The short answer: almost everyone, but the rules depend on your age and immigration status
You can open a bank account in Canada if you are a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident, or a temporary resident with a valid work or study permit. If you are a refugee claimant or have applied for permanent residency and are waiting for a decision, some banks will open an account for you, though not all. Age matters too — you must be at least 16 to open an account on your own, though younger children can have accounts their parents control.
The main barrier is not whether you are "allowed" to have an account. It is whether you can show who you are and prove your address. Banks need these things to follow Canadian money-laundering laws, not to keep you out. If you have the right documents, almost any bank will take you.
Key Takeaways
- Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and people with valid work or study permits can all open bank accounts at major banks and credit unions.
- You will need two pieces of identification — one with a photo — and proof of your current address, such as a utility bill or lease.
- Refugee claimants and people waiting for permanent residency decisions can open accounts at some banks, but you should call ahead to confirm.
- If you do not have traditional ID documents, some banks and credit unions have programs for people new to the formal banking system.
- Opening an account takes about 15 to 30 minutes in person, or longer online if the bank needs to verify your identity by video call.
What documents you will need to bring
Canadian banks require two pieces of identification, and at least one must have your photo on it. A driver's license or passport works best. If you do not have either, a provincial ID card, a work permit, a study permit, or a permanent resident card all count. The second piece of ID does not need a photo — it can be a social insurance number (SIN) letter, a utility bill, or a lease agreement.
You also need to prove where you live right now. A recent utility bill (hydro, gas, internet, or phone), a lease, a mortgage statement, or a government letter with your address will work. The document usually needs to be from the last three months. If you just moved and do not have a bill yet, some banks will accept a signed letter from your landlord or a recent lease.
If you are opening an account online, the bank may ask you to show your documents on camera or upload photos of them. Some banks use a video call where someone watches you hold up your ID to confirm it is real.
Who can open an account if they do not have standard documents
If you arrived in Canada recently and do not yet have a driver's license or provincial ID, your work permit or study permit is enough as your photo ID. If you have a permanent resident card, that works too. Many banks recognize these documents without question.
If you have none of these — for example, if you are a refugee claimant and your documents are still being processed — some banks and credit unions will still work with you. Scotiabank, TD, and RBC each have programs for people new to Canada or new to formal banking. Credit unions in your province may also have programs. You will need to call or visit in person to ask, because these programs are not always advertised online.
Some banks will accept a letter from a settlement agency, a community organization, or an employer as proof of identity if you do not have government-issued ID yet. The letter needs to confirm your name, date of birth, and current address. This is less common, but it is worth asking.
Age requirements and accounts for minors
You must be at least 16 years old to open and manage a bank account on your own in Canada. If you are younger, a parent or guardian can open a youth account in your name. They control the account until you reach the age of majority in your province — usually 18 or 19 — at which point it becomes yours to manage.
Some banks offer accounts designed for teenagers aged 13 to 17, with limits on how much you can spend or withdraw. These accounts teach money management and come with a debit card. A parent or guardian must open the account and remain on it as a co-owner until you are old enough to take over.
What happens if you are a refugee claimant or waiting for permanent residency
If you have filed a refugee claim and are waiting for a decision, or if you have applied for permanent residency and are waiting to hear back, your status is less clear to banks. Some will open an account for you; others will not. The safest approach is to call the bank first and ask whether they accept people in your situation.
If a bank turns you down, try a credit union in your province. Credit unions often have more flexibility than big banks and may have staff who understand the refugee process. Settlement agencies and community organizations can also point you toward banks or credit unions that work with people in your situation.
Once your refugee claim is approved or your permanent residency is granted, you can open an account at any bank without restriction. You will need to bring your approval letter or your permanent resident card along with the other documents listed above.
Opening an account in person versus online
If you walk into a bank branch with your documents, you can usually open an account the same day. The process takes 15 to 30 minutes. The bank employee will check your ID, confirm your address, ask about the type of account you want, and set up your debit card. You will leave with a card and online banking access.
Opening online is faster in theory — you can do it from home — but it often takes longer in practice. The bank will ask you to upload photos of your documents or join a video call so someone can verify your identity. If the bank has questions about your documents, the process can stretch to several days. If you are new to Canada or do not have standard documents, opening in person is usually simpler.
What to do if a bank refuses to open an account for you
If one bank says no, try another. Different banks have different policies, especially for people whose immigration status is still being decided. A second or third bank may accept you where the first one did not.
Credit unions are often more willing to work with people in uncertain situations. Each province has its own credit union system, and they tend to be more flexible than the big national banks. You can search for credit unions in your area online or ask a settlement agency for a recommendation.
If you are being refused because you do not have the documents the bank is asking for, ask whether the bank has an alternative process. Some banks have programs specifically for people new to formal banking or new to Canada. Settlement agencies, immigrant-serving organizations, and community centers can also help you find a bank that will work with your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a social insurance number to open a bank account?
No. A social insurance number helps, but it is not required. You can open an account with just your identification and proof of address. If you do not have a SIN yet, you can get one from Service Canada once you have a valid work or study permit, or after your refugee claim is approved.
Can I open an account if I am undocumented?
Most banks will not open an account without proof of legal status in Canada. If you are undocumented, your options are very limited. Some community organizations or informal financial services may help, but they carry risks. Speaking with a settlement agency or legal aid clinic about your situation is a safer first step.
What if I do not have a permanent address yet?
You will need some address to put on the account. If you are staying with someone temporarily, you can use their address as long as you can show proof — a letter from them, a utility bill in their name, or a lease. Once you move, you can update your address with the bank online or by visiting a branch.
How long does it take to get a debit card after I open an account?
If you open an account in person at a branch, you usually get a debit card the same day or within a few days. If you open online, the card is mailed to you, which takes one to two weeks. You can use online banking and transfers before the card arrives.
Can I open a joint account with someone else?
Yes. Both people need to bring identification and proof of address. Joint accounts are useful if you are managing money with a partner or family member, but both people have full access to the account and can withdraw all the money. Make sure you trust the other person completely.