Accredited ACH Professional (AAP) Practice Exam 2026 - Free AAP Practice Questions and Study Guide

The role of the Originator in ACH (Automated Clearing House) transactions is to initiate entries into the ACH network. This involves creating and sending payment instructions to a financial institution, which then transmits the transaction through the ACH system. The Originator can be an individual, company, or organization that initiates debit and credit transactions, such as direct deposits or bill payments. By initiating these entries, the Originator plays a vital role in facilitating electronic payments and ensuring that funds move accurately and efficiently through the ACH network.

Other options mention processing payments, receiving funds, or acting as a clearing agent, which are functions that involve different parts of the ACH process or different participants in the network, such as the Receiving Depository Financial Institution (RDFI) or national clearinghouses. However, the core function specifically associated with the Originator is the initiation of transactions.