ACH, Stripe, and PayPal for invoicing in the US
How American payment methods work alongside your invoices: ACH, cards, wires, checks, and payment platforms, and what to print on the invoice so payments are easy to match.
In the United States the invoice and the payment are two separate things. The invoice is the document that states what is owed. The money moves on a payment method such as ACH, a card network, a wire, or a check. ACH is the bank-to-bank network governed by the Nacha Operating Rules. It is usually the cheapest way to pay a large B2B invoice, but it is slower than a card. Cards are quick and convenient, but the seller pays a processing fee. Platforms such as Stripe and PayPal sit on top of these methods and offer their own payment pages, fees, and reports. Which one you accept is a business decision. The invoice should tell the customer clearly how to pay and which reference to quote.
- The invoice is the document; ACH, cards, wires, and checks are how it gets paid.
- ACH is governed by the Nacha Operating Rules and is typically cheaper than cards.
- Cards and payment platforms are convenient, but the seller pays fees.
- Print the invoice number and payment instructions where the customer will see them.
How it works
Decide which methods you accept. Consider invoice size, customer preference, and fees. Larger B2B invoices are often paid by ACH or wire. Small invoices are often paid by card.
Put the payment instructions on the invoice. State the accepted methods, the due date, and the exact reference the customer should quote, usually the invoice number.
Understand the timing. ACH credits and debits settle on published schedules, and Nacha publishes the Same-Day ACH windows and limits. Card settlement and platform payouts follow the provider's own schedule.
Check the fees before you promise a method. Card and platform fees vary by provider and plan. Some states restrict card surcharges, so read the rules before you add one.
Match each payment to its invoice yourself. Compare the bank or platform report against your invoice numbers and mark invoices as paid in your own records.
Legal references
- Nacha Operating Rules — the rulebook for ACH payments in the United States.
- Federal Reserve Financial Services (FedACH) — one of the operators that clear ACH payments between banks.
- Regulation E (12 CFR Part 1005) — Consumer Financial Protection Bureau rules for consumer electronic fund transfers.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest way to get a large B2B invoice paid?
Usually ACH or a wire, because a card charges a percentage of the amount. Compare your bank's actual ACH and wire fees with your card processor's rates before you decide.
Can I add a surcharge for card payments?
It depends on the state and on card network rules, and some states restrict or prohibit surcharges. Check the current rules for your state and your processor before you add one.
How does Same-Day ACH differ from standard ACH?
Same-Day ACH settles within the same business day when it is submitted before the cutoff times and within the per-payment limit that Nacha publishes. Standard ACH takes longer.
Does 4invoices collect payments through ACH, Stripe, or PayPal?
No. 4invoices creates the invoice, applies the tax rate you set on each line, supports any currency with an exchange rate, and gives you a PDF. It does not process payments, connect to Stripe, PayPal, or ACH, or reconcile payments automatically. You add your payment instructions to the invoice and record payments yourself.