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eCheck payment using the ACH network
Accept eCheck payment through a secure payment gateway so customers can pay from a bank account online. It is a payment solution for businesses in the United States that want to reduce paper checks, support recurring payments, and offer another way to pay for a product or service.
A digital way to accept check payments
Reduce paper check delays and manual work
Paper checks add extra steps to your payment process. A customer has to write the check, mail or deliver it, and your team has to receive it, deposit it, and reconcile it. An eCheck is a digital version of a paper check. It lets money move from the customer's checking account to the merchant's business bank account electronically, using the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network.
For small business owners, eCheck payment can be useful when customers prefer bank payments over credit card payments, wire transfers, a debit card, a digital wallet, or other payment systems.
What eCheck payment does
Expand payment options without adding complexity
The ACH network is used by financial institutions, including issuing banks, to move money electronically between bank accounts. It supports common payment activity such as direct deposit, bill payments, and ACH payments.
An eCheck payment lets your business collect payment directly from a customer's bank account after the customer authorizes the transaction. The customer provides banking information, such as a routing number and account number, and the payment is processed electronically through the ACH network.
How eCheck payments work
The customer initiates the eCheck
The customer submits their banking details through a secure digital form
The customer approves the transaction
The payment is debited from the customer's account
The ACH network facilitates the electronic movement of funds between the customer's bank and the merchant's bank
The funds arrive in the merchant's business bank account
Why businesses use eCheck payment
Lower cost for some transactions
Businesses often compare eCheck payment with credit card payments because card costs can matter on larger invoices. eCheck processing can be less expensive because funds move through bank payment rails rather than through credit card issuers and card networks.
eCheck transactions are capped at 0.75%, while credit card fees often range from 2% to 4%. That means a 3% credit card fee or other credit card processing fees can have a bigger impact on large payments. When comparing an eCheck fee to a credit card transaction fee, eCheck processing is often the lower cost option.
Useful for recurring payments
eCheck payment can support recurring payments when the customer authorizes repeat withdrawals. This can help with memberships, rent, retainers, subscriptions, service plans, and other scheduled payments.
Customers can pay a credit card bill, monthly service fee, or other recurring charge directly from their bank account. Unlike credit card expiration dates that can cause failed payments, bank accounts rarely expire.
eCheck compared with other payment methods
Costs, limits, speed, and availability vary depending on the bank, processor, and customer account.
| Payment method | How it is commonly used |
|---|---|
| eCheck payment | Online bank payment using account and routing details, processed through the ACH network |
| Paper check | Mailed or hand-delivered check that requires physical handling and deposit |
| Credit card | Online or in-person card payment involving card networks |
| Wire transfer | Bank-to-bank transfer often used for large or urgent transfers |
| Debit card | Card payment linked to a bank account |
| Digital wallet | Online or mobile payment using stored payment credentials |
Security and payment data
When customers enter banking information, security matters. eChecks use secure forms, encryption, authentication, and payment processor controls to help protect sensitive data throughout the transaction.
Fraud detection tools
Authorize.net offers the Advanced Fraud Detection Suite (AFDS) to help businesses identify and manage suspicious activity. These tools add another layer of protection to your payment processing.
Safer than paper
Electronic processing keeps payment information in fewer hands than paper checks. This reduces the risk of checks being misplaced, stolen, or altered during handling and delivery.
Where eCheck payment can help
Get paid without the card fees
A business that accepts credit card payments may still want eCheck payment because card payments and bank payments serve different customer needs.
A card reader may be useful for in-person payments, while eCheck payment may be useful for an invoice paid from a bank account. Manage eCheck activity along with other online transactions.
eCheck payment may be a good fit for businesses that need to:
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Collect large invoices without high card processing costs |
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Accept rent, dues, retainers, or service fees |
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Offer recurring payments for memberships or subscriptions |
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Give customers a bank-based online payment option |
Frequently asked questions
An eCheck is an electronic check. It works like a paper check, but the payment is entered and processed digitally. Funds move from the payer's checking account to the payee's account through the ACH network.
An eCheck is a type of payment that uses the ACH network. All eChecks are ACH transfers, but not every ACH transfer is an eCheck.
The customer usually provides a bank routing number, account number, payment amount, and authorization to withdraw the funds.
Processing time varies depending on the provider and financial institutions involved. eCheck processing typically takes three to five business days.
Yes. eCheck payment can be used for recurring payments when the customer authorizes repeat withdrawals from their bank account.
eCheck fees are capped at 0.75%, while card fees are often 2% to 4%. Costs differ by provider.
ACH processing is tied to business days and may be affected by weekends and holidays.
Get started with eCheck payment
If your customers want a bank-based way to pay online, Authorize.net can help you accept eCheck payment using the ACH network. It gives your business another payment option while supporting secure online payment processing.