How to Set Up CRA Direct Deposit for Tax Refunds and Benefits in Canada

Once you start working and filing taxes in Canada, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will send you payments — tax refunds, GST/HST credits, the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), and other entitlements. By default, the CRA mails cheques to your address, which can take weeks and risk getting lost. Setting up direct deposit ensures your money goes straight into your bank account, typically within 2 to 3 business days of being issued. This guide shows newcomers exactly how to set it up in 2026.

Direct deposit is free, secure, and significantly faster than waiting for a cheque in the mail. The CRA strongly recommends it, and the setup process takes only a few minutes once you have the right information.

What You Need Before You Start

To set up CRA direct deposit, you need:

• A Canadian bank account — You must have an account at a Canadian financial institution. If you have not opened one yet, see our guide to Canadian banks for newcomers.
• Your banking information — Specifically, your institution number (3 digits), transit/branch number (5 digits), and account number (7 to 12 digits). You can find these on a personal cheque, in your online banking app, or by asking your bank.
• Your Social Insurance Number (SIN) — Required for all CRA interactions.
• CRA My Account access — While not strictly required (you can set up direct deposit by other methods), having CRA My Account makes the process fastest.

Method 1: CRA My Account (Recommended)

CRA My Account is the online portal where you manage your tax information, view notices of assessment, check benefit payments, and update personal details. Setting up direct deposit here takes about 5 minutes.

See also: How to Get Your SIN Number in Canada

See also: Banking in Canada for Newcomers

See also: CRA My Account Setup Guide

1. Register for CRA My Account — Go to canada.ca CRA My Account. You can sign in using your bank's online credentials (Sign-In Partner) or create a CRA user ID and password. First-time users signing in with a CRA user ID will need to verify their identity by entering personal information from a recent tax return.
2. Navigate to direct deposit — Once logged in, look for "Direct deposit" in the left-hand menu or under "Manage my profile."
3. Enter your banking information — Input your institution number, transit number, and account number. Double-check every digit — an incorrect number could send your payment to the wrong account or cause delays.
4. Confirm and save — The change takes effect immediately for future payments.

Registering for CRA My Account as a Newcomer

If you have never filed a Canadian tax return, you may not be able to use the security questions that require information from a previous return. In this case:

See also: First-Year Tax Filing Guide

• Use a Sign-In Partner — If your Canadian bank supports it (most major banks do), you can use your online banking credentials to access CRA My Account. This is the fastest method for newcomers.
• Request a CRA security code by mail — The CRA will mail a one-time security code to your address on file. This takes 5 to 10 business days.
• Call the CRA — In some cases, you may need to call to verify your identity. The individual tax enquiries line is 1-800-959-8281 (service in English) or 1-800-959-7383 (service in French). Wait times can be long during tax season (February through June), so call early in the morning.

Method 2: Through Your Canadian Bank

Many Canadian banks allow you to set up CRA direct deposit directly through their online banking platform. This is often the easiest method for newcomers who have not yet registered for CRA My Account.

1. Log in to your bank's online banking or mobile app.
2. Look for a CRA direct deposit option — In most major banks, this is found under Profile, Settings, or a dedicated "Government" or "Direct Deposit" section. For example, in TD EasyWeb, go to "Profile & Settings" then "Direct Deposit for CRA."
3. Follow the prompts — Your banking information is automatically pre-filled since you are already logged in. You will need to enter your SIN and date of birth.
4. Confirm enrolment — The bank transmits your information to the CRA securely.

This method is supported by the Big Five banks (RBC, TD, Scotiabank, BMO, CIBC) and most credit unions. Check with your specific institution.

Method 3: By Phone

You can call the CRA directly to set up direct deposit:

• Phone: 1-800-959-8281 (English) or 1-800-959-7383 (French)
• Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM local time
• What you need: Your SIN, date of birth, current address, and banking information (institution number, transit number, account number)
• Processing time: Changes may take 5 to 10 business days to take effect

Method 4: By Mail (Form RC366)

You can also mail a completed Form RC366 — Direct Deposit Enrolment Request to the CRA. Download the form from canada.ca, fill it in, and mail it to your tax centre. This is the slowest method and can take several weeks to process, so we recommend using one of the faster options above.

What Payments Does CRA Direct Deposit Cover?

Once set up, CRA direct deposit applies to all CRA payments, including:

• Income tax refunds — If you overpaid taxes during the year, your refund is deposited directly. For the 2025 tax year (filed in early 2026), most electronic returns are processed within 2 weeks, and refunds with direct deposit arrive within days after processing.
• GST/HST credit — Quarterly payments to offset the GST/HST you pay. In 2026, a single person with no children can receive up to approximately $519 annually. Payments are issued in January, April, July, and October.
• Canada Child Benefit (CCB) — Monthly tax-free payments for families with children under 18. For the 2025-2026 benefit year, the maximum is $7,786.92 per child under 6 and $6,570.00 per child aged 6 to 17 annually. Amounts decrease based on family income.
• Canada Workers Benefit (CWB) — A refundable tax credit for low-income working individuals and families.
• Climate Action Incentive Payment (CAIP) — Quarterly payments for residents of provinces where federal carbon pricing applies (Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and others).

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

• Payment still arriving by cheque — It can take one payment cycle for direct deposit to take effect. If your next scheduled payment still comes by cheque, the one after should be deposited.
• Changed bank accounts — If you close the bank account linked to CRA direct deposit, update your information immediately. Payments sent to a closed account are returned to the CRA, causing delays of 10 to 14 business days.
• Joint accounts — You can use a joint bank account for CRA direct deposit. The account does not need to be in only your name.
• Multiple CRA programs — Setting up direct deposit once covers all CRA payments. You do not need to set it up separately for each benefit.

Filing Your First Canadian Tax Return

As a newcomer, you should file a Canadian tax return for the year you arrive, even if you earned little or no Canadian income. Filing a return is how you become eligible for the GST/HST credit, CCB, and other benefits. You can file for free using certified tax software listed on the CRA's certified software page, or through free community tax clinics available in most cities.

For detailed guidance on taxes and finances as a newcomer, explore our blog or use our cost of living calculator to budget effectively for your new life in Canada.