Keep Your Main Bank Account Separate (Here's How)
Want to keep marketplace earnings separate from your main finances? Open a free account in 10 minutes. Here's exactly how.
You've found the perfect buyer for that laptop you're selling. They're ready to pay through ShopBroker. But then you pause—do you really want to connect your main bank account? The one with your mortgage payments, your savings, your everyday life?
Here's the thing: you don't have to.
Opening a separate free bank account takes about 10 minutes. Then your marketplace money stays in its own space, and your main finances stay exactly where they are.
Why Sellers Love Having a Separate Account
Think of it like a dedicated wallet for your side hustle:
- Clear earnings — Every deposit is a sale. Tax time becomes simple.
- Protected finances — Your bills, savings, and everyday spending stay separate.
- Easy tracking — No more hunting through mixed transactions.
- Full control — Transfer to your main account whenever you want.
Best Free Accounts for Marketplace Sellers
All of these are completely free—no monthly fees, no catches. Pick whichever fits your style.
For Traditional Banking Feel
Simplii Financial (backed by CIBC) Free unlimited transactions, 3,400+ ATMs, welcome bonuses up to $350. Setup takes 10 minutes. If you already bank with CIBC, transfers between accounts are instant. → Open your free account
Tangerine (backed by Scotiabank) Free banking since the '90s, 3,500+ ATMs, great mobile app with budgeting tools built in. Scotiabank customers get seamless transfers. → Open your free account
For Earning Interest on Your Balance
EQ Bank — Up to 3.30% interest Your ShopBroker earnings actually grow while sitting there. Fully digital, no physical card. Perfect if you accumulate sales before transferring. → Open your free account
Neo Financial — Up to 3.25% interest + 15% cash back at partners High interest plus rewards when you spend. Great spending insights to track your income. → Open your free account
For Extra Features
Wealthsimple — 2.75% interest + 1% cash back Banking meets investing. Grow your marketplace earnings through their savings and investment features. → Open your free account
Koho — Up to 5% interest on savings goals No credit check required. Built-in financial coaching and automatic savings tools. → Open your free account
Connect to ShopBroker in 3 Steps
Step 1: Open Your Free Account (10 minutes)
Pick any bank from above and apply online. You'll need:
- Government ID
- Phone number
- Address
- Social Insurance Number
Most approvals are instant. Sometimes verification takes a day or two.
Step 2: Connect Your Bank to ShopBroker (5 minutes)
Once your account is ready:
- Go to My Shop on ShopBroker
- Click the system message that prompts you to connect to Stripe
- Follow the secure verification steps
- Connect your new bank account
Step 3: Start Selling
That's it. Now when buyers pay through your ShopBroker links:
- Money goes to your separate account
- You see exactly what you've earned
- Transfer to your main account anytime
- Perfect records for tax season
Common Questions
Can I just use my regular bank account?
Absolutely. The separate account is just a recommendation for easier organization. Plenty of sellers connect their existing account and it works great.
How long does verification take?
Usually instant—just a few clicks. Sometimes ShopBroker's payment system requests additional ID verification, which adds a day or two. Most sellers are fully set up within minutes.
Are transfers between accounts free?
Usually, yes. Simplii to CIBC, Tangerine to Scotiabank, and most Interac e-Transfers are free. Check your specific bank, but moving money around rarely costs anything.
What if I already have Simplii or Tangerine?
Perfect—you can use your existing account. Some sellers like having a dedicated one, but your current account works just fine.
Will this affect my credit score?
Nope. Opening a bank account doesn't impact your credit. Banks might do a soft check (doesn't affect your score), but that's it.
What documents might I need?
Most of the time, nothing extra—verification is automatic. Occasionally, you might need to upload government ID or proof of address. Most sellers complete setup without submitting any documents.
Ready to Get Set Up?
Opening a free account takes 10 minutes. Connecting to ShopBroker takes 5 more. By this weekend, you could be accepting secure payments for your Facebook Marketplace and Kijiji sales—with verified delivery that means you never meet strangers.
Most sellers choose Simplii or Tangerine for zero fees, unlimited transactions, and welcome bonuses up to $350.
What's Next
Already have your separate account ready? Here's your path:
- Create your free ShopBroker account at ShopBroker.ca (2 minutes)
- Connect your bank through Your Shop (5 minutes)
- Create your first listing and share your secure transaction link
- Get paid when your item is delivered safely
ShopBroker handles secure payment for Kijiji transactions and Facebook Marketplace sales, plus verified delivery across the GTA. No more coordinating meetups with strangers—just safe, simple local selling.
Questions about connecting your bank? Our support team is happy to help—just use the chat button!
About ShopBroker
We're building a safer way to buy and sell locally in the GTA. ShopBroker adds secure payments and verified delivery to your existing marketplace sales—so you get the buyers from Facebook Marketplace and Kijiji, with secure payments and no meetups with strangers. Join our growing community in Vaughan and discover safe local selling done right.