Getting Started with FISTWorks
What is FISTWorks?
FISTWorks is a secure, web-based platform for managing ACH (Automated Clearing House) payments. Whether you need to validate incoming ACH files or create and transmit your own, FISTWorks provides the tools to handle the entire ACH workflow from a single dashboard.
Key Features
- ACH Validator — Upload and validate ACH files against NACHA formatting rules. Instantly identify errors, warnings, and file structure issues.
- ACH Drafter — Create, manage, and generate NACHA-compliant ACH files. Set up your company, banks, and recipients, then draft payment batches with ease.
- Templates — Save frequently-used draft configurations as templates to speed up recurring payment workflows.
- Send to Bank (SFTP) — Transmit generated ACH files directly to your bank via secure SFTP connections configured in your organization settings.
- Return Files — Browse and download ACH return files from your bank's SFTP server to track returned transactions.
- Organization Management — Manage team members, bank connections, scheduled transmissions, and review audit logs.
Creating Your Account
- Visit the FISTWorks sign-up page and enter your email address.
- Check your inbox for a one-time verification code and enter it to confirm your account.
- Complete your profile by entering your display name.
- Choose a subscription plan that fits your needs — you can start with the Free plan to explore the platform.
Navigating the Dashboard
After signing in, the ACH Drafter Dashboard is your home screen. From here you can:
- View your Setup Status to see if your company, banks, and recipients are configured.
- Check Monthly File Generation to see how many ACH files you have created this month.
- Use Quick Actions to jump directly to creating a new draft or managing your setup.
- Review Recent Drafts and Generation History to track your work.
The navigation bar at the top provides access to all major areas:
| Menu Item | Description |
|---|---|
| ACH Validator | Upload and validate ACH files |
| ACH Drafter | Create and manage ACH drafts |
| Organization | Manage your team and bank connections |
| Profile | Update your display name and account settings |
Next Steps
- Set up your ACH Drafter by configuring your company information, bank accounts, and recipients.
- Validate an ACH file to check an existing file for NACHA compliance.
- Learn about Organization Management to invite team members and configure bank connections.