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The Ultimate Guide to ACH vs. EFT!

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Markharries
The Ultimate Guide to ACH vs. EFT!

As digital payment options become increasingly popular, it's important to understand the differences between ACH and EFT. Both are electronic payment methods, but they have some distinct differences. In this article, we'll explain what ACH and EFT are and how they differ.


What is ACH?

Automated Clearing House (ACH) is a payment processing network that allows businesses and individuals to transfer funds electronically between bank accounts in the United States. It's commonly used for direct deposit, bill payments, and business-to-business transactions. ACH transactions typically take 2-3 business days to process.


How does ACH work?

ACH transactions are initiated by the sender, who provides the recipient's bank account and routing number. The payment is then processed through the ACH network, which transfers the funds from the sender's bank account to the recipient's bank account. ACH transactions are typically processed in batches, which means they're processed at specific times throughout the day.


What is EFT?

Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) is a term that refers to any electronic transfer of funds between bank accounts. EFT can include ACH transactions, wire transfers, and other types of electronic payments.


How does EFT work?

EFT works by electronically transferring funds between bank accounts. This can be done using various methods, including ACH, wire transfers, and other electronic payment options.


ACH vs. EFT

While ACH is a type of EFT, there are some key differences between the two.


Processing time

One of the biggest differences between ACH and EFT is processing time. ACH transactions typically take 2-3 business days to process, while other types of EFT, such as wire transfers, can be completed much faster. Wire transfers are typically completed within hours, but they also come with higher fees.


Cost

ACH transactions are generally less expensive than other types of EFT. While the cost of an ACH transaction can vary depending on the bank and the specific transaction, it's typically less expensive than a wire transfer or other types of electronic payment.


Limitations

ACH transactions are subject to certain limitations. For example, there are limits on the amount that can be transferred per transaction, and some banks may have limits on the total amount that can be transferred in a day or a week. Wire transfers, on the other hand, typically have higher limits.


Conclusion

In conclusion, ACH and EFT are both electronic payment options that allow for the transfer of funds between bank accounts. While ACH is a type of EFT, there are some key differences between the two. ACH transactions are generally less expensive, but they take longer to process than other types of EFT. Wire transfers are faster but come with higher fees. Understanding the differences between ACH and EFT can help you choose the payment method that's right for you.


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