Payments Canada amends ACSS rules, phases out paper pre-authorized debits by 2028

Payments Canada has implemented administrative and operational amendments to the Automated Clearing Settlement System rules, with most changes now in effect. The amendments formalize the phase-out of paper pre-authorized debits from Dec. 1, 2028, expand the membership definition to certain credit union locals and update the management of clearing arrangements, institution numbers and corporate mergers. The revised rules also cover the suspension and resumption of Notice of Changes, with direct clearers determining resumption notice periods case by case. From Dec. 1, 2026, members must notify the relevant direct clearer or payee financial institution when they immediately cease acting as a payee or payor financial institution for a Corporate Creditor Identification Number biller. Other changes update the transaction code for the Canada Essentials Benefit and remove an obsolete telecheque return provision.