How does Bankeo account integration work (and why is it free)?

In short. Bankeo connects entrepreneurs, free of charge, with the accountant who truly matches their specific needs: sector, structure, software, budget, and working style. You describe your requirements, we call you back, and then we select the right match from a network of over 1,500 registered businesses; the first proposal often arrives within 48 hours. It's free for you because the model works on two sides: the network's accounting firms pay a fee per completed transaction, a fixed amount known in advance, never a percentage of your fees. Since 2023, Bankeo has received over 15,000 requests, with a rating of 4.7/5 based on over 180 Google reviews.

Finding an accountant in Quebec isn't difficult; finding the right one for you—one who understands your industry, your software, and your GST/QST deadlines—is much harder. That's precisely the problem Bankeo has been solving since 2023. This article takes a closer look: the concrete steps involved in the matching process, the business model that makes it free for you, and why we talk about a "good match" rather than a list of names. If you're still weighing your options, our guide on how long it takes to find an accountant in Quebec compares the actual timeframes of different methods.

Bankeo twinning, step by step

The process takes place in four stages. What strikes most entrepreneurs is that at no point are you asked to pay anything, neither at the beginning, nor upon signing the mandate, nor afterwards.

• There is no commitment at any stage. You remain free to refuse a proposal, request another presentation, or stop the process whenever you want.
• The typical timeframe is 48 hours. This is not a promise written into a contract, it is the pace observed on the ground since 2023: once the need is clearly defined, the first proposal often arrives in two working days or less.
• As many introductions as necessary. The goal isn't to "push" your request into a job, but to ensure you work with the right accountant. A year later, if your situation changes, the rematch remains free.

Why it's free: the model explained in an open book

“If it’s free, then you’re the product.” This is a valid objection and deserves a proper response. Bankeo operates like a two-sided marketplace: on one side, entrepreneurs looking for an accountant; on the other, accounting firms looking for clients whose expertise matches theirs. Only one side pays, and it’s never you.

In practice, the firms in the network pay a fee per completed case: an opening and service fee, charged only when a mandate actually begins. This amount is fixed and known in advance; it is never calculated as a percentage of the fees you pay your accountant. This distinction makes all the difference: since the fees don't increase with your bill, Bankeo has no financial incentive to steer you toward the most expensive mandate. Your criteria determine the match, not the size of the case.

For the firm, these fees replace an existing cost: advertising, networking, and non-billable hours spent chasing down quotes that don't lead to anything. Receiving a pre-qualified lead that matches its expertise and capabilities is well worth the acquisition cost. This is what makes the model sustainable without ever impacting the entrepreneur's finances.

The right match rather than a predetermined number

A directory gives you a list and wishes you good luck. A dispatcher assigns you the next available name. Bankeo's matching service does the opposite: it starts with your specific situation and finds the accountant who best matches it. Here are the criteria that truly matter in the selection process:

• Your sector of activity. Construction, catering, e-commerce, professional services, transport: each sector has its tax pitfalls and invoicing habits, and an accountant who already knows it starts with a head start.
• Your business structure and obligations. A company incorporated in Quebec files a T2 return with the CRA and a CO-17 with Revenu Québec; a self-employed individual reports their income on their federal T1 and Quebec TP1 slips. The accountant you recommend must be familiar with your specific situation, not a generic one.
• Your taxes and your payroll. GST/QST registration and returns (9.975%), withholding tax (DAS) if you have employees, exchanges with the CRA and the tax authorities: the match takes into account the real extent of your obligations.
• Your tools. QuickBooks, Xero, Sage, Acomba: an accountant who already works in your software saves you billable transition hours.
• Your personal preferences. Language of service, face-to-face or remote meetings, communication style: the best profile in the world cannot replace a connection.

On the network side, each accountant is vetted before being recommended, and their credibility is assessed using the Bankeo Index , a grid of over 20 criteria. Several network members are CPAs registered with the Quebec CPA Order, a point to verify depending on your needs: for specialized engagements, such as financial statement audits, this designation is mandatory. Our guide to verifying an accountant's reliability in Quebec details the cross-checking method, and our questions to ask before hiring an accountant will prepare you for your initial meeting.

And how much should I expect to pay for the accountant's fees?

The matching service is free, but your accountant is paid directly and transparently. For budgeting, rely on real data rather than randomly generated ranges: the median fee is around $3,000 per year for a business, and most engagements range from $500 to $6,000 depending on the sector, structure, and transaction volume. This is based on the actual fees of 1,248 engagements completed through Bankeo (2024-2026), out of more than 15,000 requests received. The Bankeo Barometer breaks down these figures by sector, and you can also browse the network's audited accountants to get an idea of ​​their services before even submitting a request.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Bankeo service really free for entrepreneurs?

Yes, absolutely and at all times. No registration fees, no processing fees, nothing upon signing the mandate or afterwards: you only pay your accountant's fees, directly to the firm. Bankeo is financed exclusively by the firms in its network, which pay a fee per completed transaction.

How does Bankeo make money if the service is free?

The model works on two sides. Accounting firms in the network pay a fee per completed case; this fee covers setup and service charges billed only when a mandate begins. This amount is fixed and known in advance, never a percentage of the fees: for the firm, it represents a client acquisition cost, replacing advertising and non-billable hours.

Will my accountant charge me more to compensate for the costs?

No. The fees charged by accountants in the network remain in line with market rates: the median observed fee is approximately $3,000 per year, with most engagements ranging from $500 to $6,000. This is based on the actual fees of 1,248 engagements completed through Bankeo (2024-2026), out of more than 15,000 requests received. You are free to compare each proposal before accepting, with no obligation.

How long does the twinning process take?

Once you've specified your needs, the first proposal often arrives within 48 hours. This is the typical timeframe since 2023, but it's not a contractual promise: highly specific needs or areas with limited coverage may require a little more time, and we'll keep you informed. You remain in control of the pace: there's no pressure to decide quickly.

What happens if you don't get along with the proposed accountant?

We'll present you with another suitable partner, free of charge, as many times as necessary. This also applies months after the initial match: if your company changes size, sector, or needs, or if the relationship is no longer a good fit, we'll restart the selection process free of charge. The goal is a lasting, successful match, and we'll support you every step of the way.

Are the accountants in the Bankeo network audited?

Yes. Every accountant is audited before joining the network of over 1,500 members, and their credibility is assessed using the Bankeo Index, a grid of more than 20 criteria covering practice, client reviews, and compliance. Many members are CPAs registered with the Quebec CPA Order; for reserved engagements, such as financial statement audits, this designation is mandatory.

Official sources

1. Ordre des CPA du Québec (Order's register and reserved missions)
2. Revenu Québec, Business section (taxes, GST/QST, source deductions)
3. Revenue Agency of the Canada (federal corporate tax obligations)
4. Quebec Enterprise Registrar (registration and NEQ);