Tool · cross-border banking
Cross-border and US-account explainer
USD accounts in Canada, US-domiciled accounts, deposit insurance on each side of the border, and the reporting rules that catch people out. Pick your situation, then check two common filing thresholds.
Filing threshold check
I spend part of the year in the US
Options to look at
- A USD account in Canada for travel spending and US bills you can pay from Canada.
- A US-domiciled account (at a US bank, including US banks owned by Canadian groups) if you need US cheques, local bill payment or a US address-based account.
Watch for
- A US account is covered by the FDIC, not CDIC.
- If your foreign property costs more than $100,000 CAD in total, Form T1135 applies.
- Time spent in the US can affect US tax status — get cross-border tax advice.
Thresholds
The CRA threshold is more than $100,000 CAD at any time in the year; you entered $40,000.
Tick the box above if you are a US person.
A screening aid only. Tax filings depend on your full situation; confirm with the CRA, the IRS or a cross-border tax professional.
USD account in Canada vs a US-domiciled account
| USD account at a Canadian institution | Account at a US bank | |
|---|---|---|
| Regulated by | Canadian regulators (OSFI and FCAC for federally regulated banks) | US federal and state banking regulators |
| Deposit insurance | CDIC at member institutions — combined with your CAD deposits, $100,000 per category | FDIC at insured banks — $250,000 per depositor, per bank, per ownership category |
| Good for | Holding and spending USD while living in Canada | Living, working or paying many local bills in the US |
| Reporting | Tax-residency self-certification at opening | Counts as foreign property for Form T1135 if you are a Canadian resident |
Why your bank asks about tax residency
Canada implements the Canada–US intergovernmental agreement (FATCA) in Part XVIII of the Income Tax Act and the OECD Common Reporting Standard in Part XIX. Institutions must collect a self-certification when you open an account and report certain accounts to the CRA, which exchanges the information with the US and other partner jurisdictions.
Moving money across the border costs more than the transfer fee. Compare the exchange rate you’re given against the mid-market rate to see the real spread.
Frequently asked questions
Is a US-dollar account at a Canadian bank covered by CDIC?
Yes, if it is an eligible deposit at a CDIC member. Since April 30, 2020 foreign-currency deposits are covered, combined with your Canadian-dollar deposits in the same category under the $100,000 limit.
What is the difference between a USD account in Canada and a US bank account?
A USD account in Canada is a Canadian account that holds US dollars; it is regulated in Canada and covered by CDIC at members. A US bank account is held at a US bank, follows US rules, and is covered by the FDIC at FDIC-insured banks — $250,000 per depositor, per bank, per ownership category.
Why did my bank ask about my tax residency?
Canadian institutions must identify account holders’ tax residence under Parts XVIII (FATCA) and XIX (Common Reporting Standard) of the Income Tax Act. They ask you to self-certify and report certain accounts to the CRA, which shares information with the US and other partner countries.
Do I need to report a US bank account to the CRA?
Canadian residents must file Form T1135 if the total cost of their specified foreign property — which includes funds in foreign bank accounts — was more than $100,000 CAD at any time in the year.
I’m a US citizen living in Canada. Do I report my Canadian accounts?
Generally yes: a US person must file an FBAR (FinCEN Form 114) if foreign accounts together exceed US$10,000 at any time in the calendar year. That includes Canadian bank accounts. Speak with a cross-border tax professional about your situation.
Educational information only, not financial, legal or tax advice. CanadianBanks.ca is independent and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or paid by any institution listed. Confirm details with the institution and the official sources linked on each page before you act. Read the full disclaimer.