NACHA Rule Changes

Effective: 2021-03-19

Details
Creates a third Same Day ACH processing window that expands Same Day ACH availability by 2 hours

Currently, the latest that an ODFI can submit files of Same Day ACH transactions to an ACH Operator is 2:45 p.m. ET (11:45 a.m. PT)
The new window will allow Same Day ACH files to be submitted until 4:45 p.m. ET (1:45 p.m. PT), providing greater access for all ODFIs and their customers
The timing of this new processing window is intended to balance the desire to expand access to Same Day ACH through extended hours with the need to minimize impacts on financial institutions’ end-of-day operations and the re-opening of the next banking day
Technical
The precise timing of ACH file processing schedules, including this new third Same Day ACH processing window, are not set in the Rules, but instead are determined by each ACH Operator.

The following changes to technical language represent modifications to the Nacha Operating Rules:

Article Three, Subsection 3.3.1.1 General Rule for Availability of Credits: To address funds availability requirements for credit Same Day Entries received in the third same-day processing window
Appendix Three, Glossary of Data Elements, Company Descriptive Date: To include the optional indicator for Same Day ACH entries that the Originator desires to settle in the third window.

Impact
Effective Date – March 19, 2021

Effective Date: 2021-03-19 12:00 am