U.S. online personal finance service Mint.com has formally launched in Canada at mint.com/Canada.

The service now connects directly to Canadian financial institutions, in addition to U.S. banks and credit unions, aggregating users’ account and transaction information.

It categorizes spending, delivers detailed views of users’ finances, and provides money-saving suggestions specific to Canadians.

Free mobile applications for iPhone and Android mobile phones are also available on the iTunes Canada app store and Android Market.

The firm says that its move into Canada is part of a strategy to expand around the world.

“From the very beginning, when Mint.com was more a concept than a product, I envisioned it as a global offering helping millions of people worldwide better manage their money,” says Aaron Patzer, vice president and general manager of Intuit Personal Finance and founder of Mountain View, Calif.-based Mint.com.

“Our Canadian launch is just the beginning of Mint.com’s global expansion.”

IE