Nacha has launched DirectPayment.org, a new consumer-focused awareness campaign designed to highlight the convenience and security of using Direct Payment for bill management. Also known as electronic funds transfer (EFT), bank transfer, eCheck, or autopay, Direct Payment enables consumers to manage various financial obligations, including replenishing account balances, making donations, and paying tuition, dues, premiums, subscriptions, as well as mobile/internet/cable and other recurring bills.
According to the Federal Reserve 2024 Findings from the Diary of Consumer Payment Choice, Americans utilize Direct Payment for an average of six bills each month, totaling $2,314. The system is structured to simplify the payment process and offers consumers key advantages: convenience and efficiency through one-time setup for recurring payments; security, as ACH transactions protect financial information; and timeliness, ensuring payments are processed promptly to avoid late fees, penalties, or service interruptions.
The campaign features several real-life individuals who depend on Direct Payment, highlighting the peace of mind derived from timely bill payments. Jane Larimer, Nacha President and CEO, stated, “Direct Payment gives both the sending and receiving parties – consumers and billers – the confidence that funds will be accurately and securely delivered on time. This campaign shows a variety of ways that Direct Payment is delivering for consumers and businesses.”
Concurrent with the Direct Payment initiative, Nacha has also updated DirectDeposit.org with new subjects and expanded uses for Direct Deposit. This ongoing effort aims to further educate and inform Americans on leveraging Direct Deposit for financial simplification. Direct Deposit is widely recognized as a secure and convenient method for consumers to receive funds into their bank or credit union accounts. Statistics show that 92% of American workers receive their payroll via Direct Deposit, along with 99% of Social Security recipients and 97% of veterans’ benefits. Additionally, 91% of Americans due tax refunds are paid through Direct Deposit.
Nacha is inviting Americans to share their stories about how Direct Payment or Direct Deposit has helped them gain control of their finances, reduce stress, or free up valuable time. Selected submissions may be featured in future campaigns. For additional information, the dedicated campaign websites are DirectPayment.org and DirectDeposit.org.
Nacha governs the ACH Network, a payment system facilitating Direct Deposits and Direct Payments across U.S. bank and credit union accounts. In 2024, the ACH Network processed 33.6 billion payments valued at $86.2 trillion. Through collaboration and problem-solving among diverse payment industry stakeholders, Nacha works to advance innovation and interoperability within the payments system, developing rules and standards, providing industry solutions, and offering education, accreditation, and advisory services.
