When you’re running a small business, every payment counts. But traditional methods like paper checks or credit card fees can slow things down or cost more than they should. That’s where ACH payments come in.

ACH (Automated Clearing House) payments offer a faster, more efficient way to move money between bank accounts. If you’ve ever set up direct deposit or paid a bill online, you’ve probably used ACH without even realizing it. For small businesses, understanding ACH can open the door to simpler cash flow and lower costs.

What Is ACH and How Does It Work?

ACH is an electronic network that banks use to process payments and money transfers. It’s overseen by NACHA (the National Automated Clearing House Association) and handles billions of transactions every year in the U.S.

When you send an ACH payment, you’re authorizing money to move from one bank account to another. These transfers typically clear within one to two business days, making them faster than checks and more cost-effective than credit card transactions.

There are two main types of ACH transactions:

• ACH Credit – You send money to someone else (like paying a vendor).
• ACH Debit – You pull money from a customer’s account (like recurring billing or invoice payments).

Why Small Businesses Should Use ACH

1. Lower Processing Fees
ACH payments typically cost less than credit card transactions. That can mean real savings over time, especially if you process a high volume of payments.

2. Faster Cash Flow
Paper checks can take days to arrive and clear. ACH transactions settle faster, so you get access to your funds sooner and can better manage your cash flow.

3. Fewer Manual Errors
ACH payments are digital, which means fewer mistakes compared to typing up paper checks or entering card details manually.

4. Easier Recurring Billing
If you bill customers on a regular basis, ACH makes it easy to set up automated payments. That reduces missed payments and helps stabilize your revenue.

5. More Professional Payment Experience
Offering ACH as a payment option shows that your business is modern and easy to work with. It’s a small change that can make a big impact on how customers see you.

How ReliaFund Supports ACH Payments

ReliaFund makes ACH processing simple and secure for small businesses. Whether you’re collecting membership fees, running payroll, or setting up recurring customer billing, our platform allows you to send and receive payments automatically using just a bank routing and account number – no credit cards required.

You can accept payments online or by phone, and our system integrates seamlessly with tools like QuickBooks and Xero. ReliaFund also helps you disburse funds for things like rebates, insurance claims, or employee payroll – all while maintaining strict security and compliance standards.

Want to simplify your payment processes with ACH? Contact ReliaFund today and see how our ACH solutions can streamline your cash flow and support your business growth.