How to Update CRA Direct Deposit for CCB Before October 20, 2026

If you receive the Canada Child Benefit by direct deposit and changed banks, review your CRA banking details before October 20, 2026. CRA generally pays the benefit on the 20th of each month. The account information on file matters because benefit payments issued by CRA are deposited into the account you provided.

Begin by checking whether the listed account is open, accessible, and yours to use. Direct deposit for individuals requires a Canadian bank or credit-union account. If the account has changed, prepare the new branch, institution, and account numbers from your bank's official records rather than relying on old notes or a message from someone else.

Do not close the old account simply because you submitted a change. CRA says not to close it until the first payment has been deposited into the new account. It can take up to a month for payments to show up in the new account, and a payment near a bank switch may already be in process.

If the old account has already closed, update the information as soon as possible. CRA says that it will mail a cheque if it cannot deposit a payment into your account. Make sure your mailing address is current too, because it may be needed if CRA cannot complete the direct deposit.

CRA says that information updated through CRA My Account is updated the next business day once you provide consent. That processing note does not promise that every payment already being processed will move to the new account. Keep the previous account open until you see an actual CRA deposit in the replacement account.

Find the direct-deposit settings in CRA My Account

Sign in to CRA My Account, select your Individual account, choose Profile, scroll to Direct deposit, and select Edit. Review every number before submitting. CRA guidance notes that an incorrect branch or institution number can produce an error, so confirm the details with your financial institution when anything is unclear.

Update your bank information step by step

1. Prepare Get the branch, institution, and account numbers for the Canadian account you want CRA to use.
2. Open Sign in to CRA My Account and go to Profile, then Direct deposit.
3. Edit Choose Edit, enter the new details, review them, and provide the requested consent.
4. Record Save the confirmation or record the date you made the change.
5. Protect Keep the prior account open until a CRA payment reaches the replacement account.

Use an alternative only when needed

CRA says many Canadian banks, credit unions, and trust companies can help you start direct deposit or change account information. A mailed direct-deposit enrolment form is another official option when online access is unavailable, but CRA estimates that route can take up to three months or longer. It is not a good last-minute solution before a nearby benefit payment.

Respond safely if the deposit is missing

Check the scheduled date and your CRA account first. CRA says to contact it if 10 business days have passed since the payment date of a benefit or credit and the direct deposit has not arrived. Start from Canada.ca or your saved CRA sign-in route; do not use a link sent unexpectedly in a text or email.

Review personal details as well as banking details. CRA lists starting, changing, or ending direct deposit among reasons to contact it, and says that an outdated address can affect benefit administration. Checking both items before the October payment reduces avoidable follow-up and helps you receive any correspondence CRA needs to send.

This is a general guide and cannot confirm your eligibility, amount, or payment status. Use your CRA account and the official CRA contact options for answers about your record. Wait for a real deposit in the new account before closing the old account, even if your online change appears complete.

Frequently asked questions