Direct deposit is fast, convenient and secure. Register for direct deposit to ensure you get your payments on time in the event of an emergency or unforeseen circumstances!
If you receive one of the following payments from the CRA and have a Canadian bank account, you can sign up for direct deposit:
- income tax refund
- goods and services tax/harmonized sales tax credit and any similar provincial and territorial payments
- Canada child benefit and any similar provincial and territorial payments
- Canada workers benefit
- deemed overpayment of tax
- Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit, Canada Recovery Benefit, Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit
Note: If you have already signed up for direct deposit with the CRA, we will use the existing bank account information for any payments you are entitled to receive. If you have enrolled for direct deposit for the first time, you may still receive your next refund or benefit payment by cheque.
Ways to sign up for direct deposit or update your account information
Through financial institutions
You can sign up for direct deposit or change your account information through many Canadian financial institutions; banks, credit unions, trust companies. Pleaes visit your financial institution’s website for further details and instructions.
Once you provide consent through one of these financial institutions, your CRA direct deposit information will be updated the following business day. We encourage you to visit your financial institution’s website for information on how to sign up.
Online – My Account Portal
You can sign up yourself if you are registered for My Account. If you are not yet registered, why wait? My Account can help you quickly and easily manage your tax affairs online, including signing up for direct deposit or changing your account information.
You can also see if you have any uncashed cheques that are older than six months.
Online – mobile application
To start or update direct deposit information, use MyCRA.
By phone
To sign up for direct deposit or to change your account information, call CRA at 1-800-959-8281. You will need your:
- social insurance number
- full name and current address, including postal code
- date of birth
- most recent income tax and benefit return and information about the most recent payments you received from the Canada Revenue Agency
- banking information: three-digit financial institution number, five-digit transit number, and your account number
Note: Do not close your old bank account until your first payment has been deposited to your new bank account as it may already be in process.
Does the CRA offer direct deposit to bank accounts outside of Canada?
No, the CRA does not currently issue payments to bank accounts outside of Canada. If you have a Canadian bank account, please refer to the direct deposit page.
How do you find your account information?
Your account information is on your personal cheques or online banking portal. If you can’t find the information, contact your financial institution.
How can you update your account information?
You can update your account information:
- through your Canadian financial institution,
- through CRA’s MyAccount,
- through MyCRA on mobile,
- or by calling 1-800-959-8281.
More information about those options is available on the direct deposit page.
Leave a Comment