Complete Story
01/18/2012
New Year- New Messaging!
GACHA Supports NACHA Communications Initiative to Streamline Industry Terminology
As the migration from paper to electronic payments continues, GACHA, in conjunction with NACHA, has taken on a new initiative to develop clear, powerful messaging to ensure a common understanding of the NACHA Operating Rules, the ACH Network, and ACH payments.
Through an industry-inclusive process, NACHA identified four core messages that reflected the key points to convey when referring to the ACH Network and ACH payments:
Message 1 defines the ACH Network:
The ACH Network is the backbone for the electronic movement of money and other related data, providing a safe, secure, reliable network for direct consumer, business, and government payments.
Message 2 describes Network inclusiveness:
Large and small financial institutions of all kinds jointly govern and utilize the ACH Network, facilitating billions of payments such as Direct Deposit and Direct Payment.
Message 3 positions the NACHA Operating Rules:
The ACH Network is governed by fair and equitable rules that guide risk management and create certainty for all participants.
Message 4 emphasizes Network innovation:
As the migration from paper to electronic payment continues, the cost-effective ACH Network will grow and enable innovation that strengthens the industry with creative payment solutions.
In addition, terminology was created that refers to the specific language we use to explain ACH payments. The industry indicated that Direct Deposit should continue to be used as it has been, but the definition of Direct Payment should be expanded to include all other forms of payment.
Finally, it became evident that a vehicle was needed to articulate the connection between Direct Deposit and Direct Payment and the ACH Network. The phrase “via ACH” will bridge this gap: “via ACH” is the differentiating phrase that links ACH payments back to the Network.
The NACHA Message Project provides a significant opportunity for all financial institutions and businesses to better communicate about the ACH Network and ACH payments. We encourage our members to use the materials and resources available to begin incorporating the messages, terminology, and phrasing into their materials and products.
For more information or to download turn-key materials to support the message initiative, visit