Skip to main content

Now supporting payments via Bitcoin Lightning

Sign In
Get A Demo
Learn | Embedded Finance

What is an ACH API?

An ACH API allows businesses and developers to automate the process of sending and receiving payments using the ACH network. The ACH network is a secure, efficient, and cost-effective electronic network used for financial transactions in the United States.

What is an ACH Payment?

An ACH (Automated Clearing House) payment is a type of electronic bank-to-bank payment in the United States. It's processed through the ACH network, a secure system that connects all U.S. financial institutions. ACH payments are commonly used for direct deposit of payroll, automatic bill payments, and peer-to-peer transactions.

ach debit and credit on the ach network 2

 

Who runs the ACH network?

The ACH (Automated Clearing House) network in the United States is operated by the National Automated Clearing House Association (NACHA). NACHA is a not-for-profit association that manages the administration, development, and governance of the ACH network.
 
logo-nacha-sharing
 
NACHA's role involves establishing and enforcing the rules and standards that govern the ACH network. These rules ensure the efficient, reliable, and secure movement of electronic payments through the network. The organization works closely with a wide range of financial institutions, including banks, credit unions, and payment processors, to facilitate ACH payments such as direct deposits and direct payments.
 
Additionally, the Federal Reserve and The Clearing House also operate as ACH Operators. They play a critical role in processing ACH transactions between financial institutions. The Federal Reserve, in particular, plays a supervisory and regulatory role in the overall functioning of the ACH network in the United States.
 

How long does an ACH payment take?

ACH payments typically take 1-3 business days to process. This timeframe can vary depending on factors like the time of submission and the financial institutions involved. Cybrid's ACH API offers both standard and expedited processing options, including same-day ACH transfers.

What is a same day ACH transfer?

A Same Day ACH Transfer is a service that allows for the rapid processing of payments via the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network. This service ensures that certain types of ACH payments, such as credits and debits, can be completed on the same day they are initiated.

 

When do Same Day ACH transfers settle?

Same Day ACH transfers will typically settle within a few hours, if submitted during business hours. Settlement time is usually occurs at 10am, 1pm, and 3pm.

 

Are There Any Limitations to Same Day ACH?

Yes, as of March 2020, the maximum amount per Same Day ACH transaction is capped at $100,000. Additionally, there are cutoff times during the day for submitting these transactions to ensure same-day processing.

What is an Instant ACH transfer?

An Instant ACH transfer is a financial service that combines the speed of immediate payments with the reliability of the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network. It allows for near-instantaneous money transfers by using reserve funds to provide an immediate settlement experience for the user, while the actual ACH transaction processes in the background. This technology is enabled by utilizing  a reserve account.

Can ACH be reversed?

ACH transactions can be reversed under specific conditions, such as in cases of incorrect amounts, duplicate transactions, or errors in account details. These reversals must be initiated within a few business days of the transaction and require notifying the affected parties.

However, reversals are not permitted for reasons like customer dissatisfaction or returns. It's essential to adhere to the guidelines set by the National Automated Clearing House Association (NACHA) when processing reversals to avoid legal or financial issues.

 

What is an ACH chargeback?

An ACH chargeback, often referred to as an ACH return, occurs when an ACH transaction is returned by the bank after it was initially processed. This can happen for various reasons, such as insufficient funds in the payer's account, a closed account, an invalid account number, or a dispute over the authorization of the transaction. Unlike credit card chargebacks, ACH chargebacks are more limited in reasons and are governed by specific rules set by the National Automated Clearing House Association (NACHA).

 

What are ACH Return Codes?

There are over 80 different ACH return codes that differ based on the nature of the problem. We’ll list the ten most common codes to watch out for below.

  • R01 – Insufficient funds
  • R02 – Account closed
  • R03 – Unable to locate account or no account
  • R04 – Invalid account number
  • R05 – Unauthorized debit to consumer account using Corporate SEC code
  • R06 – Returned due to ODFI’s request
  • R07 – Authorization revoked by customer
  • R08 – Payment stopped
  • R09 – Uncollected funds
  • R10 – Customer advises unauthorized, improper, ineligible, or incomplete transaction

ACH Payment vs Wire Transfer

ACH Payments:
  • Used primarily for domestic transactions within the U.S.
  • Ideal for regular, non-urgent transactions like payroll, bill payments, or business-to-business payments.
  • Cheaper than wire transfers, making them cost-effective for routine or bulk transactions.
  • Processing time is typically 1-3 business days.
Wire Transfers:
  • Commonly used for urgent, large, or international transactions.
  • Faster than ACH payments, often completed within the same day, especially for domestic transfers.
  • More expensive compared to ACH transfers, both for the sender and potentially for the recipient.
  • Generally processed on the same day, making them suitable for immediate or time-sensitive transfers.

How do ACH APIs work? 

ACH is a prevalent payment method often used for paychecks, utility bills, and rent transfers. To automate such large-scale ACH payments, many banks, financial institutions, and software companies are turning to ACH APIs.
 
In the context of ACH payments, an ACH API leverages this principle for financial transactions. For example, you could use an ACH API to automate ACH debit payments on the first of every month to specified accounts. Or, you might program it to transfer a set amount to a vendor upon completion of a service.
 
This automation eliminates the need to manually log into banking portals to verify each transaction, as the API manages these processes efficiently and accurately. Cybrid as simply created an ACH API to streamline payments!

How do I get started with the ACH API?

Getting started with Cybrid is a streamlined and developer-friendly process. If you're ready to explore the possibilities with Cybrid, you can begin immediately in our sandbox environment. This sandbox offers a risk-free space for developers to experiment and familiarize themselves with our platform's capabilities, like the ACH API, ensuring a smooth integration with your existing systems.

Once you're comfortable and ready to move forward, the next step involves understanding our pricing structure and the specifics of our contract. For this, we recommend booking time with our experienced sales team. They will provide you with all the necessary information, tailor a plan that best suits your business needs, and guide you through the contracting process.

Our team is dedicated to making your journey with Cybrid as seamless as possible, from initial exploration in our sandbox to final implementation and beyond. Don't hesitate to reach out and start your journey with Cybrid today!

 

SIGN UP WITH CYBRID

Learn more about Payment Operations.