National Adult Literacy Database

This brochure offers important information for anyone who wants to open a personal bank account.

The authors begin by explaining that under Canadian law, an individual has the right to open a personal bank account even if he doesn’t have a job, has been bankrupt, or doesn’t have money to put in the account right away. Banks can refuse to open an account for someone they suspect has committed a crime related to any bank; harassed or threatened a bank employee; or shown false identification.

They also describe the steps to take to open an account; list acceptable forms of identification the person can present at the bank; and explain what steps to take if the bank refuses to open an account.