Apply for Credit Card on Impled Status?

[Danteryu]

Hi all,

As of tomorrow I'm here on implied status while waiting for my first phase approval. I was just wondering, can I apply for a credit card with an expired SIN? Or finalize an application I have at the moment? I'm being offered a secured credit card by CIBC, but they want verification of my SIN first. Is this possible?

Thanks!

 

[robrod]

If you are lucky enough to live in Alberta, everything is possible and as a visitor without anything, according to some other thread...

 

[Marty11]

Providing the SIN to the bank is optional, not mandatory. You can tell them that, but they know that very well. The only bodies which request your SIN are the Government of Canada agencies, like CRA.

 

[Harju]

Providing the SIN to the bank is optional, not mandatory. You can tell them that, but they know that very well. The only bodies which request your SIN are the Government of Canada agencies, like CRA.

Banks and such institutions are required by law to request your SIN as they require it for making information returns to the CRA (i.e., T5, T3 etc.). As an individual you are required by law to provide the SIN within 15 days of the bank's request or you can initially be subject to a $100 fine. In a way it is optional because your liability is very small, however it is not optional because you are required by law to provide it and the bank can tell you to go away if you do not.

The banks liability is limited in that they are just required to make every "reasonable effort" to obtain the SIN. Therefore you can get the bank to deal with you even without a SIN. My spouse for instance was able to open a bank account as a tourist without a SIN. (and yes, we are in Alberta).

If you have an expired SIN you should have a SIN card with the number on it. Why can't you provide a copy of that to the CIBC with an explanation of your status? Do you have a tax notice of assessment with your SIN on it?

 

[greenoil]

Providing the SIN to the bank is optional, not mandatory. You can tell them that, but they know that very well. The only bodies which request your SIN are the Government of Canada agencies, like CRA.

Banks and such institutions are required by law to request your SIN as they require it for making information returns to the CRA (i.e., T5, T3 etc.). As an individual you are required by law to provide the SIN within 15 days of the bank's request or you can initially be subject to a $100 fine. In a way it is optional because your liability is very small, however it is not optional because you are required by law to provide it and the bank can tell you to go away if you do not.

The banks liability is limited in that they are just required to make every "reasonable effort" to obtain the SIN. Therefore you can get the bank to deal with you even without a SIN. My spouse for instance was able to open a bank account as a tourist without a SIN. (and yes, we are in Alberta).

If you have an expired SIN you should have a SIN card with the number on it. Why can't you provide a copy of that to the CIBC with an explanation of your status? Do you have a tax notice of assessment with your SIN on it?

True, banks are required to report to CRA but as an individual you don't have to give banks your SIN, it's protected (also by law). Banks ask SIN so they can do their jobs easier, yet they have ways to work without your SIN. They will keep asking for your SIN but you keep saying NO and they can't do anything about it neither fine you $$$ for not providing SIN.

 

[Harju]

To get back to the OP's issue, I read it as he has provided a SIN and the CIBC just wants confirmation, so I do not see why he cannot provide a copy of the expired SIN card.

The last poster was correct in that completing a credit card application is not an allowable reason for requesting a SIN. I wandered off point with banks in general re paying interest income etc. which is required by law.

 

[parker24]

You can just go to the bank and ASK if it's possible. Since you are asking and not actually applying, no fines in place. My husband did the same and they said no because he is not a PR. Just my experience.

 

[Danteryu]

For further information, I already have an account with CIBC, so they do have my SIN. This was opened in August 2010.

The SIN request now is on a form I have to mail them with the secuity deposit for the secured credit card. So what you guys are saying is that I don't have to put it on this form?

 

[greenoil]

For further information, I already have an account with CIBC, so they do have my SIN. This was opened in August 2010.

The SIN request now is on a form I have to mail them with the secuity deposit for the secured credit card. So what you guys are saying is that I don't have to put it on this form?

No, don't put your SIN down.


This is for your reference:

Who can ask for my SIN and when don't I have to provide my SIN?

The most common uses of your Social Insurance Number (SIN) are for:

• your employer
• your income tax information
• financial institutions from which you earn interest or income (for example, banks, credit unions, trust companies)
• Canada Pension Plan (CPP) or Régie des rentes du Québec (RRQ) benefits
• Employment Insurance (EI) program benefits
• Canada Education Savings Grants (CESG) and Registered Education Savings Plans (RESP)
• Child Tax Benefit
• Canada Student Loans
• Goods and Services Tax (GST) / Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) claims
• Social assistance benefits
• Veterans benefits and programs
• Workers Compensation benefits
• Child support payments.
  

When don’t I have to provide my SIN?

Some private-sector organizations may ask for your SIN. This practice is strongly discouraged, but it is not illegal.

Here are examples of when you don’t have to give your Social Insurance Number or show your card:

• proving your identity (except for specific government programs)
• completing a job application before you get the job
• completing an application to rent a property
• negotiating a lease with a landlord
• completing credit card application
• cashing a cheque
• applying for a video club membership
• completing some banking transactions (mortgage, line of credit, loan)
• completing a medical questionnaire
• renting a car
• subscribing to long-distance or cellular telephone services
• writing a will
• applying to a university or college.