ACH Resources
- Agreements & Forms
- Quick Reference
- Compliance, Audits & Risk
- Corporate Users & Origination
- Understanding ACH
310 - ACH Origination Agreement
Electronic Version
Revised for 2022
This sample agreement, in a word document format, includes critical terms and conditions that should be addressed in a legal agreement between a financial institution and their originators. There are numerous blanks and fields that should be completed and appropriately formatted before using this Agreement. Please remember that all contracts and agreements should be reviewed and modified where necessary by your legal counsel to be consistent with the specific needs or operations of your institution.
315 - ACH Origination Third-Party Sender Agreement
Electronic Version
Revised for 2022
This sample agreement, in a word document format, includes critical terms and conditions that should be addressed in a legal agreement between a financial institution and a Third-Party Sender. There are numerous blanks and fields that should be completed and appropriately formatted before using this Agreement. Please remember that all contracts and agreements should be reviewed and modified where necessary by your legal counsel to be consistent with the specific needs or operations of your institution.
ACH Origination Agreement Checklist for FI's
Electronic Version
This checklist may be used as a resource when drafting your ACH Origination Agreement. The topics included in the checklist are general topics that may not be consistent with the way your Financial Institution operations. This checklist may not appropriately address all the laws or regulations specific to the state where your Financial Institution is locates and is not intended to constitute legal advice.
560 - ACH Quick Reference Cards for Financial Institutions
Electronic Version
561 - ACH Quick Reference Guide
Electronic Version
An operational resource for basic ACH information in an easy to use format. This publication includes RDFI responsibilities related to ACH Rules compliance obligations, a glossary of ACH terms and easy to understand information on handling exceptions. This publication is a great educational resource for training new operations employees.
592 - Corporate ACH User Quick Reference Cards
Electronic Version
532 - Quick Reference Cards for Exception Handling
Updated for 2023, these Quick Reference Cards for Exception Handling provide easy reference to a range of Nacha Rules and other regulatory requirements, including:
- Timeframes
- Returns, Dishonored Returns, and Corrected/Contested Dishonored Returns
- Error Resolution and Stop Payments
- Government Returns
- Notification of Change (NOC) and Refused NOC
- ACH Operator and Gateway Returns
- Returned Check (RCK) Entry Returns
- Corporate Entry Returns
- Transaction Codes, Record Retention, and Glossary
- How to complete a Written Statement of Unauthorized Debit form
40403 - Regulation E - Error Resolution Flow Chart
Error resolution, rights, liabilities and responsibilities are critical items you need to know when processing and resolving electronic funds transfers. This Regulation E flow chart will assist you and your dispute resolution staff in the steps they need to take to handle, process, and resolve Electronic Funds Transfers whether they are from a POS terminal, an A TM or from an ACH debit or credit. A valuable tool you will want to have at your fingertips.
Format: Card
65005 - The Return & Change Codes of the Nacha Operating Rules
This quick reference tool is what every ACH participant needs to assist with their day-to-day ACH Operations. In this unique "tennis court" design, you'll have all the Standard Entry Class (SEC) Codes (otherwise referred to as the forward ACH entry); plus, all the return reason codes, NOC codes, including timeframes allowed for each according to the ACH Rules, right at your fingertips!
Format: Card
630 - ACH Audit Guide for Third-Party Service Providers & Third-Party Senders
Electronic Version
The ACH Audit Guide for Third-Party Service Providers and Third-Party Senders is a publication designed to assist the third-party in completing an annual ACH audit as required by the Nacha Operating Rules. This is a working document that will walk you through the steps of completing an ACH Rules Compliance Audit along with reviewing sound business practices, related compliance areas, online banking products, and government benefit payments. An audit preparation checklist is included to assist in gathering information needed for review. The document includes tools to help the auditor understand ACH participants, payment applications, and recent revisions to the Nacha Operating Rules. Electronic Version
585 - ACH Audit Workbook
Electronic
431 - ACH Compliance Manual - 11th Edition
An essential tool to ensure compliance with the Nacha Operating Rules & Guidelines, the 11th edition offers crisp insights into authorizations, processing and more from Nacha’s subject matter experts. Stay current with recent Rule changes on Micro-Entries and Third-Party Sender shifts and authorization updates. Whether you’re new to the payments industry or a seasoned professional, this offering simplifies complexities, provides insightful compliance tips, and includes a glossary and references to other valuable resources. Buy now to seamlessly grasp the Rules’ impact on all ACH Network participants.
This manual is an invaluable tool for any candidate studying for the AAP or APRP exams and for those preparing for ACH annual audits or examinations by regulatory agencies.
414 - ACH Risk Management Handbook, 8th Edition
A Comprehensive Guide to Mitigating Risk
ACH participants must take action to control risk in any payment system - including the ACH Network. The 8th edition provides the latest information on Nacha's strategies to identify and mitigate risks and provides recommendations for developing an effective risk management program for any organization involved in the creation or processing of ACH transactions. The threats to ACH payments are not unique to the ACH Network and the lessons learned can be applied to create a holistic payments risk management program. In addition, case studies are included in each chapter to offer realistic examples to assist you in evaluating and implementing your risk management program. This manual is an invaluable tool for individuals building or improving the Risk Management programs at their organization and for candidates studying for the AAP or APRP exams.
539 - Guide for Completing a Third-Party Sender ACH Risk Assessment
Electronic Version
The Guide for Completing a Third-Party ACH Risk Assessment is a publication designed to assist in completing a step-by-step assessment. Each Third-Party Sender is required to perform a risk assessment of their ACH activities and implement a risk management program in accordance with the requirements of the Nacha Operating Rules. Individual sections within the document address: risk management systems & controls, credit risk, high-risk activities and direct access to the ACH Operator, compliance and transaction risk, vendor & third-party management, information technology & information security and business continuity. A pre-assessment checklist and guide directions are included to assist the assessor. The document includes tools to help the assessor understand ACH participants and payment applications. Electronic Version
2023 Version Available Mid-March
538 - Guide for Completing Your ACH Risk Assessment
Electronic Version
The 2023 Guide for Completing Your ACH Risk Assessment is a publication designed to assist financial institutions in completing a step-by-step assessment. Each financial institution is required to perform a risk assessment of its ACH activities and implement a risk management program in accordance with the requirements of its regulators. Individual sections within the document address: risk management systems and controls, credit risk, high-risk activities and direct access to the ACH Operator, compliance and transaction risk, vendor and third-party management, information technology and information security, and business continuity. A pre-assessment checklist and guide directions are included to assist the assessor. The document includes tools to help the assessor understand ACH participants and payment applications.
563 - Managing ACH Credit Risk Guide
This groundbreaking publication (formerly the Guide to Establishing ACH Exposure Limits) was the first of its kind in the payments space - a collection of real-life best practices for managing ACH credit risk and establishing ACH exposure limits, gathered from member financial institutions of all sizes.
310 - ACH Origination Agreement
Electronic Version
Revised for 2022
This sample agreement, in a word document format, includes critical terms and conditions that should be addressed in a legal agreement between a financial institution and their originators. There are numerous blanks and fields that should be completed and appropriately formatted before using this Agreement. Please remember that all contracts and agreements should be reviewed and modified where necessary by your legal counsel to be consistent with the specific needs or operations of your institution.
315 - ACH Origination Third-Party Sender Agreement
Electronic Version
Revised for 2022
This sample agreement, in a word document format, includes critical terms and conditions that should be addressed in a legal agreement between a financial institution and a Third-Party Sender. There are numerous blanks and fields that should be completed and appropriately formatted before using this Agreement. Please remember that all contracts and agreements should be reviewed and modified where necessary by your legal counsel to be consistent with the specific needs or operations of your institution.
540 E - ACH Corporate User Guide
Electronic Version
The purpose of the ACH Corporate User Guide is to help corporations/businesses establish and maintain a successful ACH origination program. The guide explains the preliminary requirements, fundamental operations, and implementation concerns regarding specific ACH payment applications.
Format: Automatic download (PDF/Word/Zip)
10050 - Corporate User ACH Origination Basics Electronic Guide
Electronic
This is a tool that the ODFI can purchase to keep their originator informed of the most common ACH rules that pertain to most originators. Provided in an electronic format for easy distribution to your originating companies.
Format: PDF
ACH Origination Agreement Checklist for FI's
Electronic Version
This checklist may be used as a resource when drafting your ACH Origination Agreement. The topics included in the checklist are general topics that may not be consistent with the way your Financial Institution operations. This checklist may not appropriately address all the laws or regulations specific to the state where your Financial Institution is locates and is not intended to constitute legal advice.
10052 - ACH Originator Annual Letter (Sample)
Electronic
This sample letter may be used by ODFIs to touch base with their ACH Originators on an annual basis, reminding them how to access the Nacha Operating Rules online, along with any other pertinent information the institution may choose to include as a part of its ACH origination education program.
10051 - Corporate ACH Origination Quick Reference Card
This quick reference tool is what every company needs to highlight the "need to know information" about ACH! It includes commonly used Return Reason and Notification Codes, Standard Entry Class Codes, and a diagram of the ACH Network for easy, high-level understanding.
Format: Card
592 - Corporate ACH User Quick Reference Cards
Electronic Version
569 - Guide to ACH Origination
Electronic Document
50500 - Image & RDC Guide
Electronic
The purpose of the Image and Remote Deposit Capture Guide is to provide your institution with an overview of Check 21, remote deposit capture, image exchange, ACH check conversion, and to help you gain a better understanding of the best clearing options. Utilize this guide to decide if you should implement a branch capture or image exchange solution and how to offer a remote deposit capture product to your customers. Included is a sample FI/Company RDC Agreement; a sample RDC Risk Management Policy; and two sample RFP's just to name a few.
Format: Electronic
466E - Originator's Handbook - TEL Edition (Electronic)
This convenient, quick-reference tool is ideal for assisting with Originator education and training. Filled with all the knowledge necessary for compliant ACH operations in a condensed format more easily referenced and digested by the Originator, each handbook includes an overview of the ACH Network, its participants, and why it is a safe, efficient payment system. The TEL edition also includes: a checklist for beginning Direct Payment origination; a discussion of what constitutes a TEL authorization along with two sample authorization scripts; simplified File structure information; and other core concepts.
40403 - Regulation E - Error Resolution Flow Chart
Error resolution, rights, liabilities and responsibilities are critical items you need to know when processing and resolving electronic funds transfers. This Regulation E flow chart will assist you and your dispute resolution staff in the steps they need to take to handle, process, and resolve Electronic Funds Transfers whether they are from a POS terminal, an A TM or from an ACH debit or credit. A valuable tool you will want to have at your fingertips.
Format: Card
40400 - Returns Quick Reference Card
Electronic
Your operations staff will want this handy reference card to tum to when processing ACH returns. Listing the most frequently used return codes and categorizing them into easy-to-fin groups, this card provides important "must know" information specific to each code, such as: Return Timeframes, Written Statement of Unauthorized Debit (WSUD) Requirements, Codes Specific to Stop Payments and Represented Checks (RCK), Consumer or Non-Consumer Accounts, and Common Dishonored and Contested-Dishonored Returns.
27000 - Rules Review Guide for Originating Companies
Electronic
The ACH Risk Management.& Assessment NA CHA Rule Enhancement requires ODFis to document risk management practices when it comes to 'knowing the ACH customer' and understand the nature of the transactions that are being originated. It also requires additional provisions be added to the ODFVACH Originator agreement including the right to audit the originating customer. Are you a financial institution looking for a tool to help you perform an ACH audit of your originating customers or, are you, an originating company looking for a way to verify you are abiding by all the ACH Rules? UMACHA created a guide that provides an easy to follow form that should be filled out by the originating company which asks specific questions regarding the common ACH products used for ACH origination such as; WEB, TEL, ARC, BOC, POP, RCK, PPD credits, PPD debits, CCD and CTX entries. This form also provides specific information regarding the special ACH Rules for each product which can be used as a checklist to make sure originating companies are complying with all the requirements. Sample PPD written authorization forms and ACH check conversion authorization language are included in addition to a list of ineligible items for check conversion, a list of all ACH Return/NOC codes and a glossary of ACH terms.
65005 - The Return & Change Codes of the Nacha Operating Rules
This quick reference tool is what every ACH participant needs to assist with their day-to-day ACH Operations. In this unique "tennis court" design, you'll have all the Standard Entry Class (SEC) Codes (otherwise referred to as the forward ACH entry); plus, all the return reason codes, NOC codes, including timeframes allowed for each according to the ACH Rules, right at your fingertips!
Format: Card
511 - Third-Party Senders & the ACH Network (4th Edition)
This 4th Edition update provides a review of the variations in legal requirements and processing obligations relating to the origination of ACH entries when a Third-Party Sender is involved in the origination of transactions through the ACH Network. This edition reflects the latest Nacha Operating Rules changes, offers real-world examples of Third-Party Sender relationships, and includes sound business practices, risk management topics and a checklist of issues to be addressed by ODFIs, Originators, and Third-Party Senders in processing agreements. Third-Party Senders and ODFIs partnering with and managing these organizations will benefit from the information discussed.
40401 - Unauthorized ACH Pre-Return Quick Reference Card
This tool was created to help your operations staff when facing a stop pay vs. Written Statement of Unauthorized Debit (WSUD) dilemma. One side was created to showcase all unauthorized return reason codes and their respective deadlines as well as the difference between consumer and non-consumer (business). On the reverse side, we have developed an easy to follow flow chart to help your operations staff determine requirements and their course of action. 8.5"xl 1 ". 2-sided. Durable.
Format: Card
1000 - ACH Policies & Procedures Guide
Electronic Version
Don't go into your next examination with incomplete policies and procedures! The 2023 ACH Policies & Procedures Guide is a comprehensive template built for financial institutions. There has yet to be as complete a set of policies, procedures and supplements available to DFIs for ACH. The expert authors believe strongly that sample policies are not effective therefore this Guide allows for personalization in each area that a financial institution should make a business decision. Customization is easy in this electronic format. (Electronic Version Only)
1000B - ACH Policies & Procedures Guide - 2023 Revisions
Electronic Version
The 2023 ACH Policies & Procedures Guide document is an updated addendum for the Nacha Operating Rules changes effective 2023. This document can be used with the Policy & Procedure Guide previously purchased to update your policies & procedures. (Electronic Version only)
529OL - ACHPro (Online)
ACHPro is a self-paced, computer-based training program developed to increase your knowledge of the ACH. ACHPro has been developed to promote knowledge of the ACH network. This tool can be used to evaluate your level of expertise of the ACH and related payment systems, and to identify those areas that may require additional development. ACHPro was designed to make learning fun.
User Access opens in early May and closes Friday, December 29th
Registration closes Friday, October 27th
481 - Same Day ACH - A Guide to Opportunities and Implementation
This publication explores developments made possible by the advent of Same Day ACH. The publication delves into new product and service opportunities afforded FIs with Same Day ACH, as well as detailing steps to implementation and preparedness on an operational front.
615 - Understanding Internet-Initiated ACH Debits & Credits – 3rd Edition
This recently updated publication reflects a changing ecommerce environment over the last several years, together with important changes to the WEB Rules – specifically, the Mobile ACH Payments Rule effective January 1, 2011 which incorporated ACH debits authorized and/or initiated via wireless networks into the pre-existing category of Internet-Initiated Entries (WEB), and the P2P Entries via ACH Rule, which allows the use of credit WEB Entries by Originators as of March 7, 2014, and requires the use of credit WEB Entries by March 20, 2015. Topics covered include; Authorization and Authentication; Originator Obligations; Risk Management; Electronic Bill Payment, and Person to Person Payments.
