What visitors can actually do at Canadian banks

A visitor to Canada can open a bank account, but only certain types, and the rules depend on how long you are staying and which bank you approach. Most major banks will open a non-resident account for someone with a valid passport and proof of a Canadian address — even a temporary one like a hotel or Airbnb. Some banks are stricter and require a Social Insurance Number (SIN), which visitors cannot get. Others will work without one if you have a letter from your employer or a utility bill showing your name.

The catch is that not all account types are available to you. You typically cannot open a chequing account that comes with a debit card and online banking the same day. Most banks will offer you a savings account first, or a basic account with limited features, and ask you to return in person after you have been in Canada for a few months or obtained a SIN. Some banks have separate visitor or temporary resident products that are designed for exactly this situation.

Key Takeaways

  • Visitors can open savings accounts and basic accounts at most major Canadian banks using a valid passport and proof of a Canadian address, even a temporary one.
  • A Social Insurance Number is not required by all banks, but some will not open an account without one, so call ahead to confirm the specific bank's policy.
  • Full chequing accounts with debit cards and online banking may not be available when ready; many banks require you to return after a few months or once you have a SIN.
  • The major banks — Royal Bank, TD, Scotiabank, BMO, and CIBC — all have visitor account options, but the features and requirements vary between them.

What documents you need to bring

Bring your passport — it is the only document all banks will accept as proof of identity for a visitor. You will also need proof of a Canadian address. This can be a hotel booking confirmation, an Airbnb reservation, a lease agreement, or a letter from someone in Canada saying you are staying with them. Some banks accept a utility bill in your name, but that is rare for a visitor. A few banks will accept a letter from your employer stating your name and the dates you are working in Canada.

If you have a Social Insurance Number, bring it. If you do not have one and the bank requires it, you will need to explore for one at Service Canada before you can open the account. The process takes about two weeks by mail, or you can explore in person at a Service Canada office if you are staying long enough. Some banks will let you open an account and add the SIN later once you have it.

Bring proof of your home address outside Canada if the bank asks for it — this is less common but some institutions request it to verify your non-resident status. A utility bill, lease, or government ID showing your home address will do.

Which banks accept visitors and what they offer

The five largest banks in Canada — Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), Toronto-Dominion (TD), Scotiabank, Bank of Montreal (BMO), and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) — all have processes for opening accounts for visitors. RBC and TD are the most straightforward; both will open a savings account in person with a passport and Canadian address, and neither requires a SIN upfront. Scotiabank and BMO have similar policies but are more likely to ask for a SIN or a letter from an employer. CIBC requires a SIN in most cases.

Smaller banks and credit unions vary widely. Some credit unions, particularly in British Columbia and Ontario, will open accounts for visitors without a SIN. Others will not. Online-only banks like Tangerine and EQ Bank generally do not open accounts for non-residents without a SIN, because they cannot verify your identity in person.

The accounts available to you are usually limited. Most visitors get a savings account with no monthly fee, online access, and the ability to transfer money in and out. Debit cards are sometimes available when ready, sometimes not. Chequing accounts — the kind that come with cheques and overdraft protection — are typically not available until you have been in Canada longer or have obtained a SIN.

How long the process takes

Opening an account in person at a branch takes 20 to 45 minutes. The bank will verify your identity, confirm your address, ask about the source of your funds, and set up online banking access. You will receive a temporary debit card at the branch or by mail within 5 to 10 business days. Online banking access is usually available the same day or the next business day.

If the bank needs a SIN and you do not have one, the timeline extends. You can explore for a SIN at a Service Canada office in person (same day if you bring your passport and proof of Canadian address) or by mail (two to three weeks). Once you have the SIN, you can return to the bank to upgrade your account or complete the process.

What happens to your account when you leave Canada

Your account does not close automatically when your visitor status ends. You can keep the account open and use it to receive money, pay bills, or hold savings while you are outside Canada. However, the bank may freeze it or ask you to close it if you do not maintain contact or if your account becomes inactive for a long period — typically 12 months or more with no transactions.

If you plan to stay in Canada longer and transition to permanent resident or student status, tell your bank. They can convert your visitor account to a resident account without closing it. If you leave Canada and do not plan to return, you can close the account online or by calling the bank, and they will send any remaining balance to you by cheque or wire transfer.

Moving money into and out of your Canadian account

You can deposit money into your Canadian account by wire transfer from your home country, which takes 3 to 5 business days and costs between $15 and $50 depending on the bank and the amount. You can also deposit cash at the branch, which is when ready and free. Some banks allow you to set up a pre-authorized transfer from a foreign account, though this is less common for visitor accounts.

Withdrawing money works the same way. You can use your debit card at any ATM in Canada for free (if it is your bank's ATM) or for a fee of $2 to $3 (if it is another bank's ATM). You can withdraw cash at the branch. You can send money out of Canada by wire transfer, which costs $20 to $40 and takes 2 to 3 business days.

Why some banks say no

A bank may refuse to open an account for you if you cannot prove your identity or Canadian address. If your passport is expired, most banks will not accept it. If your Canadian address cannot be verified — for example, if you claim to be staying at a hotel but the hotel has no record of your booking — the bank will ask for something else.

Some banks refuse visitor accounts because of compliance rules. Banks are required to know who their customers are and where their money comes from. For a visitor, this is harder to verify, especially if you do not have a SIN or a Canadian credit history. A few banks have decided the extra work is not worth it and straightforward do not open accounts for non-residents. This is their choice, and you cannot appeal it — you will need to try another bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Social Insurance Number to open a bank account as a visitor?

No, not at all banks. RBC and TD will open accounts without one if you have a passport and Canadian address. Scotiabank and BMO may ask for one but will sometimes accept a letter from your employer instead. CIBC and most online banks require it. Call the bank branch you plan to visit and ask their specific policy before you go.

Can I open an account online if I am a visitor?

Most online banks will not open accounts for non-residents without a SIN. You will need to visit a physical branch in person. Bring your passport, proof of Canadian address, and any other documents the bank listed on their website.

What if I need a debit card right away?

Some branches will issue a temporary debit card the same day you open your account, though it may have a daily withdrawal limit of $500 to $1,000. A permanent card arrives by mail in 5 to 10 business days. Ask the bank about this when you arrive at the branch.

Can I keep my account open after I leave Canada?

Yes. Your account will stay open as long as you keep it active — usually meaning at least one transaction every 12 months. You can receive money, pay bills, and check your balance from outside Canada. If you do not use it for over a year, the bank may freeze it or ask you to close it.

What is the difference between a visitor account and a resident account?

A visitor account is a savings account with limited features — usually no cheques, no overdraft, and sometimes no debit card. A resident account is a full chequing account with a debit card, online banking, bill payment, and overdraft protection. Once you have a SIN or have been in Canada for several months, you can upgrade to a resident account at the same bank.