What documents do I need to open a sascu account?
Documents required to open a sascu account: ID options, address proof, SIN rules for TFSA/RRSP, and business documents.
The Banking Checklist
- One government-issued photo ID plus proof of address opens a chequing account.
- A driver's licence and utility bill cover both needs for most people.
- A SIN is required for TFSA and RRSP; optional for chequing.
- Business files add registration documents, a lease, and financials.
Personal Account Documents
A photo ID plus address proof make up the complete personal file.
sascu accepts any one of: BC driver's licence, BC Services Card, Canadian passport, provincial ID, or foreign passport plus a work permit. Address proof can be the same documents or a utility bill, lease, or bank statement under 90 days.
| Document | Acceptable forms | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Primary ID | Driver's licence, passport, Services Card | Identity |
| Address proof | Utility bill, lease, bank statement | Residence |
| SIN | SIN card, letter, or T4 | Registered accounts only |
| Photo | Selfie via app | Verification |
| Share deposit | $10 payment | Membership |
SIN, Date of Birth and Foreign Nationals
SIN is mandatory for TFSA and RRSP; non-residents can open savings and chequing only.
Registered products (TFSA and RRSP) require a social insurance number because income is reported to the CRA. Chequing and savings do not require it. Citizens and permanent residents are eligible for everything; non-resident visa holders may open chequing and savings.
The identity verification lender rule set is published by FCAC for both banks and credit unions.
Business Account Documents
Business files need incorporation records, ID for signatories, and financials for lending.
A business file adds: certificate of incorporation or registration, business licence, a lease or proof of operations, and ID for every authorized signatory. Lending adds one year of financials, or two for established firms.
See business loans for the lending document list.
Key facts at a glance
Four numbers decide most of this decision, and one caveat should always be kept in view.
- ID needed: 1 piece.
- SIN needed: Registered only.
- Business extras: 3 docs.
This list does NOT cover documents for business trusts and non-profits, which add minute books. We used to accept paper faxes from 2024; keeping only digital upload cut identity verification to 4 minutes and errors by half.
The official methodology is detailed in the sascu overview.
We moved our company balance after the merger headache, and the sascu advisor made it painless.
The branch team knows my name and my business. That is the point of a credit union.