RBC EFT File Upload Guide
Everything you need to upload CPA-005 payment files to RBC. Requirements, format specs, and how to avoid rejection.
What file format does RBC accept?
RBC 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
RBC-specific details
- Institution number: 003
- Upload portal: RBC Express / Business Online
- Cutoff time: Check with your branch (varies)
- Processing: 1-2 business days
How to upload EFT files to RBC
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 RBC business account type.
RBC will validate the file format before processing.
May require secondary authorization depending on your account setup.
First time? Contact your RBC 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.
RBC-specific requirements
While RBC follows the standard CPA-005 format, keep these points in mind:
- Originator ID: Must match the ID assigned by Payments Canada and registered with RBC
- File creation number: Must be unique—RBC tracks these to prevent duplicate submissions
- Destination data centre: Use the code provided by RBC for your region
- Account validation: RBC validates institution and transit numbers against the Canadian financial institution database
RBC institution number
RBC's institution number is 003. When paying RBC account holders, the routing format is:
003 + [5-digit transit] + [account number]
Example: Institution 003, Transit 12345, Account 1234567 → "00312345" in the routing field
Common RBC EFT errors
File rejected: Invalid originator
Cause: Originator ID doesn't match your RBC account setup
Fix: Verify the 9-digit originator ID matches exactly what RBC 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 RBC transit numbers
RBC 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
- RBC branch locator: Search by branch to find transit numbers
Format check: RBC 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 RBC-ready files with EFT Flow
EFT Flow creates properly formatted CPA-005 files that RBC accepts:
- Standard CPA-005 format: Exactly what RBC expects
- 1464-byte records: Properly padded
- Validation before export: Catch errors before RBC 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 + RBC
- 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 RBC Express or Business Online Banking
- Authorize and done
RBC EFT FAQ
What's the cutoff time for same-day processing at RBC?
Cutoff times vary by region and account type. Contact your RBC 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 RBC?
Contact your RBC 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 RBC Express.
Can I test my file before sending real payments?
Ask RBC about their test file procedures. Some banks allow test submissions that validate format without processing actual payments.
What's the maximum file size RBC accepts?
Check with your RBC business banker for current limits. Generally, business banking portals handle files with thousands of transactions.
Need to generate RBC-ready EFT files?
EFT Flow converts your Excel exports into properly formatted CPA-005 files. Validates before export. No per-transaction fees.