Guidelines
Guidelines establish practices that the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) expects regulated entities to incorporate within their business operations. They are intended to assist regulated entities in complying with market conduct obligations stemming from legislation, regulations, codes of conduct and public commitments. The guideline development process includes public consultations.
Notices: Financial Consumer Protection Framework
Updates to the Code of Conduct for the Payment Card Industry in Canada
Financial Consumer Protection Framework
The new Financial Consumer Protection Framework (the Framework) in the Bank Act and the Financial Consumer Protection Framework Regulations (collectively: “the Framework Requirements”) come into force on June 30, 2022. The Framework Requirements apply to banks, authorized foreign banks and federal credit unions. Certain guidelines will be reviewed, including for purposes of reflecting the Framework Requirements, and will be reissued in due course as is appropriate. Starting June 30, 2022, the affected guidelines are to be read by banks, authorized foreign banks and federal credit unions in conjunction with, and subject to, the Framework Requirements. If there is any inconsistency between the Framework Requirements and the below guidelines relating to banks, authorized foreign banks and federal credit unions and their conduct post June 30, 2022, the Framework Requirements prevail.
Updates to the Code of Conduct for the Payment Card Industry in Canada
The Code of Conduct for the Payment Card Industry in Canada (the Code) that applies to credit and debit card networks and their participants, previously, the Code of Conduct for the Credit and Debit Card Industry in Canada, has been revised. Most elements of the Code take effect on October 30, 2024. The balance of elements will come into force on April 30, 2025. FCAC is in the process of reviewing guidelines to reflect the revisions. Please refer to the individual guideline page for further information. If there is any inconsistency between the requirements in the Code and those in the guidelines below, requirements in the Code will prevail.
- Guideline on the Role of Payment Card Network Operators in Ensuring Participant Compliance with the Code of Conduct for the Payment Card Industry in Canada
Posted on: May 2025 - Guideline on the Consultation Process for Branch Closures
Posted on: November 2024 - Guideline on Existing Consumer Mortgage Loans in Exceptional Circumstances
Posted on: July 2023 - Guideline on Whistleblowing Procedures for Banks and Authorized Foreign Banks
Posted on: March 2022 - Guideline on Appropriate Products and Services for Banks and Authorized Foreign Banks
Posted on: February 2022 - Guideline on Complaint-Handling Procedures for Banks and Authorized Foreign Banks
Posted on: January 2022 - CG-16 Fee disclosure box—Credit and debit card code
Posted on: July 2016 - CG-15 Information summary box examples—Credit and debit card code
Posted on: July 2016 - CG-12 Internal dispute resolution
Posted on: April 2013 - CG-10 Increased disclosure and cancellation of contracts without penalty
Posted on: February 2013
Amended in July 2016 - CG-9 Mortgage prepayment penalty disclosure
Posted on: August 2012 - CG-5 Consent for increases in credit limits
Posted on: May 2011 - CG-3 Clear language and presentation principles and guidelines for the industry
Posted on: October 2009
Archived guidelines
- CG-14 Branch closure guidance – Pre-closure consultation process
Posted on: January 2016 - CG-13 Application guide for external complaint bodies
Posted on: April 2013
May 2023: CG-13 has been rescinded and is no longer in effect. FCAC is supporting the implementation of the Government’s Budget 2023 commitment to designate a single ECB. FCAC will issue new guidance in due course. - CG-11 Branch closure meeting rules
Posted on: February 2013 - CG-8 Mortgage prepayment penalty disclosure
Posted on: March 2012
August 2012: CG-8 has been repealed and replaced by CG-9 - CG-7 Ninety days' notice of fee increases or the introduction of a new fee
Posted on: October 2011 - CG-6 Online and other electronic credit card applications and information boxes
Posted on: September 2011
Amended in June 2024: CG-6 has been converted to a bulletin, as part of FCAC’s comprehensive review of guidance. - CG-4 Information box examples for the Cost of Borrowing Regulations
Posted on: October 2009
Amended in June 2024: CG-4 has been converted to a bulletin, as part of FCAC’s comprehensive review of guidance. - CG-2 Access to Basic Banking Services Regulations: Refusal to open an account
Posted on: July 2007
Amended in April 2024: CG-2 has been converted to a bulletin, as part of FCAC’s comprehensive review of guidance. - CG-1 Disclosure on opening a deposit account
Posted on: November 2007
Repealed on July 1 2014
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