01/04/2017

ACH Volume Increases 5.7 Percent in 3rd Quarter 2016

The Automated Clearing House Network grew by 5.7 percent in the 3rd Quarter 2016 compared to a year ago. Approximately 5.11 billion transactions moving approximately $11.0 trillion were conducted during the quarter. These figures represent changes of 5.7 percent and 6.1 percent, respectively, compared to the same quarter of 2015. Statistics include commercial inter-bank and government transactions, but not “on-us” transactions. Government transactions account for 7.5% of total volume.

While the third quarter also marked the beginning of same-day ACH processing, the latest quarterly report from Nacha does not break out same-day volumes. Same-day ACH began on September 23, just a week before the end of the quarter. Nacha reported in mid-November that the first full month of same-day ACH met its expectations, with a total of 3.8 million transactions worth $4.98 billion. Same-day ACH currently is available only for credit transactions, but will become an option for debit transactions on Sept. 15, 2017.

WEB credits (person-to-person payments), led the growth, posting 20.2 million transactions up 29.2% year-over-year. P2P is a hot development category in payments with competition from PayPal and other processors. WEB debits, (online and mobile purchases), grew 16% to nearly 1.18 billion transactions. Telephone-based ACH payments (TEL) grew 10.2%, Business to Business payments (CCD and CTX transactions) grew at 3.9% and International ACH grew at 15.7%. PPD debits (prearranged bill payments) was up 6.2%.

Check conversion transactions (ARC, BOC & POP) continued its steep decline (down 8.6%) as consumers switch to electronic bill payment and internet transactions.