How to Request an ACH Payment from a Customer

To request an ACH payment from a customer, you need to first obtain their authorization, securely collect their bank account details, and then send them a clear payment request through an invoice or secure payment link. Unlike credit cards, ACH payments move money directly between bank accounts, which reduces fees and makes it easier to handle recurring billing.

Confirm You’re Eligible to Accept ACH Payments

Before you can request ACH payments, make sure your payment processor or bank account supports ACH transfers. Not all providers do by default, so check for:

• ACH processing setup in your merchant account
• Any required paperwork, like authorization agreements
• Transaction limits and processing times (usually 1–3 business days)

For example, if you only have a standard checking account without payment processing, you’ll need to enable ACH services through a payment solution provider.

Get Customer Authorization

ACH payments require your customer’s permission since you’ll be debiting their bank account directly. Authorization can be obtained in several ways:

• Written agreement: A signed authorization form that includes payment terms, bank details, and consent.
• Online authorization: A secure digital form that the customer completes.
• Verbal authorization: Over the phone, but must be recorded and documented.

Always store authorizations securely to remain compliant with NACHA (the organization that governs ACH transactions).

Collect the Required Bank Details

To process an ACH payment, you’ll need:

• Customer’s full name or business name
• Bank routing number (9 digits)
• Bank account number
• Account type (checking or savings)

Here’s an example table you could use to organize details safely (never in plain email):

Send the ACH Payment Request

Once authorization is in place, create and send a payment request. Depending on your payment system, you can:

• Generate an online invoice with ACH as the payment option
• Email a secure payment link
• Set up recurring ACH billing if the customer pays you regularly

Make sure your request clearly states the amount due, payment deadline, and instructions for paying via ACH.

Track the ACH Payment

ACH payments aren’t instant, so you need to track them. Payments typically take 1–3 business days to clear, and sometimes longer if there are issues. Watch for:

• Pending: Payment is initiated but not yet cleared.
• Completed: Funds have been transferred successfully.
• Returned: Payment failed due to insufficient funds, incorrect details, or revoked authorization.

Your payment platform should notify you of these statuses, so you can follow up quickly with customers if needed.

Bonus Tip: Automate ACH Requests with DepositFix

If you want to simplify ACH payments, consider using DepositFix. With DepositFix, you can:

• Add ACH as a payment option directly on your invoices
• Automate recurring ACH billing for long-term clients
• Reduce fees compared to credit card payments
• Provide a seamless checkout experience for customers

This eliminates manual steps, reduces errors, and helps you get paid faster without the heavy processing fees of traditional payment methods.