The Automated Clearing House (ACH) is a network that facilitates electronic payments and money transfers between banks. It allows individuals and businesses to send and receive funds quickly and securely, often used for direct deposits, bill payments, and other transactions. ACH transactions are processed in batches, making them efficient for handling large volumes of payments. ACH is governed by the National Automated Clearing House Association (NACHA), which sets the rules and standards for the network. This system is widely used in the United States and has become a popular alternative to traditional paper checks, offering a faster and more reliable way to manage financial transactions.