Yes, you can open a Canadian bank account from the US, but the process depends on whether you are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or US resident

If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident living in the US, most Canadian banks will let you open an account remotely using your passport, proof of address, and a video call. If you are a US citizen or resident without Canadian status, the options narrow — some banks will still open accounts for you, but they require more documentation and may ask why you need the account. The easiest path is usually to visit a Canadian bank branch in person if you can travel to Canada, but remote opening is possible from several major banks.

The main barrier is not your location but your identity documents. Canadian banks need to verify who you are under federal anti-money-laundering rules. A US driver's license works, but you will also need proof that you live where you say you do — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your US address. If you have a Canadian address (even a temporary one), that speeds things up.

Key Takeaways

  • Canadian citizens and permanent residents can open accounts remotely with a passport, proof of US address, and a video call with the bank.
  • US citizens and residents can open Canadian accounts at some banks, but expect to provide more documents and explain the reason for the account.
  • The Big Five Canadian banks — Royal Bank, TD, Bank of Nova Scotia, BMO, and CIBC — all offer remote account opening, though policies vary by account type.
  • You will need a valid passport or government ID, proof of your current address, and sometimes a Social Security number or US tax ID.
  • Opening an account remotely usually takes three to five business days once the bank receives all documents.

What Canadian banks need from you

Every Canadian bank requires the same core documents: a valid government-issued photo ID (passport, driver's license, or state ID) and proof of your current address. The address proof must be recent — usually dated within the last three months — and can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement. If you are using a US address, make sure the name on the document matches the name on your ID exactly.

Beyond those basics, banks diverge. Some ask for your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Others ask why you want the account — whether you are moving to Canada soon, have family there, or do business across the border. Be straightforward. Banks are not trying to trap you; they are documenting their compliance with federal rules. If you say you are opening the account because you work remotely for a Canadian company, that is a legitimate reason and the bank will note it in your file.

A few banks also ask for a reference from another financial institution — proof that you have an existing account in good standing somewhere. This is less common for remote applications but more common if you are a US resident without Canadian ties. If asked, your US bank can usually provide this in writing within a few days.

Which Canadian banks accept remote applications from the US

Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) accepts remote applications from US residents and has a dedicated online process. You upload documents through their portal, complete a video verification call, and can fund the account from a US bank transfer. RBC does not require you to be a Canadian citizen.

Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) also opens accounts remotely for US residents, though the process is slightly slower. TD requires a video call and may ask follow-up questions about your banking history. TD accounts can be funded by US wire transfer, though the fee is higher than domestic transfers.

Bank of Montreal (BMO) and Bank of Nova Scotia (Scotiabank) both offer remote opening but are more cautious with US residents. Both banks will open accounts, but they may require additional documentation or a longer verification period. Scotiabank in particular sometimes asks for a letter from your employer or proof of income.

CIBC (Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce) is the most restrictive of the Big Five. CIBC prefers that you open an account in person at a Canadian branch, though they will sometimes make exceptions for people with Canadian family or employment ties. Call their US customer service line before explore to ask whether your situation qualifies for remote opening.

Smaller banks and credit unions vary widely. Tangerine and EQ Bank, both online-only, have simpler remote processes but may not serve US residents. Check the bank's website or call their customer service to confirm they accept applications from your state before you gather documents.

The video call and verification process

Once you submit your documents online, the bank schedules a video call, usually within two to five business days. The call lasts 10 to 20 minutes. The bank representative will ask you to hold up your ID to the camera, confirm your address, and answer basic questions about your banking history and the reason for the account. They may also ask you to sign documents electronically during the call.

For the call, use a quiet space with good lighting and a stable internet connection. Have your ID and proof of address ready to show on camera. The bank will not ask you to share your screen or access your US bank account — if they do, it is a scam. Legitimate banks verify identity through the documents you provide, not by accessing your other accounts.

After the call, the bank sends you a confirmation email with your account number and online banking login. You can usually fund the account when ready through a US wire transfer or ACH transfer, though some banks require you to wait 24 hours. Wire transfers arrive the same day or next business day; ACH transfers take three to five business days and cost less.

Funding your account from the US

Once your account is open, you can transfer money from your US bank account using a wire transfer or ACH transfer. Wire transfers are faster — usually one business day — but cost between $15 and $50 depending on your US bank. ACH transfers are cheaper (often free) but take three to five business days and have lower daily limits, usually $1,000 to $5,000 per transfer.

To set up either transfer, you will need your new Canadian account number and the bank's routing number. The bank provides both in your welcome email. Your US bank will ask you to classify the transfer as "international" even though you are sending money to a Canadian bank — this is normal and does not affect the transfer.

Some people use services like Wise (formerly TransferWise) or OFX to move money between US and Canadian accounts. These services often have lower fees than wire transfers and better exchange rates if you are converting US dollars to Canadian dollars. However, they add an extra step — you transfer money to the service first, then the service sends it to your Canadian bank. This takes longer but can save money on large transfers.

What happens if you are denied

Banks occasionally deny remote applications from US residents, usually because they cannot verify your identity or because they have concerns about the reason for the account. If this happens, the bank will send you a letter explaining the reason. Common reasons include a mismatch between your ID and address, an unclear banking history, or a policy decision that the bank does not open accounts for people in your state.

If you are denied, you have options. You can try a different bank — policies vary, and another bank may accept your process. You can also travel to Canada and open an account in person at a branch, which almost always succeeds because the bank can verify your identity face-to-face. Some people also ask a Canadian family member or friend to help them open an account, though the account must still be in your name.

If you believe you were denied unfairly, you can contact the bank's customer service and ask for a review. Bring any new documents that might help — a letter from your employer, proof of Canadian family ties, or a clearer address verification. Banks do not always reverse denials, but they will sometimes reconsider if you provide additional information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Canadian address to open an account?

No. Banks accept US addresses. However, if you have a Canadian address — even a temporary one like a hotel or Airbnb — the process is usually faster because the bank has fewer questions about your ties to Canada.

Can I open a Canadian account if I am a US citizen with no Canadian ties?

Yes, but it is harder. Some banks will open accounts for US citizens, but they ask more questions and may take longer to verify you. RBC and TD are the most open to this. Smaller banks may decline. Be prepared to explain why you want the account.

What if my US bank will not do a wire transfer to Canada?

Some smaller US banks restrict international transfers. If yours does, ask whether they offer ACH transfers to Canada instead — many do. If not, you can use a service like Wise to move money, or deposit cash at a Canadian bank branch if you travel to Canada.

How long does it take to open an account?

From process to funded account usually takes five to ten business days. Document submission to video call is two to five days. The call itself is same-day or next-day. Funding the account adds one to five days depending on your transfer method.

Will opening a Canadian account affect my US taxes?

No, opening an account does not affect your taxes. However, if you earn income in Canada or the account balance exceeds certain thresholds, you may have reporting requirements. Consult a tax professional if you are unsure, but the account itself is just a bank account.