KONEK Payment Guide: Everything Canadian Shoppers Need to Know About Interac's New E-Commerce Solution + $50 Staples Bonus

Canadian shoppers and e-commerce fans: a new, homegrown digital payments service has arrived. Meet KONEK™, the innovative solution from Interac Corp., trusted by nearly every major financial institution in Canada. Designed to give you more choice, greater convenience, and top-tier security, KONEK is now officially live at Staples.ca—with an exclusive test-drive offer you don't want to miss.What Is KONEK?

KONEK is a secure e-commerce payment platform developed by Interac Corp.—the same trusted company behind Interac Debit and e-Transfer—alongside leading Canadian banks and Moneris. It lets you pay directly from your chequing, savings, or line of credit accounts, as well as with debit or credit cards. Think of it as an evolved, modern version of Interac Online, but with more banks, smoother user experience, advanced fraud protection, and no need for your card details at checkout.

KONEK is live for shoppers at Staples.ca, with supported banks including BMO, RBC, TD, Scotiabank, and National Bank.

Why Try KONEK Now? The $50 Staples Gift Card Offer

Staples Canada is celebrating its launch partnership with an exclusive, limited-time deal:

Spend $150 or more using KONEK at Staples.ca (delivery orders only) between November 14–20, 2025, and get a $50 Staples e-gift card! Your bonus gift will land in your inbox by December 5th—perfect to use online or in-store.Key Offer Details:

• One $50 gift card per customer/account
• Must pay for the entire order with KONEK (split payments don't qualify)
• Fast, secure checkout—the first truly Canadian online payments experience
• Gift card valid nationwide

How Does KONEK Work? A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Shop at Staples.ca and add $150 or more of eligible products for delivery
2. Choose KONEK at checkout by clicking "Pay with KONEK"
3. Authenticate via your financial institution—no need to enter card info!
4. Finalize your purchase
5. Receive a $50 Staples e-gift card via email by December 5th

Note: In-store pickup via KONEK is coming soon; delivery orders only for now.

Why Is KONEK a Big Deal for Canadian Shoppers?Homegrown and Trusted

KONEK is proudly Canadian, run by Interac Corp. and backed by top financial institutions. This isn't some foreign payment processor—it's built by Canadians, for Canadians.

More Ways to Pay

Unlike traditional payment methods, KONEK gives you flexibility to pay from:

• Chequing accounts
• Savings accounts
• Lines of credit
• Debit cards
• Credit cards

Direct Bank Payments Made Easy

Card-free and easy, powered by Interac Direct. Just authenticate with your bank—no need to fish out your wallet or memorize card numbers.

Super Secure

Bank-level authentication and data protection mean your information stays safe. Merchants never see your card or account details.Reduced Fraud Risk

No card numbers exposed means less chance of information leaks or fraud. Your payment credentials stay between you and your bank.

Easy & Fast

Skip manual entry—just click and pay your way. KONEK streamlines the checkout process so you can complete purchases in seconds.

Payment Flexibility and Control

Toggle between multiple bank accounts or cards based on your needs. Want to use your line of credit for a big purchase? Done. Prefer to pay from your chequing account? Easy.

Who Is Interac Corp.?

Before we dive deeper, let's talk about who's behind KONEK. Interac Corp. is Canada's payments powerhouse, the trusted network moving money for millions of Canadians every single day.

By the Numbers:

• Nearly 300 financial institutions connected
• 20 million transactions per day
• Security-centric, trusted by Canadians for decades
• Powers Interac Debit, Interac e-Transfer, and now KONEKWhen you use KONEK, you're trusting the same infrastructure that processes your daily Interac transactions. It's battle-tested, secure, and built specifically for the Canadian market.

KONEK vs Other Payment Methods: The Complete Comparison

How does KONEK stack up against other popular online payment options? Here's a comprehensive breakdown:

• | Bank authentication | ✓ Yes | ✗ No | ✗ No | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
  | Card info required | ✗ No | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
  | Data held by merchant | ✗ No | ✓ Yes | Limited | ✗ No | ✗ No |
  | Supported banks | Major Canadian banks | All (network) | All | All (network) | Fewer banks |
  | Rewards support | Bank/CC as usual | ✓ Yes | PayPal offers | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
  | One-click checkout | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | Less often |
  | Fraud protection | Bank-level | Network-level | Good | Good | Good |
  | Recurring payments | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | Sometimes |
  | Available at Staples.ca | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
  | Canada-only | ✓ Yes | ✗ No | ✗ No | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |What This Comparison Tells Us

KONEK combines the best features of multiple payment methods:

• The direct bank security of Interac Online
• The convenience of digital wallets
• The flexibility of credit cards
• Enhanced fraud protection through bank authentication
• No merchant data exposure like traditional card payments

What Are the Advantages of KONEK for Canadian Shoppers?

Let's break down exactly why you should consider using KONEK for your online purchases:

1. National Reach

Works with the biggest banks in Canada—BMO, RBC, TD, Scotiabank, and National Bank. More institutions are joining the network regularly.

2. No Need to Remember Card Numbers

Authenticates with your bank just like Interac e-Transfer. No more searching for your wallet or memorizing 16-digit card numbers.3. Safer Shopping

Merchants never get your card or account information. Your payment credentials stay between you and your financial institution, reducing the risk of data breaches.

4. Ideal for Direct Bank Payment Fans

Much like Interac Online, but significantly improved with better user experience, faster processing, and expanded bank support.

5. Perfect for Recurring Services

Supports subscriptions and monthly payments, making it easy to set up autopay for services you use regularly.

6. Great for Big Purchases

Buying electronics, office furniture, or back-to-school supplies at Staples? KONEK makes large purchases seamless and secure.

7. Canadian Data Privacy Standards

No American payment networks involved. Your data stays within Canadian banking systems, subject to Canadian privacy laws.KONEK vs Interac Online: The Evolution

If you remember Interac Online, you'll appreciate what KONEK brings to the table. Let's compare:

Interac Online (Legacy)

• Limited bank participation
• Older interface
• Primarily debit-focused
• Less mobile-friendly
• Fewer merchants accepting it

KONEK (Modern)

• Major banks on board (BMO, RBC, TD, Scotiabank, National Bank)
• Modern, intuitive interface
• Supports debit, credit, chequing, savings, and lines of credit
• Mobile-optimized
• Growing merchant network
• Enhanced security features
• Recurring payment support
• Faster transaction processing

Think of KONEK as Interac Online 2.0—everything you loved about direct bank payments, reimagined for the modern e-commerce landscape.Security & Privacy: How KONEK Protects Your Money

Security is paramount when it comes to online payments. Here's how KONEK keeps your transactions safe:

Bank-Level Authentication

Every transaction requires authentication through your financial institution. You'll use the same secure login you use for online banking.

No Card Data Shared

Merchants never see your:

• Card numbers
• Account numbers
• CVV codes
• Expiry dates
• Banking passwords

All they receive is payment confirmation.

Consent Required

Each transaction requires your explicit consent. No surprises, no unauthorized charges.

Encrypted Communications

All data transmitted between you, KONEK, and your bank uses bank-grade encryption protocols.

Canadian Privacy Compliance

Your data is subject to Canadian privacy laws and banking regulations—not foreign jurisdictions.Who Can Use KONEK Right Now?

KONEK is currently available to:

Supported Banks

• BMO (Bank of Montreal) customers
• RBC (Royal Bank of Canada) customers
• TD Canada Trust customers
• Scotiabank customers
• National Bank of Canada customers

Geographic Availability

Must be in Canada to use KONEK.

Merchant Availability

Currently live at Staples.ca for delivery orders. More retailers are expected to join the network soon.

Account Types

• Personal chequing accounts
• Personal savings accounts
• Lines of credit
• Credit cards from supported institutions
• Debit cards from supported institutionsCommon Use Cases: When Should You Use KONEK?

1. Large Office Supply Orders

Buying a new desk, monitor, printer, or office chair from Staples? KONEK makes it easy to pay directly from your bank account—especially helpful if you want to keep credit card balances low.

2. Back-to-School Shopping

Loading up on school supplies, backpacks, and electronics? Use KONEK to pay from your savings account and take advantage of the $50 gift card promotion.

3. Electronics Purchases

Buying laptops, tablets, or tech accessories? KONEK's bank authentication adds an extra layer of security for high-value purchases.

4. When You Don't Want to Enter Card Details

Maybe you're shopping on a public computer or just prefer not to type in card numbers. KONEK lets you authenticate directly with your bank.5. Privacy-Conscious Shopping

Concerned about data breaches? KONEK minimizes your exposure by keeping payment details between you and your bank.

6. Testing the Future of Canadian Payments

Be an early adopter! Get in on the ground floor of Canada's next-generation payment system while scoring a $50 bonus.

7. When Credit Card Rewards Aren't a Priority

Sometimes you just want to pay from your bank account without worrying about points or cashback. KONEK makes that simple.

Tips for Maximizing Your KONEK Experience

1. Register During First Use

You'll create a KONEK profile on your first purchase. Have your bank login ready.

2. Link Multiple Payment Methods

Add your chequing, savings, and credit cards for maximum flexibility.

3. Check for Promotions

The Staples $50 gift card deal is just the beginning. Watch for future promotions as more merchants join.4. Keep Your Bank Login Secure

Since KONEK uses bank authentication, protect your banking credentials with strong passwords and two-factor authentication.

5. Save Your Receipt

Keep your KONEK payment confirmation for the $50 Staples gift card promotion. You'll need it if any issues arise.

6. Try It on Mobile

KONEK is optimized for mobile shopping. Test it on your phone or tablet for a smooth checkout experience.

7. Watch for Expanded Merchant Support

Staples is just the beginning. Keep an eye out for KONEK at more Canadian retailers soon.

The Future of KONEK: What's Next?

KONEK is just getting started. Here's what we can expect:

More Merchants

Interac and its partners are actively recruiting retailers to join the KONEK network. Expect major Canadian e-commerce sites to adopt it.

Additional Financial Institutions

More banks and credit unions may join, expanding access to millions more Canadians.Enhanced Features

Look for improvements like saved payment preferences, one-click checkout, and enhanced fraud detection.

In-Store Integration

While currently online-only, KONEK may eventually support in-store pickup payments and point-of-sale integration.

Subscription Management

Better tools for managing recurring payments and subscriptions across multiple merchants.

Why Staples as the First Partner?

Staples Canada is the perfect launch partner for KONEK:

1. Trusted Brand: Canadians know and trust Staples
2. Diverse Product Range: Office supplies, electronics, furniture, and more
3. High-Value Transactions: Perfect for testing secure, large purchases
4. Delivery Focus: Aligns with KONEK's e-commerce optimization
5. Tech-Forward: Staples has a history of adopting innovative payment solutions

The partnership gives KONEK real-world testing with a major retailer while giving Staples customers early access to cutting-edge payment technology.How to Take Action: Get Your $50 Gift Card Today

Ready to try KONEK and score your bonus? Here's your action plan:

1. Visit Staples.ca between November 14-20, 2025
2. Add $150+ of eligible products to your cart (delivery only)
3. Select KONEK as your payment method at checkout
4. Complete authentication with your bank
5. Finalize your order
6. Watch your inbox for your $50 Staples e-gift card by December 5th

Important Reminders:

• Offer valid for delivery orders only (in-store pickup coming soon)
• Must pay entire order with KONEK (no split payments)
• One $50 gift card per customer/account
• Gift card delivered via email
• Valid both online and in-store

Final Thoughts: Why KONEK Matters for Canadian E-Commerce

KONEK represents a significant step forward for Canadian online payments. It combines the security and trust of our banking system with the convenience modern shoppers expect.For too long, Canadian shoppers have relied on international payment processors. KONEK changes that, giving us a truly Canadian solution that:

• Protects our privacy under Canadian law
• Supports our financial institutions
• Reduces fraud through bank authentication
• Offers more payment flexibility
• Simplifies the checkout process

Whether you're an early adopter excited about new technology, a privacy-conscious shopper, or someone just looking for a better way to pay online, KONEK deserves your attention.

And with the $50 Staples gift card promotion running through November 20th, there's never been a better time to give it a try.

Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions About KONEK

1. What exactly is KONEK?

KONEK is a new Canadian e-commerce payment service developed by Interac Corp. in partnership with major Canadian banks and Moneris. It allows you to pay online directly from your bank account (chequing, savings, or line of credit) or using debit and credit cards—all without sharing your card details with merchants. Think of it as the modern evolution of Interac Online, with better bank support, enhanced security, and a smoother user experience optimized for today's online shopping needs.2. Which banks support KONEK?

Currently, KONEK is supported by five major Canadian financial institutions: BMO (Bank of Montreal), RBC (Royal Bank of Canada), TD Canada Trust, Scotiabank, and National Bank of Canada. These banks collectively serve millions of Canadians and cover a significant portion of the country's banking market. More financial institutions, including credit unions, are expected to join the network as KONEK expands.

3. How do I use KONEK at Staples.ca?

Using KONEK at Staples.ca is simple: First, shop for $150 or more of eligible products and select delivery at checkout. When you reach the payment page, choose "Pay with KONEK" as your payment method. You'll be redirected to authenticate with your financial institution using your regular online banking credentials (KONEK never sees your banking password). Once authenticated, confirm the payment and complete your order. Your purchase is processed instantly, and if you're shopping during the promotional period (November 14-20, 2025), you'll receive a $50 Staples e-gift card via email by December 5th.4. Is KONEK safe and secure?

Yes, KONEK is extremely safe. It uses bank-level security protocols and authentication, meaning you log in using the same secure credentials you use for online banking. Critically, merchants never see your card numbers, account details, CVV codes, or banking passwords—they only receive payment confirmation. All data transmitted between you, KONEK, and your financial institution is encrypted using bank-grade encryption. Additionally, every transaction requires your explicit consent, preventing unauthorized charges. Since KONEK is operated by Interac Corp. and Canadian banks, your data is also subject to Canadian privacy laws and banking regulations rather than foreign jurisdictions.

5. What's the difference between KONEK and Interac Online?

KONEK is essentially the next generation of Interac Online. While Interac Online offered direct bank payments, it had limitations: fewer participating banks, an older interface, primarily debit-only payments, and less mobile optimization. KONEK improves on all these fronts with support from major banks (BMO, RBC, TD, Scotiabank, National Bank), a modern intuitive interface, support for multiple payment types (debit, credit, chequing, savings, lines of credit), mobile optimization, recurring payment support, and faster transaction processing. Think of KONEK as Interac Online 2.0—built for today's e-commerce needs.6. Do I need a special account to use KONEK?

No special account is required beyond your existing bank account with a supported financial institution. On your first KONEK purchase, you'll create a KONEK profile by authenticating with your bank. This one-time setup links your banking credentials to KONEK (without sharing your password). After that, you can use your existing chequing accounts, savings accounts, lines of credit, debit cards, or credit cards from your bank. There are no additional fees to join or use KONEK—you simply need to be a customer of BMO, RBC, TD, Scotiabank, or National Bank.

7. Can I use KONEK for in-store pickup at Staples?

Not yet. Currently, KONEK is only available for delivery orders at Staples.ca. In-store pickup payment support is coming soon. For the $50 gift card promotion running through November 20, 2025, you must select delivery to qualify. However, once you receive your $50 Staples e-gift card, you can use it both online and in-store for future purchases.8. How do I get the $50 Staples gift card?

To receive the $50 Staples e-gift card, you need to: (1) Shop at Staples.ca between November 14-20, 2025; (2) Add $150 or more of eligible products to your cart and select delivery; (3) Pay for your entire order using KONEK (split payments don't qualify); (4) Complete your purchase. Your $50 e-gift card will be automatically sent to your email address by December 5th, 2025. The promotion is limited to one $50 gift card per customer/account. Keep your order confirmation in case you need to follow up. The e-gift card can be used for future purchases both online at Staples.ca and in-store at any Staples location across Canada.

9. Can KONEK be used for recurring payments and subscriptions?

Yes! One of KONEK's key advantages is its support for recurring payments and subscriptions. This makes it ideal for setting up autopay for monthly services, subscription boxes, membership renewals, and other regular payments. Unlike the legacy Interac Online system which had limited recurring payment support, KONEK is built for modern subscription-based commerce. You can authorize merchants to charge your KONEK-linked payment method on a recurring basis, and you maintain control through your bank's security protocols. This feature will become increasingly useful as more Canadian retailers and service providers adopt KONEK.10. What makes KONEK better than using PayPal or credit cards?

KONEK offers several unique advantages compared to PayPal and traditional credit cards. Unlike PayPal, KONEK is a Canadian solution backed by Canadian banks and Interac, meaning your data stays within Canadian jurisdiction subject to Canadian privacy laws. While PayPal requires you to share card information with PayPal's platform, KONEK keeps your payment credentials exclusively between you and your bank—merchants never see your details. Compared to credit cards, KONEK offers direct bank payment options (great if you prefer not to use credit), eliminates the need to manually enter 16-digit card numbers and CVV codes at checkout, and provides bank-level authentication for every transaction. Additionally, KONEK supports payment from multiple sources (chequing, savings, lines of credit) in addition to traditional debit and credit cards, giving you more flexibility. For Canadians who value data privacy, prefer direct bank payments, or want a streamlined checkout experience, KONEK represents a compelling alternative to international payment platforms.

Ready to experience the future of Canadian e-commerce payments? Visit Staples.ca before November 20th, 2025, spend $150 using KONEK, and claim your $50 gift card bonus. Welcome to the new era of secure, flexible, Canadian online payments.