RBC’s new multi-language telephone service makes available a network of more than 2,600 specialized interpreters to help with day-to-day basic banking inquiries such as opening an account, paying bills or requesting foreign exchange information. Customers call one convenient number at 1-800-ROYAL 1-1 to access the RBC agent-assisted service, and within minutes can be chatting with an interpreter via a three-way confidential conference call.

“We’re always looking for ways to make it easier for customers to do business with us,” said Mark Whitmell, director, Cultural Markets. “Now with a multi-language telephone service, customers of diverse backgrounds can make the call on their terms. This is really about helping our customers feel welcome, comfortable and confident by enabling communication in a language of their choosing.” 

Through word-of-mouth alone, the service introduced in April has been averaging about 500 calls per month, with the most common language requested being Spanish, followed by Russian, Vietnamese, Mandarin and Korean. This new service complements RBC’s dedicated phone line (1 888 ROYAL 9-8) set up for Chinese speaking clients, which offers service in Cantonese and Mandarin and fields more than 20,000 calls per month. RBC Direct Investing also offers telephone trading and customer service in Cantonese and Mandarin at 1 800-667-8668.

These and other services for newcomers are featured on RBC’s newly redesigned website dedicated to new Canadians (www.rbc.com/canada), which is available in English, French and simplified Chinese and receives more than 70,000 visitors a month. The site, first launched in 2005, provides newcomers with relevant and tailored information to give them the confidence they need to make financial decisions at every stage of their transition to Canada – before they arrive, as they get settled and as they plan for their future.