Yes, you can open most bank accounts in Canada online, but the process and what you'll need depends on which bank you choose and whether you're a citizen, permanent resident, or visitor

The major banks—Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), Toronto-Dominion (TD), Bank of Nova Scotia (Scotiabank), Bank of Montreal (BMO), and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC)—all let you start a chequing or savings account through their websites or mobile apps. You won't need to visit a branch. The whole process usually takes 10 to 20 minutes, though some banks ask you to verify your identity by video call or by uploading documents, which can add a day or two.

What stops most people is not the online part—it's the identity proof. Banks need to confirm who you are before they open an account. If you're a Canadian citizen or permanent resident with a valid government ID (driver's license, passport, or provincial ID card), the process is straightforward. If you're a temporary resident, a visitor, or don't have Canadian ID yet, you'll hit friction, and some banks will ask you to come in person or won't open an account for you at all.

Key Takeaways

  • All major Canadian banks let you open a chequing or savings account online if you have a valid Canadian government ID and a Social Insurance Number (SIN) or Individual Tax Number (ITN).
  • The online process takes 10 to 20 minutes, but identity verification by video or document upload can add one to three business days.
  • If you don't have a Canadian ID or SIN yet, some banks will still open an account but may require a branch visit, a deposit of $100 or more, or a letter from your employer or school.
  • Online-only banks like Tangerine, EQ Bank, and Simplii Financial have fewer identity requirements and faster approval, but they offer no branch access and limited customer service by phone.
  • Once your account is open, you can deposit money by e-transfer, direct deposit, or in-person at an ATM or branch, depending on the bank.

What you need to open an account online

Have your government-issued ID ready—a driver's license, passport, or provincial photo ID. The bank will ask for your name, date of birth, address, phone number, and email. You'll also need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) if you're a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, or an Individual Tax Number (ITN) if you're a temporary resident. If you don't have either, some banks will still open an account but will ask for additional proof, such as a letter from your employer or school, a lease, or a utility bill.

Have your current address handy—the one on your ID or your actual mailing address if they differ. Some banks ask for both. You'll also need a phone number and email address that you check regularly, because the bank will send you a one-time code to verify your identity during the signup process.

If you're opening an account as a minor (under 18), a parent or guardian must be present or must co-sign the account online. Some banks allow minors to open accounts independently at age 16 or 17; others require a guardian until age 18. Check the bank's website for their specific age rules.

How the online signup process works

Go to the bank's website or download their app. Look for "Open an Account" or "New Customer". You'll choose the type of account—usually chequing, savings, or both. The bank will ask for your personal details: name, date of birth, address, phone, email, and SIN or ITN. This takes about five minutes.

Next comes identity verification. Most banks now use one of three methods: they ask you to upload a photo of your ID (driver's license or passport), they ask you to take a video call with a staff member who watches you hold up your ID, or they ask you to answer security questions based on your credit history. The video call is fastest—it happens in real time and takes about five minutes. Document upload can take one to three business days because a person has to review it.

Once the bank confirms your identity, you'll set up login credentials—a username and password, and often a security question. Some banks also ask you to set up a PIN for phone banking. The account is then open, and you can start using it immediately, though the bank may place a hold on deposits for one to three business days while they complete their final checks.

If you don't have a Canadian ID or SIN yet

Permanent residents who have just arrived in Canada often don't have a SIN yet. Temporary residents (students, workers on a permit) may have an ITN but not a SIN. Visitors have neither. The major banks will usually still open an account for you, but the process is slower and may require a branch visit.

TD, RBC, and BMO will open accounts for temporary residents and visitors online if you provide a valid passport and proof of Canadian address (a lease, utility bill, or letter from your employer or school). The process takes longer—usually three to five business days—because the bank has to verify your status manually. Some branches will also open an account on the spot if you bring your passport and proof of address in person.

If you're waiting for your SIN, you can apply for one through Service Canada. The application takes about 10 business days by mail or can be done in person at a Service Canada office. Once you have your SIN, contact your bank and provide it; they'll update your account.

Online-only banks versus branch banks

Online-only banks like Tangerine, EQ Bank, and Simplii Financial have faster signup and fewer identity requirements. They often accept temporary residents and visitors more readily than the major banks do. Their accounts have no monthly fees and higher interest rates on savings. The tradeoff is that you cannot walk into a branch, call a local phone number, or deposit cash at a teller. You can deposit money only by e-transfer, direct deposit, or by mailing a cheque.

Branch banks (RBC, TD, Scotiabank, BMO, CIBC) charge monthly fees for chequing accounts unless you meet a minimum balance or have a direct deposit, but they give you access to thousands of ATMs and branches across Canada. You can deposit cash, speak to someone in person, and get a debit card issued at a branch if there's a problem. If you're new to Canada and may need in-person help, a branch bank is usually the safer choice, even if it costs a few dollars a month.

What happens after your account opens

Your account is active immediately, but your debit card arrives by mail in five to ten business days. Until then, you can use e-transfer to receive money from other people, or you can ask the bank to set up direct deposit so your employer or government payments go straight in. You can also withdraw cash at any ATM that belongs to your bank's network, even without a debit card, by using your online login and a PIN.

The bank may place a temporary hold on deposits—usually 24 to 72 hours—while they complete their final verification. This is normal and does not mean there's a problem with your account. Once the hold lifts, the money is yours to spend.

If you need to deposit cash before your debit card arrives, visit a branch in person or ask whether the bank offers mobile deposit (taking a photo of a cheque through the app). Not all banks offer mobile deposit, and some limit how much you can deposit this way per day or per month.

Common reasons your online application might be rejected or delayed

The bank cannot verify your identity. This usually means your ID photo is blurry, cut off, or expired. Upload a new photo or visit a branch with the original ID. If you're using a passport, make sure the photo page is clear and the passport is not expired.

Your address does not match their records. If you've moved recently, the address on your ID may not match your current mailing address. Provide both and explain the move. Bring a recent utility bill or lease as proof of your current address.

You don't have a SIN or ITN. If you're a temporary resident or visitor, the bank may ask for additional proof of your status in Canada—a work permit, study permit, or visitor record. Bring these documents to a branch, or upload them through the online form if the bank allows it.

You have a history of fraud or unpaid debts. Banks run a credit check and check national fraud databases. If there's a flag, the bank will contact you to ask questions. Be honest and provide documentation if you can. Some banks will still open an account for you; others will decline.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to open a bank account online in Canada?

If you have a valid Canadian ID and SIN, the process takes 10 to 20 minutes to complete the form. Identity verification by video call happens in real time. Document upload takes one to three business days. Your account is usually active within 24 hours, though the bank may hold deposits for an additional one to three days.

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

Yes. Permanent residents, temporary residents (students and workers), and visitors can all open accounts online at major banks. You'll need a valid passport and proof of Canadian address. The process takes longer—three to five business days—because the bank verifies your status manually. Some banks may ask you to visit a branch in person.

Do I need a Social Insurance Number to open a bank account?

A SIN is required if you're a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. Temporary residents can use an Individual Tax Number (ITN) instead. Visitors without either can still open an account at most major banks, but the process is slower and may require additional proof of identity and address.

What's the difference between opening an account online and at a branch?

Online signup is faster and more convenient. At a branch, a staff member can answer questions in real time and help if your ID or address doesn't match their system. Branch signup is useful if you're new to Canada, don't have a SIN yet, or need to deposit cash immediately. Both routes end with the same account.

Can I use my account before my debit card arrives?

Yes. You can receive money by e-transfer or direct deposit, and you can withdraw cash at ATMs using your online login and PIN. You cannot spend money in stores until your debit card arrives, which usually takes five to ten business days.