Frequently Asked Questions
E-Campaign
Q: How secure is E-Campaign?
We use several layers of robust, state-of-the-art security methods including secure server encryption, firewalls and timed log outs, among others, to ensure that personal and financial information provided is kept private and confidential. As an extra measure of security, confirmation numbers are issued with every transaction to indicate that the information has been securely captured by the system. To protect Client IDs, passwords and online purchase, state-of-the-art encryption technology is employed. Encryption is presently the most effective way to achieve data security. That is why your browser must be compatible with 128-bit encryption in order to purchase bonds or make changes to existing Plans online. You should treat your Client ID and password as confidential.
Encryption is the process of scrambling data into an unreadable format that is more secure for transmission over the Internet. Very similar to secret code, encryption takes your data and uses complex mathematical equations called algorithms to scramble the information into an unreadable format called ciphertext. Ciphertext is impossible to read without a key to unscramble the information.
Information is scrambled or encrypted at the client side (your browser) and then unscrambled or decrypted at the server side (Bank of Canada). The two most common levels of encryption are 40-bit and 128-bit and they have both been implemented commercially on popular Internet browsers.
Q: What is the Employer Code?
The Employer Code (a 5-digit number) is required when logging in to E-Campaign Web site to identify the employer, and it is the same for all employees in your organization. Some Campaign Directors may need more than one code for multiple organizations.
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Q: What is the Client ID?
The Client ID is a 10-digit number, which is unique to each client. Purchasers will receive a Client ID and specify a password after completing their first online transaction, or after registering for secure online access to their Plan. If clients want to make online changes to their transaction, existing Plans, or add a new Plan, they will need to use their Client ID and password.
Q: Where can I get my Plan Number?
The Plan number is printed on the annual December 31 statements sent to the bondowner. Employees can also get their Plan number by calling Customer Service at 1 877 899-3599, Monday to Friday, from 8 am to 8 pm, Eastern Time.
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Q: Where do I obtain information on my Pay Office and Pay List? (For the public sector employees paid by PWGSC only)
Your Pay Office (P.O.) and Pay List (P/L) numbers are reported on your pay stub under the heading P.O. and P/L in the STATEMENT OF EARNINGS section. The following link http://publiservice.gc.ca/hr-rh/ebs-sase/s-t_e.html provides an example of a pay stub - please refer to fields #1 and #3 to locate the Pay Office and Pay List headings. (Note: the link can only be accessed through Publiservice, the primary Federal Government Intranet site.)
Q: Can I amend my purchase at any time?
You can make changes to your Plan at any time during the payroll campaign period. Outside of the campaign, you can stop, suspend or cancel your deductions at any time. However, your employer decides how often you may decrease your contributions between annual campaigns.
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Q: How do I know that the transaction is complete?
At the end of the transaction, you will receive a confirmation number for each transaction (e.g. update to existing Plan(s) or adding a new Plan). You should print a copy for your records.
Q: What is the confirmation number?
Purchasers will get a confirmation number for every transaction they make. The confirmation number is unique to each transaction and confirms that the transaction instructions have been securely received by our system. Once employees have completed their transaction, they should print this number for their records.
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Q: What if I experience problems completing a transaction?
If you have any difficulties in completing a transaction online or have questions regarding Canada Savings Bonds, you may call 1 866 565-8405, Monday to Friday, from 8 am to 8 pm, Eastern Time.
Q: Who is eligible to own the CSB under the Payroll Savings Program?
Only Canadian residents may own the CSB. Federal and provincial government employees, including armed forces personnel, and their immediate family stationed outside the country may also purchase the CSB.
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Q: Can I buy a Canada Savings Bond and register it in someone else's name?
Yes, you may register the bonds in the name of another person or with a co-owner. Once you enter the E-Campaign Web site you can specify the name of the owner or co-owner.
Q: I am purchasing bonds for myself, my spouse and each of my two children. What happens if I change my deduction amount?
You must tell us how much you would like to re-direct to each Plan. However, if you don't relay this information directly to Customer Service at 1 877 899-3599,, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 8 pm, Eastern Time, then the new deduction amount will automatically be pro-rated across each of the Plans. For example, if your current deductions amount is $100 with each Plan receiving $25, and you change your deduction amount to $80, then each Plan will now receive $20.
You can change your deduction amount directly on the E-Campaign site during the sales period as all the Plans to which you are contributing will be reported on the E-Campaign site and you will be able to modify the contribution amount for each Plan.
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Q: Can I still obtain bond certificates?
No - Bond certificates are not issued. Bondowners will receive an annual statement as at December 31 and can access their Plan online at www.mybonds.gc.ca.
Q: How can I be sure that the amount deducted from my pay is correct?
You can easily verify that the amount deducted from your pay has been credited to you by accessing your Plan online at www.mybonds.gc.ca, or by checking your pay slips. You can also obtain information about your Plan by calling 1 877 899-3599, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 8 pm, Eastern Time. Bondowners receive a year-end statement that shows the amount of their current bond holdings as well as all transactions made during the year.
Please note that your CSB purchases will be recorded as of the day the Bank of Canada receives your regular payroll deductions from your employer.
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Q: How can I check the status of my bonds or redeem them if I do not have Internet access?
You can call toll-free 1 877 899-3599, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 8 pm, Eastern Time and either use the automated service option or talk to a Customer Service Representative for redemptions and enquiries about your Plan balance. All bondowners receive an annual statement outlining their holdings.
Q: What is the RRSP option?
The RRSP option allows you to purchase the CSB directly in The Canada RSP – a no-fee Plan created when you select the RRSP option during any sales campaign. RRSP contributions are tax deductible and grow tax-deferred while held in the RRSP.
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Q: What is The Canada RSP?
The Canada RSP is the no-fee Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) designed to hold compound interest Canada Savings Bonds as investments. The Canada RSP is created when you choose the RRSP option.
Q: Can I contribute directly to The Canada RSP?
Yes you can, by choosing the RRSP option (i.e. The Canada RSP) when purchasing the CSB during any sales campaign. The minimum purchase within The Canada RSP is $10 per weekly pay, $20 per bi-weekly pay or $40 per monthly pay. RRSP contributions are subject to the annual personal contribution limit as defined by the Income Tax Act (Canada).
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Q: Can I transfer my existing compound interest CSB to The Canada RSP?
Yes, you can transfer all or part ($500 minimum per series) of your bonds to The Canada RSP - subject to the limits prescribed by the Canada Revenue Agency and the annual personal contribution limit. Simply call 1 877 899-3599, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 8 pm, Eastern Time to make arrangements at no charge to you!
Q: Is it possible to contribute on behalf of my spouse to The Canada RSP?
This option is not available through E-Campaign. It is possible, however, to open at any time The Canada RSP in the name of your spouse and transfer your existing compound interest CSB to The Canada RSP of your spouse. You simply need to call 1 877 899-3599, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 8 pm Eastern Time, to make arrangements at no charge to you! The minimum contribution of an existing CSB to The Canada RSP is $500 per series. With a spousal Plan, you as the contributor, can claim the tax deduction.
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Q: Who can use the secure online access?
Customers of the Payroll Savings Program can access their Plans online at www.mybonds.gc.ca. This service is not available for bonds that have certificates, bonds purchased through investment dealers or bonds held in The Canada RSP and The Canada RIF.
Q: What transactions can I perform online?
If you own a CSB purchased through the Payroll Savings Program, you can check the status your holdings including current balance, Plan activity as well as your personal and tax information. Bondowners can also request redemptions. Purchasers can check purchase transactions for Plans in another individual’s name for whom they contribute.
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Q: Why can't I use this service to find out the status of my bonds purchased through a bank?
We are introducing access to bonds purchased through the Payroll Savings Program as a pilot. Expanded access to bonds purchased through other channels is under consideration for the future.
Q: How do I register for secure online access?
You will need to provide your Plan number and other information such as your date of birth, last purchase amount or bank account information. If the information you give us matches with what we have on file, then you will set your password and a unique Client ID will be generated for you. You will only require your password and Client ID for all of your subsequent visits. If you participated in E-Campaign in any year since 2003, you must use your Client ID and password established upon completing your transaction.
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Q: Can I have access to my spouse's (partner's, child’s) Plan through the Web?
If you are contributing to another individual's Plan, you will only be able to see the purchase transactions. You will have access to all transactions if you are the co-owner of the Plan.
Q: What if I forget my Client ID or password for online access to my Payroll Savings?
You can re-register directly online at www.mybonds.gc.ca. You will need to provide your plan number and other information such as your date of birth, last purchase amount or bank account information. If the information you give us matches with what we have on file, then, your Client ID will be provided to you. Alternatively, you may call toll-free 1 866 565-8405, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 8 pm, Eastern Time, and speak to a Customer Service Representative. After confirming your identity, your Client ID will be revealed.
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Q: When can I access my Plan online?
You can access your Plan online virtually anytime except on Sundays, when access is only available from 8 am Eastern Time. Regular site maintenance takes place between midnight on Saturday and 8 am on Sunday.
Q: Can I buy online at the same time as I am checking my Plan balance?
You can increase your regular deduction or start a new purchase during the time that the bonds are on sale for payroll through E-Campaign (i.e. in October, if your employer is a participant in E-Campaign). You can access the E-Campaign site at www.e-campaign.csb.gc.ca. Alternatively, you can purchase bonds for cash through our other secure Web site at www.csbonline.csb.gc.ca between early October and April 1.
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Q: How can I purchase a $1,000 bond?
There are no fixed denominations for bonds since no certificates are issued. To save $1,000 through the Payroll Savings Program you will have to divide this amount by the number of your pay periods and round it up to the nearest dollar. This is how much you should contribute from each pay.
Q: My CSB purchase does not correspond with my pay date?
CSB purchases are recorded as of the day the Bank of Canada receives your regular payroll deductions from your employer.
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