Yes, non-Canadians can open a bank account in Canada, but the process depends on your immigration status and which bank you choose
Most Canadian banks will open an account for you if you have a valid passport or travel document and proof of a Canadian address. The catch: what counts as proof of address, how much identification you need, and whether you can do it online or must visit in person all vary by bank and by your status. A permanent resident or work permit holder faces fewer barriers than a visitor on a tourist visa, and some banks are stricter than others.
The real bottleneck is not whether banks will take your money—they will—but whether you can prove who you are and where you live in a way the bank accepts. This matters because Canadian banks must follow anti-money-laundering rules that require them to verify your identity before opening an account.
Key Takeaways
- Non-Canadians with a valid passport and a Canadian address can open a bank account at most major banks, though some require in-person visits.
- Permanent residents and work permit holders have the easiest path; tourist visa holders may be refused or limited to basic accounts.
- You will need two pieces of ID (one with a photo) and proof of a Canadian address—a lease, utility bill, or letter from your employer usually works.
- Online banks like Tangerine and EQ Bank often have simpler processes than the Big Five banks, but still require identity verification.
- If a bank refuses you, try a credit union in your province—they sometimes have different rules and may accept international students or temporary residents.
What banks need from you before they open an account
Canadian banks are required by the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) to verify your identity and address. This is not the bank being difficult—it is federal law. You will need to bring or upload:
- A valid photo ID (passport, travel document, or national ID card)
- A second piece of ID (can be a driver's license, work permit, study permit, or utility bill)
- Proof of a Canadian address dated within the last 90 days (lease, utility bill, bank statement, or a letter from your employer or school on official letterhead)
If you do not have a Canadian address yet—you are arriving next week, for example—some banks will let you use a temporary address (a hotel, Airbnb, or the address of a friend or family member you will be staying with). Call ahead to ask whether the bank accepts this. Others will not open an account until you have a permanent address.
Your passport alone is usually not enough, even though it is the strongest ID you have. Banks want to see that you actually live in Canada, not just that you are allowed to visit or work here.
Different rules for different immigration statuses
Permanent residents have the easiest time. You have a valid PR card or passport with a PR stamp, and you can open an account at any bank the same way a Canadian citizen would. Most banks will do this online or in person with no extra questions.
Work permit holders are usually accepted without trouble. Bring your passport and your work permit (or a letter from your employer confirming your employment and the permit number). Most banks treat you the same as a permanent resident once they see the work permit.
International students on a study permit can open an account, but some banks are pickier. You will need your passport, study permit, and proof of address (your student housing lease or a letter from your school). Some banks have special student accounts with lower minimums. If one bank refuses, try another—credit unions in your province often have fewer restrictions.
Visitors on a tourist visa or visa-exempt entry face the most friction. Some banks will open a basic account if you have a Canadian address and a return ticket or proof you are staying longer. Others will refuse outright because they see you as temporary. If you are refused, a credit union or online bank may still take you.
In-person versus online account opening
The Big Five banks—Royal Bank (RBC), Toronto-Dominion (TD), Bank of Nova Scotia (Scotiabank), Bank of Montreal (BMO), and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC)—usually require you to visit a branch in person if you are a non-Canadian. They need to see your ID and address proof with their own eyes and verify your identity against their systems. This can take 15 to 30 minutes. You can call ahead to book an appointment, which is faster than walking in.
Online banks like Tangerine, EQ Bank, and Simplii Financial have streamlined processes for non-Canadians. You upload photos of your ID and address proof, and they verify you electronically. This can happen in minutes or take a few business days depending on the bank. The downside: if something does not match or the photo is unclear, they may ask you to visit a branch anyway, or they may refuse and you will have to try elsewhere.
Credit unions vary by province. Some allow online account opening for non-Canadians; others require a branch visit. Check your provincial credit union's website or call to ask before you apply.
What to do if a bank refuses you
If a bank says no, it is usually because your address proof is not recent enough, your ID does not match your address, or your immigration status is too temporary for their comfort. You have several options to try next.
Try a different bank first. Online banks and credit unions have different risk tolerances. If RBC refuses you, Tangerine or your provincial credit union might not. You can also get a better address proof—if your lease or utility bill is older than 90 days, ask your landlord or utility company for a new one. A letter from your employer or school on official letterhead, dated recently, also works and often carries more weight than a utility bill.
Some banks will open an account for a tourist if a Canadian citizen or permanent resident vouches for you in person. This is rare, but worth asking. If you are arriving as a student or worker, you can also wait until your status changes—opening the account after you have your permit and a lease in your name will be much faster and face fewer questions.
Minimum deposits and account types for non-Canadians
Most banks do not require a minimum deposit to open a chequing or savings account, regardless of your citizenship. However, some accounts come with monthly fees if you do not maintain a minimum balance—usually $1,500 to $3,000. Ask about no-fee accounts or student accounts (if you are a student) before you open.
Some banks offer a "basic" or "newcomer" account for non-Canadians. These often have lower fees and no minimum balance. Ask specifically for this when you apply—it is not always advertised online. Online banks typically have no monthly fees and no minimum balance, which makes them a good choice if you are opening an account with little money to start.
Getting a debit card and setting up online banking
Once your account is open, you can usually get a debit card on the spot or within a few business days. The card will be mailed to your Canadian address. If you need it faster, ask whether the bank can issue a temporary card or let you use your account number to withdraw cash at an ATM while you wait.
Online banking access is usually set up immediately. You will get a username and password (or a link to create one) before you leave the branch or within hours of opening online. This lets you check your balance, transfer money, and pay bills right away, even if your debit card has not arrived yet. If you need to send money to another country, ask about international transfer options when you open the account. Some banks offer this; others require you to set it up later or use a third-party service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Canadian Social Insurance Number to open a bank account?
No. A SIN is not required to open a basic chequing or savings account. You will need one later if you work in Canada or earn interest income, but the bank will not ask for it when you open the account. If the bank asks, you can provide it later or leave it blank.
Can I open an account if I do not have a Canadian address yet?
Some banks will let you use a temporary address—a hotel, Airbnb, or a friend's address—if you can show you will be there for at least 90 days. Others will not. Call the bank before you arrive and ask whether they accept temporary addresses. If not, wait until you have a lease or move-in letter from your landlord.
What if my passport is expiring soon?
Most banks will accept a passport that is expiring within the next few months, as long as it is still valid on the day you open the account. If it expires before you can visit a branch, renew it first. An expired passport is not acceptable ID.
Can I open a joint account with someone who is not a Canadian citizen?
Yes, but both account holders will need to provide ID and address proof. If one of you is a Canadian citizen and the other is not, the process is the same—both of you go to the branch together, or both upload documents if you are opening online.
Will opening a Canadian bank account affect my immigration status?
No. Opening a bank account has no effect on your visa, work permit, or study permit. Banks do not report account openings to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).