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Questions you May Have About Opening an Account:
Do I need to make a minimum deposit?
No. However, you may find it convenient to set up direct deposit for government payments and/or your paycheque. Please speak with one of our staff if you have questions, or would like assistance setting up your direct deposit.
Do I need to be employed?
No. Employment is not a requirement for opening an account, but we are required by law to ask about your occupation and address.
Can I open an account if I've been bankrupt?
Yes. Your credit history is not a consideration when opening a bank account at Scotiabank, provided that it does not contain derogatory information that was the result of fraud or other illegal activity. However, if you request overdraft protection for your account our normal credit policies and procedures will apply.
Do I need photo ID?
No. However, photo ID is a good way to help us protect you and for us to get to know you better. What you will be required to make available to outlined fully below.
What are acceptable pieces of Identification?
Two pieces of personal identification are required to open up a bank account. Either both pieces must be from the Schedule of Acceptable Identification (see below), OR one piece of identification from those listed in Part A of the Schedule of Acceptable Identification, if your identity is also confirmed by a client in good standing with Scotiabank, or by an individual of good standing in the community where your branch is located.
Regardless of what form of identification you present us with, you will also be required to provide us with your date of birth, if it is not included in the identification you have provided.
In some instances, we may need to further investigate and verify the information that you have provided, prior to opening an account for you.
We can also refuse your request to open an account for certain legal reasons but, if we do, we'll inform you about this in writing.
Schedule of Acceptable Identification:
This list is provided per the 'Access to Basic Banking Services Regulations' under the Bank Act.
Part A
- A valid driver's licence issued in Canada, as permitted to be used for identification purposes under provincial law.i
- A valid Canadian passport.
- A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship or a Certification of Naturalization, in the form of a paper document or card, but not a commemorative issue.
- A Permanent Resident card or Citizenship and Immigration Canada Form IMM 1000, IMM 1442 or IMM 5292.
- A provincial health insurance card, as permitted to be used for identification purposes under provincial law.ii
- A Social Insurance Number card issued by the Government of Canada.
- An Old Age Security card issued by the Government of Canada.
- A certificate of Indian Status issued by the Government of Canada.
- A birth certificate issued in Canada.
- A document or card, bearing the individual's photograph and signature, issued by any of the following authorities:
- Insurance Corporation of British Columbia
- Alberta Registries
- Saskatchewan Government Insurance
- Department of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations
- Department of Transportation and Public Works of the Province of Prince Edward Island
- Service New Brunswick
- Department of Government Services and Lands of the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador
- Department of Transportation of the Northwest Territories
- Department of Community Government and Transportation of the Territory of Nunavut
Part B
- A credit card, issued by a member of the Canadian Payments Association in the name of, or bearing the name of, the individual and bearing the individual's signature.
- A Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) client card bearing the individual's photograph and signature.
- An employee identity card, issued by an employer that is well known in the community, bearing the individual's photograph.
- A bank or automated banking machine or client card, issued by a member of the Canadian Payments Association in the name of, or bearing the name of, the individual and bearing the individual's signature.
- A foreign passport.
We reserve the right to verify any identification presented by you, with the issuer.
iIn Quebec, legislation prevents us from asking for your driver's licence, however, you may volunteer it.
iiLegislative restrictions prohibit the Bank from collecting or recording Government Health Insurance Card numbers in the provinces of Ontario, Manitoba and Prince Edward Island. In the province of Quebec, if you voluntarily provide your card as identification, we may record the number.
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