The ABCs of ACH | Nacha (2024)

Direct Deposits and Direct Payments are the smart and convenient way businesses, individuals, and government entities safely send and receive payments. Also known as direct debit, EFT, electronic bank transfer and eCheck, these types of payments move on the ACH Network – a payment system that reaches all U.S. bank and credit union accounts – and give both the sending and receiving parties the confidence that funds will be accurately and securely delivered on time. ACH payments can be processed in a matter of hours on the same business day, or scheduled the following day or two business days away.

The modern ACH Network has been continually advancing since its inception, adding new capabilities and transaction types, improving processing speeds and expanding operating hours. Same Day ACH went live in 2016 and has grown in popularity as innovation continues. With a $1 million per payment limit, more businesses from a wide spectrum of industries, government entities and consumers are able to utilize and benefit from the ACH Network.

The ACH Network is open for processing payments 23¼ hours every business day and settles payments four times a day. Payments are settled when the Federal Reserve’s settlement service is open (currently, the Federal Reserve’s settlement system is closed on federal holidays and weekends, and business days from 6:30 p.m. ET to 7:30 a.m. ET).
Standard Industry Practices:

  • Paydays that otherwise would be on a weekend or holiday are paid on the prior Friday, while bill payments are due and collected on the next business day, in each case favoring the employee/consumer.
  • If payday is on a Friday, payroll payments made by Direct Deposit are available in employees’ accounts by 9 a.m. on that day in virtually all cases. For example, if your payday is on a Friday before Labor Day weekend, and you receive it through Direct Deposit, the money will be available in your account by 9 a.m. on Friday to withdraw or cover other payments.
  • Employees may notice their Direct Deposits show as available before payday. Because payroll Direct Deposits are common and routine, some banks and credit unions may advance their own funds to the employee before settlement actually occurs, resulting in early availability.

See ACH in Action

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The ABCs of ACH | Nacha (2024)

FAQs

What is the acronym ACH? ›

The Automated Clearing House (ACH) is the primary system that agencies use for electronic funds transfer (EFT). With ACH, funds are electronically deposited in financial institutions, and payments are made online.

How many types of ACH payments are there? ›

There are two types of ACH payments. ACH debit transactions involve money being “pulled” from your account. ACH credit transactions let you “push” money to different banks (either your own or to others).

Does ACH clear on weekends? ›

The ACH Network currently processes payments 23¼ hours every banking day and settles payments four times every banking day. Payments are settled during times when the Federal Reserve's National Settlement Service (NSS) is open, meaning that payments are not currently settled on weekends and federal holidays.

What does AHC stand for? ›

Alternating hemiplegia of childhood (AHC) is a neurological disorder that requires lifelong care.

What is ACH in slang? ›

an expression of surprise, impatience, disgust, etc. Also: och.

What are SEC codes in ACH? ›

An SEC code is a three letter code that describes how a payment was authorized by the consumer or business receiving an ACH transaction. SEC stands for 'Standard Entry Class'.

Who controls ACH payments? ›

Nacha governs the thriving ACH Network, the payment system that drives safe, smart, and fast Direct Deposits and Direct Payments with the capability to reach all U.S. bank and credit union accounts. There were 31.5 billion ACH Network payments made in 2023, valued at $80.1 trillion.

Is Zelle ACH? ›

Are ACH and Zelle the same? No, ACH and Zelle are not technically the same thing, although Zelle utilizes the ACH network. Basically, all Zelle payments are (instant) ACH payments but not all ACH payments are Zelle payments.

Who sets up an ACH? ›

ACH payments begin when the originator (payer)starts the process by requesting the transaction. The originator can be a consumer, business, or a government agency.

Do all banks allow ACH transfers? ›

Which banks allow ACH transfers? All banks in the United States can use ACH, as all that's needed to receive an ACH transfer is a valid bank account and routing number.

What is the 60 day rule for ACH? ›

Any exception to the 24-hour rule is consumer unauthorized returns, which may be returned within 60 days of posting. The use of consumer (PPD) or corporate (CCD) entry codes determines the applicable ACH return rules.

What time will ACH hit my account? ›

Standard ACH credit transactions can post as soon as 8:30 in the morning the following day, while ACH debit transactions typically take one to three business days to complete. The ACH network submits transactions at 6 a.m., 12 p.m., 4 p.m., 5:30 p.m., and 10 p.m. Eastern Time (ET).

Can a bank refuse an ACH transfer? ›

Your bank will reject the ACH payment if you entered incorrect payment information. Log into your account and submit your payment again with the correct information. If the payment is returned for insufficient funds in the account, the department will charge a non-sufficient funds fee.

How long can a bank hold an ACH transfer? ›

ACH transfers are often processed in batches throughout the day, so if a transfer misses one batch, it likely waits for the next one. For this reason, ACH transfers typically occur in one or two business days. For this reason, it's unlikely a hold would last any longer than 24 to 48 hours.

What does ACH number mean in banking? ›

The acronym ACH stands for Automated Clearing House , and like ABA routing numbers, ACH routing numbers are nine-digit numbers unique to their respective financial institutions. Unlike ABA routing numbers, ACH routing numbers are used for electronic transactions between financial institutions.

What is an example of an ACH payment? ›

Direct deposits (an ACH credit often used for payroll) and automatic recurring payments (ACH debits for services like utilities) are common examples of ACH payments.

What is an ACH in business? ›

ACH stands for Automated House Clearing. It is an electronic payment system designed to transfer funds from one bank to another within the United States and also abroad. Transactions on the ACH Network comprise automated transfers and direct e-payments.

What does ACH stand for in government? ›

The automated clearinghouse (ACH) system is a nationwide network through which depository institutions send each other batches of electronic credit and debit transfers. The direct deposit of payroll, social security benefits, and tax refunds are typical examples of ACH credit transfers.

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