How to open a bank account in Canada as a UK non-resident

Planning to relocate or just moved to Canada from the UK? There are lots of things to sort out when you move overseas, from getting a visa to finding somewhere to live. But one of the first things you’ll need is a bank account.

Without a bank account, you’ll find it difficult to pay rent and bills, and to make everyday purchases such as groceries. You’ll also need somewhere to receive your salary if you’re planning to work in Canada.

In this guide, we’ll cover all the essentials of opening a bank account in Canada. We’ll run through how to apply, the documents you’ll need, the different banks you can choose from and the fees you need to know about.

We’ll also show you a smart alternative to a bank account from the money services provider Wise - the Wise account. It’s not a bank account but offers some similar features, and your money is safeguarded.

Over 14.8 million people worldwide use Wise to manage pounds, Canadian dollars (CAD) and 40+ other currencies with low, transparent fees and mid-market exchange rates. You can even get your own CAD account, institution, and transit numbers to receive money in and from Canada like a local.

Plus, you’ll get dedicated support and volume discounts when sending large amounts. On a £50,000 transfer, you could save up to £1,000 with Wise vs your bank.

➡️ Learn more about the Wise account

How to open a bank account in Canada as a non-resident?

You should be able to open a Canadian bank account even if you’re not a citizen or permanent resident.¹ You’ll just need to make sure you have the right identification and other documentation - we’ll cover what you’ll need later in this guide.

However, not all banks accept applications from non-residents, so you may need to shop around.

You may also find acquiring the relevant documentation a little tricky in some circumstances. For example, you may not have a Social Insurance Number (SIN), which banks are required to ask for in relation to interest-earning accounts (under Canada’s Income Tax Act).²

You can apply for a SIN using a work or study permit, along with your passport. Alternatively, some banks will accept applications from non-residents without a SIN, and you may also be able to open non-interest-bearing bank accounts without one.

Do you need a bank account in Canada?

It’s not a legal requirement to have a local bank account when living in Canada, so it isn’t absolutely essential to open one after your move.

You may be able to manage without one for a short time, making use of multi-currency solutions such as the Wise account to send, spend and receive money.

But you might find that day-to-day life in Canada is more difficult and complicated if you don’t have any kind of local or international current account.

You’ll find it tricky to get paid, pay your bills, buy property or get a mortgage.

Can you use your UK bank account in Canada?

Opening a bank account in a foreign country can be a daunting process, so you may be tempted to keep using your UK account - but is it possible?

Generally speaking, the answer is no - but it all depends on who you bank with.

Since Brexit, major British banks such as Barclays have closed the accounts of Brits living overseas. There are some exceptions, such as for UK Crown employees and people who are only planning to live abroad for less than 6 months.³

Other banks have taken a different approach. For example, Spanish-owned international bank Santander says it will continue to service accounts when the holder moves abroad.⁴

So if you’re an existing customer, you should in theory be able to continue using your account in Canada.

Santander doesn’t currently offer retail banking in Canada, so you may struggle if you want to access branches, ATMs and banking-related customer support. However, this could change as Santander has recently secured a full-service banking licence in Canada.⁵

Another important thing to bear in mind is the currency. If you’re using a UK bank account, it’ll likely be denominated in GBP. You’ll be spending in CAD while in Canada, so you could lose out when it comes to currency exchange.

So, it could be a better idea to close down your UK account and get a fresh start when you arrive in Canada. Alternatively, you could look into UK banks such as HSBC which offer expat accounts.

Can you open a bank account in Canada as a British expat?

Yes, the banking system in Canada is open to foreigners and expats.

As long as you have the right documentation, then the process should be the same or similar as for local applicants. Some Canadian banks even offer special newcomer or ‘Welcome to Canada’ packages.

Can you open a Canadian bank account online as an expat from the UK?

Yes, with some banks in Canada, you can complete the process of opening a bank account entirely online.

However, it depends on your circumstances and what documentation you have, as well as the bank and the account type you’re applying for. It’s a good idea to contact the bank in advance to check if your particular circumstances are right for an online-only application.

For other banks, you’ll need to make at least one branch visit in person. This means a trip to Canada if you’re not already living there, to complete the application process and open your new bank account.

Can you open an account as an international student?

Yes, many of the major banks in Canada are open to international students, and some have dedicated student accounts.

Examples include:

• Bank of Montreal (BMO) Student Premium and Performance Accounts
• CIBC Smart for Students
• RBC Advantage Banking account for students
• TD Student Chequing Account or TD International Student Banking Package.

In many cases, these accounts come with no monthly fees and plenty of student-friendly perks.

Wise – A smart, transparent way to manage your CAD

Looking for a convenient, low-cost way to manage your money in Canada and internationally?

The Wise account, from the money services provider Wise, offers a modern alternative. It’s an international account for sending, spending and converting money in 40+ currencies – including Canadian dollars (CAD) and British Pounds (GBP).

Get paid like a local in Canada by getting your own CAD account, institution, and transit numbers. This allows you to receive a salary, pension, or domestic bank transfers (EFT) directly into your account without the usual international wire fees. You can even register for Interac Autodeposit to receive money from friends and family in Canada.

You’ll get the mid-market exchange rate (close to what you can see on Google) for all of your foreign currency transactions, with no hidden markups and low, transparent fees.

You can also get a Wise card for a one-time fee of just £7 to spend in Canada and 150+ countries worldwide. For added convenience, simply connect it to digital wallets like Google or Apple Pay.

✅ Sign up with Wise for free

**Investments in funds are never guaranteed and your capital can be at risk. In the UK, Interest and Stocks are provided by Wise Assets — this is the trading name of Wise Assets UK Ltd, a subsidiary of Wise. Wise Assets UK Ltd is authorised as an investment firm and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Our FCA number is 839689. We do not give investment advice, and you may be subject to pay tax. If you're not sure, seek qualified advice. You can find more information about the funds on our website.

What documents do you need to open a bank account in Canada?

To open a bank account in Canada, you’ll usually need to provide the following:¹

• Proof of identity, address and date of birth (two documents)
• Proof of residency status
• Social Insurance Number (for interest-bearing accounts)

Proof of identity, address and date of birth

To verify your identity, you’ll need to provide two documents showing your name, address and date of birth. Acceptable options include:¹

• Your UK passport
• Recent bank account statements or credit card statements
• Recent utility bills (in Canada)
• Canadian government-issued documents, such as ID cards, tax assessment notices or benefits statements.

Proof of residency status

As a foreign national, you may also be asked for proof of your residency status when applying for a bank account. For example, your work permit, study permit or other Canadian visa documents.

Social Insurance Number (SIN)

If you’re applying for an interest-bearing bank account, you’ll almost definitely be asked for your Social Insurance Number (SIN).² You can find more information on how to apply for your SIN on the Canadian Government website.

Additional documents

Some banks may also ask for:

• Proof of employment or student status
• Proof of address in Canada.

Best Canadian bank accounts for expats

Banking is one of the most important industries in Canada, with the market dominated by a handful of major banks. The industry is technologically-advanced and known for high service levels.

And the good news for anyone opening an account in Canada is that it is widely considered to have one of the safest banking systems in the world.

There are many banks to choose from but the most famous ones are:

• Royal Bank of Canada (RBC)
• TD Bank (Toronto-Dominion Bank)
• Scotiabank
• Bank of Montreal (BMO)

Royal Bank of Canada (RBC)

RBC is the largest bank in Canada, offering customer service in an impressive 200+ languages.⁶

Royal Bank of Canada is a popular choice among expats because of its Newcomers to Canada package. Here you’ll find heaps of helpful information and services to get your finances sorted as you settle into Canadian life, along with a choice of accounts, services and perks.

A great option at RBC for people who’ve just moved to Canada is the RBC Newcomer Advantage account. This offers unlimited debit transactions along with a special offer to pay no monthly fee for your first 12 months.⁷

RBC also offers dedicated bank accounts for students, and for people running a business in Canada.

TD Bank (Toronto-Dominion Bank)

TD Bank is another major bank offering a special package for newcomers to Canada. There’s a dedicated hub offering helpful information and advice, along with a newcomer special offer of no monthly fees for 12 months.⁸

Some of the most popular current accounts with TD Bank include:⁹

• TD Minimum Chequing Account – a basic current account with a limit of 12 transactions per month, for those with very minimal banking needs
• TD Every Day Chequing Account – a low-cost everyday account with 25 monthly transactions
• TD Unlimited Account – a current account for everyday banking, with unlimited transactions and no fees to use ATMs in Canada
• TD Student Chequing Account – specifically for students, this current account has no monthly fees and unlimited monthly transactions.

Scotiabank

One of the biggest banks in Canada, Scotiabank offers four main current accounts:¹⁰

• Basic Bank Account – a low-cost current account for people with minimal banking needs, offering 18 free transactions per month
• Basic Plus Bank Account – a simple everyday account with some added features, including 25 free debit transactions a month and the chance to swerve the month fee by maintaining a minimum daily balance.
• Preferred Package – offering unlimited debit transactions, a credit card fee waiver for the first year and other perks.
• Ultimate Package – a premium current account with a higher monthly fee (which can be waived by maintaining a minimum daily balance), unlimited debit transactions and many other premium benefits.

Scotiabank also offers a fee-free Student Banking Advantage Plan, and a Preferred Package for Students and Youth.

Bank of Montreal (BMO)

Bank of Montreal is the oldest bank in Canada, and another that offers a dedicated package for newcomers to the country.

The BMO NewStart Program includes all kinds of special offers and perks on current accounts, including no monthly fees for two years on its Performance Chequing Account, a $60 cash bonus for renting a safety deposit box, and more.¹¹

This account offers unlimited transactions and a cash bonus for completing certain transactions so be sure to consult with their customer support about the terms.

Other accounts from BMO include:¹²

• Plus Plan Chequing Account – a flexible everyday account for those with basic banking needs, offering 25 transactions per month and a free Canadian and US dollar Savings Account.
• Premium Plan Chequing Account – offering unlimited transactions and a range of other perks.

Other banks and money management alternatives worth looking into

Canada also has a range of digital providers and neobanks to choose from, including:

• Neo Financial - a digital-only financial institution offering accounts, credit cards and even mortgages
• EQ Bank - a fully licensed digital-first bank owned by Equitable Bank
• Tangerine - a full-service direct digital bank, part of Scotiabank
• KOHO - a Canadian fintech offering a mobile-first money management app and reloadable prepaid cards.

There are also international and multi-currency solutions available in Canada, which don’t have a banking licence but offer services such as accounts, payments and cards.

This includes the money services provider Wise, which has a multi-currency account, international debit card, transfer services and app available to use in Canada.

What are the banking fees and costs in Canada?

Like in many other countries, bank accounts in Canada do come with some fees and charges.

These vary between banks, but take a look below for a rough idea of what costs to expect.

Is there a free Canadian bank account for non-residents?

It is possible to get a Canadian bank account without a monthly fee, although you’ll usually need to meet minimum monthly balance requirements.

Other services such as ATM withdrawals and debit cards will still come with fees, however.

Key takeaways

• Non-residents can legally open a bank account in Canada without being a citizen or permanent resident, though you must provide specific identification and some banks may only offer non-interest-bearing accounts if you lack a Social Insurance Number (SIN).
• You typically need two forms of identification (such as a UK passport and a recent bank statement) and proof of residency status, such as a work or study permit.
• Newcomer packages are common among the "Big Four" banks (RBC, TD, Scotiabank, and BMO), often offering perks like no monthly fees for the first 12 to 24 months.
• Online applications are possible with some institutions, but many banks still require at least one in-person branch visit to verify your documents and finalize the account.
• While monthly fees can range from $3.95 to $30.95 CAD, they are frequently waived if you maintain a minimum daily balance or are enrolled in a student or newcomer plan.
• International students have access to dedicated accounts with no monthly fees and unlimited transactions at most major Canadian banks.

Open a Wise Business account online

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Sources used:

1. Government of Canada - Opening a bank account
2. Government of Canada - Social Insurance Number
3. Barclays - Living or moving outside the UK
4. Santander - Brexit and Santander UK plc
5. Santander - Press Releases - Santander Consumer Bank begins offering Guaranteed Investment Certificates in Canada
6. RBC - International Banking
7. RBC - Offers for Permanent Residents and Foreign Workers
8. TD - Banking Offers for Newcomers to Canada
9. TD - Current Accounts
10. Scotia Bank - Current Accounts
11. BMO - Banking for permanent residents and foreign workers in Canada
12. BMO - Current Accounts
13. RBC - RBC Advantage Banking account

Sources last checked on date: 12-Mar-2026