Scotiabank EFT File Upload Guide
Everything you need to upload CPA-005 payment files to Scotiabank. Requirements, format specs, and how to avoid rejection.
What file format does Scotiabank accept?
Scotiabank 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
Scotiabank-specific details
- Institution number: 002
- Upload portal: ScotiaConnect / Business Banking
- Cutoff time: Check with your branch (varies)
- Processing: 1-2 business days
How to upload EFT files to Scotiabank
From your payroll software, accounting system, or EFT conversion tool.
Navigate to the payments or file transmission section.
The exact menu path depends on your Scotiabank business account type.
Scotiabank will validate the file format before processing.
May require secondary authorization depending on your account setup.
First time? Contact your Scotiabank business banker to ensure your account is set up for EFT file uploads. You may need to sign additional agreements and configure ScotiaConnect permissions.
Scotiabank-specific requirements
While Scotiabank follows the standard CPA-005 format, keep these points in mind:
- Originator ID: Must match the ID assigned by Payments Canada and registered with Scotiabank
- File creation number: Must be unique—Scotiabank tracks these to prevent duplicate submissions
- Destination data centre: Use the code provided by Scotiabank for your region
- ScotiaConnect setup: Ensure your user profile has file upload permissions
Scotiabank institution number
Scotiabank's institution number is 002. When paying Scotiabank account holders, the routing format is:
002 + [5-digit transit] + [account number]
Example: Institution 002, Transit 12345, Account 1234567 → "00212345" in the routing field
Common Scotiabank EFT errors
File rejected: Invalid originator
Cause: Originator ID doesn't match your Scotiabank account setup
Fix: Verify the 9-digit originator ID matches exactly what Scotiabank 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
ScotiaConnect permission error
Cause: User doesn't have file upload permissions in ScotiaConnect
Fix: Contact your Scotiabank business banker to enable file services for your user profile
Finding Scotiabank transit numbers
Scotiabank 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 ScotiaConnect: Account details page shows the transit
- On bank statements: Usually shown with account information
- Scotiabank branch locator: Search by branch to find transit numbers
Format check: Scotiabank 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 Scotiabank-ready files with EFT Flow
EFT Flow creates properly formatted CPA-005 files that Scotiabank accepts:
- Standard CPA-005 format: Exactly what Scotiabank expects
- 1464-byte records: Properly padded
- Validation before export: Catch errors before Scotiabank 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 + Scotiabank
- 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 ScotiaConnect
- Authorize and done
Scotiabank EFT FAQ
What's the cutoff time for same-day processing at Scotiabank?
Cutoff times vary by region and account type. Contact your Scotiabank 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 Scotiabank?
Contact your Scotiabank 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 ScotiaConnect with file upload permissions.
What is ScotiaConnect?
ScotiaConnect is Scotiabank's business banking platform. It's where you'll upload your EFT files for processing. Ask your business banker about access and setup.
Can I test my file before sending real payments?
Ask Scotiabank about their test file procedures. Some banks allow test submissions that validate format without processing actual payments.
Need to generate Scotiabank-ready EFT files?
EFT Flow converts your Excel exports into properly formatted CPA-005 files. Validates before export. No per-transaction fees.