# Automated Clearing House (ACH)
source: https://developer.mastercard.com/open-finance-us/documentation/experience-design-guide/open-finance-us-for-payments/ach/index.md

"ACH" or "Automated Clearing House" is a payment network built by the National Automated Clearing House Association (Nacha). An ACH is an electronic bank-to-bank payment enabled through the ACH network rather than a card network. ACH payments are also known as ACH "transfers" or ACH "transactions." The ACH network is used in the United States, but there are also International ACH Transactions (IAT).  


The ACH transfer involves two steps: initiating the payment and receiving the payment. Before you can initiate the transfer as the payment originator, the customer must first give approval. This typically happens by signing an ACH authorization form or through verbal agreement. During this initiation process, the customer can set up one-time payments, recurring payments, split deposits, and more.  

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## ACH User Journey - Data Connect Full {#ach-user-journey---data-connect-full}

Tip: Access the [Figma file](https://www.figma.com/design/pqrT4uBCEsbL53GXSxh6g0/Open-Banking-US-for-Payments?node-id=1-65126&t=fxzcOZWigGMOnS4T-4) for this experience to duplicate and customize in your own environment.

To view the UX journey, use **full screen mode** or **zoom** controls. Please allow a few seconds for the screens to load.

## ACH User Journey - Data Connect Lite {#ach-user-journey---data-connect-lite}

Tip: If you have any questions or need assistance with the customer experience or development, [contact us](https://developer.mastercard.com/open-finance-us/documentation/support/index.md). Note: For developers, here is the API documentation:  
[ACH Details](https://developer.mastercard.com/open-finance-us/documentation/products/pay/verification-money-transfer/index.md)

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Next: [Account Validation Assistant](https://developer.mastercard.com/open-finance-us/documentation/experience-design-guide/open-finance-us-for-payments/ava/index.md)