Accept E-Check Payments
Offer customers an electronic alternative to traditional paper checks through supported payment processing solutions.
eCheck Processing
Payment Circle
E-CHECK PAYMENT PROCESSING
E-Check Processing for Modern Businesses
Give customers another convenient way to pay with eCheck processing. Payment Circle helps eligible U.S. businesses explore electronic payment solutions that allow them to accept eCheck payments based on their business model, transaction needs, and processing requirements.
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Electronic Payment Options
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Built for Eligible Businesses
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Flexible Processing Solutions
Availability, approval, limits, settlement schedules, pricing, returns, and account conditions are determined by the applicable processor or financial institution.
E-CHECK PAYMENT SOLUTIONS
A Flexible Way to Accept Electronic Check Payments
Get an E-Check Processing QuoteElectronic check processing allows eligible businesses to accept payments electronically using information from a customer's checking account. Instead of handling a traditional paper check, the payment is submitted electronically for processing through the applicable payment network.
E-checks can be useful for businesses that want to offer an alternative to card payments, particularly for eligible online, recurring, invoice, or remote transactions. Payment Circle helps businesses explore eCheck payment solutions based on their transaction profile and processing requirements.
E-check availability, transaction limits, verification requirements, and processing terms vary by provider and business type.
E-CHECK PROCESSING FEATURES
E-Check Payment Capabilities Built Around Your Business
Explore electronic payment capabilities designed to help eligible businesses accept and manage eCheck transactions across supported sales channels.
Recurring Payment Support
E-checks may be suitable for eligible recurring payment arrangements where recurring transactions are supported.
Remote Payment Options
Accept eligible electronic check payments through supported online, invoice, or remote payment channels.
Business Payment Solutions
Explore eCheck processing options based on your business model, transaction type, and payment requirements.
Transaction Management
Access supported tools and processing capabilities for managing eligible electronic payment transactions.
Payment Security Controls
Use applicable verification and security features designed to help reduce unauthorized or fraudulent transactions.
BUSINESS PAYMENT NEEDS
E-Check Payments for Different Business Needs
Different businesses may use electronic checks for different types of transactions. Payment Circle helps eligible businesses explore eCheck processing based on their industry, transaction volume, sales channels, and payment requirements.
Explore E-Check Options
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High-Risk & Online Businesses
Offer an additional payment option for customers who prefer paying directly from a bank account.
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Online Businesses
Accept eligible eCheck payments through supported online payment environments.
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Service Businesses
Electronic checks may provide a convenient payment option for eligible professional and service-based businesses.
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Recurring Payments
Businesses with eligible recurring billing models, such as auto-ship programs for supplement brands, may be able to support recurring eCheck transactions.
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Invoice Payments
Offer supported customers an electronic payment method for eligible invoices.
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Remote Payments
Accept eCheck payments through supported remote payment channels where available.
E-CHECK EXPLAINED
What Is an E-Check?
An eCheck, or electronic check, is a digital payment method that allows money to be transferred electronically from a customer's eligible bank account to a business. Instead of exchanging a physical check, the payment information is submitted electronically for processing.
E-check payments can provide businesses with an alternative to traditional card payments for eligible transactions. The exact process, authorization requirements, processing time, and availability depend on the payment provider and transaction type.
HOW E-CHECK PROCESSING WORKS
How Does E-Check Processing Work?
An eCheck transaction generally moves through several steps before the payment is completed and funds become available to the business.
Customer Authorization
The customer provides the required payment information and authorizes the electronic check transaction through the supported payment method.
Transaction Submission
The payment information is submitted through the applicable electronic payment processing system.
Payment Processing
The transaction is processed through the applicable payment network and financial institutions.
Settlement & Funding
Once successfully processed, the transaction settles according to the applicable provider's processing and funding schedule.
Processing times and funding schedules vary by provider, transaction type, verification requirements, and business agreement.
FLEXIBLE E-CHECK SOLUTIONS
E-Check Processing for Different Business Models
The right electronic payment setup depends on how your business operates and how customers pay. Payment Circle helps eligible businesses explore eCheck solutions for supported transaction types and sales channels.
Online Payments
Accept eCheck payments through supported online payment environments.
Invoice Payments
Give eligible customers an additional way to pay invoices electronically.
Recurring Transactions
Support eligible recurring payment arrangements where available.
Remote Transactions
Process supported electronic check payments without requiring customers to visit a physical location.
Service Payments
Offer an electronic payment option for eligible service-based transactions.
Business-to-Business Payments
Explore eCheck solutions for eligible B2B payment requirements.
E-CHECK SECURITY
Secure E-Check Payment Processing
Electronic payments require appropriate authorization and transaction controls. Payment Circle helps eligible businesses explore eCheck processing solutions with applicable verification and security features designed to support electronic transactions.
No payment method is completely risk-free. Verification, fraud controls, transaction limits, and security features vary by provider and processing solution.
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Customer Authorization
Transactions require appropriate customer authorization according to the applicable payment process.
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Account Verification
Available verification methods may help validate payment information before processing.
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Transaction Monitoring
Applicable controls may help identify unusual or potentially unauthorized transaction activity.
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Payment Information Protection
Payment information is handled through the applicable payment processing environment and security requirements.
E-CHECK VS. ACH
E-Check vs. ACH: What's the Difference?
E-checks and ACH payments are closely related electronic payment methods, but the terms are not always interchangeable. An e-check generally refers to an electronic version of a check payment, while ACH refers to the electronic network used to move certain bank-account transactions between financial institutions.
Depending on the payment solution, an eCheck transaction may be processed through the ACH network. The terminology and processing method can vary by provider.
| E-Check | ACH |
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| Electronic version of a check payment | Electronic bank-to-bank payment network |
| Often used for check-style payments | Used for various electronic bank transactions |
| Can be used for eligible online or remote payments | Common for business payments, direct deposits, bills, and transfers |
| May be processed through ACH infrastructure | Refers to the underlying payment network |
PROCESSING TIMES
How Long Does an E-Check Take to Process?
E-check processing does not always happen instantly. The time required can depend on the payment provider, transaction verification, bank processing, weekends or holidays, and the applicable funding schedule.
Some transactions may be processed relatively quickly, while others can take additional time to complete. Businesses should review the applicable processor's settlement and funding terms to understand when funds are expected to become available.
Processing and funding times vary by transaction and provider.
E-CHECK APPLICATION INFORMATION
Information You May Need for E-Check Processing
When applying for eCheck processing, the applicable processor or financial institution may review information about your business, products or services, transaction activity, and payment requirements.
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Business Information
Legal business name, business structure, and contact details.
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Business Location
Information about where your business operates.
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Products & Services
Details about what you sell and how customers pay.
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Expected Volume
Estimated transaction volume and average transaction amount.
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Payment Channels
Whether payments are accepted online, by phone, by invoice, or on a recurring schedule.
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Processing History
Previous payment processing history, where applicable.
Additional documentation or verification may be required depending on the processor and business type.
How to process an eCheck payment
An eCheck is an electronic debit from a customer’s checking account, processed through the ACH network. In other words, it is a type of bank transfer, but one your business starts with the customer’s permission, using their routing and account numbers.
Get authorization
The customer agrees to the debit online, by phone or in writing.
Collect bank details
Capture the routing and account number securely through your gateway.
Verify the account
Validate the account before the first debit to reduce returns and fraud.
Submit and settle
The payment is sent through the ACH network and settles in a few business days.
Authorization types
Getting the right authorization
Nacha, which governs the ACH network, sets rules for how each type of eCheck payment is authorized.
- Online (WEB) — the customer authorizes on your website. Nacha rules require validating the account before the first online debit.
- Phone (TEL) — the customer authorizes by phone. Record the call or send a written confirmation.
- Recurring (PPD) — a written or signed authorization for repeat consumer payments, such as subscriptions.
- Business-to-business (CCD) — payments from another company’s account, common for professional services invoices.
Risks
What are the risks of eCheck payments?
eChecks cost less than cards, but they can be returned after you think you have been paid.
- Insufficient funds — the most common return (code R01) is a payment the account cannot cover.
- Unauthorized disputes — consumers can generally dispute an unauthorized debit for up to 60 days after their bank statement (code R10).
- Closed or invalid accounts — account verification catches most of these before the debit.
- Return fees — returned payments usually carry a fee, and high return rates draw processor review.
Related
Explore related solutions
E-CHECK PROCESSING FAQS
Common Questions About E-Check Processing
Review common questions about how e-checks work, processing times, safety, and eligibility.
Ask a Payment SpecialistAn eCheck is an electronic payment that allows funds to be transferred from a customer's eligible bank account to a business without using a traditional paper check.
The customer provides the required payment information and authorization. The transaction is submitted electronically, processed through the applicable payment network and financial institutions, and settled according to the provider's terms.
Processing times vary based on the provider, transaction, verification requirements, bank processing, and funding schedule. Businesses should review the applicable processor's terms for specific timing.
E-checks can be a reliable electronic payment method when processed through appropriate payment systems with applicable authorization, verification, and security controls. However, no payment method is completely risk-free.
A customer generally provides the required bank-account information and authorizes the transaction through a supported payment method. The business then submits the payment through its eCheck processing solution.
Eligible businesses may be able to accept eCheck payments depending on their industry, business model, transaction profile, and the requirements of the applicable processor.
An eCheck generally refers to an electronic check payment, while ACH refers to the electronic payment network used to process certain bank-account transactions. Some eCheck transactions may be processed through the ACH network.
GET STARTED WITH E-CHECKS
Ready to Accept E-Check Payments?
Give your customers another way to pay. Payment Circle helps eligible businesses explore eCheck processing solutions based on their business model, transaction needs, and payment channels.
E-check processing is subject to provider eligibility, authorization, compliance, technical, and underwriting requirements.