API Marketplace

Solutions

Resources

Our Company

Book a Demo

← Back to Glossary

NACHA ACH Operating Rules

United States

1974

Payments

Overview

The NACHA ACH Operating Rules are the official governance framework for the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network in the United States, administered by Nacha (National Automated Clearing House Association). These rules, in effect since the 1970s and updated annually, standardize how electronic payments such as direct deposits, bill payments, and business-to-business transfers are processed.

They apply to banks, credit unions, fintech companies, payment processors, payroll providers, and other entities participating in the ACH network, either as Originating Depository Financial Institutions (ODFIs) or Receiving Depository Financial Institutions (RDFIs).

Key Obligations

Enforce authorization and authentication requirements for ACH debits and credits
Follow settlement and return timelines for all transaction types
Comply with Same Day ACH rules and dollar limits

Conduct risk assessments and implement fraud detection systems
Use correct Standard Entry Class (SEC) codes for transaction classification
Support consumer rights for error resolution and unauthorized claims

Stay ahead of risk with Signzy

Explore tools that help you onboard, monitor, and verify with confidence

Remittance Solutions

Enable secure and compliant money transfers with advanced identity and business verification tools.

Bank Statement Analysis

Automate analysis of bank statements to verify income, assess financial stability, and streamline lending and verification workflows.

Transaction Monitoring

Monitor transactions in real-time and analyse past behaviour to identify suspicious activities and ensure regulatory compliance across the user journey.

FAQ

What types of payments are governed by the NACHA rules?

They cover ACH credits (e.g., payroll) and debits (e.g., bill payments) between financial institutions.

Are same-day ACH transfers mandatory?

All RDFIs must receive Same Day ACH; ODFIs can opt in to originate them under limits.

What are SEC codes in ACH?

They are identifiers that define the purpose and format of an ACH entry (e.g., PPD, CCD, WEB).

Does NACHA enforce compliance directly?

Yes, through a formal rules enforcement process including fines for violations.