Why ACH Can Be Rejected After Balance Check Happens

The question in full

ACH payments may be rejected even after a successful balance check due to delays in processing and changes in account activity. This guide explains how NSF errors occur, why timing matters, and what businesses can do to reduce failed transactions and avoid unnecessary fees.

Answer

Of course, it can. Let’s say a couple has US$ 2,000 in the account. The husband decides to send US$ 1,000 to his parents in India. You do a balance check and it shows you US$ 2,000. Unbeknownst to the husband, the wife earlier wrote a check for US$ 1,200 that was cashed later on that day. Now the available balance would be US$ 800. When the ACH file is sent for processing later in the evening. It will be an NSF (Non-Sufficient Funds). This is just one example.

Do you think an ACH can be rejected (incurring reject fees) if we verify the balance ahead of time?

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