Access to basic banking
RBC is committed to ensure the process of opening an account is as straightforward as possible, while still meeting regulatory requirements. We train employees on account opening procedures and publish requirements for new accounts in plain wording in 21 languages.

RBC Royal Bank offers a number of products specially designed for low-income clients, youth and seniors:

• Our low-cost deposit account is one of the industry’s most flexible, offering 15 debit transactions for a low, flat fee.
• Clients over 60 benefit from a seniors’ rebate.
• RBC Access USA offers Canadians living or travelling in the United States seamless access to finances, including banking and investments, with special rates on banking, insurance, mortgage and foreign exchange services.
• RBC’s affordable student banking and credit card options include the only student banking package with a price card to save money at participating retailers.
• For clients under 19, our Leo Young Savers Account includes 15 free debit transactions monthly. We also contribute a $5 deposit into accounts opened for children under 12.

Barrier-free connections
For clients with special needs, RBC’s goal is to ensure equal access to premises and services.

Our physical locations are audited periodically for accessibility, to identify and remove barriers to people with disabilities. Every new RBC branch must be wheelchair or walker accessible and, wherever possible, we exceed legal requirements for access. Over 90 per cent of RBC Royal Bank branches in Canada are considered accessible.

In 2004, clients had access to 286 “talking” bank machines across Canada, and more than 500 machines ergonomically designed for easier access to those in a wheelchair. We continue to provide Braille statements, large-print cheques and cheque-writing guides.

Anywhere, anytime banking
RBC has led the way in introducing convenient alternatives for people to be able to access their money anywhere, anytime. We continue to expand and improve our branch networks, online and telephone banking, and full-service banking machines. In Canada, we opened an additional four banking branches and one agency location in 2004. With close to 4,000 automated banking machines (ABMs), RBC has one of the largest ABM networks to serve Canadians.

In 2004, RBC Centura more than doubled its ABM network by providing clients with fee-free access to the Presto^® network of ABMs at 850 Publix^® locations in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama and Tennessee.

Community banking services
RBC is trying innovative ways to deliver services to distinct or remote communities.

We continue to pilot a new banking concept for inner-city urban markets in Toronto, called Cash & Save, offering a defined range of banking services in smaller premises, for people who may not have a bank account.

In June 2004, we opened our fourth and largest agency banking location in Canada, serving the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation at Nelson House, in Northern Manitoba. Agency banking provides access to banking services, capital and improved financial education in areas where clients have traditionally had to travel long distances or pay hefty surcharges. The agency teams with a host RBC branch to provide basic banking services. Agency management decides on its own hours, language of service and business objectives, and it can reinvest the revenue it earns in the community.