How to Check for Unclaimed Money in Canada

Canadians can look for unclaimed money through the CRA, the Bank of Canada, certain provincial databases, and other official financial resources.

1. Check with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)

The CRA currently holds more than $1.7–$1.8 billion in uncashed cheques from tax refunds, benefits, and provincial/territorial top-ups.

To see if you’re owed money:

• Log in to your CRA My Account (or register if you don’t have one).
• Look for the “Uncashed cheques” link under Related Services; it lists cheques that have been outstanding for at least six months.
• If a cheque is listed, follow the online instructions to generate and submit Form PWGSC 535 to request a replacement. Forms can be uploaded through My Account or mailed.

CRA cheques do not expire, and there is no fee to have them reissued.
 

2. Search the Bank of Canada (Unclaimed Balances)

The Bank of Canada manages unclaimed balances from dormant accounts at federally regulated financial institutions. You can find:

• Old chequing and savings accounts
• GICs and term deposits
• Money orders, drafts, and certified cheques

To check:

• Visit the Bank of Canada’s Unclaimed Balances online database.
• Search by name and follow the instructions to complete a claim form.
• Mail the claim form with identification and proof of ownership.

The Bank of Canada holds balances under $1,000 for 30 years and balances of $1,000 or more for 100 years before they are transferred to the Receiver General.
 

3. Explore Provincial and Other Registries

Canada does not have one unified national unclaimed property registry, but several provinces run their own programs. Examples include:

• British Columbia — BC Unclaimed Property Society, with an online searchable database.
• Alberta — Program administered by Alberta Finance for unclaimed property.
• Quebec — Revenu Québec’s unclaimed property register, including inheritances and unclaimed financial assets.

You can use provincial government websites to search for unclaimed accounts, estates, or insurance payouts where a program exists, or check Service Canada or provincial benefit programs if you suspect old government cheques are still outstanding.

Note: sites like MissingMoney.com and Unclaimed.org are primarily U.S.-based; they are not comprehensive sources for Canadian unclaimed funds.
 

4. Other Sources of Unclaimed Assets (Canada-Focused)

Some assets don’t appear in public databases and require direct follow-up:

• Life insurance policies — unclaimed death benefits are often discovered through insurers or estate files rather than public registries; contact the insurance company if you suspect a policy exists.
• Canadian pensions and retirement savings — reach out to former employers, pension plan administrators, and financial institutions regarding old pensions, group RRSPs, or locked-in accounts. Canada does not use IRA/401(k) terminology, so focus on RRSPs, RRIFs, employer pensions, and DPSPs.
• Stocks, bonds, and mutual funds — contact past brokers or advisors, and check with transfer agents such as Computershare or TSX Trust if you held individual securities. The Canadian Securities Administrators provide guidance on locating lost securities and unclaimed dividends.

5. Tips for Maximizing Your Search

To make your search efficient and thorough:

• Keep personal and financial records organized, including old bank accounts, investment accounts, insurance policies, and employer information.
• Check multiple sources: CRA, Bank of Canada, relevant provincial programs, insurers, pension administrators, and financial institutions.
• Be prepared to provide identification and proof of ownership or entitlement when submitting claims, and expect processing times of several weeks.

By systematically checking these resources, Canadians can determine whether they are entitled to a share of the billions of dollars sitting in unclaimed government and financial accounts — and recover funds that are legally theirs.

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