Yes, you can open a bank account online in Canada, but not all banks offer it the same way

Most large Canadian banks—Royal Bank, TD, Scotiabank, BMO, CIBC—let you start an account online, but the process stops partway through. You'll fill out forms and verify your identity on the website, then either mail in documents or visit a branch to complete the account. A few online-only banks like Tangerine and EQ Bank let you finish entirely online without stepping into a branch, though they have fewer services and no physical locations.

The catch is identity verification. Banks are required by federal law to confirm who you are before opening an account. If you're a Canadian citizen with a valid driver's license or passport, most banks can verify you online using a video call or document upload. If you don't have those documents, or if you're new to Canada, you'll need to go to a branch in person or mail in certified copies.

The timeline varies. Online-only banks typically open your account within one to three business days once you've submitted everything. Traditional banks that require a branch visit may take a week or longer, depending on how quickly you can get in and whether they need to order your debit card.

Key Takeaways

  • Large Canadian banks let you start the process online but usually require you to visit a branch or mail documents to finish, while online-only banks complete the entire process on the website.
  • Banks must verify your identity using a government-issued photo ID like a driver's license or passport, which can happen by video call, document upload, or in person.
  • If you don't have Canadian photo ID or are new to Canada, you'll need to visit a branch or send certified documents by mail.
  • Online-only banks open accounts faster (one to three business days) but offer fewer services and no branch access than traditional banks.
  • You'll need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) or Individual Tax Number (ITN) to open an account, which takes time to obtain if you're new to Canada.

What Canadian banks actually offer online account opening

The "Big Five" banks—Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), Toronto-Dominion (TD), Scotiabank, Bank of Montreal (BMO), and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC)—all have online account opening on their websites. You can fill out the process, upload your ID, and sometimes verify your identity through a video call. But then the process pauses: you'll be told to visit a branch with your ID to set up the account, or to mail in certified documents.

Online-only banks work differently. Tangerine (owned by Scotiabank) and EQ Bank let you open and set up an account entirely online without visiting a branch. You upload your ID, verify your identity through the app, and your account is ready to use within hours or a day. Other online options include Simplii Financial and some credit unions that operate primarily online. These banks have no physical branches, so all banking happens through their app or website.

The trade-off is real. Online-only banks have lower fees and sometimes better interest rates on savings accounts, but they don't offer mortgages, investment accounts, or in-person services. If you need a mortgage, investment information, or want to deposit cash at a physical location, a traditional bank is necessary.

Identity verification: what documents you need and how it works

Canadian banks must verify your identity under federal anti-money-laundering rules. The fastest way is a government-issued photo ID: a driver's license, passport, or provincial ID card. If you have one of these, most banks can verify you online using one of three methods: you upload a photo of both sides of the ID, you do a video call with a bank representative who checks the ID, or you visit a branch in person.

If you don't have a Canadian photo ID yet—because you're new to Canada or haven't obtained one—you have two options. First, you can visit a branch in person with your passport or other government ID from your home country. The bank will verify you face-to-face and open the account on the spot. Second, you can mail certified copies of your documents to the bank's address. This takes longer (usually two to four weeks) because the bank has to receive the mail, verify the documents, and send you confirmation.

Some banks accept a video call with a representative even if you don't have a Canadian ID. During the call, they'll ask you questions about your identity and may ask you to show your passport or other documents on camera. This works for some people but not all banks offer it, so you'll need to check with the specific bank.

What you need before you start: SIN, address, and income information

Before you open an account, gather these documents and information. You'll need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) if you're a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. If you're new to Canada and don't have a SIN yet, you can obtain one from Service Canada; it takes about two weeks by mail or you can explore in person at a Service Canada office. Some banks will let you open an account without a SIN if you're a temporary resident, but you'll need to provide an Individual Tax Number (ITN) instead, which you get from the Canada Revenue Agency.

You'll also need a Canadian address. If you just arrived and don't have one yet, some banks will accept a temporary address (like a hotel or a friend's place) to start the process, but you'll need to update it once you have a permanent address. Banks ask for proof of address using a recent utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement in your name.

Have your employment information ready: your employer's name, your job title, and your annual income. Banks ask this for fraud prevention and to comply with regulations. If you're self-employed, you may need to provide a recent tax return or business registration documents.

How long it actually takes from start to finish

Online-only banks are the fastest. Once you've submitted all documents and verified your identity, your account is usually active within one business day. You can start using it to receive deposits or transfers when ready, though you may not receive your debit card for five to seven business days.

Traditional banks that let you verify online but require a branch visit take longer. The online part takes a few hours to a day, but then you need to book an appointment at a branch and go in person. Depending on how busy the branch is, this could add another week. Once you visit, the account is usually activated on the spot, and your debit card arrives in five to ten business days.

If you're mailing documents, add two to four weeks. The bank has to receive your mail, verify the documents, send you confirmation, and then process the account. Your debit card takes another five to ten business days after that.

One thing that slows everything down: if you're new to Canada and waiting for a SIN or ITN, that's the real bottleneck. Service Canada processes SIN applications by mail in about two weeks, or you can get one in person at a Service Canada office in one visit. Until you have that number, most banks won't open your account.

What happens if you don't have Canadian ID or just arrived in Canada

If you're a newcomer to Canada without a Canadian driver's license or provincial ID, you have three paths. The easiest is to visit a branch in person with your passport or national ID. Bring proof of your Canadian address (a lease, utility bill, or letter from your employer) and your SIN or ITN. The bank will verify you on the spot and open the account when ready.

If you can't visit a branch, you can mail certified copies of your documents. A certified copy means a notary public or a lawyer has verified that your photocopy matches the original. This costs $10 to $30 per document. Mail the certified copies to the bank's address listed on their website, along with a completed process form. The bank will verify the documents and contact you when the account is ready.

Some online-only banks accept a video call with a representative instead of in-person verification. During the call, you show your passport on camera, answer identity questions, and the representative verifies you. This works if you have a stable internet connection and can schedule a call during the bank's business hours. Not all banks offer this, so check their website first.

Online-only banks versus traditional banks: which is right for you

Choose an online-only bank if you want the fastest account opening, don't need a physical branch, and are comfortable managing everything through an app. Tangerine and EQ Bank have no monthly fees, competitive interest rates on savings accounts, and you can open an account in under an hour. The downside: you can't deposit cash, get a mortgage, or speak to someone in person. If you need to deposit cheques, you can do it through their mobile app by taking a photo, but cash deposits aren't possible.

Choose a traditional bank if you need a mortgage, investment accounts, the ability to deposit cash, or want in-person support. The account opening takes longer, but you get access to a full range of services. Most traditional banks also have no monthly fees on basic chequing accounts if you keep a minimum balance (usually $1,500 to $3,000) or set up direct deposit.

A middle option: open an account with an online-only bank first while you're waiting for your SIN or other documents, then open a traditional bank account once you have everything. Many people do this because online banks are faster and you can start receiving deposits right away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account online if I'm not a Canadian citizen?

Yes, if you're a permanent resident or temporary resident with a valid work or study permit. You'll need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) if you're a permanent resident, or an Individual Tax Number (ITN) if you're temporary. Bring your passport and proof of your Canadian address. Some banks let you verify online; others require a branch visit.

What if I don't have a Canadian address yet?

Most banks will accept a temporary address to start the process—a hotel, hostel, or a friend's address. You'll need to update it to a permanent address (with proof like a lease or utility bill) within 30 days. Some banks let you do this online; others require you to visit a branch or mail in documents.

Do I need a SIN before I open a bank account?

If you're a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, yes. If you're a temporary resident, you can use an Individual Tax Number (ITN) instead. If you don't have either yet, explore for one before opening the account—it takes two weeks by mail or one visit to a Service Canada office.

Can I open an account online if I have a poor credit history?

Yes. Banks don't check your credit score to open a chequing account. They do check a fraud database called ChexSystems (or Equifax in Canada) to see if you've had problems with previous accounts, like writing bad cheques. If you have a history of fraud or unpaid overdrafts, some banks may decline, but most will still open a basic account.

How long before I can use my account after I open it online?

With online-only banks, usually within hours or one business day. With traditional banks, it depends on whether you verify online or visit a branch. If you verify online and visit a branch, the account is active the same day. If you mail documents, it takes two to four weeks. Your debit card arrives separately in five to ten business days.