ACH (eCheck)

Payment methods have evolved considerably over the years. For small and medium-sized businesses, that has been both a boon and a challenge.

Accepting and processing credit cards, for instance, requires additional equipment, partnering with a merchant services provider, and adhering to strict information storage and handling laws. ACH payment services are yet another option, but one that may be less familiar than credit cards, checks, or money orders.

Interested in learning more about ACH payments and how they can benefit your business? Contact us today.

What Is ACH Payment Processing?

ACH stands for Automated Clearing House – it’s a financial network in the United States specifically designed to handle money transfers and electronic payments. In a nutshell, it provides a way to send funds from one bank account to another without the need for cash to change hands, to process a check or credit card, or to accept a money order.

While ACH payment services might sound unfamiliar, most people have used them today. Some examples of ACH processing in our daily lives include:

• Receiving a paycheck via direct deposit
• Autopay for utility bills
• Venmo and Zelle payments
• Tax refunds automatically deposited in your bank account
• Annuity payments deposited in your account

The Value of ACH Payments to Businesses

As a business owner, you understand the challenges inherent with conventional payment methods – it’s impossible to accept cash for an online purchase, for instance. Card not present purchases present unique hurdles. Paper checks can be problematic, as well.

ACH payment processing provides a streamlined solution that alleviates those problems: It allows you to access an alternative to paper checks, cash, and credit cards. They have also become incredibly popular, with over 2 billion automatic payments processed in 2020 alone.

National Processing can help you leverage this cost-effective, flexible payment solution. Contact us today for more information.

How Does ACH Payment Processing Work?

ACH payments are electronic and require no underlying funding vehicle (a credit card or check, for instance). That makes them faster and more reliable than checks. For business owners, that means streamlined processes, saved time, lowered costs, and other benefits.

ACH payments are also less expensive than credit card payments – you do not need to worry about interchange fees, for instance. They also cost less than wire transfers and do not have the same problems as money orders (plus, they’re virtually instant, unlike money orders). For businesses that accept recurring payments, an ACH payment account is a sound financial decision that can have profound ramifications.

How Much Does ACH Payment Processing Cost?

ACH payments are more affordable and faster than alternatives, but how much will you spend on each transaction? The median cost is .29 per transaction, but many factors will affect exactly how much you pay. The volume of ACH transactions within your business is the single largest factor – the larger the volume, the lower your individual transaction cost will be. You will also need to consider the fees assessed by your ACH payment processor, which can include the following:

• Flat feet (base)
• Per transaction fee/percentage fee
• Monthly fee
• Batch fee
• Chargeback/reversal fee
• Return fee

At National Processing, we deliver affordable, transparent pricing, so you never need to worry that you’re overpaying for ACH processing or that hidden fees are eating into your bottom line. Contact us today for more information or learn what sets us apart from our competitors.

Is ACH Payment Processing Right for Your Business?

To determine if setting up an ACH merchant account is a smart business decision, consider the following questions:

• Do you currently accept recurring payments from customers?
• Do you spend a lot of time (and money) processing paper checks?
• Do your customers pay by credit card frequently?
• Is it feasible to convert cardholding customers into ACH customers?
• Are your customers comfortable with online payments?
• Is your business low-risk enough for ACH payments?

If you answered yes to any of those questions, creating an ACH merchant account could help you streamline operations, cut costs, and provide a better customer experience.

Of course, you cannot engage in ACH processing on your own. It requires the right partner – an ACH payment processor.

Why Choose Us as Your ACH Payment Processor?

At National Processing, we deliver critical solutions and services designed to help you build a thriving business. We work with startups, SMBs, and enterprise-level organizations across all industries to deliver innovative services that address core payment processing and check verification needs.

Apply now for your ACH merchant account!

National Processing/eChecks

One of our most flexible and in-demand services, NP/eCheck processing ensures that you can accept and process checks online. However, it also allows you to process other types of financial transactions, including:

• Payroll checks
• Pension payments
• Rent payments
• Charitable donations by phone

All transactions are backed by world-class security and encryption technology. Learn more about our technology and how the network operates.

Credit Card Processing

Can’t accept credit cards? That might once have been an option, but today’s consumers will go elsewhere if you can’t accommodate their payment needs. At National Processing, we understand the challenges merchants face today.

We help you process debit cards and major cards quickly and easily. Each transaction is fully encrypted to ensure complete security for you and your clients, as well. Plus, we deliver flexible reporting tools that allow you to leverage your data. Learn more about our merchant accounts and debit/credit card processing services.

Check Verification

Empower your customers to use their preferred form of payment while protecting your business against check fraud. Our check verification service delivers flexibility, peace of mind, and robust security. Learn more about our check verification service and how it can work as your payment processing solution.

Payment Processing Software

We provide powerful, flexible payment processing software to support your needs and your customers’ preferences. From our virtual terminal to high-capacity payment processing payments gateway, and secure NSF check recovery solution, our software helps you grow and thrive. Apply for your merchant account today or learn more about what makes National Processing an industry leader.