Frequently Asked Questions

EFT Flow is a desktop application that converts your payment lists (from Excel, CSV, or accounting software exports) into CPA-005 bank files. You upload the generated file to your Canadian bank to process direct deposits and vendor payments.

CPA-005 is the standard file format for batch EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer) payments in Canada. It's a fixed-width text file with 1464-character records that Canadian banks use to process direct deposits and vendor payments. Learn more about CPA-005 →

No. EFT Flow is a file conversion tool. We don't process payments or move money. You generate a file with us, then upload that file to your own bank's business banking portal. Your bank processes the payments.

Currently, EFT Flow is Windows-only. We may add Mac support in the future based on demand.

No. EFT Flow is a desktop application. Your payment data stays on your computer. We never see your vendor lists, payment amounts, or bank account numbers. Your data, your control.

Two options: $95/month (cancel anytime) or $2,990 one-time for a lifetime license. Both include the same features. No per-transaction fees ever. See full pricing →

No. Pay 10 payments or 10,000—same price. This is a core part of our value proposition. Flat pricing means your costs don't grow with your payment volume.

Monthly is $95/month, cancel anytime. Lifetime is $2,990 once, use forever. If you plan to use EFT Flow for more than 32 months, lifetime saves money.

Yes. Download and try EFT Flow free for 14 days. No credit card required. Full functionality during the trial. Download the trial →

30-day money-back guarantee on both monthly and lifetime licenses. If it doesn't work for you, we'll refund you. No questions asked.

One license = one computer. If you have 3 people who need to generate EFT files, you need 3 seats. Each seat can create unlimited payment files and pay unlimited vendors.

1) Download and install EFT Flow. 2) Enter your originator information (from your bank). 3) Add your vendors with their bank details. 4) Import a payment list. 5) Export your CPA-005 file. 6) Upload to your bank. See step-by-step guide →

An originator ID is a 10-character code assigned by Payments Canada that identifies your organization in EFT transactions. You get this when you set up EFT services with your bank. Your bank can provide it.

Ask each vendor for a void cheque or their banking details: institution number (3 digits), transit number (5 digits), and account number. Enter this in EFT Flow once, pay them forever.

CSV and Excel (.xlsx, .xls). Any spreadsheet export from your accounting software works. You map the columns once (which column is vendor name, which is amount, etc.), and EFT Flow remembers for future imports.

Re-map the columns. Takes a couple of minutes. Or contact us—we can help set up the new mapping.

Yes. If you import from multiple sources (QuickBooks and Sage, for example), you can save a mapping profile for each. Select the right profile when you import.

All Canadian banks that accept CPA-005 file uploads. This includes RBC, TD, BMO, Scotiabank, CIBC, National Bank, Desjardins, and all major credit unions. If your bank accepts EFT file uploads, EFT Flow works with them.

Log into your bank's business banking portal, find the EFT/file upload section, and upload the file EFT Flow generated. The exact steps vary by bank—we have guides for major banks. See bank-specific guides →

Check the error message from your bank. Common issues: duplicate file number, invalid originator ID, or incorrect recipient bank details. See our troubleshooting guide →

Yes. A single CPA-005 file can include payments to recipients at any Canadian bank or credit union. Just include the correct institution and transit numbers for each recipient.

No. EFT Flow generates CPA-005 files for Canadian EFT only. For US payments, you'd need an ACH solution. Learn about ACH vs EFT →

EFT Flow imports QuickBooks exports. Export your vendor payments from QuickBooks as CSV or Excel, import into EFT Flow, generate your bank file. No direct API integration—simpler and more flexible. See QuickBooks guide →

Same approach. Export from Sage (50 or 300), import into EFT Flow. Works with any Sage report that exports to CSV/Excel. See Sage guide →

All work the same way. Export your payment data, import into EFT Flow. We have guides for each. If your software exports to CSV or Excel, it works with EFT Flow.

We made a deliberate choice for simplicity. API integrations require ongoing maintenance, can break when software updates, and add complexity. Our export/import approach is simple, reliable, and works with any software that exports to spreadsheets—including software that doesn't have APIs.

Yes. EFT Flow is a desktop application—your data never leaves your computer. We don't have access to your vendor lists, bank account numbers, or payment amounts. You're in complete control. See our security page →

No. Vendor bank details are stored locally on your computer, not on our servers. We never see this data.

EFT Flow's local-first approach simplifies PIPEDA compliance. Since your data stays on your machine, you maintain control of personal information without data processing agreements with third parties.

Your vendor list and settings are stored locally. We recommend backing up your EFT Flow data folder regularly. Your license can be transferred to a new computer—contact us for help.

Email us at support@eftflow.ca. We typically respond within one business day. For urgent issues, mention it in your subject line.

Yes. If you're having trouble mapping your import file or setting up your originator information, we'll help you get it working. Email us with your export file (you can redact sensitive data) and we'll create the mapping for you.

Contact us. If your file format is standard (CSV, Excel with columns for payee and amount), we can help. If it's truly unusual, we'll work with you to find a solution or refund your purchase.

Currently, we offer email support only. This lets us provide detailed, documented responses. Most issues are resolved within one email exchange.