Overview

Treasury Software's ACH Universal Online fully supports BMO (Bank of Montreal) Canadian EFT files using the CPA-005 1464-byte format. This guide walks you through how to properly configure your account to create BMO-compliant Canadian Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) files, including required institution and branch formatting, File Creation Number (FCN) rules, and daily processing notes.

Table of Contents

• CPA-005 & BMO Format Overview
• Step-by-Step BMO Canadian EFT Setup
• File Creation Number (FCN) Rules for BMO
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

CPA-005 & BMO Format Overview

BMO uses the Canadian Payments association (CPA) Standard 005, 1464-byte fixed-width EFT file format.

Key points:

• Supports credits and debits in the same file
• Does not include a checking/savings indicator
• Uses a 9-digit routing structure

For Bank of Montreal:

• Institution Number: 001
• Routing always begins with 0001

Step-by-Step: BMO Canadian EFT File Setup

Step 1: Open Canadian EFT Settings

Step 2: Select Bank of Montreal (BMO)

1. From the bank list, select Bank of Montreal (BMO)
2. The Data Destination Centre will auto-populate

Step 3: Enter Company & Banking Information

Complete the following fields

• Short Company Name (up to 15 characters) - use all capital letters
• Long Company Name (up to 30 characters)
• Originator/Company ID (this number is provided to the client by the bank)
• Bank Account Number
• Financial Institution Number ( 0 + 3-digit institution + 5-digit branch) 

Click 'Save Changes'

Step 4: 

Set the File Creation Number

• If testing, toggle switch to 'Test'
• For test files, the FCM will be set to: 0000

If in production, set the toggle switch to 'Production'

• The first production file should be set to: 0001

Step 5:

Continue File Creation Process using article below:

https://help.treasurysoftware.com/hc/en-us/articles/39708861968663-Getting-Started-with-creating-Canadian-EFT-files

File Creation Number (FCN) Rules for BMO

The File Creation Number (FCN) is mandatory for BMO and must follow strict sequencing rules. 

Productions Files

• First production file: 0001
• Subsequent files: increment by +1
• ACH Universal Online auto-increments once production begins

Test Files

• Must use: 0000

Resetting the FCN

If needed:

1. Click on the FCN # on the left nav bar
2. Enter the correct number
3. Click 'Save'

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do I need a separate setup for Canadian EFT and US ACH (Nacha) files?

Yes. Canadian EFT uses CPA-005, which differs from US Nacha ACH formatting.

2. Can I send both EFT credits and debits in one file?

Yes. BMO support mixed debit/credit EFT files.

3. Does CPA-005 support cross-border payments?

No. CPA-005 is Canadian-domestic only. Cross-border payments require a different format.

 Need Help?

Still have questions? Contact Treasury Software Support or visit www.treasurysoftware.com for personalized assistance.