SIN card when applying for bank account?

[actonis]

Dear forum members
I read that in order to open a bank account you will need SIN card and passport.
I am a temp worker.
After I land I will go to service Canada to obtain my SIN number but the SIN Card will be mailed and I will receive it after 2 week probably.
Can I open bank account with the knowledge only of the SIN number?
I need a bank account in order to start working, and surely I don't want to wait for two weeks to be able to work.
Thanks

 

[steaky]

Yes, as long as you have the SIN number, you can open a bank account with a passport.

 

[keesio]

All you need to know is the SIN number itself to work and open a bank account. And Service Canada will tell you your SIN number right there after you apply. The card itself is not really needed. No one ever asks to see your SIN number card as far as i can remember.

 

[Dejaavu]

One doesn't need a SIN to open a bank account.

If a person is not a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident, they have to show a piece of Canadian ID such as a driver's licence, SIN, work permit/study permit etc.

Banks may ask for SIN if there is a credit application. Otherwise SIN is not required.
I am a former banker

 

[PMM]

Hi

One doesn't need a SIN to open a bank account.

If a person is not a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident, they have to show a piece of Canadian ID such as a driver's licence, SIN, work permit/study permit etc.

Banks may ask for SIN if there is a credit application. Otherwise SIN is not required.
I am a former banker

Wrong, if the account generates interest, then a SIN is required for income tax reporting.

 

[browntrout]

no need SIN to open bank account

 

[PMM]

Hi

no need SIN to open bank account

Maybe you should read the following from the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Canada?

"Who Can ask for my SIN number?

Your Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a confidential number that is restricted to income reporting purposes. There are a select and limited number of federal government departments and programs specifically authorized to collect the SIN.

The authority to collect and use the SIN is tied to a specific legislated purpose, not necessarily to a particular body. For example, an employer can collect an employee’s SIN to provide them with Records of Employment and T-4 slips for income tax purposes, as can provincial or municipal agencies to report financial assistance payments for income tax purposes.

Institutions from which you earn interest or income, such as banks, credit unions and trust companies, must also ask for your SIN.

If you live in Quebec, Hydro Québec is required by provincial law to collect a SIN for opening new accounts."

 

[browntrout]

To poster, you can open a bank account with or without your SIN. The bank wont ask for your SIN. Additionally, despite what other said above, something about regulation, yawn, when you go to the SIN office you will get your SIN number immediately, feel free to give this to the bank when you open the account. but again, they wont ask for it

 

[cec_asp_2014]

Yes. SIN is optional, in my case also they didnt asked for SIN. You are good with your passport and Canada WP