Security and Privacy

1. Ensure the security of your CRA account using a Sign-In Partner
2. Is using my bank credential as safe as using a government-issued credential?
3. Is any of my banking information shared if I use a Sign-In Partner?
4. Who has access to the information I enter when I register?
5. My Sign-In Partner knows who I am so why do I still have to provide my basic identity information to enroll in a Government of Canada service?
6. What if I am having problems confirming my identity with the CRA?

1. Ensure the security of your CRA account using a Sign-In Partner

When you select the Sign-In Partner option and choose your financial institution you will be prompted to enter your banking sign-in information. Some financial institutions will have banking sign-in information pre-populated if you allow that option to be enabled on your device. If this is the case, it is very important to manually enter your own information to ensure your CRA account is linked to your banking sign-in information and not someone who had previously used the device you are signing in with. Once done, follow the prompts to continue with linking to your CRA account.

2. Is using my bank credential as safe as using a government-issued credential?

Whether you choose to use the credential broker service (Interac sign-in service) or a government-issued credential such as a CRA user ID and password, your transaction is secure. As you move between the CRA, the Interac sign-in service and the Sign-In Partners (financial institutions), there is no personally identifiable information exchanged.

When you use your online banking credential, the information you enter and the identity of the financial institution are not shared with the government service you are trying to access. Similarly, information about the government service being accessed is not shared with your financial institution. No personally identifying information or banking details are ever shared.

The service relies on strong technology built using industry best practices. The Government of Canada is leveraging these investments made by financial institutions for secure online environments.

3. Is any of my banking information shared if I use a Sign-In Partner?

The credential broker (Interac sign-in service), Sign-In Partners (financial institutions), and the departments and agencies involved will not be sharing any information that personally identifies individuals, as directed under federal privacy legislation.

When you use your online banking credential, the information you enter and the identity of the financial institution are not shared with the government service you are trying to access. Similarly, information about the government service being accessed is not shared with your financial institution (Sign-In Partner). No personally identifying information or banking details are ever shared.

4. Who has access to the information I enter when I register?

The CRA does not share your registration information with any third party. The information you provide is held by the CRA and is protected under the federal Privacy Act.

For more information, see our Privacy notice.

5. My Sign-In Partner knows who I am so why do I still have to provide my basic identity information to enroll in a Government of Canada service?

The Sign-In Partner does not provide any identity information to the Government and simply validates your username or card number and password.

Each department and agency has a unique registration process. If this is your first time accessing the CRA’s sign-in services using a Sign-In Partner, you must identify yourself by providing some personal information. For more information, see CRA user ID and password Help and FAQs.

6. What if I am having problems confirming my identity with the CRA?

For assistance, refer to the CRA user ID and password Help and FAQs.