CRA Direct Deposits

Get your government benefits faster.

Northern Savings members have access to the CRA Direct Deposit service, which provides the ability to simply and securely transmit direct deposit enrolment information to the CRA when you log onto online banking.


What is Direct Deposit?

Direct deposit is a secure electronic transfer of funds deposited straight into your bank account. It replaces the need for paper cheques. It also saves mailing time, so you can get the help you need when you need it.

How to Access the CRA Direct Deposit Form

  • Log in to online banking (desktop only) 
  • In the left hand menu, select "Account Services"
  • In the submenu, select "Set Up CRA Direct Deposit"
  • Read the Payment Information and click "Next"
  • Select the account you would like the funds to be deposited into
  • If required, enter your Social Insurance Number
  • Check off your authorization to let Northern Savings share your banking information with the CRA for the purpose of establishing or changing direct deposit
  • Click "Next"
  • Review the information
  • Click "I Agree"

Who is eligible to enroll in the direct deposit service through financial institutions? Expand/Collapse

Canadian taxpayers. If an individual has never filed a tax return with the CRA, they are not eligible to sign up for the CRA direct deposit service through their financial institution.

Why should I sign up for direct deposit? Expand/Collapse

Direct deposit allows you to access your money faster and is more convenient as your payment will not be delayed due to unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather. It is reliable and your payment will always be deposited on time in your account.

How do I know that I have received my direct deposit payment from the CRA? Expand/Collapse

You can verify that the payment has been received by checking your banking statement on the account you used to sign up for direct deposit. Your payment amount will be deposited directly into the account. You can also confirm that the payment was sent by the CRA by logging into CRA’s My Account.

Will I still receive cheques if I sign up for direct deposit? Expand/Collapse

No. Once you are enrolled for direct deposit, you will receive CRA payments such as benefits, credits and refunds directly to your account.

Is it safe to sign up for direct deposit? Expand/Collapse

In order to offer this direct deposit enrolment service, Northern Savings signed an extensive Terms of Use Agreement with the CRA which obliges us to use consent and privacy statements with all our clients who enroll in CRA direct deposit. By signing these consent and privacy statements you will acknowledge and agree that:
To facilitate your direct deposit enrolment with the CRA:

  • The CRA requires your name, bank account information, date of birth and social insurance number (SIN).
  • Northern Savings will provide to the CRA your name and bank account information as set out above, as well as the date of birth and SIN that we have on file for you.
  • Once the CRA has completed your direct deposit enrolment, the Receiver General will deposit any amounts to be paid to you by the CRA.
The Government of Canada considers privacy and security of utmost importance in the issuance of payments. Any information you provide to the Government of Canada when you enrol for direct deposit is protected under the Government of Canada Privacy Act and as described in Receiver General Payments (Personal Information Bank PWGSC PCU 712).

How long will it take to process my direct deposit enrolment or update through my financial institution? Expand/Collapse

Once you provide consent for your banking information to be shared with the CRA, your direct deposit information will be updated by your financial institution the following day. The CRA aims to process your direct deposit enrolment or information updates in one or two business days. Given the current environment, you may experience longer than usual processing times once the CRA receives your information from your financial institution.

What information do I have to provide to my financial Northern Savings to sign up? Expand/Collapse

Northern Savings will provide to the CRA your name and bank account information, as well as the date of birth and SIN that we have on file for you.

How will I know that my direct deposit information has been updated? Expand/Collapse

If you are fully registered for CRA’s My Account, you can verify your direct deposit information through this online self-service portal.

Why is direct deposit enrolment only available to individuals and not businesses? Expand/Collapse

The direct deposit service is strictly for individuals using their SIN to register. Small businesses with a Business Number will be able to update their Direct Deposit information through their business portal. Payments Canada will circulate CRA’s link to ‘my business’ account where business can sign up.

Fraud Prevention

The CRA or your financial institution will never send you an email, text or Interac e-transfer to a link asking for your personal information to receive your benefit payment or refund. These are scams and taxpayers should never respond to these fraudulent communications or click on any of the links provided. If you submit multiple requests to update your direct deposit information, the most recent enrolment you complete will become the account on file with the CRA. Direct deposits will only be made into one account, at one financial institution.