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# Payments Canada prepares payment service providers for Real-Time Rail participation with new guide



August 21, 2025

Download [*The Real-Time Rail Participation Guide for Payment Service Providers*](https://mailchi.mp/payments.ca/the-rtr-psp-participation-guide-download) or contact us at <info@payments.ca> to learn more about the competitive advantage the Real-Time Rail offers.

For the first time, payment service providers (PSPs) will be eligible for Payments Canada membership and Real-Time Rail (RTR) system participation through amendments to the *Canadian Payments Act* and the introduction of the *Retail Payments Activities Act*.

To help PSPs leverage the full benefits of RTR participation, Payments Canada has released [*The Real-Time Rail Participation Guide for Payment Service Providers*](https://mailchi.mp/payments.ca/the-rtr-psp-participation-guide-download). The guide outlines the process for becoming a Payments Canada member and RTR participant, along with the technical, operational and business requirements to participate.

The RTR will be an always-on, real-time clearing and settlement system that enables PSPs to provide their clients with immediate funds delivery and 24/7/365 payment processing. With real-time settlement, PSPs will be able to eliminate credit risk between participants, freeing liquidity and strengthening financial stability. Knowing their cash and liquidity management position in real-time will unlock a number of new business opportunities for PSPs and their clients, while broad, near-ubiquitous access to accounts across Canada allows PSPs to rapidly scale and expand market reach.

With [access to this modern payment system](https://www.payments.ca/connect/membership/payment-service-provider-participation), PSPs will be able to offer innovative, data-rich services to their customers and significantly improve operational efficiency through speed, convenience and irrevocable payments.

The RTR is designed to support multiple business models and meet PSPs’ strategic needs. Understanding the RTR’s operating model, technical requirements, onboarding process and ongoing system management will help PSPs best capitalize on the RTR’s instant payment capabilities.

Want to learn more? Download [the guide](https://mailchi.mp/payments.ca/the-rtr-psp-participation-guide-download) and contact Payments Canada at <info@payments.ca> to begin the application process.

More participants on the system are beneficial for everyone, and Payments Canada welcomes the opportunity to speak with new members.



 

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