Open your free KOHO account in under 10 minutes. No credit check, no minimum balance, instant approval. Use code 45ET55JSYA for a welcome bonus.
Open a free KOHO account — no monthly fees, no minimum balance, no credit check
Open KOHO Free Account →KOHO's signup process is one of the fastest in Canadian banking. Before you begin, gather the following:
Total time from starting signup to having a usable virtual card: approximately 5–10 minutes. Most approvals are instant. You can make online purchases and add the card to Apple Pay or Google Pay before your physical card arrives.
KOHO is available on iOS (App Store) and Android (Google Play). Search "KOHO" — the official app icon is a teal "K" on a dark background. You can also sign up at koho.ca on a desktop browser, but the app experience is smoother for ID verification.
Type in a valid email address and choose a strong password (12+ characters recommended). KOHO will send a verification email — click the link inside to confirm your address before continuing.
KOHO will send a 6-digit SMS code to your Canadian phone number. Enter the code in the app to verify your number. This step completes in about 30 seconds.
Canadian financial regulations require KOHO to verify your identity before opening an account (this is called KYC — Know Your Customer). The process is done entirely in the app:
1. Take a clear photo of the front of your government-issued ID (driver's licence, passport bio page, or PR card).
2. Take a photo of the back (if applicable).
3. Take a selfie or short video for facial matching.
KOHO's automated system processes this instantly in most cases. Ensure good lighting and a clear, non-blurry shot for fastest approval.
During signup you will see a screen asking for a referral or promo code. This is one of the most important steps — enter 45ET55JSYA exactly (all uppercase, no spaces) to attach the welcome bonus to your account.
Provide the address where you want your physical KOHO Visa card mailed. This can be your home address or a trusted address you have regular access to. KOHO ships by Canada Post standard mail.
Most accounts are approved instantly. Once approved, you immediately receive a virtual card number for online purchases. To fund your account:
Interac e-Transfer: The fastest option. Send an e-Transfer from any Canadian bank account to your KOHO email. Funds appear within minutes.
Direct deposit: Provide your KOHO account number and institution number to your employer or benefit provider.
Bank transfer: Link your existing bank account for direct transfers.
Once your account is open, here are the highest-impact steps to take in your first week:
Go to Settings → Security → Two-Factor Authentication. Enable it for maximum account security.
Tap the card icon in the app and select "Add to Wallet." Use your virtual card for tap-to-pay before the physical card arrives.
Create a Vault with a savings goal. Money in Vaults earns interest and is separated from your spending balance.
Enable push notifications so you see every transaction in real time. This is the fastest way to catch unauthorized charges.
Switch your employer or CRA direct deposit to KOHO. Your account and institution numbers are in the app under "Direct Deposit."
Check the app's cashback section to see which categories earn the most. Groceries, food, and transit are top earners on the free plan.
ID verification failed? The most common reason is photo blur or poor lighting. Retake in a bright room with a flat background. Make sure all four corners of your ID are visible and there is no glare.
Yes. KOHO accepts international passports for identity verification, making it accessible to newcomers who don't yet have a Canadian driver's licence. You will need a Canadian address and Canadian phone number.
Unfortunately KOHO's referral system typically requires the code to be entered at the time of signup. It cannot be retroactively applied once the account is created. Make sure to enter 45ET55JSYA during the signup flow before submitting.
If you're a newcomer without a Canadian bank account yet, you can fund KOHO via Interac e-Transfer from a friend or family member's account, or arrange for your employer to set up direct deposit directly to KOHO from your first paycheque.
No. Your virtual card is available the moment your account is approved — usually instantly. Your physical card ships within 1–2 business days and arrives by Canada Post in approximately 7–10 business days.
KOHO is designed to get out of your way and let you spend, save, and earn cashback without friction. Here's what the experience looks like after your first login:
The dashboard shows your current balance prominently, your recent transactions with automatic spending categories, and your pending cashback earned. Everything is real-time.
Cashback accrues on every eligible purchase and is displayed in the app. It can be used as credit on your KOHO balance or left to accumulate. On the free plan, you earn cashback on groceries, eating out, and transportation by default.
Vaults work like mini savings accounts within KOHO. Create one for a vacation fund, emergency fund, or upcoming expense. Money in Vaults is separated from your spending balance so you won't accidentally spend it.
Spending insights automatically tag each transaction (groceries, restaurants, entertainment, etc.) so you can see at a glance where your money is going each month.
Optional upgrades — KOHO will occasionally promote its paid plans (Everything, Extra). These are optional and add higher cashback rates and extra perks. The free plan remains free indefinitely; you are never required to upgrade.
Open a free KOHO account — no monthly fees, no minimum balance, no credit check
Open KOHO Free Account →Disclosure: Bremo.io is an independent financial content publisher. We may earn a referral commission if you sign up using links on this page. This does not affect our editorial content or the bonus you receive. Signup process details are based on the KOHO app as of April 2025 — the in-app experience may change. Always verify the current process on KOHO's official website.