API For Direct Deposit (ACH, EFT, Whatever)

Question

I'm looking for a way to automate a transfer from one bank account to another, without the end user having to login to something like paypal or amazon payments to complete the process (by transferring their on-line balance to their bank account). I've looked around online a bit, and found some vendors that seem to be able to do that, but API documentation doesn't make me feel sure about it.

Can anyone recommend a service they've used to do something like this? Obviously I'm looking for a web based API. The complete process is a middleman site that collects payments (that's the easy part), then disburses the payment (less a fee) to a bank account.

Amazon Payments would be great (allowing three-party/marketplace transactions); however, we're looking for something direct to the end users bank account.

(I know this isn't strictly about code, but I figured there might be someone out there who has done something similar.)

Answer 1

I've seen people use Alliance before, and I know a few internal applications that use their ACH API, which handles all the check processing, direct deposits, and other transactions of that nature.

Answer 2

You can use ACH Direct to do this. The API is here: https://www.paymentsgateway.net/pdf/agi_integration.pdf and the pricing is located here at www.achdirect.com/offer.

Leslie Hendrix

Answer 3

I definitely would advise against AllianceACH.com for the time being. They got sued by their bank and we lost a $5000 deposit because they don't have the money to refund it.

I'm pretty sure they are going out of business, although not positive. If they do end up getting their act together, and giving us back our deposit, I would definitely use them again. After they stopped providing ACH services, we switched to FirstAch.com.

FirstACH.com has what you need - however I have to warn you their interface (both API and GUI) are terrible and annoying. Their customers service is inept and they aren't flexible in working with you to provide solutions tailored to your individual needs. Unfortunately they are the best we have found.

We are currently looking into Wells Fargo business solutions as an alternative, however I suspect it won't be nearly as cheap.

Answer 4

Authorize.NET also has eCheck.net: http://www.authorize.net/solutions/merchantsolutions/merchantservices/echeck/

Authorize.NET is generally trusted, reliable, and easier to use than other payment gateways for charging credit cards. I suspect it would be the same for ACH.

Answer 5

Looks like Payflow ACH Payment is also out there, Payflow ACH API Link