ACH Direct and UMACHA Offering Free Webinar Series on ACH Topics

(Allen, TX – January 25, 2010) – The first in a series of 8 free webinars on automated clearing house (ACH) topics, hosted by ACH Direct and presented by Upper Midwest ACH Association (UMACHA), is scheduled for Tuesday, March 9 on an “Introduction to ACH.”

ACH Direct is proud to partner with UMACHA for the fourth year in providing a series of free webinars to educate participants on the many facets of ACH. This session discusses basic principles of the ACH Network, the history, legal framework, participants and flow of ACH transactions. It also provides details on where the Originator/Merchant fits into the “flow” of an ACH transaction and the route an entry takes before posting to the Receiver’s/Customer's account. The webinar series, produced and presented by the Upper Midwest ACH Association, is designed to provide basic to intermediate education on ACH for merchant participants with a concentration on specific aspects of ACH targeting merchant’s needs.

“It’s exciting to enter the fourth year of our partnership with UMACHA,” says Jeff Thorness, President and CEO of ACH Direct. “This gives us the opportunity to educate organizations on the associated rules and regulations that govern payment methodologies, and also provide each organization a better understanding of all of the payment acceptance options that are available to their business.”

Participants must register in advance at http://www.achdirect.com/news/events-teleseminars.asp. All webinars will take place from 1:00- 2:30 p.m. Central Standard Time, and include time for questions and answers. Registered participants will dial into a conference line for audio and log into an online session to view these presentations.

The series will continue with the following webinar topics:

April 21, 2009 – Authorization Requirements - Authorizations can be verbal, written or similarly authenticated, or by notice – but there needs to be one in place for an ACH entry to be initiated. This session will provide details on ACH authorizations including, “Who is responsible for the authorization?”

May 11, 2009 – Exception Processing (Returns & NOCs) - ACH returns can happen – what are some reasons why and the timeframe for an ACH entry to be returned. Included will be details on a Notification of Change (NOC) outlining your responsibilities as an Originator (Company) and timeframes for compliance with the ACH Rules.

June 15, 2009 – Unauthorized Entries and Stop Payments - Details on why and when an entry is returned as unauthorized (consumer and corporate entries) and what your role and obligations are as an Originator (Company). What is a Stop Payment and what should you do when you receive an item returned as Stop Payment from your customer? What is your responsibility?

July 13, 2009 – WEB and TEL Entries - Requirements for Originators (Companies) for WEB (Internet Initiated Entries) and TEL (Telephone Initiated Entries) will be discussed in detail. Authorization and Authentication details for each application will be included.

August 10, 2009 – e-Check Conversion Products - A paper check converted to an ACH transaction, specifically ARC, POP and BOC will be examined in this session. As a company (Originator) you need to be aware of the authorization requirements, source documents and retention of the authorization. Represented Check (RCK) entry requirements for you as the Originator will be included.

September 14, 2009 - Check Basics / Check 21 - Have you ever wondered what the purpose is for the numbers on the bottom of a check? Attend this session to learn basic information on how a check travels; the participants in the check process; the regulations and an overview of Check 21.

October 19, 2009 – Remote Deposit Capture (RDC) Basics / Corporate Capture - Are you currently utilizing an RDC service or are you looking for a more efficient way to process your checks? What are the responsibilities and risks associated with RDC? Join us to hear the corporate benefits of using RDC; company warranties; how to avoid duplicate processing; secure storage and destruction of the paper check will be discussed.
About ACH Direct, Inc.

ACH Direct is one of the largest and most innovative processors in the United States, offering a comprehensive suite of payment processing and risk management solutions for credit card, debit card and E-check (ACH) acceptance. ACH Direct’s customers benefit from a complete solution for payment acceptance via the Internet, over the phone, by mail or in person. Dedicated to providing superior customer service and industry-leading technology, ACH Direct provides tools to help organizations of all types and sizes reduce cost, mitigate risk and increase efficiencies. Additional information about ACH Direct can be found at www.achdirect.com.
About UMACHA

Financial institutions and corporate members across the Midwest choose UMACHA as a key resource to enhance their understanding of electronic payments. Its mission is to support its members and other stakeholders in payment system participation through education and training, marketing and operational support, and information disseminating and consulting, with a particular emphasis on the ACH network.

Source: ACH Direct Press Release