Yes, Vancity Savings Credit Union offers physical safety deposit boxes for members looking to secure their important documents, jewelry, and other physical valuables. While digital banking continues to grow, Vancity recognizes the enduring need for secure, offline storage, offering a variety of box dimensions within the vaults of select local branches across British Columbia.
Because safety deposit boxes require physical vault space, availability and specific sizes vary heavily depending on the Vancity branch. Members are encouraged to use the online banking portal to contact their home branch, confirm size availability, and schedule an in-person appointment to sign the rental agreement and receive their keys.
How to Request a Safety Deposit Box Online
Follow this sequence to securely contact your branch and reserve a box via Vancity Online Banking:
- Navigate to the official Vancity website and select the Log in button at the top right.
- Input the last 10 digits of your MEMBER CARD number and your Personal Access Code (PAC).
- Authenticate your session using the one-time passcode sent to your registered mobile device.
- From your main dashboard, navigate to the Messages icon to access your secure inbox.
- Draft a new message to your home branch requesting a safety deposit box appointment, specifying your desired box size from the available tiers.
Vancity Safety Deposit Box Sizes and Annual Fees
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Small (Size 10) | 1.0" to 2.5" x 5" - $55.10 annually |
| Medium (Size 20/30) | 2.5" to 3.5" x 5" - $70.90 annually |
| Large (Size 40/50) | 2.5" to 3.0" x 10" or 5" x 5" - $110.25 annually |
| X-Large (Size 60) | 5" x 10" - $190.30 annually |
| XX-Large | Custom dimensions (branch specific) - $305.80 annually |
Troubleshooting Common Access Pain Points
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Delays: If you are trying to log in to check your account for the annual safety deposit box fee deduction and aren't receiving your SMS code, ensure you are connected to a cellular network, not just Wi-Fi. You can also opt to have the MFA code sent to your registered email.
- Browser Errors on Branch Locator: If the Vancity branch map is failing to load while you search for a location with vault services, clear your browser's cache and cookies, or disable any aggressive ad-blocking extensions that may be interfering with the mapping script.
- Locked MEMBER CARD ID: If you enter the wrong PAC too many times while trying to access your secure messages, your digital profile will lock. You must call the Vancity Member Services Centre directly to verify your identity and restore access.
Cost Efficiency Hack
Pro-Tip: You can reduce your annual rental costs by maintaining specific Vancity account types. Members who hold an Access Chequing account or seniors (age 65+) utilizing a qualifying Seniors account receive a built-in $5.00 discount on their annual safety deposit box charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the contents of my Vancity safety deposit box insured?
No. Financial institutions do not insure the physical contents of safety deposit boxes because they do not know what is inside them. You must arrange for specialized coverage through your own home insurance or property insurance provider.
What happens if I lose the keys to my safety deposit box?
If you lose your keys, Vancity will need to hire a professional locksmith to drill the box open. The member is responsible for the locksmith fees and taxes, which carry a minimum charge of $128.80, plus a minimum $11.20 replacement key fee.
Can I store cash in my safety deposit box?
No. Like all Canadian financial institutions governed by strict anti-money laundering (AML) regulations, Vancity's rental agreement strictly prohibits the storage of physical fiat currency inside safety deposit boxes.
