ACH Transfer
An electronic funds transfer processed through the US Automated Clearing House network, used for direct deposits, bill payments, and business-to-business payments.
Also known as: ACH, Automated Clearing House transfer, ACH payment
Last reviewed: 10 June 2026
The Automated Clearing House (ACH) network is a US interbank electronic payment system managed by Nacha. ACH transfers move money between bank accounts in batches, typically settling within one to two business days, though Same Day ACH is now widely available.
ACH is used for payroll direct deposits, government benefit payments, online bill pay, and person-to-person transfers. Because ACH relies on bank account and routing numbers, fraudsters who obtain these details can initiate unauthorised ACH debits — pulling money directly from a victim's account.
Consumers should guard their bank account and routing numbers carefully, review account statements regularly, and report unauthorised ACH debits to their bank promptly. Under Regulation E, consumers generally have 60 days from the statement date to dispute an unauthorised ACH transaction.