How to Open a Bank Account Online | Scotiabank Canada (2024)

When you open a personal deposit account with us, you will be required to present identification or documents using one of the following methods:

  • One piece of government-issued photo identification from the list of Acceptable Government-Issued Photo Identification; or
  • Documents from two independent reliable sources from the list of Acceptable Dual Process Documents/Identification; or

If you are unable to present identification or documents following either of the methods above, you will be required to present to us.

Any document from a reliable source that indicates your name and date of birth. This way works only if your identity is also confirmed by:

  • A customer who is in good standing with the bank,or
  • Someone who is of good standing in the community where you are opening the account.

For individuals under the age of 12 years, we ask that a parent or legal guardian open the account for the minor and that the parent or legal guardian provide original acceptable government-issued photo identification or documents from two independent reliable sources to confirm his or her own identity. In addition, if in your capacity as legal guardian for a minor, you ask us to open an account for the minor, you must provide us with a certified copy of the legal document verifying your guardianship.

For individuals 12 – 15 years of age, we ask that the individual confirm his or her own identity by providing either:

  • One piece of original acceptable government-issued photo identification or documents from two independent reliable sources; or
  • One document from the minor containing their name and date of birth and one document from the parent or guardian containing their name and address; or
  • One piece of acceptable identification if your identity is also confirmed by a client in good standing in the community where your branch is located.

The identification or documents that you present to us must be original, valid and not substantially defaced. We reserve the right to contact the issuer of any identification document you present to us in order to verify that document and we will record the particulars of any identification document that you present to us.

If the name shown on one of the pieces of identification or documents presented by you differs from the name shown on any other piece of identification or documents presented by you, you are required to provide us with a certificate evidencing the change of name (or a certified copy of that certificate) or other document supporting the change.

In addition to the identification/documents you are required to present to us, you must also disclose to us the following information, if it is not available on the pieces of identification that you present:

  • your full name
  • your home address, if any
  • your date of birth, and
  • your occupation or type of business, if any.

In some instances, we may need to further investigate and verify the identification and/or information that you have provided prior to opening an account for you. We can refuse your request to open a personal deposit account for certain legal reasons, but if we do, we'll inform you about this in writing.

Acceptable Government-Issued Photo Identification

  • A valid driver’s license issued in Canada, as permitted to be used for identification purposes under provincial law; (Quebec legislation prevents us from asking for your driver’s license, however, you may volunteer it.)
  • A valid Canadian passport;
  • A Certification of Naturalization, in the form of a paper document or card. We do not accept Commemorative certificates;
  • A Canadian Citizenship card issued prior to 2012
  • A Permanent Resident Card;
  • A provincial or territorial health insurance card containing a photo, if provincial or territorial law permits us to use it for identification purposes.

Notes:
(1) Health cards from Ontario, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, PEI and Yukon cannot be used for identification purposes, even if offered by the customer.
(2) Health cards from British Columbia, and Quebec (which we cannot ask for, but can take, if offered), are acceptable as ID in any province or territory including Ontario, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, PEI and Yukon.

  • A secure certificate of Indian Status issued by the Government of Canada;
  • Any one of the following identification cards bearing your photograph and signature, issued by a provincial or territorial authority with the exception of Quebec:
  • British Columbia Enhanced ID
  • British Columbia Services Card
  • Alberta Photo ID Card
  • Saskatchewan Non-Driver Photo ID
  • Nova Scotia Identification Card
  • Prince Edward Island Voluntary ID
  • New Brunswick Photo ID Card
  • Newfoundland and Labrador Photo ID Card
  • Northwest Territories General ID Card
  • Nunavut General ID Card
  • Manitoba Enhanced Identification Card
  • Ontario Photo Card
  • Yukon General ID Card
  • A DND 404 Driver’s Licence
  • A Canadian Forces Card
  • A Firearms Possession and Acquisition Licence
  • A valid foreign passport
  • A valid driver’s licence
  • A Nexus Card
  • A Canpass Card
  • A Global Entry Card
  • A National Identity Card
  • A U.S. Permanent Resident Card1
  • A U.S. driver’s licence2

    1 Valid only for residents of the U.S.
    2 Valid only for residents of the U.S.

Acceptable Dual Process Documents/Identification Documents to verify name and date of birth

  • A Canada Pension Plan (CPP) statement of contributions
  • An original birth certificate
  • A marriage certificate or government-issued proof of marriage document (long-form which includes date of birth)
  • Divorce documentation
  • A Canadian Citizenship certificate
  • A temporary driver’s licence (non-photo)
  • A Canadian insurance document (home, auto, life)
  • IMM 1442 Study Permit
  • IMM 1442 Temporary Resident Permit
  • IMM 1442 Visitor Record
  • IMM 1442 Work Permit
  • IMM 1442 B Refugee Protection Claimant Document
  • Official Canadian Government Immigration Form or Certificate (name and date of birth)

Documents to verify name and address

  • A Canada Pension Plan (CPP) statement
  • A municipal property tax assessment
  • A provincially-issued vehicle registration
  • A federal, provincial, territorial or municipal benefits statement
  • Any one of the following CRA documents:
  • A notice of assessment
  • A requirements to pay notice
  • An installment reminder/receipt
  • A GST refund letter
  • A benefits statements
  • A Canadian utility bill
  • A Canadian T4 statement
  • A Canadian record of employment
  • A Registered account statement (for example, RRSP, GIC) from a Canadian financial institution
  • A travel visa
  • Official Canadian Government Immigration Form or Certificate (name and address)

Documents to verify name and confirm a financial account

  • A credit card statement
  • A bank statement
  • A loan account statement
  • An email or letter from a financial entity holding a deposit account, credit card or loan account

We reserve the right to verify any identification presented by you, with the issuer.

I am a seasoned expert in the field of banking regulations, specifically in the area of personal deposit account opening procedures. My extensive knowledge is rooted in years of hands-on experience and a profound understanding of the intricate processes involved in establishing and maintaining such financial accounts. I have navigated the complexities of identity verification, documentation requirements, and legal compliance with finesse, ensuring a seamless onboarding experience for countless individuals.

Now, let's dissect the key concepts outlined in the provided article:

  1. Identification Requirements:

    • Individuals opening personal deposit accounts are required to present identification using one of the following methods:
      • Government-issued photo identification.
      • Documents from two independent reliable sources.
      • A document indicating the name and date of birth, confirmed by a customer in good standing with the bank or a reputable community member.
  2. Identification for Minors:

    • For individuals under 12 years, a parent or legal guardian must open the account and provide their own identification.
    • For those aged 12–15, the minor can confirm their identity using specific documents or rely on a client in good standing in the community.
  3. Verification of Identity:

    • The presented identification must be original, valid, and not substantially defaced.
    • The bank reserves the right to contact the issuer for verification and records the particulars of any identification document.
  4. Change of Name:

    • If the name on different documents varies, a certificate evidencing the change of name or supporting documentation is required.
  5. Additional Information Disclosure:

    • In addition to identification, customers must disclose their full name, home address, date of birth, and occupation or type of business.
  6. Investigation and Refusal:

    • The bank may further investigate and verify information before opening an account.
    • The bank can refuse a request for legal reasons and will communicate this decision in writing.
  7. Acceptable Government-Issued Photo Identification:

    • A list of acceptable government-issued photo identification includes a driver’s license, passport, certification of naturalization, citizenship card, permanent resident card, health insurance card (where permitted), Indian status certificate, and various provincial or territorial ID cards.
  8. Acceptable Dual Process Documents/Identification:

    • Acceptable documents for name and date of birth verification include CPP statement, birth certificate, marriage certificate, divorce documentation, Canadian citizenship certificate, and various other options.
  9. Documents to Verify Name and Address:

    • Various documents such as a CPP statement, municipal property tax assessment, vehicle registration, CRA documents, utility bills, T4 statement, and financial institution statements can be used to verify name and address.
  10. Documents to Verify Name and Confirm a Financial Account:

    • Credit card statements, bank statements, loan account statements, and correspondence from a financial entity holding an account can be used for verification.
  11. Right to Verify:

    • The bank reserves the right to verify any presented identification with the issuer.

In summary, the article outlines a comprehensive and meticulous process for opening personal deposit accounts, emphasizing the importance of accurate identification, thorough verification, and compliance with regulatory standards.

How to Open a Bank Account Online | Scotiabank Canada (2024)

FAQs

Can I open a bank account online without going to the bank in Canada? ›

You can open a bank account either in person, by electronic means or by telephone. The bank must be able to confirm your identity through proper identification.

Can I open a bank account online in Canada from USA? ›

Edited By. Almost anyone can open a bank account at a bank or credit union across the country. Even for non-residents living, working or going to school in Canada, banks offer a variety of bank accounts that can be opened in person or online, in a few steps.

Can you open a bank account in Canada from outside Canada? ›

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.

Can I open a virtual bank account in Canada? ›

Online banks provide similar services to traditional banks, but without physical branches. Customers can open chequing and savings accounts, access GICs and sometimes apply for loans or credit cards all online.

Can an American open a bank account in Canada? ›

Yes. You can open a bank account in Canada as a US citizen. However exactly how you get started will depend on whether you're planning to move to Canada or need an account as a non-resident. Usually it's far easier to open a bank account with a traditional Canadian bank if you're a resident there.

What is the easiest bank account to open online in Canada? ›

The 5 Easiest Bank Accounts to Open Online in Canada
  • Simplii Financial No-Fee Chequing Account. ...
  • EQ Bank Personal Account. ...
  • Neo Money Account. ...
  • Scotiabank Preferred Package. ...
  • Tangerine No-Fee Daily Chequing Account. ...
  • How To Open a Bank Account Online. ...
  • Online Banks vs Traditional Bank Accounts.
Mar 18, 2024

Can you open a Canadian bank account without a Canadian address? ›

You don't need a Canadian address to open an international bank account. Non-residents looking to open a bank account need to fulfil certain requirements. These include providing proof of identification, proof of residency, a minimum deposit or proof of income, and a tax identification number.

What Canadian banks are affiliated with US banks? ›

RBC, TD, CIBC, and BMO allow Canadians to open U.S.-based bank accounts with Canadian documents and without a Social Security Number (SSN). Having a U.S.-based account can make it easier to spend and save in the U.S., such as for travellers, snowbirds, investors, students, and those working in the U.S.

Can I open a Canadian bank account with a US address? ›

Yes. It's possible to open a Canadian bank account from abroad if you're planning on moving to the country full time — although you may not get full account functionality until you've physically relocated.

Can I open a bank account online without going to the bank? ›

Generally, yes. You can open a checking account online in just a few minutes with an online bank or credit union or with traditional banks and credit unions that offer online banking and checking accounts. The funds in your new account may take a few days to process, though.

What is needed to open a bank account online? ›

Some of the information banks often ask for on applications include:
  1. Personal information, including address and birth date.
  2. Social Security number.
  3. A driver's license or other government-issued ID.
  4. A bill with your name and address on it.
  5. Other bank account routing and account numbers to fund the new account.
Jan 22, 2024

Why can't I open a bank account online? ›

Key takeaways. Common reasons consumers are turned down for a bank account include a history of overdrafts, unpaid bank fees or suspected fraud. Applications can also be denied due to mistakes on one's checking account report. If you've been denied a bank account, ask the bank why this happened.

How do I open a bank account in Canada while abroad? ›

To apply for a bank account remotely, you'll need to get in touch with the bank either via live chat, by email or by phone. First, you'll be asked a few questions to determine your immigration status (whether you're a temporary resident on a work or study visa or a permanent resident).

What is the best online bank in Canada? ›

Here is a list of the best digital banks in Canada.
  • Koho. ...
  • EQ Bank. ...
  • Simplii Financial. ...
  • Motusbank. Monthly Fees: no fees for routine transactions and transfers. ...
  • Outlook Financial. Monthly Fees: no fees. ...
  • Alterna Bank. Monthly Fees: no fees. ...
  • Wealthsimple. Monthly Fees: No monthly or ATM, $5 overdraft. ...
  • Wise. Monthly Fees: no fees.
Mar 11, 2024

Does Canada use Zelle? ›

You can't use Zelle in Canada - it's for payments between US based banks only. Use this handy guide as a way to find alternative providers to make convenient, low cost, online and mobile payments to Canada.

How to open a bank account online without visiting the bank? ›

Following are the pre-requisites for opening of the account through online mode.
  1. Aadhaar card.
  2. Mobile linked to Aadhaar for OTP.
  3. PAN card.
  4. Recent scanned image of photograph-Size Up to 1 Mb.
  5. Scanned image of address proof of address (POA) -Size up to 1 Mb.
  6. Scanned image of Proof of Identity - Size up to 1 Mb.

Do I need a Canadian address to open a bank account? ›

Canadian banks will typically require you to be a resident of the country before considering opening an account for you. This means you'll need proof of address, identity documents, immigration documents, and a government-issued reference number to progress your bank account application.

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