Opening account from abroad

[grouvvy]

Is it possible to open bank account in Canada from abroad (online) ? I am planning to move to Canada in May and want to put money in Canadian account before I move (there are some issues of sending money first to my home country and then bringing it from there).

 

[steaky]

Contact any HSBC branch in your country.

 

[grouvvy]

Can't I open in popular banks in Canada ? Like Scotia or Montreal ? Is there any way to open account with them online ?

 

[steaky]

HSBC is popular at least in Vancouver

About opening an account on line, you can try PCfinancial, a division of CIBC!

 

[Fencesitter]

I was able to open two savings accounts, a GIC, and a visa card...all online and via e-mail with an account manager (Royal Bank). Really easy. Any documents that needed my signature were scanned and e-mailed to me. I signed and returned via e-mail. Tomorrow I will go to the bank here in China and transfer money to my savings account. Once the money has arrived, the account manager will transfer some of it into the GIC. The rest will stay in the savings account.

So, yes, it can be done.

FS

 

[auie09]

I was able to open two savings accounts, a GIC, and a visa card...all online and via e-mail with an account manager (Royal Bank). Really easy. Any documents that needed my signature were scanned and e-mailed to me. I signed and returned via e-mail. Tomorrow I will go to the bank here in China and transfer money to my savings account. Once the money has arrived, the account manager will transfer some of it into the GIC. The rest will stay in the savings account.

So, yes, it can be done.

FS


i didn't know it can be done i called rbc and was told it cannot be done until I arrive.

please elaborate.

Thanks

 

[steaky]

i didn't know it can be done i called rbc and was told it cannot be done until I arrive.

please elaborate.

Thanks

That poster had a joint account with RBC, which explains why he can open another one under his name before he arrives. Just as I mentioned before, try HSBC!

 

[auie09]

That poster had a joint account with RBC, which explains why he can open another one under his name before he arrives. Just as I mentioned before, try HSBC!

Dd you use hsbc ? I do use hsbc locally but rates are high and service not that good. The fee is $100 for opening right?

 

[steaky]

HSBC Premier - Service is great! No fee as long as you meet the minimum balance.

 

[SenoritaBella]

I was able to open an account with RBC, wire transfer my tuition fees into it and they faxed confirmation to the Canadian visa office in my home country. It can be done.

You will not be able to make transactions using the account until you arrive Canada and the bank verifies your identity. That was the case for me.

It's better to open the account with the main(biggest) branch in your city or one closest to your university(if you are a student), as they are more likely to be familiar with this. Once here, you can use any branch.

 

[CAforCA]

I have a question on similar lines, can you open a Canadian bank account outside canada after you have done your landing. Does RBC support these cases or once you have done the landing procedures the bank account can only be opened from within?

 

[SenoritaBella]

As explained, RBC bank accounts can be opened from outside Canada, nothing to do with your status. Note that while you can transfer funds into the account, you can not make transactions from it until you go to the bank in person at which time, they will make the account "active". After that, you can use it freely anywhere in the world.

After your landing(you will be in Canada anyway), it makes sense to go in person and open the account or if you opened the account while overseas(abroad), have it activated before you leave Canada.

I have a question on similar lines, can you open a Canadian bank account outside canada after you have done your landing. Does RBC support these cases or once you have done the landing procedures the bank account can only be opened from within?

 

[MapGia]

It's an old topic but I am having the same question myself, so I contact RBC and here is their response

Thank you for choosing our Message Centre. My name is Allain, your banking advisor and I appreciate the opportunity to respond to your message today.

Welcome to Canada, and thank you for choosing RBC Royal Bank. We wish you the best with your upcoming move, and we look forward to helping you with all your banking needs.

You can open your account before you arrive in Canada. In order to do so, please reply to this message with the following information:

Name:

Email address:

Phone number and country code:

Country or residence / citizenship:

Province / city where you want the account opened:

Reason for the account opening:

Available pieces of ID:

Any additional details relevant to your account opening request:

Once we have received your reply, we'll forward your request to our non-resident Banking Advisors who'll contact you within the next 24-48 hours to assist with the account opening process.

 

[karakou]

Hello folks

If i open an account in Canada from abroad before i land, will i be consider for taxation from that date or from the day i land ?

Also, i know it might be out of subject , do i have to pay taxes if i landed after 1st of July (means i will be sending less than 6 month in the country)

Thanks in advance

 

[One_Topsy]

following this thread. Will be contacting TD Canada trust and RBC in the coming weeks. Will let you guys know the progress