings Account, a Tax-Free Investment Savings Account, a RSP Investment Savings Account, a US Investment Savings Account or a Business Investment Savings Account. ING Direct is committed to finding you the best savings plan for your financial situation.

Bank the ING Direct Way Whether you are looking for a simple savings account, a mortgage, a business account, GIC’s, mutual funds or any other banking-related enquiry, ING Direct Canada is only a click away.