What documents are required to open a bank account in Canada?
You can open a Canadian bank account regardless of your citizenship, place of residence, or employment status: you just need to meet the requirements of § 627.17 of the Bank Act, which guarantees consumers access to basic financial services. The main task of the client is to prove their identity and, if necessary, their immigration status using the documents required by law.
Legal basis and main identification options
The bank is required to open a “retail deposit account” if you provide either two valid forms of identification (one containing your name and address, the other containing your name and date of birth) or one form of identification with your date of birth confirmed by the customer or a person of “good standing” in the community. These rules also apply to foreigners: identification documents may be Canadian or issued abroad, but must be original and valid, without significant damage.
What documents are accepted by banks
There is a single list of acceptable documents under federal regulations. They are divided into:
| Category | Most common examples* | Special notes |
|---|---|---|
| Government ID with photo and unique number | Canadian driver's license, passport, permanent resident card, citizenship certificate, Indian status card, foreign passport | Sufficient for full identification under the “one document + confirmation” scheme |
| Documents without photo confirming name and address | Recent utility bills, bank or credit card statements, CRA tax notices | Use in combination with an ID with date of birth |
| Documents without a photo and date of birth | Birth certificate, CPP statement, government benefit statement | Combined with a document that includes your address |
| Immigration confirmation | IMM 1442 visa, IMM 5688 Confirmation of Permanent Residence, work or study permits | Required if your status in Canada is temporary or if you are opening an account before entering the country |
| Additional information often requested | Canadian phone number, email address, SIN number (for interest-bearing accounts or tax reporting) | Not required by law, but facilitates further banking services |
*This list is not exhaustive; specific banks may accept a wider range of documents if they meet the “reliable source” requirements.
Specifics for different categories of customers
Newly arrived permanent residents and refugees usually submit their passport, PR card (IMM 5292/5688), and temporary address; banks offer “newcomer packages” with no monthly fees for one year.
International students on the GIC program open a separate deposit account and activate an account for daily expenses after arrival using their passport, letter of acceptance, and student permit.
Temporary workers present their passport and work permit; the SIN number can be provided later, but without it, the bank will limit interest-bearing products.
Non-residents who have not yet arrived must pre-register online with RBC, Scotiabank, or HSBC; the account must be activated in person within 75 days of arrival.
Age and authorized representatives
Individuals aged 13 (14 in Quebec) and older can open accounts independently; younger children must do so through their parents or guardians, who must provide proof of their own identity and that of the child. Opening joint accounts or accounts with multiple signatories requires the simultaneous presence of all applicants and a complete set of their identification documents.
Online identification and flexible approaches
After the pandemic, most banks introduced video verification and document scanning. At the same time, in 2023, the FCAC reminded financial institutions of their obligation to “be flexible” with atypical identification documents, such as temporary certificates for victims of human trafficking or persons without a permanent address. If a customer cannot provide the standard set of documents, the bank must offer alternatives and, if the customer refuses, explain the reason in writing and inform them of the complaint procedure.
What happens after the documents are submitted
Once the documents have been verified, an agreement is signed, a debit card is issued, and the customer is registered with the online bank. The bank is required to provide the customer with a copy of the agreement within seven business days. The account is activated immediately or after the first deposit; credit cards included in packages for newcomers are delivered by mail within a few days.
Conclusion
The identification system in Canada is based on the principle of access: even without a job, money for a deposit, or a Canadian address, you have the right to open an account if you present the appropriate documents. Having your passport, immigration permits, proof of address, and, if possible, your SIN number ready in advance will greatly simplify the process and give you access to a wider range of banking services from the first day of your stay in the country.