Having Trouble Opening a Bank Account in Canada?
Protecting Consumers: The New Federal Banking Regulations
Whether you need to cash your paycheque or pay a bill, having a basic personal bank account is essential. To ensure that all Canadians can obtain these accounts, the Government of Canada has introduced the Access to Basic Banking Services Regulations, which took effect on September 30, 2003.
The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) is responsible for enforcing these regulations, which will make the rules for obtaining a basic personal bank account clearer for Canadians. For example, a bank can not refuse to open a basic personal account for you just because:
A bank must also cash most Government of Canada cheques for non-customers at no charge.
Understanding and Using Your New Banking Rights
Opening a Bank Account
The new regulations apply to personal bank accounts that you request in person at a bank branch or point of service. They don't apply to accounts you open by telephone or Internet, or to business or commercial accounts.
When
must a bank open a personal bank account?
What
do I need when opening a personal bank account?
When
can a bank refuse to open a personal bank account?
What
can I do if the bank refuses to open a personal bank
account?
What
if the bank wants to check your credit file?
Acceptable
identification when opening a personal bank account
For more information on this topic, please refer to the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada
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