In file transfer operations, a cut-off time is a specific time of day a processor must receive a batch or file by so processing can begin on that day. The processor, not the sender, decides the cut-off time.
For example, if a processer publishes a cut-off time of 5pm, then a file received at 4:59pm will be processed today, but a file received at 5:01pm may not. (Special dispensation is often granted to particular files on an operator-by-operator basis.)
See also: transmission window