A new late night legend is about to start. But it’s not challenging Colbert, Fallon, Kimmel or SNL. 

Late night ACH file deliveries will begin for many financial institutions on Monday, Sept. 12. For others, the new part is Friday night file deliveries starting Sept. 16. Let’s break it down.

• If your bank or credit union is a Receiving Depository Financial Institution (RDFI) client of the Federal Reserve, then Monday, Sept. 12 is the date on the calendar to circle. By 11:30 p.m. ET every weeknight, except federal holidays, you will receive an additional ACH file. 
• If your bank or credit union is an RDFI client of The Clearing House, you already receive a late-night ACH file Sunday-Thursday. Beginning Sept. 16, you will also receive one on Friday nights. 

In all cases, the ACH Operators will send all ACH payments they have received since the previous transmission deadline. That includes one-day debits and credits due to settle at 8:30 a.m. ET the next business day, as well as two-day credits for settlement at 8:30 a.m. ET on the designated banking day. The files also will contain returns, but there won’t be any Same Day ACH payments, since those will have been completed earlier in the day.

“The main benefit for RDFIs will be an ability to show customers more accurately what their balances will be when the next banking day begins,” said Michael Herd, Nacha Senior Vice President, ACH Network Administration. “This can be particularly helpful before a weekend, especially a holiday weekend.”

Sending late night files to RDFIs also allows both ACH Operators to clear their files, rather than waiting for the next banking day to dawn. 

Many banks and credit unions are likely wondering whether they have to process these files when they come in. The answer is no. Financial institutions can opt to continue processing as they do today. There is not a rule that requires additional processing.

“Many financial institutions have been asking for this expansion of ACH operating hours, especially on Friday nights,” said Herd. “Nacha and the ACH Operators are pleased to make this enhancement.”

For more information, please see Nacha Operations Bulletin #2-2022.