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Can You Use GCKey to Sign In to the CRA? No: What to Use Instead

No. The CRA does not accept GCKey. Sign in with a Sign-In Partner (your online banking), a CRA user ID and password, or a BC Services Card or Alberta.ca Account. GCKey still works for other federal services, such as My Service Canada Account.

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Free tool: Which Government Account Do I Need? CRA or My Service Canada Account

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What to use for the CRA instead

OptionBest for
Sign-In PartnerAnyone with online banking at a participating bank or credit union. Nothing new to remember.
CRA user ID and passwordPeople who prefer not to link their bank, or whose bank is not a partner.
Provincial partnerB.C. and Alberta residents. Instant full access, even without a recent tax return.

To start, read how to register for a CRA account.

Where GCKey still works

GCKey is a government username and password used by other departments. The most common one is My Service Canada Account (EI, CPP, OAS, dental, SIN). See our GCKey guide for help with it.

Two accounts, two sign-ins

Many people need both a CRA account and My Service Canada Account. They are separate, with separate sign-ins. Your bank login can work for both, but you register for each one separately.

Related

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. What Is GCKey? Using It for My Service Canada Account GCKey is a Government of Canada username and password used to sign in to services such as My Service Canada Account. You can create one while registering for MSCA. GCKey cannot be used to sign in to a CRA account. Free tool Which Government Account Do I Need? CRA or My Service Canada Account Taxes and CRA-run benefits (Canada child benefit, GST/HST credit, Disability Tax Credit) are in CRA My Account. EI, CPP, OAS, the Canadian Dental Care Plan, the Canada Disability Benefit and your SIN are in My Service Canada Account. 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

Why does my GCKey not work on the CRA sign-in page?

The CRA does not accept GCKey. Register for a CRA account with a Sign-In Partner, a CRA user ID or a provincial partner instead.

Which account needs GCKey?

None of them require it. My Service Canada Account accepts GCKey, but you can also use your bank or a B.C. or Alberta provincial login.

Sources

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.