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nid 94576
Aug 13, 2026
ataylor@vixio.com
Canada
Payments Canada
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2057 charsPayments Canada Implements Automated Clearing Settlement System Rule Amendments
On July 27, 2026, Payments Canada implemented a series of administrative and operational amendments to the Automated Clearing Settlement System (ACSS) rules to enhance payment system processes and operational efficiency.
The amendments address multiple areas of the payment system. Payments Canada is formalizing the phase-out of paper Pre-Authorized Debits (PADs) to streamline clearing and settlement operations, improve efficiency, and reduce risk, with this change taking effect on December 1, 2028. Rules F1 and F4 have been amended to address stopping and resuming Notice of Changes, with direct clearers agreeing on appropriate resumption notice periods on a case-by-case basis. The definition of a member under Rule F8 has been expanded to include credit union locals belonging to a central or cooperative credit association that is an existing member, aligning with recent updates to the Canadian Payments Act. Rule D4 updates reflect the evolving payment ecosystem by supporting changes in clearing arrangements, amalgamations, and expanding membership, setting out how institution numbers and clearing agency relationships are managed. New communication requirements under Rule H6 require members to notify applicable direct clearers or payee financial institutions if they immediately cease acting as a payee or payor financial institution for a Corporate Creditor Identification Number (CCIN) biller, taking effect on December 1, 2026. Payments Canada updated Automated Funds Transfer Transaction Code 309 under Standard 007 to support the federal government's transition from the Goods and Services Tax credit to the Canada Essentials Benefit on July 1, 2026. Rule A4 was updated to remove an obsolete note regarding a 180-day return timeframe for telecheques, as telecheque exchanges ended in 2005.
These amendments were developed in consultation with Payments Canada members, participants, and the broader industry. For full versions of the amendments and rules, stakeholders should visit Payments Canada's Rules and documentation webpage.
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2486 charsPayments Canada Implements Automated Clearing Settlement System Rule Amendments
On July 27, 2026, Payments Canada implemented a series of administrative and operational amendments to the Automated Clearing Settlement System (ACSS) rules . The updates, developed in consultation with members, participants, and the broader industry, aim to improve processing efficiency, enhance operational flexibility, and align the ACSS framework with the evolving Canadian payment ecosystem. The amendments address several key areas, including the phase-out of paper Pre-Authorized Debits and new communication requirements for the Corporate Creditor Identification Number (CCIN) Database.
The amendments address the following:
Phase-out of paper Pre-Authorized Debits (PADs) (Rules A1 and H1): To streamline clearing and settlement operations and reduce risk, Payments Canada is formalizing the phase-out of paper PADs. This change takes effect December 1, 2028, and reflects the significant growth in electronic PAD usage.
Operational flexibility for Notices of Change (Rules F1 and F4): The rules were expanded to address stopping and resuming Notices of Change, whereas previously they only addressed initial setup. Direct clearers will also agree on the appropriate resumption notice period on a case-by-case basis.
Growing financial landscape (Rule D4): Updates support changes in clearing arrangements, amalgamations, and expanding membership. The amendments set out how institution numbers and clearing agency relationships are managed to integrate new payment service providers and handle corporate mergers.
New communication requirements for CCIN Database (Rule H6): As part of the Bill Payment Framework Review , members must now notify applicable direct clearers or payee financial institutions if they immediately cease acting as a payee or payor financial institution (FI) for a CCIN biller. This change takes effect December 1, 2026.
Alignment with federal benefits (Standard 007): AFT Transaction Code 309 was updated to support the federal government's transition from the GST credit to the Canada Essentials Benefit. This ensures systems remain aligned with federal requirements.
Removal of outdated items (Rule A4): An obsolete note regarding a 180-day return timeframe for telecheques was removed. Since telecheque exchanges ended in 2005, this update streamlines the rules.
The amendments take effect July 27, 2026, unless otherwise stated above. Full versions of the amendments and related documentation are available on the Payments Canada website .