If you had to pick song lyrics to describe the Nacha Rules, David Bowie probably put it best: Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes. While the oldies are great for singing along to in the car, much has changed since 1971 when Bowie recorded “Changes” (yeah, really). And when it comes to the Nacha Operating Rules, a lot has changed just from 2025.
Six new Nacha Rules take effect in 2026, covering several different aspects of ACH. Fraud Monitoring, International ACH Transactions (IATs), and Funds Availability Requirements are among the major ACH areas with new Rules for the new year. Your credit union, regardless of how big or small it is, needs to be aware of what’s happening and, crucially, stay compliant with the Rules.
Without a doubt it’s a lot to keep up with. Outdated Nacha Rules don’t help matters. If your copy of the Rules date back to last year—it’s out of date. And that could leave you out of compliance, a mistake you don’t want to make.
That’s the best reason to get the 2026 Nacha Operating Rules and Guidelines. The Rules are the foundation of the ACH Network, and since your credit union is an ACH Network participant, you need to ensure you’re in compliance with all Nacha Rules, new and old.
Quality payments are a hallmark of the ACH Network, and following the Rules helps you do right by your credit union’s members. You’ll also help yourself avoid the problems that come with being out of Rules compliance.
You can get a version of the 2026 Nacha Operating Rules and Guidelines in book or online formats. Either way, you’ll have all of the Rules—both the new ones and the greatest hits—right at your fingertips.
It’s 2026. Like that Nehru jacket gathering dust in the closet, leave your old copy of the Nacha Rules behind and get with the times.
