Yes, you can open a bank account as a non-Canadian citizen
Banks in Canada will open accounts for non-citizens, but the process and requirements depend on your immigration status and how long you plan to stay. A temporary resident (someone on a work permit, study permit, or visitor status) can open an account at most banks. A permanent resident can open an account the same way a Canadian citizen does. Even undocumented residents can sometimes open accounts at certain banks, though the options are more limited.
The main difference from opening as a citizen is the documents you'll need to prove who you are and where you live. Banks need to follow federal rules about knowing their customers — this is called Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance, and it applies to everyone, not just non-citizens. What changes is which documents the bank will accept as proof.
Key Takeaways
- Temporary residents with a valid work permit, study permit, or visitor status can open a chequing or savings account at most Canadian banks.
- You will need a valid passport or travel document, proof of your current address in Canada, and proof of your immigration status (the document itself, not a letter).
- Some banks ask for a Canadian phone number and a Social Insurance Number (SIN) or Individual Tax Number (ITN), though not all require both before opening.
- Credit unions and smaller banks sometimes have more flexible document requirements than the Big Five banks if you are missing one piece.
- Opening an account does not affect your immigration status or create any legal obligation to stay in Canada.
What documents you need to bring
Every bank will ask for proof of identity and proof of address. For identity, bring your valid passport or travel document — this is the document the bank will photocopy. A driver's license from another country works as a second form of ID but not as your primary one.
For proof of address, bring a recent document (usually from the last three months) that shows your name and a Canadian address. A lease or rental agreement works best. A utility bill, phone bill, or bank statement from another country does not. If you just arrived and do not have a lease yet, some banks will accept a letter from your employer or school on letterhead, or a temporary address like a hostel or hotel booking confirmation — call ahead to ask what your specific branch accepts.
You will also need to show proof of your immigration status. Bring the actual document: your work permit, study permit, visitor record, or permanent resident card. A letter from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is not enough on its own. If your permit is expired but you have applied to extend it, ask the bank whether they will accept a copy of your extension process as proof that you are still in valid status — some will, some will not.
Social Insurance Number and tax identification
Banks often ask whether you have a Social Insurance Number (SIN). A SIN is a nine-digit number Canada uses to track income and taxes. You do not need one to open a bank account, but having one makes the process smoother.
If you are a temporary resident working in Canada, you can get a SIN from Service Canada. If you are a student or visitor not working, you can get an Individual Tax Number (ITN) instead, which serves the same purpose for tax reporting. You can explore for either one online or at a Service Canada office.
If you do not have a SIN or ITN yet, tell the bank that when you open your account. Most will still open the account and let you provide the number later. Some banks require it before they will let you do certain things like set up direct deposit or transfer money internationally, so you may want to get one before you need those services.
Which banks accept non-citizens and what to expect
The Big Five banks — Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), Toronto-Dominion (TD), Bank of Nova Scotia (Scotiabank), Bank of Montreal (BMO), and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) — all open accounts for non-citizens with valid immigration status. They have branches across Canada and online banking that works well for people new to Canadian banking.
Credit unions (which are provincial, not national) and smaller banks like Tangerine and EQ Bank also open accounts for non-citizens. Credit unions sometimes have more flexible document rules if you are missing one piece — it is worth calling your local branch to ask. Online-only banks like Tangerine and EQ are faster to open an account with because you do everything on your phone or computer, but you cannot walk into a branch if you have a question.
Bring all your documents to a branch in person. You cannot open an account online as a non-citizen at most banks because they need to see your original documents and verify them. The process takes about 30 minutes. You will get a debit card in the mail within one to two weeks, and you can start using your account online or at an ATM as soon as the bank confirms it is open.
What happens if your immigration status changes
Your bank account stays open as long as you keep it active and follow the bank's rules. If your work permit or study permit expires, you do not have to close the account. You can keep using it to receive money, pay bills, and withdraw cash.
If you become a permanent resident, you do not need to do anything — your account continues to work the same way. If you leave Canada and your account sits unused for a long time, the bank may close it or charge dormancy fees, but this is the same rule for everyone, not specific to non-citizens.
If you are undocumented (in Canada without valid immigration status), opening an account is harder but not impossible. Some credit unions and smaller banks will open accounts if you bring a passport and proof of address, even without a valid permit. Call ahead to ask, because policies vary by branch and change over time. Having a bank account does not report you to immigration authorities — banks are not required to check immigration status after the account opens.
Fees and account types for non-citizens
Non-citizens pay the same account fees as Canadian citizens. Most banks offer a basic chequing account with no monthly fee if you keep a minimum balance (usually $1,500 to $3,000) or set up direct deposit. If you do not meet those conditions, you may pay $10 to $15 per month. Some banks waive fees for students — ask whether your student status qualifies you.
You can open a savings account, chequing account, or both. A chequing account is for everyday spending and paying bills. A savings account earns a small amount of interest on money you do not spend. Most people new to Canada open both: a chequing account for daily use and a savings account to build an emergency fund.
Some banks limit how much money non-citizens can transfer internationally or how often they can do it in the first few months. Ask about international transfer rules when you open your account if you plan to send money to family outside Canada.
What to do if a bank says no
If one bank refuses to open an account, try another. Banks have different rules, and what one bank will not do, another might. Credit unions are often more flexible than national banks. If you are turned down, ask the bank why — sometimes it is because you are missing one document that you can get quickly, like a SIN or a second form of ID.
If you have been in Canada for a while and have a Canadian phone number and address, you have a better chance. If you just arrived last week, some banks may ask you to come back after you have been in the country for 30 days. This is not a rule everywhere, but it happens at some branches.
If you are still stuck, contact a settlement organization in your province — they help newcomers with practical things like opening bank accounts and can sometimes advocate with banks on your behalf, or point you to a bank that will work with your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Canadian address to open a bank account?
Yes, banks require proof of a current Canadian address. If you just arrived and are staying in a hostel or with a friend, bring a booking confirmation or a letter from your host with their address. Once you have a lease, bring that instead.
Can I open an account online if I am a non-citizen?
Most banks require you to come to a branch in person to open an account as a non-citizen because they need to see your original documents. Online-only banks may have different rules — call them to ask. Once your account is open, you can do everything online.
What if my work permit or study permit expires?
Your account stays open and you can keep using it. You do not need to close it or notify the bank. If you want to extend your stay in Canada, you can explore to extend your permit before it expires, and the bank will accept your extension process as proof of status.
Will opening a bank account affect my immigration case?
No. Opening a bank account is a normal financial step and does not change your immigration status or create any legal obligation. Banks do not report account holders to immigration authorities.
What if I do not have a Social Insurance Number yet?
You can open an account without one. Tell the bank you will provide it later. You can explore for a SIN or ITN at Service Canada while your account is being set up, and add the number to your account once you receive it.