How to Get Paid by Interac e-Transfer as a Freelancer in Canada

Interac e-Transfer is how a huge share of Canadian freelancers actually get paid. Clients know it, banks support it, and you do not need a card processor to start. The missing piece is usually the invoice: clear instructions, a due date, and a follow-up plan when the transfer never arrives.

What to put on the invoice

• Your legal or business name as it appears for deposits.
• The Interac email (or phone) you want clients to send to.
• Any security question / answer policy you use — or a note that you accept Autodeposit.
• The exact amount and invoice number to put in the message field.
• Payment terms (due on receipt, Net 15, or Net 30).

Autodeposit reduces “wrong security answer” delays. If you still use a question/answer pair, keep it boring and store it somewhere you will not forget — clients will reuse it.

A simple Interac payment block

Pay by Interac e-Transfer to: [email protected]
Autodeposit enabled — no security question required.
Please include invoice #1042 in the message.

Limits and timing (practical notes)

Personal and business banking limits vary by institution. If a client hits a daily send limit, they may need to split payments or use a business profile. Transfers are usually fast, but weekends and verification holds can add delay. Build a little patience into your “is it late?” check — then follow up on a schedule so patience does not become silence.

Marking paid is on you

Unlike card processors that can notify software automatically, Interac landings in your bank account. When the money arrives, mark the invoice paid in your tooling so reminders stop. That single habit prevents awkward “please pay” emails after the transfer already cleared.

When Interac is not enough

Some international clients cannot send Interac. Keep Wise, a Stripe payment link, or bank transfer as alternate methods on your profile so you can swap per invoice. The point is your payment method travels with the invoice — not a one-size-fits-all processor forced on every client.

Reminders still matter

e-Transfer does not magically make people pay on time. Pair Interac instructions with automatic reminders on the due date, 3 days later, and 7 days later. When you need a personal touch, use a reminder email template.

Duebird is built for this Canadian workflow: put Interac (or Stripe, Wise, bank transfer, or custom instructions) on each invoice, email it, and let reminders handle the chase. Start free.