Have you ever had to wait for a held-up payment from the government or the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)? Labour strikes, severe weather, stat holidays and other factors can delay mail delivery by days or even weeks. At best, it’s inconvenient; at worst, it’s stressful for cash-strapped Canadians who need access to that money pronto. Here’s how setting up CRA direct deposit can save you time and hassle.
What is CRA direct deposit?
Canada’s tax agency offers CRA direct deposit to deposit funds directly into your bank account or credit union account. The benefits for you: CRA direct deposit is fast, reliable and secure. It’s also a big time-saver—no more paper cheques to deposit (or chase down, if they get lost in the mail).
Most Canadian taxpayers already use CRA direct deposit. If you don’t, read on for details of how to set it up.
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Which payments can I receive with CRA direct deposit?
These are the payments available through CRA direct deposit:
- Income tax refunds
- Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST) credits
- Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
- Canada Workers Benefit (CWB)
- Provincial/territorial benefits such as the Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) and Alberta Child and Family Benefit (ACFB)
How to set up direct deposit with CRA
You have three options for setting up CRA direct deposit:
- Through your CRA account: Log into your individual CRA My Account. Select “Profile” in the left-hand menu, then scroll down to “Direct Deposit” and click “Edit.” If you don’t have an account yet, here’s how to set up a CRA account.
- Through your financial institution: CRA direct deposit is available at most Canadian financial institutions. Check your bank’s or credit union’s mobile app or online banking for instructions.
- By mail: Complete the Canada direct deposit enrolment form and mail it to the Receiver General for Canada. Note that it can take up to three months for forms to be processed.
What about calling the CRA? As of March 24, 2025, Canadians can no longer set up CRA direct deposit by phone or EFILE (electronic filing).
Here’s what you’ll need to have on hand to set up direct deposit with the CRA:
- Your social insurance number (SIN)
- Name of your financial institution
- Your financial institution’s branch/transit number
- Your financial institution account number
To find the numbers, get one of your cheques (or download it from your bank account). The transit number has five digits, the institution number has three and the account number has seven.
What about other government benefits, like CPP direct deposit?
Other government benefits and pensions, such as the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Old Age Security (OAS) and employment insurance (EI), aren’t administered by the CRA. You can set up direct deposit for these and other benefits through Service Canada, either when you apply for benefits, through your financial institution or by completing the Canada direct deposit form and mailing it to the Receiver General for Canada. As mentioned above, it can take up to three months for forms to be processed.
How do I change my direct deposit information?
To update direct deposit, such as changing your address or your banking information, notify the agency or government department that issues your payments. Some common payments are listed below; visit the Government of Canada website for information about setting up direct deposit for other government payments, such as student loans, Indigenous payments and grants, Canadian Government Annuities and more.
| Agency or department | Payments | How to update |
|---|---|---|
| Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) | • Income tax refunds • Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST) credits • Canada Child Benefit (CCB) • Canada Workers Benefit (CWB) • Provincial/territorial benefits |
You can update your personal and banking information in your CRA My Account or by calling the CRA. |
| Service Canada | • Canada Pension Plan (CPP) • Old Age Security (OAS) • Employment insurance (EI) |
Make updates in your My Service Canada Account, visit a Service Canada office, or mail in a completed Canada direct deposit enrollment form. |
| Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) | • Disability benefits • War Veterans Allowance • Financial benefits • Treatment benefits • Veterans Independence Program benefits • Vocational rehabilitation |
Make changes online in your My VAC Account or mail in a completed direct deposit request form. |
What if I’m missing a direct deposit payment?
If you’re missing a payment, contact the agency or government department that issues that payment.
Direct deposit saves Canadians time and hassle
Don’t let postal strikes, ice storms or mail thefts delay your government and CRA payments. Set up direct deposit today—your future self will thank you.
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Read more about government benefits:
- How much income can I earn while getting OAS?
- What to do if you outlive your retirement savings
- CPP for non-residents of Canada: How to apply, report pension income and more
- When your pension isn’t big enough, what do you do?
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