What is a direct CRA deposit?
The Canadian Revenue Agency provides a direct CRA deposit that deposits funds directly into your bank account or credit union account. Benefits for you: CRA direct deposit is fast, reliable and safe. It’s also a great time saving – no more paper checks (if the mail is lost in the mail).
Most Canadian taxpayers have used CRA to deposit directly. If you don’t, continue reading more about how to set it up.
What payments can I get through a direct deposit with CRA?
These are the payments available through a direct deposit via CRA:
How to establish a direct deposit with a CRA
You have three options to choose a direct deposit for CRA:
- Through your CRA account: Log in to your CRA My Account. Select Profile in the left menu, then scroll down to “Direct Deposit” and click Edit. If you don’t have an account yet, then here’s how to set up a CRA account.
- Through your financial institution: Direct CRA deposits can be obtained from Canadian financial institutions. Check out the instructions in your bank or credit union’s mobile app or online banking.
- By email: Fill out the Canadian Direct Deposit Registration Form and mail it to recipients in Canada. Please note that processing forms can take up to three months.
What is called CRA? As of March 24, 2025, Canadians can no longer store CRA directly via phone or efile (e-file).
Here is the direct deposit you need to have with a direct deposit with a CRA:
- Your Social Security Number (Sin)
- Name of financial institution
- Your financial institution branch/transport number
- Your financial institution account
To find the numbers, get one of your checks (or download them from your bank account). The transportation number has five digits, the organization number has three digits, and the account number has seven digits.
What about other government benefits, such as direct CPP deposits?
Other government benefits and pensions, such as the Canadian Pension Plan (CPP), Elderly Safety (OAS), and Employment Insurance (EI), are not managed by the CRA. You can set up direct deposits for these and other benefits through Canadian services, through financial institutions, or by filling out the Canadian Direct Deposit Form and mailing it to a Canadian receiver. As mentioned above, processing forms can take up to three months.
How to change direct deposit information?
To update a direct deposit, such as changing your address or bank information, notify the agency or government department that you paid. Some common payments are listed below; please visit the Canadian Government website for information on setting up direct deposits for other government payments, such as student loans, Aboriginal payments and grants, Canadian Government Annuities, and more.
