Related comparisons
Compare business banks by ACH fee structures and limits:
Best Business Banks for ACH Transfers →Typical ACH Fee Ranges by Bank Type
| Fee Type | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ACH Credit (Outgoing) | $0.10 – $0.35 | Per-item fee to send payments |
| ACH Debit (Incoming) | $0.15 – $0.50 | Per-item fee when others pull from your account |
| Same-Day ACH | +$0.50 – $1.50 | Additional fee on top of standard ACH |
| ACH Return/Rejection | $2.00 – $5.00 | Fee when a transfer fails or is returned |
| Monthly ACH Fee | $5 – $25 | Some banks charge a monthly platform fee |
How Banks Charge for ACH
Banks use several pricing models for ACH transfers:
- Per-item pricing: A flat fee for each ACH transaction (most common)
- Tiered pricing: Lower per-item fees as your monthly volume increases
- Bundled pricing: ACH included in a monthly account or treasury fee
- File fees: Some banks charge per ACH file submitted, not per item
Real-World Example: Small Business ACH Costs
A small business running 100 ACH payments per month (payroll + vendor payments) might see costs like:
| Scenario | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 100 ACH credits at $0.25 each | $25.00 | $300.00 |
| Add same-day ACH for 10 urgent payments | +$10.00 | +$120.00 |
| Total | $35.00 | $420.00 |
Compare this to wire transfers at $25 each: the same 100 payments would cost $2,500 per month— over 70x more expensive than ACH.
Common ACH Fee Pitfalls to Avoid
- Return fees: Incorrect account numbers or insufficient funds trigger return fees
- Hidden monthly minimums: Some banks charge if you don't meet ACH volume thresholds
- Same-day surcharges: Using same-day ACH for all payments adds up quickly
- Not negotiating: Accepting default pricing when volume discounts are available
Business Banks for ACH Transfers
These banks may be a good fit for businesses that process ACH payments regularly.
Mercury
Fintech platform combining banking services* with powerful financial software. May offer competitive ACH pricing with transparent fee structures.
Mercury is a fintech company, not an FDIC-insured bank. Banking services are provided by Choice Financial Group and Column N.A., Members FDIC.
Bluevine
Online business banking with transparent ACH fee structures. May be suitable for small businesses seeking straightforward, predictable pricing.
Chase
Traditional bank with branch access. ACH fees vary by account tier and volume, with potential for negotiated rates at higher transaction levels.
Next Steps
Ready to understand your ACH costs? Here are your next steps:
- Calculate your ACH fees with our free calculator
- Compare business bank accounts to find lower ACH pricing
- Learn about wire transfer fees to compare with ACH costs