Finance term
Same-Day ACH
Also known as: SDA, NACHA same-day ACH
Definition
Same-Day ACH is an ACH transfer that settles within the same business day rather than the standard 1-3 business day window. Available since 2016 (NACHA phased rollout), it carries a higher per-transaction fee but enables faster payroll funding, urgent vendor payments, and faster MCA disbursements.
Detailed explanation
NACHA introduced Same-Day ACH in three phases between 2016 and 2018. Phase 1 (September 2016): same-day ACH debits. Phase 2 (September 2017): same-day ACH credits. Phase 3 (March 2018): extended processing windows and higher per-transaction limits. The same-day dollar limit was raised to $1 million per transaction in March 2022.
Same-Day ACH operates through multiple processing windows per day: Morning window (files submitted by 10:30 AM ET, credited by 1:00 PM ET) and Afternoon window (files submitted by 2:45 PM ET, credited by 5:00 PM ET), as of NACHA's current operating schedule. Standard ACH files received after those windows settle the next business day.
Fees: NACHA's rules allow originating banks to charge a per-transaction fee for same-day ACH — currently capped at $0.052 per entry. Compared to standard ACH which may be free or under $0.01 per entry, same-day adds cost but remains far cheaper than wire transfers ($25-50 outgoing).
For small businesses: same-day ACH is most valuable for (1) off-cycle payroll runs (a missed regular payroll can be fixed same-day), (2) urgent vendor/supplier payments where a wire feels excessive, (3) real-time invoice settlement, and (4) MCA and lender disbursements that can now fund same-day. NACHA data shows that business-to-business (B2B) and payroll are the dominant same-day ACH use cases.
◈ Worked example
- Payroll error: regular Friday ACH deposit missed — same-day ACH rerun by 2:45 PM ET, employees paid by 5:00 PM same day
- Supplier requires payment for urgent parts order: same-day ACH sent at 10:00 AM ET — supplier account funded by 1:00 PM ET, order ships same afternoon
- MCA funder uses same-day ACH for disbursement: approved at 11 AM, funded by 5 PM same day vs. standard ACH next business day
Common questions
The most-asked questions about Same-Day ACH — answered straightforwardly.
What is the maximum amount for same-day ACH? +
As of March 18, 2022, the per-transaction limit for Same-Day ACH is $1,000,000 (one million dollars). Before that increase it was $100,000. This makes same-day ACH viable for most business payment needs — only very large transactions (real estate, M&A earnest money) still typically require wire transfer.
Is same-day ACH the same as a wire transfer? +
No. Same-day ACH is still a batch-processed transfer within the ACH network, settling at two specific cut-off windows during the day. Wire transfers are processed in real-time on the Fedwire system, settling within minutes for domestic wires. Wires cost $25-50 per outgoing transfer; same-day ACH costs pennies. For non-urgent same-business-day settlement, same-day ACH is the cost-efficient choice.
Does every bank support same-day ACH? +
Yes — as of September 2019, receiving same-day ACH is mandatory for all RDFI (receiving financial institution) NACHA members. Sending same-day ACH (being an ODFI/originator) depends on your bank's capabilities. Virtually all major U.S. banks and larger credit unions support same-day ACH origination. Confirm with your bank if same-day origination is included in your treasury/cash management services.
Further reading
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