Information on the right to cash a Government of Canada cheque at any bank with tellers for free

A bank can refuse to cash a Government of Canada cheque if:

• bank suspects that it is counterfeit
• cheque is for more than $1,500
• cheque has been endorsed or signed by a third-party
• cheque has been altered in some way
• cheque is connected with a crime or fraud

If the bank refuses to cash the cheque, it must give a letter saying so

• in case of a complaint, the bank must also tell the client how to contact the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC)

Mon-Fri 8:30 am-5 pm

Individuals must:
* show one piece of identification (ID) with both photo and signature (for example: driver's license or passport)

Or:
show two pieces of acceptable ID * a full list of acceptable IDs is available on the website

Or:
* show one piece of acceptable ID from the list above and bring someone in good standing with the bank or in the community to confirm their identity