What you need to know about banking as a visitor
Yes, you can open a bank account in Canada as a tourist, but the process is different from opening one as a resident or citizen. Most banks will open an account for you if you have a valid passport and proof of your current address outside Canada. The account usually stays open only as long as your visa or visitor status is valid, and some banks close it automatically when that status expires.
The main barrier is not whether banks will take you — they will — but which documents you can provide. Canadian banks need to verify your identity and your address for anti-money-laundering reasons. A passport works for identity. For address, a bank will accept a document from your home country showing where you live: a utility bill, lease, or government letter with your name and address on it, even if it is in another language.
The speed and ease depend on which bank you choose and whether you are opening the account in person or online. In-person is usually faster and simpler for tourists because the bank staff can see your passport directly and ask follow-up questions on the spot.
Key Takeaways
- You will need a valid passport and proof of your home address (such as a utility bill or lease) to open an account as a tourist.
- Most major Canadian banks accept tourists, but some online-only banks may not, so call ahead or check the bank's website before visiting.
- Opening an account in person at a branch is usually faster than online because the bank can verify your documents when ready.
- Your account will typically close when your visitor status expires, so confirm the bank's policy before opening.
- You may be asked about the purpose of the account and the source of funds you plan to deposit, which is standard anti-fraud procedure.
Which Canadian banks will open accounts for tourists
The five largest banks in Canada — Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD), Bank of Nova Scotia (Scotiabank), Bank of Montreal (BMO), and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) — all have policies allowing tourists to open accounts. Each has branches across the country, so you can walk into almost any location and ask about opening a non-resident account.
Smaller regional banks and credit unions vary. Some will open accounts for tourists; others will not. Before you travel or as soon as you arrive, call the bank's customer service line or visit a branch to ask. This takes five minutes and saves you a wasted trip.
Online-only banks such as Tangerine and EQ Bank have stricter rules. Many require a Canadian address or a Canadian phone number to open an account online, which tourists typically do not have. Some will open accounts for tourists in person at partner locations, but this is less common. Check their websites or call before assuming you can use them.
Documents you will need to bring
Bring your valid passport — this is your primary identity document and the bank will not open an account without it. The passport must not be expired and must be from a country the Canadian government recognizes.
Bring proof of your home address. This can be a utility bill (electricity, water, gas, internet), a lease or rental agreement, a government letter (tax notice, driver's license renewal, benefits statement), or a bank statement from your home country. The document must show your name and your current address outside Canada. It does not need to be recent — banks typically accept documents from the past 12 months — but check with your specific bank.
Bring your visitor visa or entry stamp if you have one. If you entered Canada visa-free (as citizens of many countries can), bring a copy of your passport page showing your entry stamp or the date you arrived. This proves your legal status in Canada.
Some banks may ask for a second form of identification, such as a driver's license from your home country. Bring it if you have it, though it is not always required.
What happens when you visit the bank
Walk into any branch of your chosen bank during business hours. Tell the staff you want to open a non-resident account or a tourist account — different banks use different names, but staff will understand what you mean. They will direct you to an available banker or customer service representative.
The banker will ask you questions: your full name, date of birth, home address, occupation, and the purpose of the account (for example, "to hold money while I travel" or "to receive a wire transfer from my employer"). They will ask where the money you plan to deposit comes from — this is standard anti-fraud procedure, not a sign of suspicion. Answer honestly and briefly.
The banker will examine your passport and your proof of address. They may make photocopies or scan these documents. They will enter your information into the bank's system and run a background check. This usually takes 10 to 20 minutes while you wait.
If everything checks out, the banker will show you the account options available to tourists and ask which type you want. Most tourists choose a basic chequing account (a checking account in US English) because it is straightforward and has no monthly fee if you maintain a small balance. The banker will give you a debit card, which usually arrives in the mail within 5 to 10 business days, and temporary access to online banking.
Account types and fees for tourists
Most banks offer a basic chequing account for tourists with no monthly fee as long as you keep a minimum balance — usually between $500 and $1,500 CAD, depending on the bank. If your balance falls below the minimum, the bank charges a monthly fee, typically $10 to $15 CAD.
Some banks offer a "no-fee" account with no minimum balance requirement, but these accounts may have limits on the number of transactions you can make per month. If you plan to use the account frequently, ask about this before opening.
Savings accounts are also available to tourists, but they pay very low interest rates — usually less than 1% per year — so they are mainly useful if you want a separate place to hold money.
All accounts come with online banking access and a debit card at no extra cost. Cheques (checks) are available but cost extra and take time to order, so most tourists do not use them.
What happens when your visitor status expires
Before you open the account, ask the bank what happens to your account when your visitor visa or status expires. Most banks will close the account automatically on the expiration date. Some will give you a grace period of 30 to 90 days to withdraw your money or transfer it elsewhere.
If you plan to stay in Canada longer, you can ask the bank about converting your account to a resident account once you have a Canadian address and permanent resident status or a work or study permit. This is a separate process and requires different documents, but the bank can explain it when the time comes.
If you are leaving Canada before your account closes, withdraw any remaining balance or transfer it to a bank account in your home country. Most banks allow international wire transfers, though they charge a fee — usually $15 to $30 CAD — and the transfer takes 3 to 5 business days.
Opening an account online as a tourist
Some banks allow tourists to start the account-opening process online, but most require you to complete it in person at a branch. The reason is that the bank needs to verify your identity by seeing your passport in person, and this cannot be done securely online for non-residents.
If you want to try opening an account online before you arrive in Canada, visit the bank's website and look for "non-resident account" or "tourist account" options. Fill out the online form with your information. The bank will likely ask you to visit a branch to complete the process by showing your passport and proof of address.
This hybrid approach can save time if you do it before you travel, because the bank will have your information ready when you arrive and the in-person visit will be shorter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Canadian phone number or address to open an account?
No. You can use your home country phone number and address. The bank needs to know where you live outside Canada so they can verify your identity. You do not need a Canadian address until you become a resident.
Can I open an account online without visiting a branch?
Most major banks require you to visit a branch in person to show your passport and proof of address. Some banks may allow you to complete the process online if you have a Canadian phone number or a referral from an existing customer, but this is rare. Call the bank to ask about their specific policy.
What if I do not have a utility bill or lease to prove my address?
A government letter works — this could be a tax notice, a benefits statement, a driver's license renewal notice, or any official document with your name and address. If you have none of these, ask the bank what other documents they will accept. Some banks are flexible if you explain your situation.
Will the bank ask me why I am opening the account?
Yes. The bank will ask the purpose of the account and where the money comes from. This is routine anti-fraud procedure. Answer honestly — "I am traveling in Canada for three months and need a place to hold money" is a perfectly acceptable answer.
Can I keep the account open after I leave Canada?
Most banks will close the account when your visitor status expires. If you want to keep banking in Canada after you leave, you would need to become a resident or get a work or study permit. Ask the bank about their policy on this when you open the account.