NACHA Rule Changes

Effective: 2021-06-30

Details
This rule limits the length of time in which an RDFI will be permitted to make a claim against the ODFI’s authorization warranty

For an entry to a non-consumer account, the time limit will be one year from the settlement date of the entry ( analogous to one-year rule in UCC §4-406 that applies to checks and items charged to bank accounts)

For an entry to a consumer account, the limit will cover two time periods

The first ninety-five (95) calendar days from the settlement date of the first unauthorized entry to the consumer’s account will always be covered (i.e., the first 95 days)

This period covers the time period in Regulation E in which an RDFI may be liable to a consumer for errors for 60 days from the transmittal of an account statement that shows the first error

If outside the first 95 days, then two years from the settlement date of the entry (i.e., the last two years)

This period exceeds the one-year Statute of Limitations in the Electronic Funds Transfer Act (covering Regulation E claims), which runs from the date of the occurrence of the violation, which may be later than the settlement date of the transaction

This also allows for “extenuating circumstances” in which a consumer is delayed from reporting an error to his or her financial institution

Technical
This rule will become effective on June 30, 2021

Note that the effective date applies to an RDFI’s ability to make a claim, and not to the settlement dates of entries

As of June 30, 2021, an RDFI may make a claim regarding an entry using the new time frames allowed by this rule

These time frames apply to all warranty claims moving forward, no matter the settlement date of the Entry

Impact
Benefits

Addresses a friction point for many ACH participants

For ACH Originators, by limiting the length of time in which an ACH payment can be charged back

For ODFIs, by providing greater certainty regarding long-term return of transactions and associated credit risk

For RDFIs, by providing greater clarity regarding situations in which claims are allowed; and helping RDFI to establish reasonable expectations with their customers

Lowers a barrier to ACH origination for potential ODFIs and Originators, as it creates more certainty for transaction liability

Establishes a more equitable allocation of liability – Receivers have a responsibility to review statements and report unauthorized activity in a timely manner

Lessens the impact of “friendly fraud”

RDFIs generally will still be enabled to recover amounts they must pay consumers under Regulation E

Impacts

Shifts liability for some older transactions from ODFIs and Originators to RDFIs and Receivers

Small increase in risk that there will be some circumstances in which an RDFI could be liable to its customer without the ability to collect from the ODFI; associated RDFI courtesy write-offs

Having two different time periods covered for entries to consumer accounts can cause confusion

May be viewed as less consumer friendly

Effective Date: 2021-06-30 12:00 am