Open a Canadian Bank Account Online [Non-Residents] (2024)

FAQs

Open a Canadian Bank Account Online [Non-Residents]? ›

Most Canadian banks require non-residents to apply for an account in person. However, some banks offer online applications or allow you to start the process via email or phone. Be prepared to: - Fill out an application form with personal and financial details.

Most Canadian banks require non-residents to apply for an account in person. However, some banks offer online applications or allow you to start the process via email or phone. Be prepared to: - Fill out an application form with personal and financial details.

You can open a Canadian bank account even if you are not a Canadian citizen. Even if you don't have a job or the money for an initial deposit, you can create an account as long as you have the proper identification and other papers.

Note: You can keep a Canadian bank account and it can be really useful while living in the U.S. or overseas to have one! But change your address on this account to your new non-Canadian address.

Yes, you can. Your credit history does not come into consideration when opening a personal deposit account as long as it does not contain derogatory information that was the result of fraud or other illegal activity.

CMPA applicants from outside of Canada can start the process of opening a Canadian bank account and then finalize the process upon arrival in Canada. By starting this process, applicants can acquire the banking information needed to complete a CMPA application.

There's a large network of over 50,000 no-fee ATMs in all 50 states, and RBC does not charge a fee when using out-of-network ATMs. You can open an account online as either a U.S. or Canadian citizen. CD offers are competitive.

Aside from proof of identity and proof of address, most Canadian banks will also ask for a government-issued ID, like a passport or national ID card, as well as your Social Insurance Number (SIN).

Can I have a bank account in Canada as a tourist? ›

Yes. All Canadian banks can open bank accounts for non-residents. However… it is rare for a non-resident (not citizen, permanent resident, work permit, or study permit), as you cannot work or earn income in Canada, you (typically) can't stay that long, and the bank needs a lot more verification.

In actual fact, you can be absent from Canada as long as you want. The Canadian government recognizes that citizens may travel extensively, work or study abroad. You will always maintain your Canadian citizenship. What absentia may affect is your Canadian health care coverage and income tax.

How long are you welcome to visit another country? A Canadian can stay for up to 182 days per calendar year (without paying U.S. income tax). Visitors can stay for maximum of six months in each 12 months (not a calendar year, but counting backwards 12 months from your date of entry).

As a US citizen the easiest way to open your Canadian account is probably to choose a specialist online account provider which can accept your US identification documents.

International Bank Accounts

Canadian banks such as the National Bank of Canada, HSBC Bank Canada and the Canadian Western Bank offer these solutions. You don't need a Canadian address to open an international bank account.

CIBC, BMO, TD Bank, and RBC all offer cross-border banking solutions to allow Canadians to open a US-domiciled bank account.

Opening a bank account if you're not a Canadian citizen

You may be able to open a bank account with the proper identification in Canada even if: you're not a Canadian citizen. you live in another country.

Yes. All Canadian banks can open bank accounts for non-residents. However… it is rare for a non-resident (not citizen, permanent resident, work permit, or study permit), as you cannot work or earn income in Canada, you (typically) can't stay that long, and the bank needs a lot more verification.

You must be 18 years or older and live in Canada or the U.S. to open an account. Make sure you have your: SIN or SSN (we use this information to verify your identity and when necessary, access your credit history with a credit reporting agency.

Anyone over the age of 18 (or 19 in certain provinces) can open a non-registered account. There is no age limit on a non-registered account, unlike a RRSP, which must be matured into a Registered Retirement Income Fund at age 71.