Incredible journey of a government cheque

The "Incredible journey of a government cheque" infographic demonstrates the benefits of using direct deposit rather than a cheque to receive your federal payment. Visual graphics are used to illustrate both the journey of a federal payment received by cheque and by direct deposit.

The journey of a federal payment by cheque:

• The cheques are printed and then stored in a government print centre before getting picked up by Canada Post.
• The cheque is included in the mail-sorting process and delivered by a mail carrier to your mailbox. The graphic demonstrates various elements and unforeseen circumstances that may delay the delivery of a cheque, such as bad weather.
• In most cases, payment recipients must travel to a financial institution or to an automated teller machine (ATM) to deposit the government cheque into a bank account before having access to their money. The graphic demonstrates various elements and unforeseen circumstances that may once again delay depositing the cheque into a bank account, such as mobility or transportation issues, a busy schedule or bad weather.

The journey of a federal payment by direct deposit:

• The federal payment is deposited directly into a bank account, giving recipients immediate access to their money.

The following facts, along with graphics,demonstrate the benefits of direct deposit:

• Who knew? Getting your "green"; (meaning money) faster was also cheaper and greener.
• Direct deposit helps save trees. A graphic with trees demonstrates that 32,600 trees are saved when using direct deposit.
• Direct deposit means a 100 per cent reduction in Co² emissions.
• A graphic with clocks demonstrates the convenience and time saved when receiving your payment by direct deposit.
• Direct deposit means a $17 million in annual savings to taxpayers. A graphic with bundles of money demonstrates that direct deposit saves taxpayers a lot of money.
• It's your money—get it fast.

If you are part of the small minority of Canadians who still receive paper cheques from the government, you're missing your chance to make your life a lot easier—and more stable—in only a few steps.

Enrol in direct deposit now at directdeposit.gc.ca.

Convenient—Secure—Reliable