# ACH payment processing for businesses A safer, speedy, and cost-effective way to pay and get paid. ## 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. ### 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. ### Security Reduce the risk of paper check theft by paying vendors with digital payments. ### 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 ## 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. ## 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. ## 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](https://www.bill.com/product/pricing) for fee details. ## 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. ## 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! ## Millions pay and get paid with BILL 500K+ businesses are automating their financial operations 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. ### 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. ### 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 enforces a strict set of controls and procedures for all parties paying with ACH. ### 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 leave your bank account. With an ACH transfer, the debit is reflected on your account immediately, so there's no guessing game. ### 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.