> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.hoopai.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Bank transfers (ACH and SEPA)

> Accept ACH debit (US) and SEPA (Europe) bank transfer payments in the HoopAI platform.

Bank transfers let your customers pay directly from their bank account instead of using a credit or debit card. The HoopAI platform supports **ACH debit** for US-based transactions and **SEPA Direct Debit** for European transactions through Stripe.

## ACH debit (United States)

ACH (Automated Clearing House) debit pulls funds directly from a customer's US bank account. It is commonly used for high-value invoices, subscriptions, and B2B payments where card processing fees would be significant.

### Setting up ACH

<Steps>
  <Step title="Ensure Stripe is connected">
    ACH payments are processed through Stripe. Go to **Payments > Payment Integrations** and confirm Stripe is connected.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enable ACH in payment settings">
    Navigate to **Payments > Payment Settings** and enable **ACH / Bank Transfer** as an accepted payment method.
  </Step>

  <Step title="ACH appears at checkout">
    When enabled, customers see a bank transfer option alongside card payment on invoices, payment links, and order forms.
  </Step>
</Steps>

### How ACH payment works for customers

1. The customer selects **Bank Transfer** at checkout.
2. They enter their bank routing number and account number (or authenticate through Plaid for instant verification).
3. The payment is initiated and takes **3-5 business days** to process.
4. The transaction status shows as **Pending** until the funds clear.

## SEPA Direct Debit (Europe)

SEPA (Single Euro Payments Area) debit pulls funds from a customer's European bank account in Euros. It covers 36 European countries and is widely used for recurring payments.

### Setting up SEPA

<Steps>
  <Step title="Ensure Stripe is connected with SEPA capability">
    SEPA must be enabled on your Stripe account. Check your Stripe dashboard under **Settings > Payment methods** to confirm SEPA is active.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enable SEPA in HoopAI">
    Navigate to **Payments > Payment Settings** and enable **SEPA Direct Debit** as an accepted payment method.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Customers pay via SEPA">
    European customers see the SEPA option at checkout and enter their IBAN (International Bank Account Number) to authorize the payment.
  </Step>
</Steps>

### SEPA processing timeline

SEPA payments typically take **5-7 business days** to settle. The customer authorizes the debit through a mandate, and the funds are pulled from their account after processing.

## Bank transfer on invoices

To accept bank-only payments on an invoice:

1. Create or open an invoice in **Payments > Invoices**.
2. In the payment options, enable **Bank Transfer** and optionally disable card payments.
3. Send the invoice — the customer's payment link shows only the bank transfer option.

This is useful for large B2B invoices where you want to avoid credit card processing fees.

## Processing times comparison

| Method          | Processing time   | Typical fees           | Best for                             |
| --------------- | ----------------- | ---------------------- | ------------------------------------ |
| **Credit card** | Instant           | 2.9% + \$0.30          | Small to medium transactions         |
| **ACH debit**   | 3-5 business days | 0.8% (capped at \$5)   | Large US transactions, subscriptions |
| **SEPA debit**  | 5-7 business days | \~0.35% (capped at €5) | European recurring payments          |

## Fee comparison

Bank transfers are significantly cheaper than card payments for high-value transactions:

| Transaction amount | Card fee (2.9% + \$0.30) | ACH fee (0.8%, cap \$5) | Savings  |
| ------------------ | ------------------------ | ----------------------- | -------- |
| \$100              | \$3.20                   | \$0.80                  | \$2.40   |
| \$500              | \$14.80                  | \$4.00                  | \$10.80  |
| \$1,000            | \$29.30                  | \$5.00                  | \$24.30  |
| \$5,000            | \$145.30                 | \$5.00                  | \$140.30 |

## Supported currencies

| Method   | Supported currencies |
| -------- | -------------------- |
| **ACH**  | USD only             |
| **SEPA** | EUR only             |

<Warning>
  Bank transfer payments can be reversed (disputed) by the customer's bank, similar to credit card chargebacks. ACH disputes can be filed up to 60 days after the transaction. SEPA mandates can be reversed within 8 weeks (or 13 months for unauthorized debits).
</Warning>

<Tip>
  For recurring invoices over \$500, offer ACH as the default payment method. The fee savings add up significantly over time, and most B2B customers prefer bank transfers for large amounts.
</Tip>