How to Change Your CRA Sign-In Option or Switch Banks

To switch to a different bank, sign in with your current bank, choose "Switch My Sign-In Partner" and follow the steps. To move between a bank login and a CRA user ID, go through the CRA registration again with the new option, using your existing passcode method.

By Sarah Moglin Fact-checked by Samuel Athur

Last verified November 10, 2026 How we check our facts

Which change do you need?

You use now	You want	How
Bank (Sign-In Partner)	A different bank	Choose Sign-In Partner, then Switch My Sign-In Partner at the top of the page. You must still be able to sign in with the old bank.
Bank (Sign-In Partner)	CRA user ID and password	Register again and choose CRA user ID and password, using your existing MFA.
CRA user ID and password	Bank (Sign-In Partner)	Register again and choose Sign-In Partner, using your existing MFA.
CRA user ID and password	A new user ID or password	Sign in, go to Security settings, and change your user ID or password.
Provincial partner (B.C. or Alberta)	A second option	Register again and choose CRA user ID or Sign-In Partner. Alberta.ca users need their existing MFA.

Closed your old bank account?

If you can no longer sign in with your old bank, you can't use Switch My Sign-In Partner. Register again with the new bank instead.

What happens to your old sign-in

When you register again for a new credential, the CRA removes any previous CRA user IDs and Sign-In Partners from your account. Provincial partner credentials are kept.

Your tax and benefit information isn't affected. Only the way you sign in changes.

Changing your bank for payments?

Your sign-in bank and your direct deposit bank are separate. To change where refunds and benefits are paid, update your direct deposit.

Step by step

Decide which change you need.
The steps depend on your current option and the new one. See the table below.
Keep your passcode method handy.
Re-registering always uses the multi-factor authentication you already set up. If you no longer have it, contact the CRA first.
Make the change on the official CRA sign-in page.
Use Switch My Sign-In Partner to change banks, or Register to add a new type of sign-in.
From then on, use only the new option.
The CRA asks you to sign in with the option you registered with every time.

Phone numbers

CRA individual enquiries

1-800-959-8281

Monday to Friday, 8 am to 8 pm Eastern time

From outside Canada and the U.S.: 1-613-940-8495 (collect calls through an operator)

Sign In to the CRA With Your Bank (Sign-In Partner): Participating Banks A Sign-In Partner lets you sign in to your CRA account with your online banking details, through Interac. Participating banks include BMO, CIBC, Desjardins, National Bank, RBC, Scotiabank, TD, Tangerine, Simplii, Wealthsimple and several credit unions. Your bank doesn't see your tax information. How to Register for a CRA Account (My Account) Go to the official CRA sign-in page, choose "Register", pick how you will sign in (your bank, a CRA user ID, or a B.C./Alberta provincial partner), set up two passcode methods, then confirm your identity: instantly with photo ID, or with a security code mailed within 10 business days. How to Set Up or Change CRA Direct Deposit Sign in to your CRA account, open Profile and edit Direct deposit, or sign up through your Canadian bank or credit union. Online changes take effect the next business day. Direct deposit can no longer be set up by phone, and a mailed form can take 3 months or longer. CRA Phone Number and Contact Numbers (2026): Every Line and Hours The main CRA phone number is 1-800-959-8281 for personal tax and CRA account questions. For benefits like the Canada child benefit call 1-800-387-1193, and for businesses 1-800-959-5525. All three are open Monday to Friday, 8 am to 8 pm Eastern time, and closed on weekends and public holidays.

Frequently asked questions

Will switching banks change my direct deposit?

No. Your sign-in bank and the bank account that receives your payments are separate. Update direct deposit on its own.

Do I need a new security code if I register again?

Yes, you verify your identity again, either instantly with the document verification service or with a CRA security code by mail.

Can I switch if the CRA locked my account?

No. If the CRA locked your account for security reasons, you can't register again. Call the CRA at 1-800-959-8281.

Sources

Register for a CRA account (canada.ca)
About Sign-In Partners (canada.ca, 2026-09-03) (canada.ca)
About CRA user ID and password (canada.ca)

North Help Desk is an independent guide, not a government website. Rules, amounts and phone hours can change; always confirm on the official page before you act. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.