BMO EFT File Upload Guide
Everything you need to upload CPA-005 payment files to BMO. Requirements, format specs, and how to avoid rejection.
What file format does BMO accept?
BMO accepts the standard CPA-005 file format, and also supports some shorter DAT format variants.
File specifications
- Format: CPA-005 (standard)
- Record length: 1464 characters (standard) or 80-character DAT
- Encoding: ASCII text
- Line endings: CRLF or LF
BMO-specific details
- Institution number: 001
- Upload portal: BMO Online Banking for Business
- Cutoff time: Check with your branch
- Processing: 1-2 business days
About BMO DAT format
BMO also accepts a shorter DAT format (80 or 1464 bytes). The standard 1464-byte CPA-005 format works across all banks including BMO. If you need the DAT variant specifically, contact BMO for their documentation.
How to upload EFT files to BMO
From your payroll software, accounting system, or EFT conversion tool.
Navigate to payments or file services.
The exact menu depends on your BMO business account type.
BMO validates format before processing.
Complete required authorization steps.
First time? Contact BMO Commercial Banking to enable EFT file upload services. You'll need an originator ID and proper account setup.
BMO-specific requirements
- Originator ID: Must match your Payments Canada registration
- File creation number: Unique per file
- Format choice: Standard 1464-byte CPA-005 is recommended for compatibility
- Test files: BMO may offer test file procedures—ask your rep
BMO institution number
BMO's institution number is 001. When paying BMO account holders:
001 + [5-digit transit] + [account number]
Example: Institution 001, Transit 12345, Account 9876543
Common BMO EFT errors
File rejected: Format error
Cause: Wrong record length or invalid structure
Fix: Verify you're using 1464-byte records (or the specific DAT format BMO expects)
File rejected: Invalid originator
Cause: Originator ID doesn't match BMO records
Fix: Confirm your ID matches exactly what's registered with BMO
Payment returned: Account closed
Cause: Recipient account no longer active
Fix: Get updated banking info from recipient
Trailer mismatch
Cause: Total in trailer doesn't match sum of details
Fix: Recalculate trailer totals
Finding BMO transit numbers
BMO transit numbers are 5 digits. Find them:
- Void cheque: Transit is the second set of numbers
- Online banking: Account details page
- Bank statements: Account information section
- BMO branch locator: Search for branch transit numbers
Generating BMO-ready files with EFT Flow
EFT Flow creates properly formatted CPA-005 files that BMO accepts:
- Standard 1464-byte format: Works with BMO and all Canadian banks
- BMO DAT support: EFT Flow can generate the shorter DAT format if needed
- Validation before export: Catch errors before BMO does
- Automatic totals: Trailer calculations always correct
Your workflow with EFT Flow + BMO
- Export payment list from your accounting software
- Import into EFT Flow, map columns once
- Select standard CPA-005 or BMO DAT format
- Export and upload to BMO
- Authorize and done
BMO EFT FAQ
Does BMO require the DAT format or standard CPA-005?
BMO accepts both. Standard 1464-byte CPA-005 works and is recommended for compatibility across banks. If you need the DAT format specifically, contact BMO for their current documentation.
What's the cutoff time for BMO EFT?
Contact BMO Commercial Banking for specific cutoff times. They vary by region and account type.
How do I set up EFT services with BMO?
Contact BMO Commercial Banking. You'll need an EFT agreement, Payments Canada originator ID, and portal access configured.
Need to generate BMO-ready EFT files?
EFT Flow converts your Excel exports into properly formatted CPA-005 files. Supports both standard and BMO DAT formats. No per-transaction fees.