ACH payment processing for businesses

A safer, speedy, and cost-effective way to pay and get paid.
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Why businesses choose ACH

More small and medium-sized businesses than ever are switching to ACH payments because of the significant benefits compared to credit cards and checks.
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Speed

Average ACH processing time is 2–5 days, from initiation to delivery. The availability of Same Day and Next Day ACH has accelerated funding times, giving businesses more flexibility and control over cash flows.

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Security

Reduce the risk of paper check theft by paying vendors with digital payments.

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Cost

For businesses who pay credit card fees to accept payments, or third-party check processing fees to make payments, ACH is a more cost-effective solution.

More time, more money, and less worry with ACH payments and BILL

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Pay vendors with ACH, so you can set it and forget it

When you schedule payments in BILL, our system automatically sends ACH payments to any vendor you've set up for electronic payment. ACH setup requires no cancelled checks or paperwork, and when your vendors are among the millions of businesses paying and getting paid on the BILL network, connecting to them takes just a few clicks.

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Get paid 2x faster, with confidence

BILL Accounts Receivable also helps you get paid faster without worrying about payment status. Set up recurring payments, or accept one-time payment. Allow customers to auto-pay your invoices, or set up auto-reminders so you don’t have to keep following up. Payments are automatically applied to your invoices, automating and streamlining your process, speeding up time to payment delivery, and reducing your stress.
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Affordable ACH pricing and Pay Faster options

Unlike other payment platforms that charge a percentage-based transaction fee, BILL customers pay flat fees for their standard ACH transactions.

This flat fee structure can help businesses avoid the significant expenses associated with larger payments. BILL customers pay only a low fixed fee per transaction, whether they're paying or receiving.

When speed is needed to avoid late payment penalties or get a project moving faster, BILL also offers Instant Payments that can arrive in minutes. A 1% fee applies* for Instant Payments.

*Please refer to our pricing page for fee details.

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Robust ACH capabilities inside a powerful billing platform

Most online banking platforms offer ACH capabilities, but the lack of integration with key workflows results in lots of manual work—especially for businesses with more than a handful of payments each month.

BILL fully automates ACH payments in your payables and receivables processes, including invoice intake and storage and approvals routing. Data integrations and two-way sync with major accounting software solutions make it easy to bring payments information in as one lump-sum entry, instead of individual payments.
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Here's how ACH works with BILL

Decide which vendor you want to pay electronically

Search for the vendor in BILL and connect, or invite them to join the network

Initiate a payment to your vendor

BILL debits your bank account on the process date

Then, BILL waits 2–3 days for the settlement of the debit

BILL receives your funds, then credits your vendor’s bank account

Your vendor is successfully paid—hooray!

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Millions pay and get paid with BILL

Frequently asked questions

What are ACH payments?
ACH (Automated Clearing House) is a federally regulated network of financial transactions. ACH payments are electronic payments that go through the network; the network directs the money from one bank account to another through a secure system.

Making payments using the ACH network is less expensive and more efficient for both merchants and consumers because they are automated (compared to a manual process like checks). Although awareness of the term ‘ACH’ is still low, usage of the method is more widespread than you might think. Common usages of ACH include direct deposit for salaries and tax refunds, and direct bill pay. Learn more about what ACH payments are.
How does it work?
Funds move from one bank account to another with the help of a secure, centralized system managed by NACHA (the National Automated Clearing House Association). To complete payments, the organization requesting a payment needs to get four key bank account details from the other party involved-whether they're sending or receiving funds:

1. The name of the financial institution (bank or credit union) where funds are being sent
2. The type of account at that bank (checking or savings)
3. The bank's ABA routing number
4. The recipient's account number

With this information, payments can be created and routed correctly. And if billers have been authorized to make recurring withdrawals directly from a customer's account, they'll need these details as well.

With millions paying and getting paid on the BILL network, getting up and running with ACH is fast and easy. Easily search and find vendors in the network, and get them paid in just a few clicks. No need to track down a cancelled check or go through a lengthy vendor onboarding process.
How long does it take to make an ACH payment?
The length it takes for an ACH payment to arrive depends on the type of ACH payment that you use. It typically takes 4 business days for a standard ACH to arrive. However, there are faster options available if you need to speed up your payment. Accelerated ACH payments take 2 business days, and Instant Payments can arrive within minutes.
Is ACH secure?
The ACH network is federally regulated, and is currently overseen by the National Automated Clearing House Association (NACHA). NACHA is a non-profit organization that helps enforce a strict set of controls and procedures for all parties paying with ACH.

Additionally, BILL is designed with your privacy and security in mind, providing various levels of controls in the following categories to help guard your money and sensitive information. The platform keeps your bank account information private from vendors by making digital payments through your account.
How does using ACH help me manage my cash flow?
When you pay with a credit card or paper check, it can take anywhere between a week to 30 days for that payment to actually leave your bank account, leaving you juggling cash flow.

With an ACH transfer, the debit is reflected on your account immediately, so there's no guessing game. You're able to schedule ACH transfers for specific dates, or as recurring payments, for clearer visibility into and greater control over your cash flow.

ACH can help you get paid faster, too. Your customers can authorize you to deduct an amount from their bank account, and within a day or two, that money lands in your organization's account ... no waiting for checks or following up.

Plus, you can set up recurring customer payments ... a good move for your business cash flow. These allow you to make an automatic deduction from a customer's bank account on a set date. Recurring payments help to ease the customer's burden of remembering to pay you, and you don't need to worry about following up.
Can using ACH help me lower my costs?
If a duplicate invoice is detected in your BILL inbox, you’ll get a warning that will stop you from creating a duplicate bill. Proactive intelligence keeps you from making costly mistakes like draining your cash on double payments.
Why are ACH transfers cost-effective?
ACH transfers are easy on the wallet—particularly if you're paying a BILL flat fee per transaction. When compared to other types of payment, ACH payments are more cost effective. Credit card fees can add up if you use cards to pay or get paid. Either you pay in transaction processing fees if you're collecting money, or you risk APRs if you use them for payments.

Paper checks cost the most to use when you factor in the time, supplies, and bank fees. While ACH payment fees are low, a check can cost $5 or more to get out the door. If you process 20 checks a month, you'd spend $1,200 a year just to process those checks! If you opted for ACH payments instead, your processing fees would be far less. Please refer to our pricing page for fee details.

Try ACH payment processing for your business now!

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