How Bankeo matching works (and why it’s free)

At a Glance. Bankeo connects entrepreneurs for free with the accountant who truly matches their specific needs: industry, business structure, software, budget, and work style. You describe your needs, we call you back, and then we select the right match from a network of over 1,500 registered accounting firms; the first proposal often arrives within 48 hours. It’s free for you because the model works on a two-sided basis: the firms in the network pay a fee per file, a fixed amount known in advance, never a percentage of your fees. Since 2023, Bankeo has received more than 15,000 requests, with a rating of 4.7/5 based on over 180 Google reviews.

Finding an accountant in Quebec isn’t hard; finding the right one, the one who understands your industry, your software, and your GST/QST deadlines, is much harder. That’s exactly the problem Bankeo has been solving since 2023. This article takes a closer look: the practical steps of the matching process, the business model that makes it free for you, and why we talk about a “good match” rather than just a list of names. If you’re still evaluating your options, our guide on How Long It Takes to Find an Accountant in Quebec compares the actual processing times of the different methods.

Bankeo matching, step by step

The process consists of four steps. What strikes most entrepreneurs is that at no point are you asked to pay anything, not at the beginning, not when signing the agreement, and not afterward.

• No commitment at any stage. You’re free to decline a proposal, request another match, or stop the process at any time.
• The typical turnaround time is 48 hours. This isn’t a promise set in stone in a contract, it’s the pattern we’ve seen in practice since 2023: once the need has been clearly defined, the first proposal often arrives within two business days or less.
• As many introductions as needed. The goal isn’t just to “match” your request, it’s to ensure you work with the right accountant. A year later, if your circumstances change, rematching is still free.

Why it’s free: An open explanation of the business model

“If it’s free, that means you’re the product.” It’s a valid objection, and it deserves a proper answer. Bankeo works as a two-sided marketplace: on one side, entrepreneurs looking for an accountant; on the other, accounting firms looking for clients that match their expertise. Only one of the two sides pays, and it’s never you.

In practice, the accounting firms in the network pay a fee per file: an account-opening and service fee, billed 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 these fees don’t add to your bill, Bankeo has no financial incentive to steer you toward the most expensive engagement. It’s your criteria that determine the match, not the size of the project.

For the firm, these fees offset costs it already incurs: advertising, networking, and non-billable hours spent pursuing bids that don’t pan out. Receiving a pre-screened request that matches the firm’s specialty and capacity is well worth this acquisition cost. This is what makes the model sustainable without ever putting a dent in the entrepreneur’s wallet.

The right match, rather than a random 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 situation and finds the accountant who’s the best fit. Here are the criteria that really matter in the selection process:

• Your industry. Construction, restoration, E-commerce, professional services, transportation: every industry has its own tax pitfalls and billing practices, and an accountant who’s already familiar with them has a head start.
• Your Organization and Your Obligations. A corporation incorporated in Quebec files a T2 return with the CRA and a CO-17 return with Revenu Québec; a self-employed individual reports their income on their federal T1 and Quebec TP1 forms. The accountant you choose must be familiar with your specific situation, not just a generic one.
• Your taxes and your paycheck. Registration and filing of GST (5%) and QST (9.975%) returns, as well as source deductions (DAS) if you have employees, and communications with the CRA and Revenu Québec: the tool takes into account the full scope of your obligations.
• Your tools. QuickBooks, Xero, Sage, Acomba: Having an accountant who’s already familiar with your software saves you hours of billable transition time.
• Your personal preferences. Language of communication, in-person or remote meetings, communication style: even the best profile in the world can’t replace that special connection.

On the network side, every accountant is verified before being listed, and their credibility is assessed based on the Bankeo Trust Index, a checklist of more than 20 criteria. Several members of the network are CPAs registered with the Ordre des CPA du Québec, a point to consider based on your needs: for restricted engagements, such as financial statement audits, this designation is mandatory. Our guide to How to Check If an Accountant Is Reliable in Quebec explains the cross-matching method, and our Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Accountant help you get ready for your first exchange.

And what about the accountant’s fees, how much should you budget for them?

The matching service is free, but your accountant charges a fee, which is paid directly and transparently. When budgeting, rely on actual data rather than random ranges: the median is around $3,000 per year for a business, and most engagements range from $500 to $6,000 depending on the industry, structure, and transaction volume. Based on actual fees from 1,248 engagements completed through Bankeo (2024-2026), out of more than 15,000 requests received. The Bankeo Fee Barometer breaks down these figures by sector, and you can also browse the Vetted accountants in the network to give you an idea before you even submit a request.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Bankeo service really free for entrepreneurs?

Yes, completely and at all times. No registration fees, no processing fees, nothing when you sign the engagement letter or afterward: you only pay your accountant’s fees, directly to the firm. Bankeo is funded exclusively by the accounting firms in its network, which pay a fee per file.

How does Bankeo make money if the service is free?

The model works both ways. Accounting firms in the network pay a fee per file, that is, setup and service fees billed only when a client engagement begins. This amount is fixed and known in advance, it’s never a percentage of the fees. For the firm, it’s a customer acquisition cost, serving as an alternative to advertising and unbilled hours.

Will my accountant charge me more to cover the costs?

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

How long does the matching process take?

Once you’ve specified your needs, the first proposal often arrives within 48 hours. This has been the typical turnaround time since 2023, it’s not a contractual promise: a very specific need or a region with limited coverage may take a little longer, and we’ll keep you updated. You’re in control of the pace: there’s no pressure to decide quickly.

What happens if you don’t click with the suggested accountant?

We’ll set you up with another match, at no cost, as many times as needed. This applies even months after the initial matching process: if your business changes in size, industry, or needs, or if the relationship is no longer a good fit, we’ll restart the matching process for free. Our goal is to find the right, long-lasting match, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Are the accountants in the Bankeo network vetted?

Yes. Every accountant is vetted before joining the network of over 1,500 members, and their credibility is assessed using the Bankeo Trust Index, a scoring system based on more than 20 criteria covering professional practice, client reviews, and compliance. Several members are CPAs registered with the Ordre des CPA du Québec; for restricted engagements, such as financial statement audits, this designation is required.

Official sources

1. Ordre des CPA du Québec (Membership Roster and Reserved Functions)
2. Revenu Québec, Business Section (taxes, GST/QST, source deductions)
3. Canada Revenue Agency (Federal Tax Obligations for Businesses)
4. Registraire des entreprises (registration and NEQ)