How to get a proof of address to open a bank account in Canada 2024
If you want to open a bank account in Canada, the bank will ask you to prove your identity and residence in Canada. Identification documents include things like your SIN (Social Insurance Number), Canadian Driver’s license, State-issued Identification Card, or passport.
Proof of residence may include documents like utility bills, lease agreement or mortgage statements, a valid driver’s license, an insurance card, voter registration card, college enrollment papers or a bank or credit card statement or insurance policy or bill. Banks request these documents as a security measure to help make sure that the account isn’t opened for criminal purposes.
Getting a proof of address in Canada can be tricky for some customers, though, especially those who have just arrived and don’t have any formal bills or statements. However, there are alternatives. Services like Wise may help because they let you open multi-currency accounts without requiring proof of address in Canada.
Most of these providers need a valid ID and phone number, and proof of address in your country of residence for verification purposes. They also offer services like debit cards that can be used to spend CAD in Canada.
In this article, we will look at what is a proof of address, documents that are generally accepted as proof of address, as well as how to get a Canadian proof of address. We will also look at alternative bank-like services that don’t require proof of address to open an account. Read on.
What is proof of address?
As the name says, proof of address is a document, or documents that confirm that you have a residence in Canada. These include any documents that have your name and physical residential address on it, like:
Utility bills
Lease agreement or original mortgage statements
A valid driver’s license
An insurance card
A voter registration card
College enrollment papers
A bank or credit card statement
An insurance policy or bill
Health care coverage
Certificate or residency issued by the CRA
Registered retirement savings or employment pension plans
Residence permit
Most documents will need to be less than three months old, although the rules will differ depending on the institution and the type of document you use, with some organizations requesting proof of address documents less than two months old.
Note that each bank will also have different requirements and some may only accept some of the listed options. That’s why you should always check with your chosen bank what documents they require before opening an account.
Banks need to confirm your address for security reasons and to limit illegal activities like fraud and money laundering. They use the proof of address to confirm that you are who you say you are and that you are not opening the account under a false name.
How can I get a proof of address?
Getting a proof of address is as easy as finding that last utility bill, bank statement, payslip or lease agreement that has your physical address on it. However, getting a proof of address can be tricky if you’re not living in Canada yet, or if you’ve just arrived and haven’t secured a permanent residence like a house or a flat, received your first paycheck or paid a utility bill.
But there are options. If you’re in Canada to study, you can get a letter from your school or you can apply for a photo student ID card. This can also be used as a proof of address document when needed.
Another alternative is to change the address at your current bank to the address in Canada where you will be staying, either at friends, family or hotel or B&B, and then get your bank to send you a statement to that address. The address may be temporary, but it may be enough to allow you to open a bank account in Canada.
What documents can be considered proof of address?
As a rule, any document that shows your physical address. This can be one of the following:
Utility bills
Property tax receipt
Recent mortgage or bank statements
Recent payslip
Posted mail with name of applicant
A valid driver’s license
A valid lease agreement
Insurance policies
Voter registration card
Bank or credit statement
Insurance policy or bill
College Enrollment Papers
Residence permit
Certificate of residency issued by the CRA
Registered retirement savings or employment pension plans
Health care coverage
Membership in professional, social or recreational organizations
How to get proof of address without bills
If you don’t yet have any bills that you can use as proof of address - no worries! Canadian banks also accept alternative documents, like a lease agreement, government-issued documents, such as a driver’s license, insurance policies and vehicle registration or employer and college enrollment documents.
Do banks require proof of address to open an account?
To open an account at a traditional Canadian bank, like RBC, Scotiabank or Bank of Montreal, you will need to provide proof of residence. This can be difficult if you are living outside of Canada. Getting proof of residence can also be a challenge if you are a new arrival and you are staying with friends, family or other accommodations like B&Bs or hotels until you can find a more permanent place to stay.
Are you new to Canada and don't have a bank account yet?
If you recently arrived in Canada and you want to open a Canadian bank account, getting a proof of address can be a challenge. But there are other solutions. Service providers like Wise can offer a bank-like account without the hassle of paperwork. You either supply the proof from a standard list of documents or send a selfie in which you’re holding your proof of ID. This can be a great alternative if you’re still waiting to move to Canada or haven’t yet got bills and other paperwork registered in your name.
Wise account
Wise is an international money transfer provider that offers low rates, fast transfers and a multi-currency account where you can hold more than 40 different currencies. The Wise debit card can be used like a regular debit card to pay for goods and services around the world, including Canada.
However, Wise is not a bank and doesn’t provide traditional banking services like interest-bearing accounts, overdrafts, loans and the like, but they are registered with FINTRAC (Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada) in Canada.
Learn more: How to open a Wise account
Can I open a bank account without a proof of address?
To open a bank account with a traditional Canadian bank like RBC or Scotiabank, you will need to provide proof of address. You can’t open an account without one at these banks. Several documents can be presented as proof of address, including recent utility bills, payslips, lease agreements, personal tax documents or a letter from an educational institution.
For instance, RBC requires you to provide proof of residential address, like a utility bill to open an account for day-to-day banking. Scotiabank is slightly more specific, requiring either a bank statement, tax assessment or a utility bill (excluding a mobile bill) that's not older than 6 months if you own property and less than 6 months if you are renting property. The bill needs to match the same address as the tenancy agreement and you will also need to bring a copy of ID for the landlord/property owner.
Are there any Canadian banks that don't require proof of address?
Unfortunately, most major banks in Canada require proof of address as part of their application and verification process. However, there are several alternatives like Wise that will let you open an account with proof of residence of your country of residence, and not specifically Canada.
While Wise isn’t a bank and does not offer banking features, it does allow you to hold foreign currencies, including CAD, in multi-currency accounts.
What other documents are required to open a bank account?
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). Some banks may also require a cash deposit, which can start from $25 upwards.
Conclusion: Proof of address for bank account
If you want to open a bank account in Canada, you’ll be asked for proof of ID and address as part of their application and verification process. Documents include utility bills, government-issued photo ID, like a valid driver’s license, a valid lease agreement or mortgage or payslips that show your name and a physical Canadian address.
For those who are new to Canada, financial institutions like Wise are a great alternative, allowing you to open a multi-currency account with a linked debit card in CAD without proof of address in Canada. All you’ll need is a valid ID, phone number and proof of address in your country of residence.
Proof of address FAQs
How recent does proof of address need to be?
Regardless of the proof of address you use, the documents that you provide should be recent and should show your full legal name and current address.
What's the easiest way to get a local proof of address?
Getting a proof of address if you are not in Canada, or if you have just arrived in the country can be a challenge. One of the easiest ways to get a proof of address is to change the address at your current bank to the address in Canada where you will be staying, either at friends, family or hotel or B&B, and then get your bank to send you a statement to that address. The address may be temporary, but it may be enough to allow you to open a bank account in Canada.
How do you get a physical proof of address?
Documents like utility bills, lease agreements, or bank statements delivered to your physical address are considered physical proof of address and can be used to open a bank account in Canada.