OAS recipients can now manage where their Old Age Security payments are sent through My Service Canada Account, including signing up for direct deposit.
Service Canada says the online option is intended to help avoid payment delays and reduce reliance on mailed cheques.
The update was added to the federal government’s Old Age Security page on September 25, 2026.
It gives eligible recipients a new way to update their banking information without completing the change entirely by mail.
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How OAS recipients can sign up for direct deposit
Before making the change online, recipients must first activate notifications and alerts for their OAS account.
Service Canada says this activation can be completed by calling 1-800-277-9914 or visiting a Service Canada location.
The activation is required only once.
After that step, recipients can register for or sign in to My Service Canada Account, commonly known as MSCA.
Once signed in, the instructions are:
- Open the OAS dashboard.
- Select “Profile.”
- Choose “Manage my payment destination.”
- Enter or update the required banking information.
After the change is confirmed, the updated information should appear under “Payment details” on the Profile page.
Service Canada’s separate OAS payment information page also confirms that recipients can update direct-deposit or banking information in MSCA.
The same online profile can be used to update a mailing address, residential address and telephone number.
Why the payment option matters
OAS payments can be delivered by direct deposit or cheque.
Recipients who do not choose direct deposit receive a cheque by mail during the last three business days of each month, according to Service Canada.
Direct deposit can provide a more predictable way to receive monthly payments because it does not depend on postal delivery.
The government specifically advises recipients to use the direct-deposit option to help avoid delays in receiving benefit payments.
The change may be particularly useful for OAS recipients who have moved, experienced problems with postal delivery or want to manage their payment information online.
It also gives recipients a way to confirm that their banking details have been updated by checking the Payment details section of their MSCA profile.
What OAS recipients should know before changing banking information
Recipients should make sure their financial information is accurate before submitting a change.
An incorrect account number or other banking detail could interfere with the delivery of a payment.
Service Canada says recipients can also update their information through an eServiceCanada form or by calling the department.
People living outside Canada can view their information online, but Service Canada says they must contact the department to update their address or banking details.
MSCA requires a secure sign-in.
Available sign-in methods include an Interac Sign-In Partner, GCKey or provincial sign-in for users in British Columbia and Alberta.
The account also uses mandatory multi-factor authentication to protect personal information.
Recipients should use only official Canada.ca pages when signing in.
Service Canada warns that it will not ask for passwords or personal information through unexpected emails, text messages or suspicious links.
Current OAS payment amounts and next payment date
The maximum monthly OAS pension listed by the federal government for July to September 2026 is $751.97 for recipients aged 65 and $827.17 for recipients aged 75.
The maximum amount is not necessarily the amount every recipient receives.
The payment a person qualifies for can depend on factors including age, residence history, income and whether the pension has been delayed.
| OAS detail | Information listed by Service Canada |
|---|---|
| Maximum monthly amount at age 65 | $751.97, July to September 2026 |
| Maximum monthly amount at age 75 | $827.17, July to September 2026 |
| Next listed payment date | October 28, 2026 |
OAS payments are paid monthly.
Recipients can check the government’s payment-date information for the full 2026 schedule.
What happens after an OAS banking update
Recipients should review the Payment details section in their profile after the change has been confirmed.
If the information does not appear as expected, they should contact Service Canada before the next payment date.
People who have not yet registered for MSCA may need a Personal Access Code to verify their identity.
Service Canada says a Personal Access Code may have been sent by mail to people who previously applied for CPP or OAS benefits, and eligible users can request one through the government’s account-registration process.
The new online function does not change OAS eligibility rules or payment amounts.
It changes how recipients can manage the destination of their payments and gives them another option besides contacting Service Canada or submitting a form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can OAS recipients sign up for direct deposit online?
Yes. Recipients can use My Service Canada Account after activating notifications and alerts for their OAS account.
Where is the OAS direct-deposit option in MSCA?
Open the OAS dashboard, select Profile and choose “Manage my payment destination.”
Do OAS recipients have to activate their account before changing banking information?
Yes. Service Canada says recipients must first activate notifications and alerts by phone or at a Service Canada location, and this is required only once.
What are the maximum OAS payments in the third quarter of 2026?
The listed maximum is $751.97 per month at age 65 and $827.17 per month at age 75 for July to September 2026.
Can people outside Canada change their OAS banking information online?
Service Canada says people living outside Canada can view their information online but must contact the department to update their address or banking details.
Fact-Checked: Key details were checked against the Government of Canada’s updated OAS page, OAS payment-management guidance and My Service Canada Account information. ([canada.ca](https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/publicpensions/old-age-security.html))
Disclaimer: Payment eligibility, amounts and account-update requirements can vary by individual circumstances, so recipients should confirm personal details directly with Service Canada.