In addition to traditional banks, there are many different types of financial institutions which offer similar services in Canada. For example, credit unions and trust companies are often used by Canadians. In general they are very competitive and offer attractive services, such as longer opening hours and sometimes higher interest rates. If you do not understand these financial institutions, you may prefer to stay with the regular banks.
Another important matter concerns service charges. Many banking services are not free. There may be a charge for every cheque you write as well as charges on your savings account, if your daily balance falls below a specified minimum. Remember: do not assume that all bank services are free in Canada.
Language Notes 语文註解：
1. financial institutions = 财务机构
2. similar = 类似的
3. credit union = 信贷储蓄
4. trust company = 信托公司
5. in general = 一般而言
6. competitive = 具竞争力
7. offer = provide 提供
8. interest = 利息
9. interest rate = 利率
10. prefer = want or like more than another 比较喜欢
11. concern = （此处解）涉及
12. service charge = 服务费
13. cheque = 支票 (American spelling: check)
14. savings account = 储蓄户口
15. daily balance = 每日结存
16. fall below = become smaller than 少于
17. specified = 指定的
18. minimum = smallest amount 最低额
19. assume = suppose 假设
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