Nacha: New Funds Availability Requirements Take Effect Sept. 18

September 1, 2026 / Source: Nacha

Beginning Sept. 18, 2026, a change to the Nacha Operating Rules (Nacha Rules) will accelerate funds availability for some non-Same Day ACH credit Entries (i.e., next day and 2-day credits). 

The change eliminates the condition that a credit be received by 5 p.m. on the prior day in order for the 9 a.m. funds availability requirement to apply. As a result, the 9 a.m. requirement will apply to all non-Same Day ACH credits regardless of when the RDFI receives the entry from its ACH Operator. 

For many RDFIs, this change will align the Nacha Rules with their existing practices. For others, however, the update may require adjustments to internal processes and procedures to ensure funds are available by the new deadline. 

What Does This Mean for RDFIs? 

RDFIs that do not already make all non-Same Day ACH credits available by 9 a.m. local time should review their current practices. 

In particular, some RDFIs may need to make operational changes for next day ACH credits received after 5 p.m. local time on the banking day prior to settlement, including credits received in the 6 a.m. ET ACH Operator output file. 

The change can mean earlier access to funds for consumers and businesses receiving ACH credits, including payroll, benefits, cashouts, refunds and invoice payments. 

An Exception for Certain Time Zones 

A related Nacha Rules change, also effective Sept. 18, creates a limited exception for certain RDFIs located east of the Atlantic Time Zone and west of the international date line, including those in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. 

Because some next day ACH credits can reach these RDFIs after the 9 a.m. local time deadline on Settlement Date, the exception establishes alternative availability requirements based on when the ACH Operator makes the Entry available to the RDFI. The change recognizes the operational realities created by these time zone differences while providing greater clarity around funds availability requirements. 

With the Sept. 18 effective date approaching, now is a good time for RDFIs to review both changes and confirm that their funds availability practices are consistent with the updated Nacha Rules. 

Learn more about the Funds Availability Requirements for Non-Same Day Credit Entries and the related Funds Availability Exceptions.