Important ACH Rules Information for Companies using ACH to Collect Money via Business Digital Banking

If you use Business Digital Banking for ACH collections and initiate debit transactions for which authorization was obtained online or via telephone, special ACH rules apply. The appropriate Standard Entry Class Code, WEB or TEL, must be used AND specific guidelines must be followed.

If you use one of these methods (WEB/TEL), you must contact Washington Trust Bank prior to January 31, and we will provide the required compliance information to you. Non-compliance with the ACH rules can result in significant fines and penalties.

Please contact the Commercial Services Group at 866.765.2915, or email csg@watrust.com for further information.

What qualifies as a WEB transaction?

A WEB entry allows a company the option to debit a consumer account after obtaining authorization over the internet or a wireless network (e.g. mobile, tablet).

The consumer inputs their banking information into the company's website and authorizes the company to initiate an ACH debit entry to their account.

Examples:

  • A single-entry WEB transaction would be initiated if a consumer purchases a book online.
  • A recurring WEB entry would be a monthly debit to the consumer's account for a mortgage payment.
  • A specific instruction can include instruction via mobile device to a broker to purchase or sell securities.

What qualifies as a TEL transaction?

A TEL entry allows a company the option to debit a consumer account after obtaining verbal authorization over the telephone. A TEL may only be transmitted only if:

  1. There is an existing relationship between the company and the consumer.
  2. There is NOT an existing relationship between the company and the consumer, but the consumer has initiated the telephone call to the company.

Examples:

  • The consumer has an insurance policy with the company and there is a written agreement for the provision of services and the consumer needs to make an insurance payment so the company contacts the consumer over the telephone for account information.
  • The consumer wants to make a payment to their new power company so they call ABC Power and provide their accounting information over the phone.