If you're running a digital marketing agency on GoHighLevel, you already know the platform handles everything from client management to invoicing. But accepting ACH bank transfers? That's where most agencies get stuck. Unlike credit card payments that process instantly, ACH transfers through NMI can take up to 5 business days—and knowing when to deliver services is crucial. In this guide, I'll walk you through the exact steps to enable ACH payments in GoHighLevel, configure NMI properly, and implement best practices for recurring invoices. Whether you're looking to reduce payment processing fees or offer clients more payment flexibility, ACH integration is a game-changer. Ready to streamline your payment operations? Get a free 30-day trial of GoHighLevel and start accepting bank transfers today.
What Is NMI and Why Use It for ACH Payments?
NMI (Network Merchants Inc.) is a payment processor that integrates seamlessly with GoHighLevel. Unlike Stripe or PayPal, NMI offers robust ACH processing capabilities alongside credit card payments, giving your clients more payment options. ACH transfers are direct bank-to-bank transactions that typically cost less in processing fees than credit cards—usually 1% or less versus 2.9% + $0.30 for card transactions.
For agencies, this means two things: lower costs when clients pay via bank transfer, and a legitimate alternative payment method when clients prefer not to use credit cards. NMI handles the technical complexity while GoHighLevel manages the client-facing invoicing and payment tracking.
💡 Pro Tip
Many agencies find that offering ACH payments increases payment completion rates because clients already have their bank information readily available. You're essentially removing a friction point in your payment flow.
Step 1: Set Up Your NMI Account
Before you can enable ACH in GoHighLevel, you need an active NMI merchant account. Here's how to get started:
1. Visit the NMI website and navigate to their merchant signup page. You'll need to provide basic business information, including your EIN or SSN, business address, and banking details.
2. Complete the verification process. NMI will verify your information through underwriting, which typically takes 1-3 business days. Have your business license, ID, and most recent bank statement ready.
3. Once approved, log into your NMI merchant dashboard. You'll receive login credentials and a unique merchant ID. Save these—you'll need them when connecting to GoHighLevel.
4. Verify your bank account. NMI will require you to confirm ownership of the bank account where funds will be deposited. This involves two small test deposits that you'll verify in your online banking portal.
The entire setup typically takes 3-5 business days from application to full activation.
Step 2: Enable ACH in NMI Settings
Once your NMI account is active, you need to specifically enable ACH processing. Here's the process:
1. Log into your NMI dashboard and navigate to Settings → Payment Methods.
2. Look for the ACH/Direct Debit option in the available payment methods list. If you don't see it immediately, check under "Additional Payment Methods" or contact NMI support—your account may need to be flagged for ACH access.
3. Enable ACH processing. Click the toggle or checkbox to activate it. You may be asked to confirm authorization to process ACH transactions.
4. Configure ACH-specific settings:
- Set your maximum transaction limit (recommended: $25,000 for security)
- Choose whether to allow recurring ACH transactions (recommended: enabled)
- Review and accept the ACH operating guidelines
5. Generate API credentials. If you haven't already, create API credentials in the Security section. You'll need these when integrating with GoHighLevel.
Step 3: Connect NMI to GoHighLevel
Now that ACH is enabled in NMI, it's time to integrate it with your GHL workspace.
1. In GoHighLevel, go to Settings → Payment Gateways.
2. Click "Add Payment Gateway" or "Connect New Gateway."
3. Select NMI from the list of available processors. If you don't see NMI immediately, search for it or check under "More Options."
4. Enter your NMI API credentials:
- Merchant ID (from your NMI dashboard)
- API Key (from Security settings in NMI)
- API Username (generated in NMI setup)
5. Test the connection. GoHighLevel will ping NMI to verify your credentials. You should see a "Connection Successful" message.
6. Save and activate the gateway. Once tested, save the integration. Your NMI account is now connected to GoHighLevel.
This is built into GoHighLevel. Try it free for 30 days →
Step 4: Configure ACH Payment Methods in GHL
With NMI connected, you now need to enable ACH as a payment method on invoices and forms.
1. In GoHighLevel, navigate to Settings → Invoices & Payments.
2. Under "Payment Methods," ensure NMI is selected as your active payment processor.
3. Check the box for "ACH Bank Transfer" or "Direct Debit." This makes ACH available as an option when clients view invoices.
4. Set your ACH-specific preferences:
- Enable recurring ACH if you plan to use subscriptions
- Set maximum transaction amounts if needed
- Optionally require verification for first-time ACH payments
5. Test by creating a test invoice. Generate a small invoice and verify that ACH appears as a payment option alongside credit card and other methods.
Understanding ACH Processing Times and Service Delivery
Here's where many agencies make mistakes: ACH transactions are not instant. They typically take 3-5 business days to clear, and sometimes longer depending on the client's bank.
When should you deliver services? The golden rule: wait until the ACH payment has fully cleared before delivering services, especially for high-ticket items like website builds, ad management, or custom development. Here's a practical timeline:
- Day 0: Client initiates ACH payment through invoice
- Day 1-2: Payment appears as "pending" in your NMI dashboard
- Day 3-5: Payment clears and appears as "settled"
- Day 5+: Safe to deliver services and begin work
In GoHighLevel, you can set invoice payment statuses so you have visibility into which payments have cleared. Some agencies automate workflows to trigger service delivery only when payment status changes to "settled."
💡 Pro Tip
Set clear expectations in your contract: "Services begin 5 business days after ACH payment clears." This protects you from chargebacks and gives clients realistic timelines.
Troubleshooting: Why ACH Options Aren't Showing
If your invoices aren't displaying the ACH payment option, here are the most common culprits and fixes:
Issue: ACH doesn't appear on invoices despite being enabled
- Verify NMI connection status in Payment Gateways. Look for a green "Active" indicator.
- Confirm ACH is checked in Invoices & Payments settings.
- Clear your browser cache and refresh. Sometimes GHL caches payment method settings.
- Ensure your NMI account has ACH enabled in their merchant dashboard (Step 2).
Issue: ACH payment fails or shows an error
- Check your NMI account for insufficient funds or account limitations.
- Verify the client's bank account is eligible for ACH (not all accounts allow incoming ACH).
- Review the transaction details in your NMI merchant dashboard for specific error codes.
Issue: API credentials aren't working
- Re-verify your Merchant ID and API Key match what's in your NMI dashboard exactly.
- Check if your API credentials have recently been reset or expired.
- Contact NMI support if credentials continue to fail—they may need to manually authorize the connection.
Best Practices for Recurring Invoices and Subscriptions
ACH shines for recurring payments. Here's how to set up recurring invoices with ACH in GoHighLevel:
1. Create a recurring invoice template. In GoHighLevel, set up your recurring invoice with the client's payment schedule (monthly, quarterly, etc.).
2. Set ACH as the preferred payment method. When the recurring invoice is created, ensure ACH is the default option. Clients can still choose credit card, but ACH saves them money and reduces your processing fees.
3. Require explicit authorization for first payment. For recurring ACH, ask clients to confirm they authorize automatic bank withdrawals. This reduces disputes and chargebacks.
4. Space out payments strategically. Stagger ACH payment dates across your client base. If all clients pay on the 1st, you're more vulnerable to settlement delays or reconciliation issues.
5. Monitor settlement reports weekly. Check your NMI merchant dashboard weekly to ensure recurring ACH payments are clearing successfully. Automate alerts if possible.
6. Plan for failed payments. ACH can fail due to insufficient funds, closed accounts, or client error. Build a workflow in GoHighLevel to notify you of failed ACH attempts so you can follow up.
With recurring ACH properly configured, you can offer clients a frictionless subscription experience while reducing your transaction costs by 50% or more compared to card processing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between ACH and wire transfers?
ACH transfers are routed through the ACH network and take 3-5 business days, with lower fees (often 1% or less). Wire transfers go directly between banks and settle in 1-2 days but cost more per transaction ($15-50). For recurring payments and standard transactions, ACH is more cost-effective.
Can I accept ACH payments internationally?
NMI's ACH processing is US-focused. For international clients, you'll need alternative solutions like Wise, international wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. GoHighLevel supports multiple payment gateways, so you can offer different options based on client location.
What happens if an ACH payment is disputed or reversed?
ACH transactions can be disputed within a limited window (typically 60 days). If reversed, the funds are withdrawn from your account and returned to the client's bank. Always wait for settlement before delivering services. Keep documentation of client authorization for all recurring ACH payments.
Is ACH safer than credit card payments?
ACH has lower fraud rates than credit cards because it requires explicit bank account authorization. However, it's important to get written authorization for recurring payments. NMI handles compliance with NACHA rules, but you should document client consent.
Can I set a minimum transaction amount for ACH?
Yes, in your NMI settings and GoHighLevel payment configuration, you can set minimum and maximum transaction amounts for ACH. Many agencies set a $500 minimum to justify the processing overhead, though this varies by business model.