Protecting Your Business: The 2026 ACH Strategic Guide
ACH payments are the lifeblood of efficient business, but fraud tactics are constantly evolving. That is why National Automated Clearing House Association (Nacha) is updating its rules in 2026 to help keep your money safe.
Starting March 20, 2026, the focus shifts from simply processing payments to actively monitoring them. Here is a breakdown of the new requirements and the practical steps you need to take.
1. Monitor for Unusual Activity
- Look for patterns. If a transaction volume or amount looks different than your usual history, pause and investigate before transmitting the file.
- Set it and forget it" is no longer compliant. Originators must now implement risk-based processes to actively identify unauthorized entries.
- Read the official Nacha rule on Fraud Monitoring here.
2. Verify Vendor Payment Changes
- You are now required to have a process designed to detect payments authorized under "False Pretenses" (such as email scams requesting account changes).
- Implement a "Verify Before You Modify" policy. If a vendor emails you to update their payment info, always call a known contact at that company to confirm the request is real.
3. Conduct an Annual Security Review
- Fraud prevention is not a one-time task. You are now required to review your fraud detection processes at least annually to ensure they address evolving risks.
- Set a recurring calendar reminder to audit your security procedures once a year.
4. Use Standard Transaction Descriptions
- To improve clarity, standard descriptions are now required for specific entry types.
- Ensure your software uses the correct labels:
- Use PAYROLL for all wage and salary credits.
- Use PURCHASE for e-commerce debits.
- See the full list of Standard Entry Descriptions here.
Need help getting ready?
We are here to help you navigate these updates. Contact our Client Services team for guidance on setting up these safeguards.