The “Good Funds” model defines when settled ACH debits become available for use. Because ACH is not real-time and returns can arrive days or even weeks later, PCE imposes a clearing period (realization interval) to protect against administrative and unauthorized returns.

Prerequisites

Active PCE merchant account with ACH debit origination enabled
Understanding of ACH return windows (administrative: 2 business days; unauthorized: up to 60 days)

Limitations

Funds are unavailable until the end of the configured realization interval

Compliance / Regulation Mandates

Nacha Return Rules

RDFIs may return debits for R01–R04 reasons within two business days, and R10–R29 reasons up to 60 days.

Risk Management

Holding funds aligns with Nacha guidelines to prevent claw-backs and negative balances.

Purpose of the Clearing Period

ACH debits are “pull” instructions without real-time confirmation of funds. The holding period buffers you against returns:

Administrative returns (R01–R04) often occur within 2 business days.
Unauthorized returns (R10) may arrive up to 60 days later.
Holding funds reduces the chance of claw-backs after you’ve already used the money.

PCE Default and Configuration

By default, PCE enforces a 3-day realization interval on all originated ACH debits, matching the two-day window for administrative returns plus a safety margin. You can:

Retrieve the interval via GET /v1/account/{accountId} (look for realizationInterval).
Adjust the interval in the PCE Portal (Internal Admin) to suit your risk tolerance and cash-flow needs.

Programmatic Access

To check your current good funds period:

GET /v1/account/{accountId}