Desjardins EFT File Upload Guide
Everything you need to upload CPA-005 payment files to Desjardins. Requirements, format specs, and how to avoid rejection.
What file format does Desjardins accept?
Desjardins 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
Desjardins-specific details
- Institution number: 815 (or 829)
- Upload portal: AccèsD Affaires
- Cutoff time: Check with your caisse
- Processing: 1-2 business days
About Desjardins institution numbers
Desjardins uses 815 for most caisses populaires and 829 for some Ontario caisses. When paying Desjardins members, verify which institution number applies to their specific caisse.
How to upload EFT files to Desjardins
From your payroll software, accounting system, or EFT conversion tool.
Navigate to the payments or file transfer section.
AccèsD Affaires supports both French and English.
Desjardins will validate the file format before processing.
May require secondary authorization depending on your account setup.
First time? Contact your caisse populaire to ensure your business account is set up for EFT file uploads. You may need to sign additional agreements and set up user permissions in AccèsD Affaires.
Desjardins-specific requirements
While Desjardins follows the standard CPA-005 format, keep these points in mind:
- Originator ID: Must match the ID assigned by Payments Canada and registered with Desjardins
- File creation number: Must be unique—Desjardins tracks these to prevent duplicate submissions
- Cooperative structure: Each caisse populaire operates somewhat independently; confirm requirements with yours
- Bilingual support: Full French and English support throughout
Desjardins institution numbers
Desjardins institution numbers:
- 815 — Most Caisses populaires Desjardins (Quebec and elsewhere)
- 829 — Some Ontario caisses (Caisse populaire de l'Ontario)
When in doubt, check the member's void cheque for the correct institution number.
Common Desjardins EFT errors
Payment returned: Wrong institution number
Cause: Used 815 when member's caisse uses 829 (or vice versa)
Fix: Verify the correct institution number from the member's void cheque
File rejected: Invalid originator
Cause: Originator ID doesn't match your Desjardins account setup
Fix: Verify the 9-digit originator ID matches exactly what Desjardins has on file
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: Folio not found
Cause: Invalid transit (NAS) or account (folio) number
Fix: Verify member's banking info from a void cheque or statement
Finding Desjardins transit numbers
Desjardins uses "NAS" (Numéro de l'Accès au Service) for transit numbers. They're 5 digits. You can find them:
- On a void cheque: The NAS/transit is the second set of numbers at the bottom
- In AccèsD: Account details page shows the transit
- On account statements: Usually shown with account information
- Desjardins caisse locator: Search by caisse to find transit numbers
Terminology note: Desjardins may use "NAS" instead of "transit" and "folio" instead of "account number." They function identically to transit and account numbers at other financial institutions.
Generating Desjardins-ready files with EFT Flow
EFT Flow creates properly formatted CPA-005 files that Desjardins accepts:
- Standard CPA-005 format: Exactly what Desjardins expects
- 1464-byte records: Properly padded
- Validation before export: Catch errors before Desjardins does
- Supports 815 and 829: Both institution numbers work
- Transit/institution validation: Checks against Canadian FI database
- Amount formatting: Converts dollars to cents correctly
- Character validation: Handles French characters properly
- Trailer totals: Automatically calculated correctly
Your workflow with EFT Flow + Desjardins
- 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 AccèsD Affaires
- Authorize and done
Desjardins EFT FAQ
Which institution number should I use for Desjardins?
Most Desjardins caisses use 815. Some Ontario caisses use 829. Check the member's void cheque to be sure—the institution number is printed there.
Is support available in French?
Yes. Desjardins is Quebec-based and provides full French-language support. AccèsD Affaires is fully bilingual.
How do I get set up for EFT uploads at Desjardins?
Contact your caisse populaire. 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 AccèsD Affaires.
What's a "folio" number?
Desjardins uses "folio" to mean account number. It functions identically to account numbers at other banks. Use it in the account number field of your CPA-005 file.
Need to generate Desjardins-ready EFT files?
EFT Flow converts your Excel exports into properly formatted CPA-005 files. Validates before export. No per-transaction fees.