Overview
NMI now offers another in-house option for ACH processing: Payliance ACH. It runs alongside our existing in-house electronic check processor and does not replace it.
With an in-house option, NMI manages onboarding and activation through NMI interfaces.
You can also continue to use Bring Your Own Credentials, which lets you or your merchant use your own external ACH processor relationship.
Beta: Payliance ACH through our relationship is currently in beta. If you're interested in becoming a beta tester, please contact your Partner Account Manager. If you're unsure who your Partner Account Manager is, you can submit a support ticket for assistance.
What Is Payliance ACH?
ACH stands for Automated Clearing House, the U.S. network for electronic bank payments. Payliance is one of many ACH processors we work with.
NMI supports two ways to process with Payliance ACH:
| Option | How It Works |
|---|---|
| Bring Your Own Credentials | You or your merchant use your own external ACH processor relationship |
| In-house electronic check | NMI manages onboarding and activation through NMI interfaces |
Why It Matters for Partners
- Faster onboarding: The application is fully digital and self-service. Most merchants can complete it in about 5–10 minutes, and activation is automated once it’s approved.
- Same-day ACH: Merchants can request same-day ACH as well as standard ACH. Same-day requests are available through the API only.
- Documents matched to the merchant: The application only asks for the documents that apply to the merchant’s business type, volume and payment types.
- Built-in forms and sample language: The application includes download links for required forms, such as the web security audit form, plus sample authorization language for each SEC (Standard Entry Class) code.
- You can apply for your merchant: You can complete the application on your merchant’s behalf.
Prerequisites for In-House Onboarding
- Access to the affiliate partner portal
- Payliance ACH enabled for your partner account. During beta, submit a ticket to request access
- A valid merchant email address on the account, because the merchant receives an automated email to start the application
- Required documents ready to upload
How to Onboard a Merchant to Payliance ACH Through NMI
The digital application has two parts. You start it in the affiliate partner portal. The merchant then approves billing, completes the application and signs it.
Part 1: Add Payliance ACH (Partner)
- Sign in to the affiliate partner portal.
- Go to List Accounts.
- Find the merchant’s account.
- Click the merchant.
- Scroll down to Processing Services.
- Select Add > Electronic Check, then choose Electronic Check - ACH Payliance.
Part 2: Complete the Digital Application (Merchant, or Partner Assisting)
- The merchant receives an email and opens it.
- The merchant clicks Start Application and is prompted to sign in to their merchant control panel.
- The merchant reviews the billing fees and clicks Agree.
- The application usually opens automatically. If it doesn’t, go to the E-Check Status page and open the application.
- Fill in the application.
- Upload the required documents, such as a web security audit.
- Review the PDF preview of the application before submitting.
- Sign electronically to submit the application to Payliance.
- After signing, the merchant can view and print their electronic signature certificate.
Tip: Merchants can save the application at any time and finish it later.
Common Questions
How do I send the application?
Everything is digital. After the merchant signs electronically, the application uploads to Payliance automatically. The upload can take a couple of minutes because the details, the PDF and the documents are sent in stages. Stay on the page until the confirmation page appears. It works as a receipt that the application reached Payliance. The merchant then gets an email saying the application is pending.
How will the merchant know if they were approved?
The merchant receives an approval email, and the new Payliance processor appears in their account. Merchants can also check the E-Check Status page at any time.
How long does it take to get approved?
Some applications are approved almost immediately. Others can take up to five days to review. If Payliance needs more information, the status changes to Rework Needed and the merchant gets an email.
Why did my merchant receive an “Action Required” email?
Payliance needs the application corrected or needs more documents. For example, it may not be able to confirm the contact information, or it may ask for a specific document such as Form SS-4. The merchant signs in to their merchant control panel and goes to the E-Check Status page, where the application shows Rework Needed. When they open the application, it shows what Payliance asked for. Their earlier answers are still filled in, so they only need to fix what was requested and resubmit. You can also open the application and make the corrections for them.
Are there merchant types Payliance won’t approve?
Yes. Payliance doesn’t approve certain business types for ACH processing. Before you start an application, check Payliance’s list of prohibited and restricted merchants to confirm your merchant’s business type qualifies. Checking first can save your merchant time and avoid a declined application.
Key Definitions
- Same-day ACH: An ACH payment that settles on the same business day
- SEC code (Standard Entry Class code): A code that shows how the customer authorized the ACH payment
Need Help?
For additional support, please contact our Support team by Submitting a Ticket.