Have you ever waited for a government cheque or payment from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) that was delayed by postal disruptions, severe weather, labour strikes or statutory holidays? Those delays can be more than inconvenient—they can create real financial stress for Canadians who rely on timely payments. Setting up CRA direct deposit ensures your benefits, refunds and other government payments arrive quickly and securely into your bank or credit union account, eliminating the uncertainty of mailed cheques.
What is CRA direct deposit?
CRA direct deposit is a service provided by the Canada Revenue Agency that deposits payments directly into your financial institution account. It covers common government disbursements such as tax refunds and benefit payments. Direct deposit is faster than mailing a cheque, reduces the risk of loss or theft, and saves you the time and effort of travelling to deposit a paper cheque.
Most Canadians already receive some government payments via direct deposit, but if you still get cheques in the mail, it’s straightforward to switch. The following sections explain which payments are eligible, how to enroll and what to do if something goes wrong.
Which payments can I receive with CRA direct deposit?
CRA direct deposit can be used for a range of federal and many provincial payments. Examples include:
- Income tax refunds
- Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST) credits
- Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
- Canada Workers Benefit (CWB)
- Selected provincial and territorial benefits, such as Ontario Trillium Benefit or Alberta Child and Family Benefit
How to set up direct deposit with the CRA
There are three main ways to enroll in CRA direct deposit. Choose the one that’s most convenient for you:
- Online through your CRA My Account: Sign in to your CRA My Account, go to “Profile” and then “Direct Deposit” to add or edit your banking details. If you do not yet have a CRA My Account, you can register for one online with required identity verification.
- Through your financial institution: Many Canadian banks and credit unions provide an option in their mobile app or online banking to register for CRA direct deposit. Check your institution’s secure banking platform for step-by-step instructions.
- By mail: Complete the official Canada direct deposit enrolment form and mail it to the Receiver General for Canada. Processing by mail can take longer—up to several weeks or occasionally a few months—so online enrollment is recommended if you want faster setup.
Note: As of March 24, 2025, CRA no longer accepts direct deposit registration by phone or via EFILE; use one of the methods above instead.
What you’ll need to enroll
- Your Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- The name of your financial institution
- Your branch/transit number
- Your institution number and account number
These numbers appear on your cheques or in your online banking. Typically the transit number is five digits, the institution number is three digits, and the account number is between seven and 12 digits depending on the bank.
Other government benefits and direct deposit (CPP, OAS, EI)
Not all government payments are administered by the CRA. Pensions and benefits such as Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Old Age Security (OAS) and Employment Insurance (EI) are managed by Service Canada. You can set up direct deposit for these payments through Service Canada when you apply, via your financial institution, or by mailing in the Canada direct deposit form. Processing times can vary, so enroll early if you expect upcoming payments.
How to update or change your direct deposit information
If you change banks, switch accounts, or need to update personal information, notify the specific agency that issues your payments. For example, update CRA payments in your CRA My Account. For pensions and EI, use your Service Canada account or contact the issuing department. Some departments also accept mailed forms for changes, but online updates are typically faster and more secure.
| Agency or department | Common payments | How to update |
|---|---|---|
| Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) | Income tax refunds, GST/HST credits, Canada Child Benefit, Canada Workers Benefit, selected provincial/territorial benefits | Update personal and banking information in CRA My Account or by using official forms where applicable. |
| Service Canada | Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Old Age Security (OAS), Employment Insurance (EI) | Make updates in My Service Canada Account, at a Service Canada office, or by submitting the direct deposit enrollment form. |
| Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) | Disability and other veterans benefits | Update details in My VAC Account or submit the department’s direct deposit request form. |
What to do if a payment is missing
If a scheduled payment does not arrive, contact the issuing agency directly. They can confirm whether the payment was issued, check the account details on file, and advise on next steps. Keep records of your updated banking information and any confirmation numbers or emails you receive when enrolling or making changes.
Why direct deposit is worth setting up
Direct deposit removes dependency on mail delivery, shortens wait times for refunds and benefits, and reduces the risk of lost or stolen cheques. It’s secure—payments are routed directly to your financial institution—and convenient, saving you time and worry. For most people, enrolling in direct deposit is a simple, effective way to make sure government payments arrive reliably and on time.
Set up or update your CRA direct deposit today so you can rely on fast, safe electronic delivery of government payments instead of waiting for the mail.