To update your direct deposit information with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), sign in to your CRA My Account or use your Canadian bank's online banking service.
Important: You cannot register for or change your CRA direct deposit information through CloudTax, NETFILE, or EFILE. Direct deposit changes must be made directly with the CRA or through a participating financial institution.
Option 1: Update Direct Deposit Through CRA My Account
You can change the bank account where you receive your CRA tax refunds and benefit payments by following these steps:
Visit CRA My Account.
Sign in to your CRA account.
Select your Individual account to access My Account.
Select Profile.
Scroll to Direct deposit and select Edit.
Enter your new banking information and follow the instructions to confirm the change.
According to the CRA, your direct deposit information is generally updated by the next business day after you provide consent.
Option 2: Change CRA Direct Deposit Through Your Bank
You can also register or update your CRA direct deposit information through many Canadian banks and credit unions.
Sign in to your bank's online banking website or mobile app.
Look for CRA Direct Deposit or Government Direct Deposit.
Follow the instructions to register or update your banking information.
Confirm and submit your request.
Participating financial institutions include RBC, TD, Scotiabank, CIBC, BMO, Tangerine, Simplii Financial, and others.
Visit the CRA's official direct deposit page for a complete list of participating financial institutions.
Can I Update My CRA Direct Deposit Through CloudTax?
No. CloudTax cannot update or change your CRA direct deposit information when you file your income tax return.
The CRA no longer accepts direct deposit registrations or changes through EFILE, and NETFILE does not support direct deposit updates.
If you are filing your tax return using CloudTax and want your refund deposited into a new bank account, update your direct deposit information directly with the CRA or your bank.
You do not need to change your direct deposit information within CloudTax.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my CRA direct deposit after filing my tax return?
Yes. You can update your direct deposit information through CRA My Account or a participating financial institution even after filing your tax return. However, if your refund has already been processed, updating your banking information may not redirect that payment to your new account.
How long does it take for CRA direct deposit changes to take effect?
Online changes made through CRA My Account or a participating financial institution are generally updated by the next business day after consent is provided. This does not mean your tax refund will arrive the next business day. Refund processing times are separate.
Can I change my CRA direct deposit information by phone?
No. The CRA no longer accepts direct deposit registrations or changes by telephone.
If you cannot use an online method, you can submit a Canada direct deposit enrolment form by mail. The CRA estimates processing may take up to three months or longer.
Will changing my direct deposit information delay my tax refund?
Updating your banking information does not necessarily delay your refund. However, if your refund is already being processed, the payment may be sent using your previously registered banking information. The CRA recommends keeping your old bank account open until you receive your first payment in the new account.
What if my CRA tax refund was deposited into the wrong bank account?
If you believe your payment was deposited into the wrong account or returned to the CRA, and 10 business days have passed since the payment date, contact the CRA for assistance.
Do I need to update my direct deposit every year?
No. Your existing CRA direct deposit information generally remains on file until you change it. You only need to update it when your banking information changes.
Official CRA Resources
For the most accurate and up-to-date instructions, visit:
CloudTax helps Canadians prepare and file their income tax returns. Direct deposit registrations and banking information changes are managed by the CRA and participating financial institutions.