An ABA file is a type of file introduced by the Australian Bankers' Association.
It allows business customers to process payments in bulk by uploading a file that is generated by business management software.
ABA file payments
Requirements for an ABA file payment
For an ABA file to be uploaded in Macquarie Business Online:
- the users must have ‘Create’ access to the relevant accounts contained in the file
- the extension needs to be .txt or .aba
- the maximum size for an ABA file to be processed is 2.33MB or 20,000 rows.
- each account you want to use will need to be linked to your business’ unique Direct Entry User ID (See ‘Set up a Direct Entry User ID’ below).
Please note: ABA file payments can’t be set up as recurring payments.
How to process an ABA file
To upload an ABA file for a bulk payment:
- Log in to Macquarie Business Online
- On the menu, navigate to Pay, then click ABA file
- Drag and drop your ABA file or click on browse files to select your file from your directory
- Select the timing for your payment by selecting to pay Now or Later (e.g. set it up as a future-dated payment)
- If you want to restrict who can view the file, select the Private check box
- Select Upload
- Check all details are correct and select either Approve or Submit for Approval.
To learn more about processing an ABA file, you can watch the below video.
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Approving your ABA file payment
Make sure you know who you’re paying. Always verify the details of the payee are correct, by confirming with them directly.
Authorisers can check the contents of an ABA file through Task Centre.
- Log in to Macquarie Business Online
- On the menu, navigate to Task Centre
- Select the To Do tab
- Find and select the transaction for the file requiring approval
- Select the hyperlink next to Payment file
- This will bring you to a page with the details of the ABA upload
- To close the screen, select Close.
To finalise your ABA payment, someone with authoriser level access will need to have their mobile or tablet device close by so they can complete approval using the Macquarie Authenticator app.
The contents of an ABA file will also be presented to authorisers via the file link in the Macquarie Authenticator app. Authorisers will need to click the link to review the file details before approving it.
The Macquarie Authenticator app sends push notifications to the authorisers on the account to verify the payment. It’s as easy as tapping a button to approve or decline an action on your account.
Learn more about Approving payments.
Changing an ABA file
You cannot edit an ABA file once it’s uploaded. If you want to change an ABA file, you’ll need to cancel the payment (before it’s approved), make your changes and upload a new file.
Set up a Direct Entry User ID
A Direct Entry User ID is used in the generation of ABA payment files. If you’re not sure whether you have a registered Direct Entry User ID, or if you’d like a form to request for an ID, please contact your relationship manager.
Please submit the completed form to business@macquarie.com. You’ll receive confirmation from us once we receive your form.
Validation errors when uploading an ABA file
If you're having trouble uploading an ABA file into Macquarie Business Online, we've put together the below steps to help you troubleshoot some common errors.
Before you get started, it’s important to note that the number shown in red indicates the line in your file where the error has occurred.
1. The file uploaded isn't a valid format. Please update the first line of your file so that 000000 is replaced with your Direct Entry User ID.
The first line of your ABA is missing your Direct Entry User ID and currently has 000000 instead. In order to upload successfully, you’ll need to update your file to include your unique Direct Entry User ID.
2. The file uploaded isn’t a valid format. The User Name in the first line of the file contains invalid characters. Please update the User Name. The only special characters that are allowed are @ # $ % ^ & * ( ) _ - / \ : ; " ' , . ?
The User Name in your ABA file contains one or more characters that aren’t permitted. The User Name is your business name which appears in the first line of your ABA file. In order to upload successfully, you’ll need to remove the invalid characters. The User Name must contain letters or numbers, or any of the following special characters @ # $ % ^ & * ( ) _ - / \ : ; " ' , . ? which are allowed.
3. The Account Title isn't a valid format. Please update the Account Title so that it contains letters, spaces, numerals and only the following special characters @ # $ % ^ & * ( ) _ - / \\ : ; \" ' , . ? + [ ]
The Account Title in your ABA file contains one or more characters that aren’t permitted. The Account Title is the account name which appears on the transaction lines. In order to upload successfully, you’ll need to remove the invalid characters. The Account Title must contain letters or numbers, or any of the following special characters @ # $ % ^ & * ( ) _ - / \ : ; " ' , . ? + [ ] which are allowed.
BPAY file payments
In Macquarie Business Online you can upload a BPAY® file to process bill payments in bulk.
- Log in to Macquarie Business Online
- On the menu, navigate to Pay, then click BPAY File
- Drag and drop your BPAY file or click on browse files to select your file from your directory
- Select the timing for your payment by selecting to pay Now or Later (e.g. set it up as a future-dated payment
- Select Upload
- Check all details are correct and select either Approve or Submit for Approval.
Approving your BPAY file payment
Make sure you know who you’re paying. Always verify that the details of the payee are correct by confirming with them directly.
Authorisers can check the contents of an BPAY file through Task Centre.
- Log in to Macquarie Business Online
- On the menu, navigate to Task Centre
- Select the To Do tab
- Find and select the transaction for the file requiring approval
- Select the hyperlink next to Payment file
- This will bring you to a page with the details of the BPAY upload
- To close the screen, select Close.
To finalise your BPAY payment, someone with authoriser level access will need to have their mobile or tablet device close by so they can complete approval using the Macquarie Authenticator app.
The contents of an BPAY file will also be available to authorisers via the file link in the Macquarie Authenticator app. Authorisers will need to click the link to review the file details before approving it.
The Macquarie Authenticator app sends push notifications to the authorisers on the account to verify the payment. It’s as easy as tapping a button to approve or decline an action on your account.
Learn more about Approving payments.
Changing a BPAY file payment
You cannot edit a BPAY file once it’s uploaded. If you want to change a BPAY file, you’ll need to cancel the payment (before it’s approved), make your changes and upload a new file.
® Registered to BPAY Pty Ltd ABN 69 079 137 518
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