Automated Clearing House or ACH checks are one of the most widely used forms of payment in the United States. Like paper checks, echecks are legally binding payments.

As a result of new automated processing technology, an electronic check offers a higher level of security than a traditional paper check. With advanced customer identification and security systems involved in processing an echeck, this form of payment also decreases the possibility of fraudulent activity. Consider the following benefits of ACH checks to determine if this service would be of value to your business:

1. Set up echecks to automatically debit your account.

2. Save time with echecks by avoiding frequent trips to the bank.

3. Enjoy affordable and secure echeck services.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Save time with ACH checks

Dread those daily trips to your local bank branch to make business deposits and other transactions? With e checks you can save time by automating your payment and collection processes. Electronic checks also can be processed much faster than paper checks which generally take seven to 10 business days for the bank to validate funds.

I recommend: With ACH payment services from Fifth Third, business owners can easily and cost-effectively manage vendor, employee and customer transactions electronically. Merrill Lynch offers extensive ACH checks information on its website and a full ACH checks list of services to allow small business owners to quickly and securely transfer funds and process payments electronically.

Accept ACH checks to benefit your customers

ACH checks are a quick and convenient form of payment for customers and business owners. Customers can speed transactions and electronically track purchases. Business owners benefit from accepting e checks by reducing accounting errors by automating check transactions between vendors and customers.

I recommend: Check out services offered by ACH Payment Solutions which allows businesses to accept and process an ACH check from anyone in any location. PaySimple is an ACH checks provider that offers low-cost, secure electronic payment services which includes automatic customer billing, email invoices, online payments and training and support.

Find ACH checks service providers

ACH payment services are popular and are offered by a range of banks, ACH providers and other financial institutions. Before choosing an ACH checks provider, be sure to thoroughly research the company background, rates, longevity and rate of accuracy in processing echecks.

I recommend: Sage offers extensive electronic check services. Merchant Equipment offers a full range of secure electronic check services to help you easily accept electronic checks without worrying about fraud or an unsecure transfer of funds.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Many banks offer ACH electronic check processing services to their customers for free or at a discounted price. Check with your financial institution to determine if enrolling in echeck services offered by your bank would save you money.