Resources
Everything you need to know about Canadian EFT payments. Free guides, no fluff.
Getting Started
New to EFT? Start here.
What is EFT?
Electronic Funds Transfer explained in plain English. How it works, processing times, costs, and how it differs from e-Transfer.
BeginnerCPA-005 File Format Guide
The definitive guide to CPA-005. File structure, field specifications, common errors, and bank requirements.
TechnicalHow Long Do EFT Payments Take?
Complete EFT timeline: cutoff times, delays, planning calendar. When to submit for on-time delivery.
BeginnerCreate EFT Without Your Accounting Software
QuickBooks, Xero, Sage can't generate CPA-005. Here's the export-convert-upload workflow.
How-ToTroubleshooting
Something went wrong? We can help.
Bank Rejected Your EFT File?
Don't panic. This guide covers the most common rejection reasons and exactly how to fix each one.
TroubleshootingExcel to Bank File
Step-by-step guide to converting Excel payment data into CPA-005 bank files.
How-ToHow to Create a CPA-005 File
Simple workflow: import, map, validate, export. Generate bank-ready files in minutes.
How-ToUnderstanding the Landscape
Context that helps you make better decisions.
ACH vs EFT: What's the Difference?
ACH is the US system. Canada uses EFT. Here's why US payment guides don't apply—and what you actually need.
ExplainerWhat is CPA-005?
A quick overview of CPA-005 and how it relates to EFT workflows in Canada.
BeginnerBank-Specific Guides
Requirements and tips for major Canadian banks and credit unions.
RBC
RBC EFT file upload guide. Institution code: 003.
TD
TD EFT file upload guide. Institution code: 004.
BMO
BMO EFT file upload guide. Institution code: 001.
CIBC
CIBC EFT file upload guide. Institution code: 010.
Scotiabank
Scotiabank EFT file upload guide. Institution code: 002.
National Bank
National Bank EFT guide. Institution code: 006.
Desjardins
Desjardins/Caisses populaires guide. Institution code: 815/829.
Credit Unions
Guide for all Canadian credit unions by province.
Software Integration
Get your accounting software working with EFT.
QuickBooks
QuickBooks doesn't export CPA-005. Here's how to bridge the gap.
Sage
Convert Sage 50 and Sage 300 exports into bank-ready files.
Xero
Bridge the gap Xero doesn't cover for Canadian EFT payments.
NetSuite
Export from NetSuite, generate CPA-005 without complex configuration.
FreshBooks
Pay contractors and vendors via direct deposit from FreshBooks.
Wave
Free accounting meets affordable EFT. Add direct deposit to Wave.
Ag Expert
FCC's farm software + EFT Flow for direct deposit.
Comparisons
Making a decision? Here's how options stack up.
EFT Flow vs Plooto
Flat rate vs per-transaction pricing. When each makes sense.
EFT Flow vs Telpay
Different tools for different needs. Bill pay vs EFT-only.
EFT Flow vs Sage 50 Direct Deposit
Built-in convenience vs flat pricing. When each makes sense.
EFT Flow vs QuickBooks Payroll
Full payroll service vs payment-only tool. What you actually need.
By Industry
Guides for specific use cases.
Small Business Payroll
Direct deposit without expensive payroll software.
Property Management Batch Payments
Process 50+ vendor payments in 15 minutes. Stop per-transaction fees.
How-ToAccountants & Bookkeepers
Generate EFT files for all your clients. One license.
Healthcare
Pay staff and locums. Data stays local. PIPEDA-friendly.
Nonprofits
Flat-rate payments. Every dollar saved goes to your mission.
Restaurants
Staff wages and tip distributions. Works with any POS.
Manufacturing
Pay suppliers and production staff. Works with any ERP.
Payroll Services
Generate bank files for all your clients. No per-client fees.
Bookkeepers
One tool for every client. Any accounting software. Flat pricing.
Law Firms
Trust disbursements and vendor payments. Audit-ready records.
Staffing Agencies
Pay hundreds of workers weekly. No per-payment fees.
Common Problems Solved
Frustrated with payments? You're not alone.
Stop Manual Entry
The payment data exists. Why type it again? There's a faster way.
File Rejected?
Bank rejected your payment file? Here's why and how to fix it.
End Double Entry
Data in accounting software, re-enter in bank. Stop the madness.
Reference
Quick lookups and terminology.
EFT Glossary
Definitions for CPA-005, originator ID, transit number, institution number, and other payment terms.
FAQ
Answers to common questions about EFT Flow, pricing, setup, and more.
Ready to simplify your payments?
EFT Flow converts your Excel exports into bank-ready CPA-005 files. No per-transaction fees.