How can I protect my account from fraud?

Hiding your PIN as you enter it into a machine and keeping track of your cards during transactions are two good places to start. Banks may have additional features to make it easier to detect fraud and avoid your account being frozen. Contact your bank's customer service team to find out what fraud prevention measures are available to you.

How long does it take to get a bank account unfrozen?

If your account was frozen because of suspected fraud, you'll likely be able to use your card almost immediately after verifying your identity. If your account was frozen for another reason, it'll depend on why your account was frozen and whether the issue is resolved. Contact your bank to learn more.

How long can a bank account be frozen in Canada?

In Canada, there's no legal limit to the amount of time a bank account can be frozen. A bank will typically only unfreeze an account once the issue that caused the freeze has been resolved. For example, if your account was frozen due to unpaid debt, the account will remain frozen until either the debt is paid or an agreement is reached with the creditor.

I verified my identity but my card still isn't working. What now?

In some cases, you may need to wait a while before your card is active. Call your bank back and let them know that your card isn't working to find out if you need to take any additional steps — and ask them directly how long it will take for your card to start working again.