The Basic Answer: Residency and Age Matter Most
You can open a bank account in Canada if you are at least 18 years old and have a valid form of identification. Most banks require proof that you live in Canada — either a Canadian address or proof of residency — though the exact requirement varies by institution. Non-residents and non-citizens can open accounts, but the process is slower and the documentation is heavier.
If you are under 18, you can open a joint account with a parent or guardian, or a youth account that the parent controls. Some banks allow minors as young as 13 to open their own accounts with parental consent, though the parent remains liable for overdrafts and fees.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 18 to open an account alone, or under 18 with a parent or guardian on the account.
- Canadian banks require government-issued photo ID and proof of your current address — usually a utility bill or lease dated within the last 90 days.
- Non-residents and non-citizens can open accounts but will face additional verification steps and may need a Canadian phone number and SIN or ITN.
- Some banks accept online applications; others require you to visit a branch in person, especially if you have no Canadian credit history.
- If you cannot meet standard requirements, credit unions and some online banks have lower barriers than the Big Five banks.
What Identification You Need
Canadian banks require at least one piece of government-issued photo identification. A driver's license, passport, or provincial ID card all work. If you do not have photo ID, some banks will accept a combination of documents — such as a birth certificate plus a utility bill — but this route is slower and not all branches accept it.
You will also need to prove your address. A utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement dated within the last 90 days is standard. If you have just moved and do not have a recent bill in your name, a signed lease or a letter from your landlord stating your move-in date can work. Post office mail forwarding notices do not count as proof of address.
If you are opening an account online, the bank may ask you to upload photos of both sides of your ID and a photo of your proof of address. Some banks will then call you to verify the information before activating the account.
Non-Citizens and Non-Residents Opening Accounts
Non-citizens with a valid passport and a Canadian address can open an account at most banks, though the process takes longer. You will need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) or an Individual Tax Number (ITN). If you do not have either, you can still open an account, but the bank will file a report with the Canada Revenue Agency, and you may face limits on the account until you provide a number.
Non-residents — people who live outside Canada but want a Canadian account — face stricter rules. Most of the Big Five banks (Royal Bank, TD, Scotiabank, BMO, CIBC) require you to visit a branch in person and will ask for additional documentation, such as proof of employment or a letter explaining why you need a Canadian account. Some online banks and credit unions are more flexible, but approval is not may provide.
If you are a temporary resident (on a work or study permit), you can open an account with your passport and a letter from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) showing your status. Some banks will also accept a provincial health card as proof of residency for temporary residents.
Age Requirements and Accounts for Minors
Anyone under 18 cannot open an account in their own name. A parent or legal guardian must be a joint account holder. The adult is responsible for all activity on the account and any fees or overdrafts.
Most banks offer youth accounts starting at age 13, with the parent controlling the account online. The minor can use a debit card and make withdrawals, but the parent can set spending limits and monitor transactions. At age 18, the minor can convert the account to a standard account or open a new one independently.
Some banks allow a parent to open a savings account for a child of any age, with the parent as the sole account holder. The child's name may or may not appear on the account, depending on the bank's policy.
Where to Open an Account: Banks, Credit Unions, and Online Options
The Big Five banks — Royal Bank, TD, Scotiabank, BMO, and CIBC — have branches across Canada and accept most applicants who meet the basic requirements. However, they may require an in-person visit if you have no Canadian credit history or if you are a non-resident.
Credit unions operate provincially and often have lower barriers to entry than national banks. They may not require a SIN, may accept alternative proof of address, and are sometimes more willing to work with non-residents or people with no credit history. Each province has its own credit union system — for example, Desjardins in Quebec, Coast Capital in British Columbia, and Meridian in Ontario.
Online banks such as Tangerine, EQ Bank, and Simplii Financial allow you to open an account entirely online, but they still require government ID and proof of address. The advantage is speed — approval can happen within hours — and the disadvantage is that you cannot visit a branch if something goes wrong.
What Happens If You Cannot Meet Standard Requirements
If you do not have government-issued photo ID, some banks will accept a combination of documents: a birth certificate, a social insurance card, and a utility bill, for example. Call your bank's main line and ask whether they accept alternative documents; policies vary by branch.
If you have no proof of address — for example, you are homeless or living with someone else — some banks will accept a letter from a shelter, a social service agency, or a community organization on letterhead confirming your address. A few banks will also accept mail from a government agency, such as a tax notice or benefit letter, even if it is not recent.
If you have been refused by a bank, try a credit union in your province or an online bank. If you are a non-resident, contact the bank's international or non-resident department directly rather than visiting a branch; they have different rules and may be able to help.
What Happens After You Open the Account
Once your account is open, the bank will issue you a debit card, usually within 5 to 10 business days. You can set up online banking and mobile banking immediately. If you opened the account in person, you may be able to use your debit card the same day; if you opened it online, the bank will mail it to your address.
Your first transaction may be subject to a hold — the bank may delay crediting a deposit for 1 to 3 business days while they verify the source of the funds. This is normal and does not mean there is a problem with your account.
If you are a non-resident or non-citizen, the bank may contact you after 30 days to confirm your information or ask additional questions. This is routine compliance and does not mean your account is at risk of closure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account if I am not a Canadian citizen?
Yes. You need a valid passport, proof of a Canadian address, and either a Social Insurance Number or an Individual Tax Number. If you do not have a SIN or ITN, you can still open an account, but the bank will report you to the Canada Revenue Agency and may place limits on the account until you provide a number.
What if I do not have a fixed address?
Some banks will accept a letter from a shelter, social service agency, or community organization confirming your address. A few will also accept a government mail piece, such as a tax notice, even if it is not recent. Call the bank directly and ask what they accept; policies vary by branch.
Can I open an account online if I live outside Canada?
Most online banks will not open an account for a non-resident, even online. Your best option is to contact a credit union in the province where you have a connection (family, property, or employment), or to call the international department of a major bank and ask whether they can help.
Do I need a Canadian phone number to open an account?
Most banks prefer a Canadian phone number for security and account recovery, but it is not always required. If you do not have one, ask the bank whether they will accept an international number. Some will; others will not.
What if my proof of address is older than 90 days?
Most banks will not accept it. However, if you have just moved and do not have a recent bill in your name, a signed lease or a letter from your landlord with the move-in date usually works. Call the bank and explain your situation before you visit.