Changing banks is not complete until the organizations sending you money have the new deposit instructions. CRA direct deposit is separate from the account you use to pay a tax bill.
Use an official update method
Individuals can update CRA direct deposit through their CRA account or a participating Canadian bank or credit union. CRA no longer accepts registrations or changes by phone or through EFILE. A mailed enrolment form remains an option when online methods cannot be used. CRA's current direct-deposit instructions.
In My Account, select Profile, scroll to Direct deposit, choose Edit and submit the new details. CRA says the update takes effect the next business day after you provide consent, whether you use the CRA account or a participating institution. This is different from the immediate online address change.
If you cannot sign in, check your bank or credit union's CRA enrolment option. CRA's mailed-form estimate is three months or longer, so it is not a quick way to redirect an upcoming refund.
Use banking details supplied by your financial institution, such as a direct-deposit form. Check the institution number, transit number and account number carefully; a debit-card number is not a substitute for the deposit account details.
Save the confirmation and verify the updated information through the official account. Do not send banking details in response to an unsolicited refund text or email.
Check the next actual payment
CRA advises keeping the old bank account open until the first payment reaches the new account. An update confirmation and a completed deposit are different evidence. If a payment has already been issued, changing the details may not redirect that payment.
Keep other payers on a separate checklist. A change with CRA does not automatically update Service Canada, an employer or a pension administrator. Check each relevant program's process.
An ordinary tax-preparer authorization is also different from legal authority to change someone else's direct deposit. If you are acting for a family member, follow the specific representative requirements rather than using their login.
Checked October 27, 2026. If the payment is missing, start with refund status and the official payment-tracing instructions.
