CIBC EFT File Upload Guide
Everything you need to upload CPA-005 payment files to CIBC. Requirements, format specs, and how to avoid rejection.
What file format does CIBC accept?
CIBC accepts the standard CPA-005 file format for batch credit payments (direct deposits, vendor payments, etc.).
File specifications
- Format: CPA-005 (standard)
- Record length: 1464 characters
- Encoding: ASCII text
- Line endings: CRLF or LF
CIBC-specific details
- Institution number: 010
- Upload portal: CIBC Business Online / Cash Management
- Cutoff time: Check with your branch (varies)
- Processing: 1-2 business days
How to upload EFT files to CIBC
From your payroll software, accounting system, or EFT conversion tool.
Navigate to the payments or file upload section.
The exact menu path depends on your CIBC business account type.
CIBC will validate the file format before processing.
May require secondary authorization depending on your account setup.
First time? Contact your CIBC business banker to ensure your account is set up for EFT file uploads. You may need to sign additional agreements and set up user permissions.
CIBC-specific requirements
While CIBC follows the standard CPA-005 format, keep these points in mind:
- Originator ID: Must match the ID assigned by Payments Canada and registered with CIBC
- File creation number: Must be unique—CIBC tracks these to prevent duplicate submissions
- Destination data centre: Use the code provided by CIBC for your region
- Account validation: CIBC validates institution and transit numbers against the Canadian financial institution database
CIBC institution number
CIBC's institution number is 010. When paying CIBC account holders, the routing format is:
010 + [5-digit transit] + [account number]
Example: Institution 010, Transit 12345, Account 1234567 → "01012345" in the routing field
Common CIBC EFT errors
File rejected: Invalid originator
Cause: Originator ID doesn't match your CIBC account setup
Fix: Verify the 9-digit originator ID matches exactly what CIBC has on file for your account
File rejected: Duplicate file
Cause: File creation number was already used
Fix: Increment the file creation number. Keep a log of numbers you've used.
Payment returned: Account not found
Cause: Invalid transit or account number for the recipient
Fix: Verify recipient's banking info from a void cheque or bank statement
File rejected: Invalid record length
Cause: Records not exactly 1464 characters
Fix: Ensure all records are padded with spaces to exactly 1464 characters
Finding CIBC transit numbers
CIBC transit numbers are 5 digits. You can find them:
- On a void cheque: The transit number is the second set of numbers at the bottom
- In online banking: Account details page shows the transit
- On bank statements: Usually shown with account information
- CIBC branch locator: Search by branch to find transit numbers
Format check: CIBC transit numbers are always 5 digits. If you have fewer, it may need leading zeros. If you have more, you may be including the institution number.
Generating CIBC-ready files with EFT Flow
EFT Flow creates properly formatted CPA-005 files that CIBC accepts:
- Standard CPA-005 format: Exactly what CIBC expects
- 1464-byte records: Properly padded
- Validation before export: Catch errors before CIBC does
- File creation tracking: Avoid duplicate numbers
- Transit/institution validation: Checks against Canadian bank database
- Amount formatting: Converts dollars to cents correctly
- Character validation: Removes invalid characters from name fields
- Trailer totals: Automatically calculated correctly
Your workflow with EFT Flow + CIBC
- Export your payment list from QuickBooks, Sage, or any CSV/Excel source
- Import into EFT Flow and map your columns (one-time setup)
- Click export to generate your CPA-005 file
- Upload to CIBC Business Online Banking
- Authorize and done
CIBC EFT FAQ
What's the cutoff time for same-day processing at CIBC?
Cutoff times vary by region and account type. Contact your CIBC business banker for your specific cutoff. Generally, files uploaded by early afternoon (Eastern) process same day.
How do I get set up for EFT uploads at CIBC?
Contact your CIBC business banker. You'll need to sign an EFT services agreement, register for a Payments Canada originator ID (if you don't have one), and set up user permissions in Business Online Banking.
Can I test my file before sending real payments?
Ask CIBC about their test file procedures. Some banks allow test submissions that validate format without processing actual payments.
Does CIBC have any unique formatting requirements?
CIBC follows the standard CPA-005 format. Ensure your originator ID is correctly registered and your file creation numbers are unique.
Need to generate CIBC-ready EFT files?
EFT Flow converts your Excel exports into properly formatted CPA-005 files. Validates before export. No per-transaction fees.