B2B agreements

When you process ACH payments from business customers, how you obtain authorization matters. Using signed consent instead of internet consent provides a major advantage: the unauthorized return window drops from 60 days to just 2 business days.

Internet vs. Signed Consent for B2B

Even when your customer is a business, using internet consent gives them the same 60-day dispute window as consumers. To take advantage of the shorter 2-day window, you must:

• Use consent_type: "signed" in your API request
• Have a signed agreement on file before initiating the payment
• Ensure the agreement binds the business to Nacha Operating Rules

Using Signed Consent

When you create a charge with consent_type: "signed" for a business customer, Straddle applies the appropriate entry class that qualifies for the 2-day dispute window.

{
  "consent_type": "signed",
  "device": {
    "ip_address": "0.0.0.0"
  }
}

Authorization Requirements

Unlike internet-initiated transactions, Nacha doesn't prescribe a specific authorization format for signed B2B agreements. Instead, Nacha requires that you and your business customer have a trading partner agreement that:

• Binds both parties to Nacha Operating Rules
• Contains authorization requirements and procedures
• Is negotiated between the parties

This flexibility exists because B2B relationships vary widely—from simple vendor payments to complex supply chain arrangements.

Required Agreement Language

Your B2B agreement should include language similar to the following:

This language can be included in:

• A standalone ACH authorization form
• Your master services agreement
• A payment terms addendum
• An invoice payment agreement

Sample Authorization Template

ACH DEBIT AUTHORIZATION - BUSINESS ACCOUNT

Company Name: _______________________________
Authorized Signer: ___________________________
Title: ______________________________________

Bank Account Information:
Bank Name: __________________________________
Routing Number: _____________________________
Account Number: _____________________________

I authorize [YOUR COMPANY NAME] to initiate ACH debit entries 
to the business bank account listed above. This authorization 
will remain in effect until I provide written notice of 
termination.

Both parties agree to be bound by Nacha Operating Rules as 
they pertain to all ACH transactions initiated by 
[YOUR COMPANY NAME] that credit or debit the above-listed 
bank account and acknowledge that the origination of ACH 
transactions to the listed account must comply with 
provisions of U.S. law.

To revoke this authorization, contact [YOUR COMPANY] at:
Email: ______________________________________
Phone: ______________________________________

Notice must be received at least 3 business days before the 
scheduled debit date.

Signature: __________________________________
Date: _______________________________________

Record Retention

Retain your signed CCD authorization for 2 years after the final transaction or 2 years after termination of the agreement, whichever is later.

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