Rules & documentation

Rule amendments support expanded membership and access to critical national infrastructure

These changes took effect on February 9, 2026.

A series of amendments to the Automated Clearing Settlement System (ACSS) rules are now in effect. These changes, which became effective on February 9, 2026, are designed to align with recent legislative updates to the Canadian Payments Act (CP Act) and refine and enhance operations and processing procedures.

Payments Canada’s rules, standards and procedure documents are updated regularly and versions posted online are in force. You can contact Payments Canada for confirmation by e-mail at info@payments.ca.

Item Title Updated System
Introduction
Introduction
Retail batch payment system
Quick links - ACSS
Automated clearing settlement system rules, standards and by-laws
Retail batch payment system
Association By-law No. 3
Payment Items & ACSS By-law
Retail batch payment system, System by-laws
Association By-law No. 6
Compliance
Retail batch payment system, High-value payment system - Lynx, System by-laws
Policy Statement
Prohibition of Tele-Cheques in the Clearing and Settlement System
Retail batch payment system
Rule A1
General Rules Pertaining to Items Acceptable for Clearing
Retail batch payment system
Rule A3
Endorsement and Identification of Paper Items
Retail batch payment system
Rule A4
Returned and Redirected Items
Retail batch payment system
Rule A5
Credits to Accounts of Deceased Customers
Retail batch payment system
Rule A6
Items in Dispute
Retail batch payment system
Rule A9
Arbitration
Retail batch payment system
Rule A10
Image Rule
Retail batch payment system