What does it mean to accept ACH payments?
To accept ACH payments means enabling your business to receive funds directly from a customer’s bank account using the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network. Instead of relying on paper checks or credit card processing, ACH transfers move money electronically between bank accounts.
When you accept ACH, customers authorize a transfer—either one-time or recurring—and the funds are securely deposited into your business account. It’s the perfect option for recurring payments, service subscriptions, B2B billing, and professional services where reliability and cost savings matter.
Accept ACH payments in 3 simple steps
Getting started with ACH payments is simple. Follow these quick steps to start collecting secure, low-cost bank transfers from your customers.
1. Enable ACH payments
To begin accepting ACH payments, you’ll first need to activate the option in your account. Once it’s set up, ACH will appear as a payment method for your customers at checkout or when paying an invoice. This ensures that your business is ready to accept ACH payments instantly and securely.
2. Collect the payment
When a customer selects ACH as their preferred payment method, they’ll be guided to a secure online portal where they can log into their bank and choose the account they’d like to use. If you accept payments over the phone, customers can also provide their bank details directly to you.
3. Receive the funds
After the payment is submitted, both you and your customer will receive confirmation right away. The transaction is then processed electronically, and the funds are deposited into your bank account.
The smarter, affordable way to get paid
Business owners are always looking for ways to save on fees, speed up cash flow, and simplify the payment process—and ACH payments check all those boxes. When you accept ACH payments, you’re giving your customers a convenient, secure, and cost-effective alternative to credit cards or checks, while keeping more money in your pocket.
Lower transaction fees
ACH payments typically cost less than credit card transactions, making them ideal for high-value or recurring payments.
- Transaction fees that are often up to 80% lower than credit card processing.
- Greater profit margins for high-ticket or recurring payments.
- Fewer surprise costs compared to traditional card networks.
Streamlined cash flow
When you accept ACH payments, money moves directly between accounts—no waiting on paper checks or manual deposits.
- No trips to the bank or waiting for mailed payments.
- Predictable cash flow, especially for ongoing services.
- Better financial forecasting with automated transactions.
Secure and reliable transfers
ACH payments are compliant with the Nacha regulations and best practices to safely and securely process ACH transactions.
- Reduced risk of fraud and chargebacks.
- Automatic verification of bank account details.
- Bank-level encryption and strict compliance standards.
Ideal for recurring or large transactions
If your business bills clients monthly, collects retainers, or manages memberships, ACH payments are built for you.
- Automatic recurring billing for subscriptions or service plans.
- Lower costs on large or ongoing payments.
- Convenient for both you and your customers.
Built for businesses like yours
No matter what industry you’re in, learning how to accept ACH payments can completely transform the way you get paid. Whether you manage recurring billing, handle large invoices, or process donations, ACH offers flexibility, reliability, and cost savings your business—and customers—will love.
Professional services
Simplify invoicing for consulting, accounting, or legal services by setting up recurring ACH payments with clients.
- Automate retainers or monthly service fees.
- Reduce time spent chasing invoices.
- Offer clients a secure, professional payment experience.
B2B transactions
When large payments are the norm, ACH keeps things simple and affordable.
- Transfer funds directly between business accounts—no cards or paper checks.
- Lower transaction fees on high-value payments.
- Build stronger relationships with partners through smoother payment experiences.
Healthcare providers
Move beyond paper billing with ACH payments that make patient payments easy and reliable.
- Collect co-pays and recurring charges automatically.
- Cut down on payment delays and administrative work.
- Provide patients with a secure, compliant payment option.
Non-profits
Make donating simple, seamless, and secure for your supporters.
- Accept one-time or recurring donations via ACH.
- Keep more of every donation with lower processing fees.
- Offer donors an easy, trusted way to contribute directly from their bank accounts.
Unlock the power of ACH payments
Implementing ACH payments as part of your payment strategy doesn’t just make transactions smoother—it transforms the way your business handles money. When you accept ACH payments, you open the door to faster transfers, lower fees, and greater reliability compared to traditional payment methods. Whether you’re a small business looking to streamline operations or a growing company managing recurring billing, ACH gives you the control and consistency you need to scale confidently.
Lower costs
When you accept ACH payments, you can drastically reduce the fees associated with each transaction compared to credit card processing.
Automated payment
If your business offers subscriptions, memberships, or retainer-based services, ACH payments can fully automate your billing process.
Customer convenience
Customers appreciate simplicity—and electronic invoicing paired with ACH payments gives them exactly that.
Reliable cash flow
When you accept ACH payments instantly, your business gains predictable cash flow and fewer delays. There’s no need to handle checks or wait for deposits to clear manually.
Give your customers more ways to pay
Don’t limit your sales to one channel. Alongside ACH, expand your payment options to meet customers wherever they are—whether they’re in-store, online, or on the go. Offering multiple payment methods helps you close more sales, improve customer satisfaction, and keep your business running smoothly.
Contactless terminals
Let customers pay in with a quick tap of their card, phone, or wearable. Fast, secure, and convenient, these terminals make checkout smoother for everyone.
Mobile reader
Lightweight and portable, these card readers connect to your phone or tablet via Bluetooth or cord so you can accept payments on the go.
Tap to Pay on iPhone
Turn your iPhone into a point-of-sale device. Accept contactless payments directly on your phone with no extra hardware.
Pay for what you need and never what you don’t
POS hardware rentals can be expensive. That’s why our Payment Experts help you save on both POS software and equipment.
In most cases, our Payment Experts make sure your payment processor provides hardware free of charge, so you only pay for what your business actually needs.
Plus, with our Rate Sekurity Guarantee®, you can be confident you’re always getting the best possible deal—no surprises, no hidden costs.
Backed by a network of trusted POS partners
We help business owners bridge the gap between your POS provider and payment processor. We partner with the best-in-class vendors so you get more of what you need, and none of what you don’t.
FAQs
What are ACH payments?
ACH (Automated Clearing House) payments are electronic transfers made directly between bank accounts. Instead of using credit cards or paper checks, funds are moved securely through the ACH network, which is managed by NACHA (National Automated Clearing House Association). This system is commonly used for direct deposits, bill payments, and business-to-business transactions. When you accept ACH payments, you’re offering a fast, affordable, and reliable way for customers to pay you directly from their bank accounts.
How do I accept ACH payments for my business?
To accept ACH payments, you’ll first need a payment processor or merchant service provider that supports ACH transfers. Once set up, you can enable ACH as a payment option within your payment platform.
Here’s how to accept ACH payments in practice:
- Step 1: Enable ACH payments in your account or online dashboard.
- Step 2: Send customers an invoice or payment link with ACH as an option.
- Step 3: Customers authorize the transfer by logging into their bank securely or providing their routing and account number.
- Step 4: You receive payment confirmation, and the funds are deposited directly into your bank account.
Learning how to accept ACH payments instantly helps your business streamline billing, reduce fees, and offer customers greater convenience.
What information is needed to process ACH payments?
To process ACH transactions, you’ll need your customer’s bank routing number and account number, along with their authorization to initiate the transfer. Depending on your setup, customers can provide this information securely online through a branded payment portal or over the phone. Some ACH processors also allow customers to log in to their bank directly to verify details—helping reduce errors and ensure compliance.
Are there fees associated with accepting ACH payments?
Yes, but ACH fees are significantly lower than credit card processing fees. While card payments can cost between 2–4% per transaction, ACH fees are typically a flat rate or a small percentage (often under 1%). This makes them especially cost-effective for large invoices, recurring billing, or subscription-based businesses. By choosing to accept ACH payments, you can save thousands annually in processing costs.
What are the benefits of accepting ACH payments?
When you accept ACH payments, you give your customers a fast, secure, and affordable way to pay—while improving your own cash flow and efficiency. Key benefits include:
- Lower transaction costs than credit or debit cards.
- Faster deposits compared to checks or manual transfers.
- Automated recurring billing for subscriptions and retainers.
- Improved customer experience with flexible, digital payment options.
- Fewer payment failures since ACH doesn’t rely on expiring card data.