ACH Transfer: What Does It Mean?

ACH (Automated Clearing House) transfers are electronic payments that move money between bank accounts. These include direct deposits, automatic bill payments, and transfers between your own accounts at different banks. ACH transfers typically take 1-3 business days to process and are usually free for basic transactions.

ACH is the backbone of modern banking—your paycheck likely arrives via ACH, and your mortgage payment probably leaves the same way. The system prioritizes security and low cost over speed. While not instant like wire transfers, ACH transfers handle the vast majority of routine financial transactions efficiently and affordably.