Overview

To store ACH payments, authorization must be obtained.

Biller Genie allows merchants to:

• Store ACH payment information
• Send an electronic authorization request to the customer
• Allow customers to self-authorize ACH accounts through the Customer Portal

Proper authorization helps prevent disputes and returned transactions.
 

Customer Portal Requirements & Authorization Behavior

Customer-initiated ACH storage and authorization through the Vault requires that the Customer Portal be enabled on your account.

If the Customer Portal is enabled:

• Customers can log in
• Store ACH accounts
• Complete the electronic authorization process directly within the portal
• Authorize pending ACH methods if needed

Authorization Without the Customer Portal

If your account does not have the Customer Portal enabled, you may still store ACH accounts from the Merchant Portal. 

You will enter the account information and your customer will receive the authorization via email.

If a merchant selects Save and Send:

• The customer will receive an email containing the authorization request.
• The customer can complete the electronic authorization from the email link.

Storing ACH from the Merchant Portal

Step 1

Navigate to:

Customers > Select Customer > Add an ACH Account

 

Step 2

Enter the customer’s ACH details:

• Account Holder Name
• Routing Number
• Account Number
• Account Type
  
   

Step 3

Choose One of the Following Options

Option A: Save and Send (Recommended)

Click Save and Send to email an ACH authorization request to the customer.

• The customer will receive an email.
• They will complete the electronic authorization form.
• The signed authorization is securely stored in Biller Genie.

This is the recommended method.
 

Option B: Self-Authorize (Merchant Confirmation)

Merchants now have the ability to mark an ACH payment method as authorized themselves.

When adding or editing an ACH account from the Merchant Portal, you may see:

• An Authorize pop-up confirmation
• An additional Add button next to “Save and Send”

Selecting this option allows the merchant to confirm that authorization has already been obtained outside of Biller Genie.

 

⚠ Important – Merchant Liability

When a merchant self-authorizes an ACH payment method, the liability for authorization shifts to the merchant.

This means:

• Biller Genie will not store an electronically signed authorization form.
• The merchant is responsible for maintaining a compliant ACH authorization document.
• In the event of a dispute, return, chargeback, or transaction inquiry from your merchant service provider, you will be required to submit proof of authorization directly to your processor.

Failure to provide valid authorization documentation may result in the transaction being returned or reversed.

We strongly recommend acquiring and securely retaining a signed ACH authorization form directly from the customer if not using Biller Genie’s electronic authorization process.

Customer Authorization Through the Customer Portal

Customers can also store and authorize ACH accounts themselves through the Customer Portal.

Step 1

After signing in to the customer should click the Vault icon inside the Customer Portal.

 

Step 2

Click:

Add Payment Method > ACH Account

After entering their ACH account information and clicking Save, the customer will be guided through the authorization process.

Step 3

The customer will be prompted to enter:

• First Name
• Last Name
• Email Address
  
  

Step 4

The customer should review the ACH authorization form for accuracy.

Step 5

Scroll down and click Next.

Step 6

The customer must:

• Check the box consenting to electronic signature
• Type or draw their name
• Click Sign Document
  
  

Once the authorization form has been signed and approved, the ACH account will be stored in the Vault within the Customer Portal.

If your customer missed the auto e-sign prompt, they can return to the Vault and select Authorize on the saved ACH payment method.

 

After Authorization Is Completed

Once the ACH authorization is stored on file:

• The merchant can process ACH transactions
• The customer can authorize future payments
• No additional authorization forms are required for future transactions on that account
• The merchant can also download the authorization form for future use
  
  
  
   

Still Having Trouble?

If you need assistance with ACH authorization or are unsure whether a payment method has been properly authorized, contact the Biller Genie support team at support@billergenie.com and include the following details:

• Customer name
• Whether Save and Send or Self-Authorize was selected
• Whether the customer completed the authorization form
• Any error messages displayed

Providing this information will help our support team assist you as efficiently as possible.