EFT and ACH are two terms that can get mixed up when discussing electronic payments. While ACH is more specific, both refer to any electronic transfer using financial data, including a payment from your bank to another. ACH transfers are completed in bulk, which helps keep costs down (unlike wire transfers). Adding ACH to your business gives customers one more way to pay.
Convenience
Adding EFT payments is a great way to provide customers with more payment options while reducing your business’s costs. These transactions are typically much cheaper than credit card processing fees and have low fraud rates. They also help to avoid the hassle of dealing with paper bills, which can be lost or stolen. EFT payments may be made from a checking or savings account, making them more convenient for consumers. ACH payments are processed in bulk, which makes them more cost-efficient than other forms of electronic payment. ACH payments are safer than checks because Nacha verifies them before processing them, and all transactions are encrypted. It reduces the risk of hacking and other types of fraudulent activity. The most important thing to remember when comparing ACH and EFT is that EFT is an overarching term, while ACH refers to a specific type of electronic payment. Nevertheless, it is still helpful to understand the difference between these two payment methods, as each has unique benefits.
Cost
Knowing the difference between EFT vs ACH is essential for a business owner. Although they’re both forms of electronic funds transfer, they have different cost structures, speed, and security parameters that differ across payment types. Understanding these differences can help you determine the best kind of payment for your needs. ACH is an acronym for Automated Clearing House, and it’s the name of a system that allows businesses to deposit and withdraw money from accounts. It is a common way to process payments for direct deposits, online bill pay, tax refunds, and even auto-loan payments. It is also one of the most popular ways to make payroll transactions. In the United States, ACH is responsible for moving more than $40 trillion in debits and credits each year. Businesses of all sizes are converting paper checks into ACH payments to reduce processing costs and increase operational efficiency. On the other hand, EFT is an umbrella term that refers to all kinds of electronic payments.
Time
In many ways, EFT and ACH are similar in that both are electronic payment forms. However, the main difference between these two is that ACH is much more specific. An ACH transaction is any bank-to-bank transfer using an Automated Clearing House system. It includes direct payroll deposit, Social Security benefits, and auto bill pay. Typically, ACH transactions are done in bulk, which helps keep per-transfer fees relatively low. Meanwhile, an EFT transaction is much more individual and, therefore, can have higher processing costs.
The most significant benefit of adding ACH or EFT payments to your business is that they provide enhanced security and speed compared to other types of payments. ACH transactions are heavily scrutinized and regulated by the clearing house, which makes them less likely to be compromised than credit card transactions. EFT transfers happen instantly, meaning customers can get their products or services faster than with a paper check or cash. ACH is an excellent option for businesses of all sizes because it’s simple and affordable to set up. Many companies are now converting paper checks to ACH debits to lower processing costs and increase efficiency. Whether you want to start offering your customers the convenience of ACH payments or make it easier for your staff to process them, now is the time to implement this innovative technology.
Security
When considering which type of payment methods to accept, many business owners look at ACH and EFT. However, the two terms are similar. EFT is a more general term encompassing all electronic payments, while ACH refers to specific types of transactions. Despite the different names, they are both safe and secure. ACH stands for Automated Clearing House, a method of transferring money from one bank account to another. It is a more secure option than other forms of payment, such as checks or cash, because it provides an added layer of security with a digital footprint. The National Automated Clearing House Association (NACHA), which safeguards client privacy and ensures that all ACH transactions adhere to a particular set of laws and regulations, supports ACH transfers.
Another benefit of ACH is that it is a faster method of sending money than other forms of payment, such as wire transfers or debit card transactions. It is because ACH transactions are processed in batches, while other payments are typically completed immediately or in real time. Some examples of ACH transactions include direct deposit from employers, social security payments, and auto bill pay. In contrast, a credit ACH transaction authorizes the financial institution to withdraw funds from your account for a particular cost. These types of transactions usually take one to three banking days to process.