ACH Mandate Registration

ACH is short for Automated Clearing House. It helps carry out paperless electronic payments between financial institutions and banks. ACH is considered to be the safest and most reliable payment system. The ACH network handles nearly 23 billion payments altogether. Individuals typically use ACH to make payments through direct payment systems either as ACH debit or ACH credit.

An ACH mandate is set up when you or the billing company need to set up a recurring payment. This payment is typically auto-debited from your account with prior authorization. However, you have to complete the ACH mandate registration to set up this recurring auto-debit payment.

Many individuals and businesses use ACH mandates to automate and collect recurring payments. ACH has proved to be beneficial in several ways. Here are 3 main reasons highlighting the need for ACH.

• Makes Payments Convenient

Typically, the payment process involves visits to the bank, cutting checks, and processing several invoices. However, with ACH, such employee manpower would not be required. Instead, it proves to be a convenient alternative that sets up a recurring schedule to allow automatic pre-authorized payments post ACH e-mandate registration.

• Fast Processing Times

ACH transactions are processed within a day, whereas checks take up to a few days. Such fast processing times help improve cash flow.

• Low Cost Transactions

Once you have your ACH debit mandate registered, you can carry out low-cost transactions in no time. The transaction fees charged for ACH transactions are much lesser compared to the transaction fees charged for checks.

The ACH registration process is quite simple. You can register for the ACH mandate on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) website or through the website of any bank.

Users can register for ACH e-mandate through the National Stock Exchange (NSE) website or through any of the banks or financial institutions. Let us have a look at the ACH registration process through both these pathways

1. Register Through NSE

Follow these 7 steps to register for ACH mandate through the NSE website.

• Step 1: Navigate to the NSE Mutual Funds website and click on “CRM''. Then, choose “ACH Mandate Registration” and enter your Customer ID / IIN number.
• Step 2: Next, when you are asked to choose the UMRN number, select your mandate type as new.
• Step 3: Click on the “eMandate” option and ensure that the ACH mandate type is set to “online”.
• Step 4: For bank accounts that are already registered at the IIN level, e-mandate can be registered. So, ensure that the bank selection satisfies two main conditions - banks should facilitate e-mandates, and the bank should be registered at the IIN level.
• Step 5: Click on “Submit” to confirm your e-mandate registration.
• Step 6: Enter your Aadhar number at the bottom of the page as requested.
• Step 7: Finally, you will receive an OTP on your registered mobile number as per your Aadhar card. Enter the OTP to complete the registration process.

2. Register Through Banks

The ACH e-mandate registration can also be carried out through banking websites. However, you need to have active net banking services to apply for an e-mandate. You can then enter your loan application number and your date of birth to begin your ACH mandate registration process. Here are a few factors to check beforehand to ensure a seamless registration process.

• Ensure that your email ID and mobile number that are registered with the bank are accurate. You will receive OTP for registration on your mobile number or email.

• Verify your MICR and IFSC and update them as per your passbook, whichever is latest.

• Ensure that your bank is registered with NPCI or API e-mandate.

Moreover, the ACH ECS mandate registration charges vary across banks. For instance, SBI charges ₹50 + GST for their e-Mandate registration.

A few eligibility criteria have to be met in order to register for ACH. Here are some of the key eligibility criteria.

• Bank/Loan Account

If you would like to register for ACH, you should either have an active bank account or an active loan account in a particular bank or financial institution.

• Net Banking Services

You must have active net banking services to register for ACH mandate. If you do not have net bank services, contact your bank to activate your net banking services at the earliest.

• NPCI / API eMandate

Finally, the bank or financial institution that debits or credits money using ACH has to be registered with NPCI or API e-mandate.

There are several instances during which the ACH mandate can be rejected. Here are some of them. You ACH mandate can be rejected if:

• Your transaction is invalid.

• You have insufficient funds.

• The account number or your CVV does not match.

• Your card is expired.

• You exceed the activity limit.

• The wrong PIN is entered.

Here is a detailed list of decline codes with respect to ACH.