Nearly five years ago, shortly after Nacha launched Same Day ACH, its Risk Management Advisory Group (RMAG) conducted a survey. It posed many questions to both Originating Depository Financial Institutions (ODFIs) and Receiving Depository Financial Institutions (RDFIs), including whether any of those banks and credit unions had seen an increase in fraud attributable to the introduction of Same Day ACH. 

The answer—across the board—was no. 

Every year since Same Day ACH launched in 2016, Nacha has made an enhancement. Following each enhancement, RMAG surveyed financial institutions of all sizes about the impacts. Among the questions in every survey was whether they saw any increase in fraud as a result of the change.

Each time, 100% of respondents said no. 

The most recent survey followed the March 2021 introduction of a third window for submitting Same Day ACH payments to the ACH Network. Within 60 days, RMAG surveyed a cross section of banks and credit unions, asking several questions, including whether fraud increased following this enhancement. 

Again, the unanimous response was that it had not.  

Michael Herd, Nacha Senior Vice President, ACH Network Administration, said these results lead to one very important conclusion.

“ACH continues to be one of the safest forms of payment,” said Herd, noting how crucial it is for ACH Network participants to employ effective risk management practices. 

“The ongoing results from regular RMAG surveys show that any risks arising from Same Day ACH can be effectively managed, as with next day ACH payments,” said Herd. “As we continue to roll out enhancements to Same Day ACH—including next year’s per payment increase to $1 million—participants in the ACH Network can continue to apply sound risk management practices to their use of Same Day ACH.”