Overview
Electronic check (eCheck) payments allow you to move funds electronically between two banks using routing and account numbers. By accepting eChecks, you provide your clients with a convenient, low-cost alternative to credit card payments.
✅ Getting Started: Opting In
Before you can accept eCheck payments, the Account Owner must manually activate the feature:
Dashboard Prompt: Follow the activation prompts on your ClientPay dashboard.
Agreements: Review and accept the eCheck terms and conditions.
Wait Period: Once submitted, you will receive a notification when the feature is ready (typically within 1-2 business days).
🕒 Processing & Cutoff Times
Understanding the movement of funds is crucial for managing client expectations:
Standard Processing: 2 business days (e.g., a Tuesday payment settles on Thursday).
Legacy Billing: Some users may be on a legacy system with a 5-business day processing time.
Daily Cutoff: 6:00 PM CT. Payments made after this time are processed the following business day.
Holidays: Banking holidays will extend the processing timeline.
🛠️ Managing eCheck Transactions
Voiding Payments
There is no dedicated "Void" button for eChecks. To cancel a payment:
Requirement: You must act before the 6:00 PM CT deadline on the day the payment is made.
Action: Issue a Full Refund on the transaction. This will trigger a void and stop the funds from being pulled.
eCheck Returns
If a transaction cannot be completed (e.g., insufficient funds or incorrect account info), it will be Returned.
Status Change: The transaction status will update to Failed.
Notification: You will receive an automated alert regarding the failure.
Support: If you need help identifying a specific return reason code, contact the ClientPay Support Team.
‼️ IMPORTANT
Always verify the settlement cutoff time before promising a refund or void to a client, as eCheck windows are much tighter than credit card windows.