2025 ACH Rules Update: What Corporate Originators & Third-Party Senders Need to Know

Big changes are coming to ACH Rules, impacting how your business manages payments and preventing fraud. Learn what’s new for 2026 and how to stay compliant before the deadlines hit.

As the world of electronic payments continues to evolve, staying informed about changes to the ACH Rules is essential. The upcoming updates will directly impact how your organization handles payment descriptions and manages fraud risk. Whether you're a corporate originator or a third-party sender, now is the time to start preparing.

Why It Matters

Adhering to the ACH Rules isn’t just about compliance but protecting your organization. Following updated guidelines can help protect against fraud risks, operational errors, and regulatory scrutiny. With changes going into effect in 2026, acting now gives you the time to adapt smoothly.

What’s Changing in 2026?

1. Company Entry Description Requirements

Two key updates will standardize the way payment descriptions are used:

• “PAYROLL” must be used in the Company Entry Description field for PPD credits related to wages and salaries.

• “PURCHASE” must be used for WEB debits related to e-commerce or online retail transactions.

These updates aim to improve transparency and consistency across ACH transactions, making it easier for all parties to understand the purpose of each payment.

2. New Fraud Monitoring Requirement

Regardless of the Standard Entry Class (SEC) code or payment type, fraud monitoring will be mandatory for all companies initiating ACH payments. This change emphasizes the growing importance of real-time monitoring and proactive fraud mitigation practices in electronic payments.

What Should You Do Now?

Corporate originators and third-party senders should begin preparing by:

• Reviewing and updating internal ACH policies and procedures

• Ensuring your payment systems can accommodate the new entry description requirements

• Implementing or enhancing fraud detection and monitoring tools

• Training relevant staff on upcoming changes and compliance expectations

Stay Ahead of the Curve

These updates reflect the industry’s commitment to clarity and security in ACH transactions. By starting preparations now, your organization can ensure a smooth transition, remain compliant, and strengthen its fraud prevention efforts.

📥 Download the 2025 ACH Rules Update Summary Provided by EPCOR
Get the full breakdown of what's changing and how to prepare:
👉 Click here to download the EPCOR ACH Rules Update