It’s all too easy to think that credit cards are the main go-to for making payments, but they aren’t the only option out there for businesses and consumers. The ACH network, which handles both electronic checks (e-checks) and ACH payments, is one of the biggest and safest payment networks available around the globe. It handles somewhere around $43 trillion every year.

In the world of payment processing, there are typically three main options: credit cards, e-checks, and ACH transactions. Credit cards are great, but customers often prefer having the ability to make e-check or ACH payments as an alternative. When CRMDialer added payment processing to its impressive lineup of features, we knew that we needed to include all three options for our customers. We think these four benefits speak for themselves.

Lower Costs

While credit card payments get processed through credit card networks like Mastercard and Visa, e-checks and ACH transactions are processed on the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network. That means your business bypasses the high exchange rates charged by credit card networks in favor of much lower flat fees, keeping more of that money in your coffers. And when you work with a platform like CRMDialer, you won’t have any additional setup, monthly, annual or hidden fees.

Increased Safety and Efficiency

Because all of the transactions are completed electronically on the ACH network, your business can enjoy the increased efficiency that comes with doing away with paper checks. No lost checks, waiting for the mail or lag time between receiving the check and finding out there are insufficient funds. Instead, you get instant confirmation of the transaction.

The network is also regulated by the federal government and managed by the National Automated Clearing House Association (NACHA), which offers internal controls and safety measures. Then you get the added benefits of tokenization when you use payment processing platforms like CRMDialer. Tokenization provides another layer of protection for sensitive financial information.

 

Faster Funds Availability

Next day funding — if that’s not a pro, we don’t know what is! While other methods might take days to deliver the funds to your account, e-check and ACH payments are incredibly fast. Everything is processed electronically, eliminating the frustrating lag time associated with paper checks. Credits settle within two business days and debits settle in just one day, according to the rules established by NACHA. That’s great news for businesses, especially those looking to improve their cash flow.

Customer Convenience

In 2017, credit card processor Total System Services (TSYS) conducted a survey that asked more than 1,000 people about the type of payment form they prefer using. Forty-four percent of respondents said they prefer using debit cards, while only 33% said they prefer using credit cards. Do you know what that tells us? A sizable chunk of people out there prefers making payments right from their bank accounts. And that’s what e-check and ACH payments allow your customers to do. It provides two more options other than credit card payments, which delivers the convenience that your prospects and existing customers are sure to appreciate.

 

Accepting e-checks, ACH and credit card payments is just the beginning of the benefits you enjoy with a power dialer CRM like CRMDialer. This all-in-one solution also features powerful tools like:

• Real-time website visitor tracking for key insight into prospects and customers’ interests
• Integrated email and a calendar that syncs with Google and Outlook to put key information at your fingertips
• SMS for expanded communications designed to increase response rates
• Chat with a searchable database to allow your team to share images, files and important information and build a collaborative environment
• Built-in helpdesk to help your business deliver top-notch customer service  

Collect customer payments and streamline your business operations today. For more information on CRMDialer’s robust customer and lead management software, or on any of the platform’s built-in sales and productivity features. You can schedule a free demonstration, reach out to our team, or, better yet, start your free trial today!