ACSS rule changes enhance payment system processes

Updates provide expanded definitions and process efficiency

Payments Canada has implemented a series of administrative and operational amendments to the Automated Clearing Settlement System (ACSS) rules. Unless otherwise stated, the following amendments officially took effect on July 27, 2026.

Payments Canada rule changes are developed in consultation with members, participants and, when appropriate, the broader industry to deliver improvements to our payment systems. The following amendments to the ACSS rules have been made:

• Processing efficiency and risk management (Rules A1 and H1): With significant growth in electronic Pre-Authorized Debits (PAD) usage, Payments Canada is formalizing the phase-out of paper PADs to streamline clearing and settlement operations, improve efficiency, and reduce risk. Please note: This specific change officially comes into effect on December 1, 2028.
• Operational flexibility (Rules F1 and F4): Prior to these amendments Rules F1 and F4 only addressed the initial setup of Notice of Changes. The amendments now also address stopping and resuming them. To maintain flexibility, direct clearers will agree on the appropriate resumption notice period on a case-by-case basis.
• Membership definition update (Rule F8): Aligning with recent updates to the Canadian Payments Act, the definition of a member was expanded to include credit union locals (specifically those belonging to a central or cooperative credit association that is an existing member). 
• Growing financial landscape (Rule D4): Updates to Rule D4 reflect the evolving payment ecosystem by supporting changes in clearing arrangements, amalgamations and expanding membership. These updates set out how institution numbers and clearing agency relationships are managed to integrate new payment service providers and handle corporate mergers.
• Internal tracking and communication (Rule H6): As part of the Bill Payment Framework Review, new communication requirements are being introduced for the Corporate Creditor Identification Number Database. Under these updates, members must now notify applicable direct clearers or payee FIs if they immediately cease acting as a payee or payor FI for a CCIN biller. These specific benefits will take effect on December 1, 2026.
• Alignment with federal benefits (Standard 007): To support the federal government’s transition from the GST credit to the Canada Essentials Benefit on July 1, 2026, AFT Transaction Code 309 was updated. This change ensures our systems remain aligned with federal requirements and allows for a seamless rollout of the new benefit.
• Removing outdated items (Rule A4): The rule was updated to remove an obsolete note regarding a 180-day return timeframe for telecheques. Since telecheque exchanges ended in 2005, removing this reference streamlines the rules and keeps them up to date.

Payments Canada’s legal framework is made up of by-laws, rules, standards, technical specifications and procedures that safeguard the security, soundness and operational resilience of Canada’s payment systems. Together, they establish the responsibilities and obligations for members handling payment items through our systems.

These instruments are reviewed and amended, as necessary, in consultation with key stakeholders, including Payments Canada members, the Board of Directors, the Bank of Canada, the Department of Finance and the Department of Justice, as applicable.

For full versions of amendments, rules and more information about Payments Canada’s legal framework, please visit our Rules and documentation webpage.