Canadian Direct Debit
Connect your bank account once and sign a Pre-Authorized Debit (PAD) agreement. From then on, your CAD invoices are charged automatically from your Canadian bank account at booking.
- CAD only. Canadian Direct Debit is for invoices billed in Canadian dollars. If you need to pay in USD, see EFT/ACH instead.
- Self-serve setup. Connect your bank account from your FreightSimple dashboard using a secure bank connection service.
- Pre-Authorized Debit (PAD) agreement required. You sign it during setup. It's the legal authorization that lets us debit your account.
- Manual Verify is the recommended option. Choose Manually Verify during the bank connection step.
- Charged automatically at booking. Nothing to approve per invoice.
- Multiple bank accounts supported. Connect more than one and set a default.
- Processing time. A debit typically takes a few business days to clear, usually about one to five, after it's initiated.
- No processing fees. We never pass payment processing fees on to you.
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Open Bank Accounts
From the top menu, go to Financial → Bank Accounts.
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Click Add a bank account
On the Bank Accounts screen, click Add a bank account.
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Choose Manually Verify on the next screen
A pop-up explains how to connect your bank account with void cheque information. Click Manually Verify when prompted, then Got it to continue.
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Select your bank
Choose your bank from the list of common Canadian banks. If yours is not visible, search for it.
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Select the account to connect
If you have multiple accounts at your bank, choose the one you want to use for FreightSimple payments.
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Agree to the Pre-Authorized Debit agreement
Review the Pre-Authorized Debit (PAD) agreement, then click Agree to complete setup.
Once your bank account is connected, it appears in the Bank Accounts list. Click the three-dot menu next to any account to:
- Make Default. Use this account for new payments unless you pick a different one.
- Remove Bank Account. Disconnect it from FreightSimple. You can add it again later.
- Best for: Canadian businesses that want CAD invoices charged automatically from their bank account, without keeping a credit card on file.
- Not for: USD invoices, or paying each invoice yourself from your bank (both use EFT/ACH), or instant payments (use credit card).
What's the difference between Direct Debit and EFT or Interac eTransfer?
All three move money from your Canadian bank account; the difference is who initiates each payment. With Direct Debit, we charge automatically once you've signed the PAD agreement, so it's the most hands-off option for CAD. With EFT or Interac eTransfer, you push each payment yourself, which gives you more control per transaction and keeps your banking details private.
Why does the setup ask me to choose Manually Verify?
It's the most reliable connection path. Auto-verification options work with some banks but not all, while Manually Verify works consistently across every supported Canadian bank.
What is a Pre-Authorized Debit (PAD) agreement?
A legal document where you authorize FreightSimple to charge your bank account for your invoices. Canadian banking regulations require it to enable direct debits.
What happens if a debit fails?
If a debit doesn't go through, for example because of insufficient funds or a closed account, our team will email you so you can resolve it or pay another way. Questions about a payment? Reach us at support@freightsimple.com.
Is my banking information secure?
Yes. The connection uses a secure third-party service that meets Canadian financial security standards, and FreightSimple does not store your bank login credentials. The PAD agreement protects both you and FreightSimple under Canadian banking regulations.