When Card Networks Shut You Down, Direct Bank Payments Keep You Running
No Visa. No Mastercard. No Nacha. Akord's eDebit solution processes payments on independent rails that no card network or ACH regulator can touch. Same-day deposits. Approval is near-automatic — even if you've been MATCH-listed.
Who Direct Bank Payments Is For
Card processing is the better option for most merchants — lower friction at checkout and a payment method every customer already trusts. Direct Bank Payments exists for the merchants who can't get there.
You're on the MATCH list
A prior processor terminated you and filed a MATCH listing. Most acquiring banks won't look at an application while that listing stands. Direct Bank Payments operates outside the card networks, so a MATCH listing doesn't block it.
The signer has credit problems
Card and ACH underwriting both look at the signer's personal credit. Direct Bank Payments doesn't weight it the same way.
Your vertical is too hot for an acquiring bank
Some business models get declined on the MCC alone, regardless of how clean the operation is. This rail isn't bound by card network category rules.
You need a route that isn't subject to card or Nacha rules
Chargeback programs and Nacha return-rate thresholds don't apply here. For some merchants that independence is the whole point.
You've been shut down before and want a second rail in place
If you've already lost an account and you're carrying real volume on cards, a second rail that no card network can terminate means a shutdown doesn't take your revenue to zero. This only makes sense if you have the volume to justify the setup work — it's not something every merchant needs.
What to expect
Approval is near-automatic — the overwhelming majority of applications are approved. The tradeoff is at checkout: your customer enters their bank account and routing number instead of a card number, which converts lower than a card field. This works best when it's integrated through the API rather than a hosted page, so plan for some developer time. If you don't have development resources, tell us and we'll talk through whether this is the right fit before you sign up.
The Risk of Running on Card Rails Alone
Every high-risk merchant faces the same vulnerability: your entire revenue depends on Visa and Mastercard saying yes — and continuing to say yes.
Visa's VAMP program dropped its chargeback threshold to 1.5% in 2026. Mastercard's BRAM program is actively flagging categories like research peptides, nutraceuticals, and CBD. RDR rules require merchants to resolve disputes before they become chargebacks — adding cost and complexity every quarter.
One compliance flag, one chargeback spike, one processor policy change — and your card processing can be frozen. If that's your only payment channel, your business stops.
Some merchants turn to ACH as their backup — but ACH has its own risks. Nacha (the governing body of the ACH network) enforces return rate thresholds, unauthorized transaction monitoring, and can restrict or terminate access for high-risk merchants. Switching from card network risk to ACH risk isn't true redundancy. eDebit operates on its own proprietary rails — independent from card networks AND independent from the ACH network. No Nacha rules. No Nacha return rate monitoring. No Nacha compliance requirements. It's the only payment rail that doesn't answer to Visa, Mastercard, or Nacha.
How eDebit Works
eDebit processes electronic debits directly between your customer's bank and your bank — no card networks involved.
- 1Customer Authorizes PaymentYour customer enters their bank details or authorizes via PLAID integration. Secure, verified, compliant.
- 2eDebit Processes the TransactionThe payment is processed through independent electronic debit rails. Not Visa. Not Mastercard.
- 3Same-Day DepositFunds are deposited into your bank account the same day. No 2-3 day settlement wait.
Why Merchants Choose eDebit
Who Should Consider eDebit
eDebit is designed as a standalone solution for merchants who can't clear card or ACH underwriting.
- Research peptide merchants navigating Mastercard BRAM restrictions
- CBD and hemp companies with elevated chargeback exposure
- Nutraceutical brands managing Visa VAMP thresholds
- Forex and prop trading platforms with high-ticket transactions
- Merchants who can't clear card or ACH underwriting — and merchants who've lost an account before and want a second rail in place.
- Businesses previously declined for card processing or on the MATCH list
- Merchants whose ACH processing has been restricted or terminated by Nacha return rate violations
- Merchants on the MATCH list who need a way to accept payments NOW
- Businesses with frozen funds waiting 90-180 days for a previous processor to release their money
Choose the Rail That Fits Your Situation
Cards are the better fit for most merchants. Direct Bank Payments serves merchants who can't clear card or ACH underwriting.
Primary payment channel through Akord's 25+ processor network. Accepts Visa, Mastercard, and major card brands. Subject to card network rules and chargeback thresholds.
Standalone solution for merchants who can't clear card or ACH underwriting, on independent electronic debit rails. Not subject to card network rules OR Nacha/ACH regulations. Same-day deposits. Approval is near-automatic.
Built for Business
- Recurring billing (daily, weekly, monthly, or custom schedules)
- Email invoicing with electronic signatures
- Payment buttons (embed anywhere with a single line of code)
- Remote Deposit Capture (RDC) for rapid settlement
- Professional reporting with thousands of data points
- API and SDK for custom integrations
- Customer blocking and fraud prevention tools
- Deposits to 4,000+ U.S. banks
eDebit Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about how eDebit works, who qualifies, and how it protects your payment stack.
Get Started with Direct Bank Payments
Sign up takes less than 5 minutes. Most merchants are approved and processing the same day.