ACH Universal supports the CPA Standard 005 format, which is accepted by all major Canadian banks. Please note: This format differs from U.S.-based NACHA (ACH) formats.
Canadian vs U.S. processes
Unless noted otherwise, all major processes are the same for the two formats. Please follow the same instructions and videos as the ACH / NACHA format. This includes the same processes for :
--Excel and csv file import, and profile-based import
--QuickBooks and QuickBooks Online integration
--Email notification
--Security features including encryption, web and/or SSH transmission and SQL Server support
--Automation (using the Software Integration Kit)
Differences:
--The CPA005 standard is a one account standard, therefore the ACH multiple origination account format is not applicable.
--The CPA005 does not include a checking / savings account indicator. Therefore, you do not need to include this field.
--The CPA005 utilizes a File Control Number (FCN) - which can lead to the bank rejecting a file if not properly configured.
--The CPA005 should be configured using the Canadian Setup window and not the ACH Setup window.
--The CPA005 does not support EDI (ACH-CTX).
--The routing number in Canada must appear as a 9-digit number in ACH Universal. If the Institution is only a 3-digit number, you'll add a leading zero.
Example:
When to use the Canadian format...
Please use the CPA-005 if:
--Your bank is a Canadian bank and
--You are originating transactions from that bank - and the other party (i.e., customer, employee, or vendor) has a Canadian bank account.
You should not use the Canadian format for cross-border transactions, such as Canada to the U.S., or U.S. to Canada.
For example, if you bank with a US bank and the other party (i.e., customer, employee, vendor) has a Canadian bank account, do not use this format.
Instead, please use the NACHA (ACH) format, with an International (IAT) Standard Exchange Class.
Supported banks:
- Royal Bank of Canada (RBC)
- Toronto Dominion (TD)
- HSBC
- Scotiabank
- Bank of Montreal (BMO)
- and all other Canadian Banks accepting the CPA 005 1464 byte file format
For additional reference, The Canadian Payments Association Standard CPA-005 is located at:
https://www.treasurysoftware.com/pdf/standard_005.pdf
