What is Instant ACH
Instant ACH is a Sila API (Beta) feature that allows funds to be made available instantly in an end user's wallet before funds are received from the ACH debit.
End-users will need to complete registration which includes enhanced anti-fraud verification and confirmation of device via SMS messaging.
Approved end users have access to Instant ACH and the /issue_sila endpoint. Sila will run a real-time risk assessment on the ACH debit transaction and determine if it is eligible for instant issuance. Sila sends a SMS confirmation for the transaction and once the end user confirms the message, Sila tokens are instantly issued and available for transfer/redeem.
What Are The Full Requirements?
Instant ACH has additional program requirements and limitations over Standard ACH and Same Day ACH.
End-User Onboarding:
Full KYC
SMS opt-in and SMS confirmation of all instant ACH transactions
Customer's application has appropriate anti-fraud libraries installed
Linked bank account and Plaid:
Customer’s account must be linked via Plaid Auth and with a processor token on Sila (not micro-deposits or direct account+routing)
Financial institutions for the linked account must support Plaid Identity, Plaid Balance, and Plaid Transactions.
Transaction max amount limits - The default limit is $500 with a maximum of 3 transactions allowed per week.
If you require a higher limit your account manager can handle that request or email hello@silamoney.com
Must have an ACH Bank Account Company Name Descriptor (10 characters)
Must be approved for Beta program to participate
Must be an existing customer in a Scale plan or above
FAQ
What is the fastest possible transfer time from account to account using Instant ACH?
The fastest possible transfer time would be same day if the issue, transfer, and redeem API calls all occur before the same day ACH cutoff of 9:30am PST.
Can I use my own bank account linking or KYC provider?
Instant ACH requires you to use Sila’s full KYC and account linking via Plaid Processor Token.
What is the maximum transaction amount for Instant ACH?
The default limit is $500. If you require a higher limit your account manager can handle that request or email hello@silamoney.com
Does Instant ACH include ACH Credit/pushing funds to a bank account?
Instant ACH is only applicable to the /issue_sila endpoint, it is not available for /redeem_sila.
What does the flow of funds look like?
Some of my users are approved for No-KYC, what would I need to do to get them Instant ACH access?
Instant ACH requires that the users pass Sila’s full KYC. You would need to run them through KYC and have them opt-in to SMS.
What does the end-user experience sequence look like?
The user will have to do a one-time opt-in for SMS, and then must approve each individual transaction via 2-way SMS at the time of the transaction. Otherwise the experience sequence is unchanged.
What happens if my transaction is not approved for Instant ACH, how do I process the transaction? What is the best way to “fall back” to an alternate transaction method if Instant ACH isn’t available?
There is no automatic fall back if an Instant ACH transaction is not approved. Upon failure, your application would need to decide whether to retry the Instant ACH transaction or to fall back to Instant Settlement, Same Day, or Standard ACH. This is completely up to you and based on your use case.
Does Instant ACH work with cards or wires?
Instant ACH applies only to ACH debits.
Are there any browser or mobile app settings that would interfere with Instant ACH?
In some instances, VPNs or other ad blocking software installed on the end-user’s device may interfere with retrieving device identification. Sila provides instructions to minimize this outcome.
Can I have access to the docs if I’m not currently a Sila customer on a Scale plan or higher?
Access to the anti-fraud library documentation will be provided on a case-by-case basis.