Opening an account before moving to Canada

Step 1:

Compare chequing accounts and see which one is best for you.

Step 2:

Complete an online application and use HSBC EasyID^TM to validate your identity.

Step 3:

Once you've received notification that the account is open you can wire funds into it.

Step 4:

Visit your branch in Canada and get access to a wide range of HSBC services.

• Your current email address and mobile phone number 
• Primary addresses you’ve lived at for the last 3 years 
• Your employment details including company name and address 
• Your annual income details 
• Tax residency information including SIN/SSN/TIN (if available) 
• Photo or scanned copy of your passport 
• Acceptable proof of address document 

• Canadian visa approval / passport stamp
• Confirmation of permanent residence (also known as IMM5292/IMM5688)
• Work permit / study permit (also known as IMM1442)

Step 1:

Compare chequing accounts and see which one is best for you - you may only choose an Advance or Premier account.

Step 2:

Complete an online application and use HSBC EasyID^TM to validate your identity.

Step 3:

Visit your HSBC branch at home and complete ID verification.

Step 4:

Once you receive your account opening details call Telephone Banking in Canada to register for online banking.

• Your current email address and mobile phone number
• Primary addresses you’ve lived at for the last 3 years
• Your employment details including company name and address
• Your annual income details
• Tax residency information including SIN/SSN/TIN (if available)
• Photo or scanned copy of your passport
• HSBC statement showing your current customer relationship

HSBC EasyID is a digital identity verification tool used during the application process. If you verify your identity online using HSBC EasyID, you can open an account with full features.

To access additional products and services, you will need to provide a signature sample at an HSBC branch.

Find out about Global View and Global Transfer and how to view, manage and transfer money between your personal HSBC accounts worldwide.

Canadian 'Know Your Customer' regulations require that we see you in person with your ID documents.

If you're moving to Canada - because you're either a permanent resident, foreign worker, or international student participating in the Canadian government’s Student Direct Stream (student GIC) program - then we can pre-open your account online and review your ID when you arrive in Canada.

If you're NOT moving to Canada your local HSBC will help validate your ID for us.

When you open your account online, you consent to receiving these documents electronically. You can update these preferences at any time by logging on to Online banking. You will have an opportunity to review disclosures during the application, and anytime after that by visiting hsbc.ca/documents.

If we successfully validate your identity using EasyID, then there is no limit set by Canada. Foreign currency exchange rates and local country limitations may apply.

If EasyID is unsuccessful and you choose to continue with pre-departure account opening, then you would be limited to a single deposit of no more than CAD $30,000. Learn more about pre-departure account opening.