What is an EFT Payment? Electronic Funds Transfer Definition

eft meaning in banking

EFT payments are usually super easy to make — and require little effort to receive. The ATM terminal will initiate the transfer from your account, and inform your bank you’ve taken the cash. Once a payment is initiated, messages are passed on through digital routes to move money from one electronic funds transfer account to another without any human intervention. We’ll cover the EFT payment meaning, how to set up EFT payments, and more — and as a bonus we’ll also introduce Wise as a cheap and convenient way to send or receive payments around the world. But in general, it may take between one and four days to complete an EFT.

eft meaning in banking

Find The Best Ways To Send Money Internationally

Read on for everything you need to know about sending and receiving international wire transfers with First Republic. Read on for everything you need to know about sending and receiving international wire transfers with First Horizon. Read on for everything you need to know about sending and receiving international virtual accountant wire transfers with PNC. If you want to send money internationally, you might choose an EFT option. In general, EFTs represent a quick and relatively affordable way to send money abroad.

Payments

A global convenience, ATM transactions occur at electronic kiosks found throughout cities and banks worldwide. In this case, a person withdraws cash from their bank account by inserting their debit card into a machine, transmitting information to the bank and then processing the request to dispense money. An electronic funds transfer is the electronic transfer of money between people, banks and companies. This payment technology is used to pay bills, send money to friends and family and compensate workers each payday. A debit card is a form of EFT payment processing that uses a debit card issued by a credit union or bank to move money between financial institutions.

Recurring bill pay from your bank account

As a result, transactions can usually take one to three days to process. Conversely, an EFT from a credit card, which is not an ACH transaction, typically happens instantaneously. Instead of receiving a monthly physical check, this EFT payment method electronically deposits your payroll funds into your bank account.

eft meaning in banking

Unlike debit and credit card EFT transactions that happen in real time, ACH payments are processed in batches each day and can take one to four days to complete. Larger banks can often process ACH payments faster than smaller banks. EFTs are becoming increasingly common in B2B payments as many businesses shift from traditional paper checks towards more efficient and lower-cost ePayment methods such as ACH.

eft meaning in banking

That said, EFT payments refer to a wide range of different transactions, including debit card transactions, online payments, and more. In short, EFT ends up meaning any transaction that involves a digital transfer. One of the most appealing features of an electronic funds transfer is security. Of course, doing anything over the internet typically involves some degree of risk. First, let’s start with EFT, which stands for Electronic Fund Transfer. EFT is an umbrella term, and EFTs are any transfers of money that are authorized electronically—i.e., not initiated in person, manually, like withdrawals at the bank counter.

What’s the difference between an ACH and EFT payment?

  • However, EFT is a broad term that encompasses various types of transactions.
  • The recipient then receives the funds directly into their account, typically within 1-2 business days.
  • Whether it’s paying bills, making purchases online, or transferring funds between accounts, EFT offers a secure and efficient way to handle financial transactions.
  • In this case, a person withdraws cash from their bank account by inserting their debit card into a machine, transmitting information to the bank and then processing the request to dispense money.
  • A credit card or debit card payment is a type of EFT payment used for customers when paying a business for a product or service.
  • ACH payments are most often used as an alternative to checks, wire transfers, and credit card payments and using ACH has clear benefits over these methods.
  • Though you may not realize it, EFTs conduct many of the transactions that typically occur in personal banking.

SoFi does not guarantee or endorse the products, information or recommendations provided in any third party website. Finally, when you withdraw cash from an ATM at home or abroad, you’re using another form of EFT. With this in mind, here is a look at a number of different types of transfers that fall within the Electronic Funds Transfer category.

What is the processing time for EFT payments?

This means that funds are often available to the recipient immediately or within a few minutes, which is especially useful for urgent payments such as rent or utility bills. EFT payment processing gives businesses an edge when it comes to business and customer relations and cash flow. By understanding the EFT payment meaning and how the process works, you can benefit from using this type payment processing and increase your influence online and offline.

Peer-to-peer payments such as PayPal and Venmo are being used to make payments by consumers where possible. Peer-to-peer payments usually rely on ACH and net sales wire transfers and can be instantaneous. EChecks are electronic check payments that work similarly to a paper check but are faster and more convenient.