A reliable, low-cost alternative to cards. Accept eCheck payments online, by phone or on recurring billing, with lower fees than card processing and no card network in the middle.
Online checkout · Phone & virtual terminal · Recurring billing · Invoices · High-risk friendly
Streamline how you collect payments, and give customers another easy, secure way to pay.
eCheck fees are typically well below card processing fees, so you keep more of every payment, especially on large tickets.
Electronic transfers between bank accounts, with strict security standards protecting customer details and reducing fraud.
Serve customers who don't have credit cards or prefer not to use them, without turning anyone away at checkout.
Set up recurring billing for subscriptions, memberships and payment plans. Payments arrive on time, with no manual work.
Works with your website, billing system or virtual terminal, so you can add eCheck without disrupting operations.
Track volumes, success and return rates and other key metrics, so you can make informed decisions.
They enter their routing and account number online, or give authorization by phone or a signed form.
The account is checked and the debit is sent through the ACH network to the customer's bank.
Money typically reaches your account in 1–3 business days, with faster settlement available on some plans.
Most businesses offer both. eCheck works best for larger and recurring payments.
| eCheck / ACH | Credit & debit cards | |
|---|---|---|
| Processing cost | Usually a low flat or small percentage fee | Percentage of every sale, plus per-transaction fees |
| Speed to your account | Typically 1–3 business days | Typically 1–2 business days |
| Best for | Large tickets, invoices, subscriptions, payment plans | Everyday purchases and instant checkouts |
| Disputes | Returns, rather than card chargebacks | Card chargebacks |
| High-risk businesses | Often a good main or backup option | Needs a high-risk merchant account |
Including high-risk businesses that need a backup rail. High-risk accounts →
Tell us how you bill customers and your monthly volume. You'll get your options within one business day.
Direct-Merchant.org provides consulting and application support only. We are not a bank, payment processor or ODFI, and we do not hold or move funds. Approval, pricing, settlement times, reserves and account terms are decided solely by the processor or bank, and approval is never guaranteed. ACH payments must follow Nacha Operating Rules, including proper customer authorization. Comparisons are general and vary by processor.