Looking for unclaimed money in BC? Start with these trusted sources

If you're trying to track down money that might be owed to you, it helps to know where to look. In British Columbia, unclaimed money can be held by different organizations depending on where it came from and how long it has gone unclaimed.

BC Unclaimed is one of several places that manage unclaimed funds in the province. While we hold the majority of provincial unclaimed money, we’re not the only source. Depending on your situation, you may need to search more than one database to make sure nothing gets missed.

To help you get started, here are the most reliable places to search for unclaimed funds in BC and what each one covers.

BC Unclaimed

What we hold:

Unclaimed money from a wide range of sources across British Columbia, including:

• Credit union accounts

• Court cases and legal proceedings

• Estates without a will 

• Insurance payouts

• Unpaid wages

• Real estate deposits

• Outstanding cheques and trust funds

How we help:

BC Unclaimed is a not-for-profit organization designated by the Province of British Columbia to reunite unclaimed funds with their rightful owners. We maintain a free, searchable database and actively work to locate claimants. While funds are waiting to be claimed, they help support vital community programs across BC through our partnership with Vancouver Foundation.  

Bank of Canada - Unclaimed Properties Office

What they hold:

Unclaimed balances from federally regulated Canadian banks, including:

• Savings and chequing accounts

• GICs and term deposits

• Official cheques issued by a bank

If an account has had no activity for 10 years, and the bank is unable to reach the account holder, the funds are transferred to the Bank of Canada.

ICBC (Insurance Corporation of British Columbia)

What they hold:

Unclaimed money from vehicle insurance or claims, such as:

• Payouts

• Returned payments

• Refunds

If ICBC is unable to deliver or deposit a payment, and it remains unclaimed for a set period of time, the funds are added to its internal unclaimed funds registry.

Computershare - Unclaimed Securities

What they hold:

Unclaimed securities and shareholder accounts for public companies registered in British Columbia, including:

• Dividends

• Share certificates

• Proceeds from mergers or takeovers

If Computershare has a last known address in BC but cannot contact the shareholder, the assets may be reported under the Unclaimed Property Act.

Canada Revenue Agency - Uncashed cheques

What they hold:

Uncashed federal government payments, including:

• Income tax refunds

• GST/HST credits

• Canada child benefit payments

• Climate action incentive payments

If a cheque was mailed but never deposited, the funds stay on record with the CRA and can still be claimed.

Tips for searching successfully

• Try multiple name variations. Include full legal names, nicknames, and former names.

• Check on behalf of a family member or estate. You may be eligible to claim on someone’s behalf.

• Look in more than one place. The funds you’re looking for might be held by more than one organization.

Start your search at BC Unclaimed

You can begin by checking our free online database. It’s fast, secure, and updated regularly.

Search now at bcunclaimed.ca/search