How do I set up direct deposit in Canada?

Provide your employer or payer with your banking information: transit number (5 digits), institution number (3 digits), and account number (7–12 digits). You can provide this via a void cheque, a direct deposit form from your bank, or by sharing the details from your online banking. Your employer enters the information into their payroll system.

How do I set up direct deposit with CRA?

Log in to My CRA Account → Select "Direct deposit" → Enter your banking information (transit, institution, account number) → Confirm. You can also set it up by phone (1-800-959-8281) or by mailing form T1-DD. Once set up, all CRA payments (tax refunds, CCB, GST/HST credit, climate action incentive) will be deposited directly.

How long does direct deposit take to start?

For employers, it typically takes 1–2 pay cycles after setup. For CRA, it takes effect for the next scheduled payment (usually within 5 business days of enrollment). For other government benefits (CPP, OAS, EI), direct deposit usually starts within one payment cycle after registration through My Service Canada Account.

How to Set Up Direct Deposit in Canada in 2026

What You Need for Direct Deposit

Information	Where to Find It	Example
Transit (branch) number	Bottom of cheque, online banking	00123
Institution number	Bottom of cheque, online banking	004 (TD)
Account number	Bottom of cheque, online banking	1234567
Account type	Chequing or savings	Chequing

How to Provide This Information

Method	How	Best For
Void cheque	Write “VOID” on a blank cheque and give it to the requester	Traditional; still widely accepted
Direct deposit form	Download from online banking (PDF)	No chequebook needed
Online banking screenshot	Print or email account details page	Quick; some employers accept this
Bank letter	Request a confirmation letter from your bank	Formal verification
PAD form	Pre-Authorized Debit form (standard format)	Business and utility setup

Setting Up Direct Deposit by Situation

For Your Paycheque (Employer)

Step	Action
1	Ask your employer or HR department for a direct deposit enrollment form
2	Provide a void cheque or direct deposit form from your bank
3	Fill out the employer’s form with your banking details
4	Submit to payroll department
5	Direct deposit starts within 1–2 pay cycles

For CRA Payments (Tax Refunds, CCB, GST/HST Credit)

Method	Steps
My CRA Account (online)	Log in → “Direct deposit” under “Manage” → Enter banking info → Confirm
Phone	Call 1-800-959-8281 → Verify identity → Provide banking info
By mail	Complete Form T1-DD → Mail to your Tax Centre
Through your bank	TD, RBC, BMO, Scotiabank, CIBC offer CRA direct deposit setup through their online banking

For CPP, OAS, and EI

Method	Steps
My Service Canada Account	Log in → “Direct deposit” → Enter banking info
Phone	Call Service Canada at 1-800-277-9914
In person	Visit a Service Canada Centre with your banking info and ID

Setting Up CRA Direct Deposit Through Your Bank

Bank	How to Enroll
TD	EasyWeb → Pay Bills → Add CRA as payee → Set up direct deposit
RBC	RBC Online → CRA Direct Deposit under Profile
BMO	BMO Online → Profile → CRA Direct Deposit
Scotiabank	Scotia Online → Profile → Direct Deposit for CRA
CIBC	CIBC Online → Profile → CRA Direct Deposit
Tangerine	Tangerine app → Settings → CRA Direct Deposit
Simplii	Simplii app → Profile → CRA Direct Deposit

Split Direct Deposit (Multiple Accounts)

Feature	Details
What it is	Sending portions of your pay to different accounts
Example	80% to chequing, 20% to savings or TFSA
How to set up	Ask your employer; not all payroll systems support splits
Automatic savings	Great way to “pay yourself first” without thinking about it
CRA benefits	CRA direct deposit goes to one account only

Troubleshooting Direct Deposit

Problem	Cause	Solution
Deposit not received on pay day	Processing time for new setup	Wait 1–2 pay cycles; check with employer
Deposit went to wrong account	Incorrect banking info provided	Verify transit, institution, and account numbers
CRA payment not deposited	Direct deposit not yet active	Cheque may be mailed instead; update CRA info
Deposit returned/rejected	Account closed or frozen	Confirm account is open and in good standing
Split deposit not working	Employer payroll limitations	Not all employers support split deposits