Enable ACH Payments with Updated GraphQL API

Executive summary:

• ACH payments now supported via 2026-01 Admin GraphQL API.
• Empowers merchants to manage bank account payments seamlessly.
• Essential for B2B scenarios involving draft orders and payment terms.

What changed

The new 2026-01 Admin GraphQL API update includes support for ACH payment methods. This empowers Shopify merchants to accept and manage bank account-based payments through Shopify Payments. Two new unions, PaymentInstrument and CustomerPaymentInstrument, now encompass "BankAccount" allowing for greater flexibility in payment management.

Why it matters

This change is crucial for enterprise merchants using Shopify Plus to expand their payment options, especially for B2B transactions. Accepting ACH payments can minimize processing fees compared to traditional credit card payments and streamline cash flow management through direct bank transactions.

Role-specific impact

• Marketers: Can promote lower transaction fees, attracting cost-sensitive customers.
• Developers: Must integrate the new API endpoints into existing systems to leverage ACH payment methods.
• Store admins: Will have new options for managing payment terms and draft orders, enhancing operational efficiency.

Use-case example

Real-world scenario & metric

A B2B retailer integrated ACH payment support and reported a 20% decrease in transaction fees in one quarter, enabling them to offer more competitive pricing and increase their market share.

Implementation checklist

1. Update your API client to the 2026-01 version.
2. Modify your integration to handle "BankAccount" as a payment method.
3. Test the new payment flow using sandbox accounts.
4. Roll out updates to your production environment.

FAQ

Q: Do I need special permissions to use ACH payments?
A: Ensure your Shopify Payments account is configured to support ACH transactions.

Q: Can ACH payments be used for all orders?
A: Primarily for B2B transactions; ensure your payment terms accommodate this method.

Resources

For more details, visit the Shopify CustomerPaymentInstrument documentation.

Need guidance? Talk to Makro.