
How to Use EQ Bank Online Banking
Prerequisites
- Canadian resident aged 18 or older
- Valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport)
- Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- Permanent Canadian address (no P.O. boxes)
- Email address and mobile phone number
- Initial deposit minimum: $100 for savings account
- Bank account at another institution for initial funding
Opening Your EQ Bank Account
- Visit EQBank.ca: Go to the official EQ Bank website
- Click "Open an Account": Start the online application process
- Choose Account Type: Select Savings Plus Account or Personal Account
- Provide Personal Information: Enter name, address, SIN, employment details
- Upload ID Documents: Take photos of government ID and proof of address
- Verify Your Identity: Complete the identity verification process
- Review Terms: Read and accept account terms and conditions
- Fund Your Account: Set up initial deposit via electronic transfer
- Account Activation: Receive confirmation and login credentials
Setting Up Online Banking
- Download Mobile App: Install EQ Bank Mobile Banking from App Store or Google Play
- Initial Login: Use temporary password provided in welcome email
- Set Permanent Password: Create a strong, unique password
- Enable Security Features: Set up biometric login (fingerprint/face)
- Add Security Questions: Choose and answer security questions
- Verify Contact Information: Confirm email and phone number
- Set Preferences: Choose notification and communication preferences
Maximizing Your High-Interest Savings
Setting Up Automatic Transfers
- Link External Account: Add your primary bank account for transfers
- Verify Account: Complete micro-deposit verification (1-2 business days)
- Set Transfer Schedule: Choose weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly transfers
- Determine Amount: Set realistic savings amount per transfer
- Choose Transfer Date: Pick dates that align with your pay schedule
- Monitor Progress: Track your savings growth in the app
Understanding Interest Calculations
- Interest calculated daily on your full balance
- Interest paid monthly on the last business day
- No minimum balance required to earn interest
- Rates may change based on Bank of Canada policy
- Tax reporting: Interest earnings reported on T5 slip
Purchasing GICs Through the App
- Log Into Mobile App: Access your EQ Bank account
- Navigate to GICs: Find "Investments" or "GICs" in the main menu
- Compare Terms: Review available GIC terms and rates
- Select GIC Type: Choose regular, cashable, or market-linked GIC
- Choose Term Length: Select from 3 months to 10 years
- Enter Investment Amount: Set your GIC purchase amount (minimum $1,000)
- Set Maturity Instructions: Choose automatic renewal or transfer to savings
- Review Purchase: Confirm all details are correct
- Complete Purchase: Authorize the GIC purchase
- Receive Confirmation: Get email confirmation with GIC details
Mobile Deposit Setup
- Enable Mobile Deposit: Activate the feature in app settings
- Read Guidelines: Review cheque deposit requirements and limits
- Prepare Cheque: Endorse cheque with "For Deposit Only" and sign
- Take Photos: Photograph both front and back of cheque
- Enter Amount: Input the cheque amount
- Review Images: Ensure photos are clear and complete
- Submit Deposit: Send deposit for processing
- Keep Cheque Safe: Store original cheque for 30 days
Bill Payments & Transfers
Setting Up Bill Payments
- Access Bill Pay: Go to "Pay Bills" in the app or online
- Add Payee: Search for and select the company to pay
- Enter Account Information: Add your account number with the payee
- Set Payment Amount: Enter the amount to pay
- Choose Payment Date: Select immediate or future-dated payment
- Set Up Recurring: Optional recurring payment schedule
- Confirm Payment: Review and authorize the payment
Transferring Money to Other Banks
- Link External Account: Add the receiving bank account
- Verify Account: Complete micro-deposit verification
- Initiate Transfer: Select "Transfer Money" in the app
- Choose Direction: Select transfer to or from EQ Bank
- Set Amount: Enter transfer amount
- Schedule Transfer: Choose immediate or future date
- Confirm Transfer: Review details and authorize
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Account Verification Delays
- Ensure all uploaded documents are clear and complete
- Check that ID documents are current and not expired
- Verify that address on ID matches application address
- Contact customer service if verification takes longer than 2 business days
Mobile Deposit Issues
- Take photos in bright lighting against dark background
- Ensure entire cheque is visible within the frame
- Check that cheque amount entered matches written amount
- Verify cheque is properly endorsed on the back
- Contact support if deposits are consistently rejected
GIC Purchase Problems
- Ensure sufficient funds in your savings account
- Check minimum investment requirements ($1,000 for most GICs)
- Verify you're within daily investment limits
- Try purchasing during business hours if issues persist
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly can I access my money?
Savings account funds are available immediately. Transfers to other banks typically take 1-2 business days. Use Interac e-Transfer for faster access to funds.
Can I break a GIC early?
Regular GICs cannot be redeemed early. Consider cashable GICs if you need flexibility, though they typically offer lower rates.
How do I get cash without branches?
Use any ATM in Canada - EQ Bank reimburses ATM fees. You can also transfer money to another bank account for ATM access.
What happens if EQ Bank changes their interest rate?
Savings account rates can change at any time. You'll be notified of rate changes via email. GIC rates are locked in for the full term.
How do I contact customer service?
Call 1-855-551-3310 during business hours, use the secure message center in your app, or email info@eqbank.ca.
Can I have multiple GICs with different terms?
Yes, you can purchase multiple GICs with different amounts, terms, and maturity dates to create a GIC ladder strategy.