What Is ACH?

ACH (Automated Clearing House) payments allow vendors to pay directly from their US bank account instead of using a credit or debit card.

BoothCentral securely processes ACH payments through Stripe, our trusted payment processor.

ACH can be especially useful for larger vendor payments because the processing fee is 0.8% per transaction, capped at $5.00. This means the processing fee will never exceed $5.00, regardless of how large the ACH payment is.

Why Accept ACH Payments?

One of the main benefits of accepting ACH payments is the lower processing cost, particularly for larger transactions.

ACH payments are charged 0.8% per transaction, capped at $5.00. By comparison, standard domestic credit card processing through Stripe is typically 2.9% + $0.30 per successful transaction.

For example, on a $1,000 payment:

ACH Payment
0.8% would normally equal $8.00, but because the fee is capped, the processing fee is $5.00.

Credit Card Payment
At 2.9% + $0.30, the processing fee would be $29.30.

In this example, accepting the payment through ACH instead of a credit card would result in $24.30 less in processing fees.

The difference can become even more significant as the payment amount increases because the ACH processing fee remains capped at $5.00.

Benefits and Considerations of ACH

Before enabling ACH payments, consider both the benefits and limitations.

Benefits

• Lower processing fees: ACH costs 0.8% per transaction and is capped at $5.00.
• Helpful for larger payments: Once the $5.00 cap is reached, the ACH processing fee does not increase with the payment amount.
• Another payment option for vendors: Vendors can pay directly from their US bank account instead of using a credit card.
• Useful for vendors making larger booth or event payments: ACH can significantly reduce processing costs compared with credit card payments.

Considerations

• ACH payments are not instant: Payments can take up to 4 business days to process.
• Payments can fail: A payment may be returned after it has been submitted, and a $4.00 failed payment fee applies.
• Disputes have additional costs: A $15.00 fee applies to each ACH dispute.
• Disputes cannot be contested: Unlike credit card disputes, an ACH dispute approved by the vendor's bank cannot be challenged through BoothCentral or Stripe.

ACH Terms

When you enable ACH payments, you agree to the following terms:

• A 0.8% processing fee is charged for each successful ACH payment, capped at $5.00 per transaction.
• A $4.00 fee is automatically charged for each failed ACH payment.
• A $15.00 fee is automatically charged for each ACH dispute.
• Unlike credit card disputes, ACH disputes cannot be contested. If a vendor's bank approves an ACH dispute, the payment is reversed and the decision is final.

How ACH Payments Work

When a vendor pays with ACH:

1. The vendor securely connects or enters their US bank account on BoothCentral.
2. Stripe submits the payment through the ACH banking network.
3. The vendor's bank processes the payment.
4. Once the payment clears, the funds become available according to your Stripe payout schedule.

How Long Do ACH Payments Take?

ACH payments typically take up to 4 business days to process.
Standard ACH settlement through Stripe is generally 4 business days. Some eligible Stripe accounts may qualify for faster settlement.

Because ACH is not an instant payment method, we recommend allowing the payment to fully process before relying on the funds.

Failed ACH Payments

ACH payments can still fail after they have been submitted.

If an ACH payment fails:

• The payment is reversed.
• A $4.00 failed payment fee is automatically charged.

Some common reasons a payment may fail include:

• Insufficient funds
• Invalid bank account information
• Closed bank account
• The vendor's bank declined the payment

ACH Disputes

A vendor may dispute an ACH payment through their bank.

If the dispute is approved:

• The payment is reversed.
• A $15.00 dispute fee is automatically charged.
• The dispute cannot be contested through BoothCentral or Stripe.

Unlike credit card disputes, you cannot challenge an approved ACH dispute through BoothCentral or Stripe. If the vendor's bank approves the dispute, the decision is final.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I offer ACH payments?

ACH can significantly reduce processing costs, particularly for larger vendor payments. The processing fee is 0.8% and is capped at $5.00 per transaction.

Can vendors still pay with a credit card?

Yes. If your event accepts both ACH and credit card payments, vendors can choose their preferred payment method at checkout.

Are ACH payments instant?

No. ACH payments typically take up to 4 business days to process.

Why would an ACH payment fail?

Common reasons include insufficient funds, incorrect bank account information, a closed bank account, or the vendor's bank declining the payment.

Can I challenge an ACH dispute?

No. Unlike credit card disputes, an approved ACH dispute cannot be contested through BoothCentral or Stripe. If the vendor's bank approves the dispute, the payment is reversed and the decision is final.

Where can I learn more about ACH fees?

See our ACH Payment Fees and Terms help article for a complete explanation of ACH processing fees, failed payment fees, and dispute fees.

Still Having Trouble?

If you have questions about accepting ACH Online payments, payment processing times, failed payments, or disputes, contact BoothCentral Support for further assistance. You may use our Live Chat or email us at support@boothcentral.com.

Updated on: 14/08/2026