Understanding ACH Transfers
ACH, which stands for Automated Clearing House, is a secure and efficient electronic payment network widely used in the United States for various financial transactions, including fund transfers, bill payments, and direct deposits. It enables users to move money between US bank accounts electronically, making it a convenient way to manage funds.
To make an ACH transfer you will need:
- Name
- Routing number
- Account number
- Type of account (business or personal)
- Transaction amount
On Securitize, you can easily find this information when funding your account.
Advantages of ACH Transfers
- Cost-Efficient:
ACH transfers are often more cost-effective than traditional wire transfers or other international payment methods, as they typically incur lower fees.
-
Security:
ACH transfers are highly secure, with encryption protocols in place to protect your financial information during the transaction.
-
Speed:
While ACH transfers may not be as instantaneous as some other methods, they are still relatively quick, with most transactions settling within a few business days.
-
Convenience:
ACH transfers are straightforward to set up and use, making them a convenient option for depositing and withdrawing your funds on Securitize.
Disadvantages of ACH Transfers
-
US-Centric:
ACH transfers are primarily designed for US bank accounts, so if you don’t have one, you may need to explore alternative deposit and withdrawal methods.
-
Processing Times:
While ACH transfers are relatively quick, they may not be as immediate as some users prefer, especially for urgent transactions.
-
Limited to USD:
ACH transfers are typically used for USD transactions, so if you need to deal with other currencies, you may need to convert your funds, incurring additional fees.
Can you use ACH if you are a non-US resident?
If you are a non-US resident and wish to use ACH for transactions, you will need to have a US bank account with both an account number and a routing number. Obtaining a US bank account as a non-US resident can be facilitated through services like Wise, which offers international users the ability to open US bank accounts with ease.
ACH vs Wire
ACH transfers are a cost-efficient electronic payment network primarily used for domestic transactions within the United States, known for their cost-efficiency and slightly longer processing times. In contrast, wire transfers are a versatile method for sending funds electronically both domestically and internationally, offering faster processing times but generally incurring higher fees, making them suitable for urgent or cross-border transactions.