--- title: Pre-Authorized Direct Debit Enablement (Canada) description: Canadian businesses with Opus1.io can use ACSS Direct Debit to collect payments from customers' bank accounts via the Automated Clearing Settlement System (ACSS) and Stripe. --- [Skip to content](https://kb.opus1.io/pre-authorized-direct-debit-enablement-canada#main-content) English Show submenu for translations ![Opus1-3-icon-color-1.png\]](https://kb.opus1.io/hs-fs/hubfs/Opus1-3-icon-color-1.png?height=50&name=Opus1-3-icon-color-1.png) Open main navigation Close main navigation - English Show submenu for translations - Go to opus1.io Go to opus1.io Hello. How can we help you? - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [opus1io Knowledge Base](https://kb.opus1.io/?hsLang=en) 2. [Payment Processing](https://kb.opus1.io/payment-processing?hsLang=en) 3. [Opus1 Payments (Stripe)](https://kb.opus1.io/payment-processing?hsLang=en#opus1-payments-stripe) # Pre-Authorized Direct Debit Enablement (Canada) ## Pre-Authorized Debit (PAD), also known as ACSS Direct Debit, is a widely used payment method in Canada that allows businesses to collect payments directly from customers’ bank accounts. It is commonly used for recurring billing, subscriptions, and scheduled payments. With Opus1 Payments powered by Stripe, ACSS Direct Debit provides a secure and compliant way to manage bank debit payments in Canada. #### **Understanding ACSS Direct Debit** ACSS (Automated Clearing Settlement System) Direct Debit enables Canadian businesses to debit customer bank accounts once authorisation (a **mandate**, also referred to as a PAD agreement) has been obtained. This payment method is ideal for recurring or pre-scheduled payments and is governed by Canadian Payments Association rules. Stripe manages much of the underlying infrastructure, including payment processing, notifications, and compliance support. Before enabling ACSS Direct Debit, we strongly recommend reviewing Stripe’s documentation: [https://docs.stripe.com/payments/acss-debit](https://docs.stripe.com/payments/acss-debit) --- #### **Key Features of ACSS Direct Debit** ### **Reusable Payment Method** - ACSS Direct Debit supports **recurring payments** - Once a mandate (PAD agreement) is collected, it can be reused for future transactions --- ### **Processing & Notification Timeline** - Payment confirmation can take **up to 5 business days** - Customers are notified when payments are completed Due to processing delays, ACSS is not suitable for time-sensitive or same-day payments. --- ### **Transaction Limits** - Default transaction limits may apply - Limits can be increased by contacting finance@opus1.io --- ### **Availability & Currency** - **Country:** Canada only - **Currency:** Primarily Canadian Dollars (CAD), with limited support for USD --- ### **Refunds** - Refunds are supported (full or partial) - Must be initiated within **180 days of the original payment** - Typically processed within **~3 business days** --- #### **How ACSS Direct Debit Works** ### **Step 1: Customer Adds Payment Method** - Customers log into their opus1.io account - Select the credit card icon to add their payment details ![](https://kb.opus1.io/hs-fs/hubfs/undefined-Mar-24-2026-08-57-20-7335-PM.png?width=1066&height=677&name=undefined-Mar-24-2026-08-57-20-7335-PM.png) - Provide bank account details This authorisation allows your business to debit their account. --- ### **Step 2: Mandate Creation** - A mandate (PAD agreement) is created and stored within Opus1 Payments automatically - This authorisation is required before any debit can occur Customers can cancel mandates at any time. If cancelled, future payments cannot be processed unless a new mandate is established. --- ### **Step 3: Payment Processing** - Payments are initiated based on your billing schedule - Funds are processed through the ACSS network - Payment confirmation may take up to **5 business days** --- ### **Step 4: Settlement** - Once cleared, funds are deposited into your account - Payment status is updated in Opus1 Payments --- #### **Compliance & Requirements** ### **Identity Verification** To enable ACSS Direct Debit: - Businesses must complete Stripe’s **identity verification process** - Opus1 Payments will guide you through this during setup --- ### **Customer Notifications** Canadian PAD rules require that customers are properly informed: - When a mandate is established - About the timing and frequency of debits Opus1 Payments helps facilitate this process, but businesses should ensure clear communication with customers regarding billing schedules. --- ### **Mandates (PAD Agreements)** - A valid mandate is required before debiting a customer - Customers can cancel mandates at any time - A new mandate is required if authorisation is withdrawn or payment details change --- #### **Disputes & Chargebacks** - Customers can dispute payments: - **Within 90 days** for personal accounts - **Within 10 business days** for business accounts - Disputes are **final and cannot be appealed** If a dispute occurs: - Opus1 Payments automatically deducts the disputed amount - Associated fees may apply Regular monitoring in the Opus1 Payments Dashboard is recommended. --- #### **Statement Descriptors** ACSS Direct Debit payments appear on customer bank statements with: - Your business name You can customise descriptors to make transactions easily recognisable to customers. --- #### **Setting Up ACSS Direct Debit** ### **1. Enable the Payment Method** - Activate ACSS Direct Debit in your Opus1 Payments Dashboard when creating your profile. - Use Opus1 Payments payment tools to surface it at checkout --- ### **2. Collect Mandates** - Ensure customers add their banking details on their [opus1.io](http://opus1.io/) profile - Store mandates securely for future use --- ### **3. Configure Notifications** - Notify customers when: - A mandate is created - Payments are scheduled or processed Opus1 Payments supports these notifications, but they can be customised if needed. --- #### **Best Practices for Businesses** ### **1. Communicate Clearly with Customers** Ensure customers understand: - When payments will be debited - Processing timelines (up to 5 business days) - How to cancel or update their PAD agreement --- ### **2. Plan Around Processing Times** - Allow sufficient time for settlement - Schedule payments in advance to avoid delays --- ### **3. Monitor Payments in Opus1 Payments** Regularly review Opus1 Payments to: - Track payment statuses - Identify failed payments - Manage disputes and refunds --- ### **4. Maintain Accurate Mandates** - Ensure mandates are valid and up to date - Prompt customers to re-authorise if required --- #### **Summary** ACSS Direct Debit (PAD) is a reliable and widely used payment method in Canada, particularly for recurring and scheduled payments. While it involves longer processing times, it offers a secure and cost-effective way to collect bank payments. To successfully implement ACSS Direct Debit: - Complete Stripe verification requirements - Collect and manage valid mandates - Communicate clearly with customers - Monitor transactions and disputes regularly Following these practices will help ensure smooth payment operations and a positive customer experience. 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