Credit Union EFT File Upload Guide
Everything you need to upload CPA-005 payment files to Canadian credit unions. Requirements, institution numbers, and how to avoid rejection.
Understanding credit union EFT
Credit unions in Canada participate in the same payment clearing system as banks. The key difference is institution numbers:
- Credit unions have their own institution numbers (not 001-010 like the big banks)
- Numbers vary by province and credit union central
- Same CPA-005 format works for all credit unions
- Same processing times as bank EFT payments
Credit union institution numbers by province
Credit unions are organized by provincial centrals. Here are the most common institution numbers:
| Province/Central | Institution Number |
|---|---|
| British Columbia (Central 1) | 809 |
| Alberta (Alberta Central) | 899 |
| Saskatchewan (SaskCentral) | 839 |
| Manitoba (Credit Union Central of Manitoba) | 879 |
| Ontario (Central 1) | 809 |
| Atlantic Canada (Atlantic Central) | 865 |
| Quebec (Desjardins) | 815 / 829 |
Important: These are the most common institution numbers, but individual credit unions may have different numbers. Always verify from a void cheque or the member's account documentation.
How to find a credit union member's institution number
Credit union institution numbers can vary. Here's how to get the right one:
Best sources
- Void cheque: Institution number is printed at the bottom
- Direct deposit form: Credit unions provide these on request
- Online banking: Account details usually show the number
- Call the credit union: They can confirm their institution number
What to look for
- 3-digit institution number (e.g., 809, 839)
- 5-digit transit number
- Account number (length varies)
Format: [3-digit institution] + [5-digit transit] + [account]
Common credit unions and their institution numbers
British Columbia
- Vancity: 809
- Coast Capital: 809
- BlueShore Financial: 809
- First West Credit Union: 809
Alberta
- Servus Credit Union: 899
- ATB Financial: 219
- Connect First: 899
- First Calgary: 899
Saskatchewan
- Conexus Credit Union: 839
- Affinity Credit Union: 839
- Innovation Credit Union: 839
Manitoba
- Assiniboine Credit Union: 879
- Steinbach Credit Union: 879
- Cambrian Credit Union: 879
Note: ATB Financial (Alberta Treasury Branches) uses institution number 219 and operates differently from typical credit unions.
Uploading EFT files to your credit union
The process is similar to banks, but portal names vary:
Same format works for all credit unions.
Names vary: "Business Online," "Commercial Banking," etc.
May be under "Payments," "Transfers," or "File Services."
Credit union validates the file and processes your payments.
First time? Contact your credit union's business services team. Setup requirements vary, but generally you'll need an EFT services agreement and a Payments Canada originator ID.
Common credit union EFT issues
Payment returned: Institution not found
Cause: Wrong institution number for the credit union
Fix: Verify institution number from member's void cheque. Credit unions don't all use the same number.
Payment returned: Account not found
Cause: Wrong transit or account number
Fix: Credit union account numbers can have different formats. Verify from void cheque.
File rejected by your credit union
Cause: Usually originator ID mismatch or format issue
Fix: Contact your credit union's business services for specific error details
EFT Flow works with all credit unions
EFT Flow creates standard CPA-005 files that work with every Canadian credit union:
- Standard CPA-005 format: Works with all credit unions
- Any institution number: 809, 839, 899, or any other
- Validation before export: Catch errors early
- No special configuration: Just enter the right institution number
- Works with your credit union portal: Upload the file we generate
- Pay credit union members: From any bank or credit union
- Same flat pricing: No per-transaction fees
- Unlimited credit unions: Pay members at any CU
Credit union + EFT Flow workflow
- Export your payment list from your accounting software
- Import into EFT Flow (include correct institution numbers for each payee)
- Generate CPA-005 file
- Upload to your credit union's business banking portal
- Done—payments go to any bank or credit union
Credit Union EFT FAQ
Why don't all credit unions use the same institution number?
Credit unions are organized by provincial centrals, and each central has its own institution number(s). Unlike the big 5 banks (each with one number), credit unions share numbers within their provincial system.
Can I pay credit union members if I bank with a big bank?
Yes. Your CPA-005 file can include payments to any Canadian financial institution—banks and credit unions alike. Just include the correct institution number for each payee.
My credit union doesn't offer EFT file upload. What can I do?
Not all credit unions offer file upload for business accounts. Contact your credit union about upgrading your account or ask about their business banking services. Alternatively, consider opening a business account at a credit union or bank that offers this service.
Is ATB Financial a credit union?
ATB Financial (Alberta Treasury Branches) is a Crown corporation, not a credit union, though it serves a similar role in Alberta. It uses institution number 219 and participates in the standard EFT system.
Need to generate EFT files for credit union payments?
EFT Flow works with all Canadian credit unions. Same CPA-005 format, any institution number. Validates before export. No per-transaction fees.