SoFi

If you’re wondering what is the difference between a deposit and a withdrawal, the truth is that they are exact opposites: A deposit is money put into a bank account for safekeeping until you need it. A withdrawal is money that’s taken out of your account. At the most basic level, one of these transactions is about getting money and the other is all about paying, or spending.

But that’s not the full story about deposits vs. withdrawals. You have many choices when it comes to getting money into your account and taking it out. Read on for more about how deposits and withdrawals work, their similarities, and their differences. Once you know the different ways that funds can flow through your accounts, you’ll be that much savvier a financial customer.

What Is a Deposit?

A deposit, from the ancient Latin word deponere, means to “place in the hands of another.” In terms of banking, a deposit means you put your money in the hands of a brick-and-mortar or online bank to safely hold it for you. Deposits add to your funds, which helps your bank accounts pay your bills or stash your cash until you are ready to spend it. This influx of money can happen in a few different ways, which we’ll review in a moment.

How a Deposit Works

A deposit involves adding cash or check(s) to your bank account. You can do this in person at a bricks-and-mortar branch of your bank, at ATMs in your bank’s network or, for checks, by using a bank’s mobile app.

You can also receive a deposit by electronic transfer from one bank account to another account (whether yours or someone else’s). For example, if you are paid by direct deposit, that moves money from your employer directly into your account. Or perhaps you receive a government benefit this way. In addition, you might receive funds via a P2P service, like PayPal or Venmo, and could then move the money into your checking or savings account.

Worth noting: Both bricks-and-mortar and online banks offer many different kinds of deposit accounts. You could consider a high-interest checking or savings account at a traditional or online bank, or, if you don’t need to access the money every day, you may want to look into a money market account or a certificate of deposit (CD).

Whether you are a college student with birthday gift money you want to save or a parent raising a growing family, you can find a place to safely put your money and track it until you need it.

Types of Deposits

There are many ways to put money into your bank account today. A generation or two ago, only cash or a check could do the trick, but now you have many options to top up the funds in your bank. To be specific, here are the ways to make a deposit and give your bank account an infusion of cash:

•   Cash deposit at one of your bank’s ATMs or branches

•   Check deposit at one of your bank’s ATMs or branches

•   Check deposit electronically via your bank’s mobile phone app

•   Payroll direct deposit

•   Electronic funds transfer from a linked savings or checking account or via mobile payment services such as PayPal, Venmo, Cash App, or Zelle

What Is a Withdrawal?

Now, let’s take a look at the other vital aspect of banking: withdrawing, or taking money out of your account. You can do that several ways, including using your debit card at an ATM, requesting the money in person from a bank teller, writing a check, scheduling an electronic bill payment, having the money transferred via a payment app, and wiring the money to someone.

As you may know, some of these methods of withdrawing funds can involve fees. If you use an out-of-network ATM, for instance, you can get hit with a charge. Some companies add a surcharge if you sign up for the convenience of electronic payments vs. writing a and mailing a check.

How a Withdrawal Works

The difference between a withdrawal and deposit is that withdrawals draw, or take, money out of your bank account. You might withdraw cash from your bank account to put in your niece’s Bat Mitzvah card, write a check (or authorize an electronic payment) to pay the electricity bill, or use a P2P service to pay a friend back.

Any funds removed count as a withdrawal. Depending on your bank’s checking account terms, you may have limited or unlimited withdrawals. Often, there are savings account withdrawal limits. In the past, the number was typically six per month, though these restrictions have largely been eased in recent years.

Types of Withdrawals

Let’s take a closer look at how to withdraw or debit funds from your bank account. Know these ways to get money out when you need it.

•   Cash withdrawal at ATM with a bank or prepaid debit card (though there will likely be ATM limits to the amount you may withdraw)

•   Cash withdrawal in person at one of your bank’s branches

•   Checks written from your account

•   Cardless withdrawals of cash using phone app at ATMs in your bank network

•   Bank-issued cashier’s check in person or online

•   Cashing a certificate of deposit (CD) at bank (if this is done before the maturity date, you may owe an early withdrawal fee)

•   Funds transfer from brokerage account

•   Electronic funds transfer from a linked savings or checking account or via mobile payment P2P services such as PayPal, Venmo, Cash App, or Zelle

•   Electronic bill pay (recurring or not)

Similarities and Differences Between Deposits and Withdrawals

Deposits and withdrawals are two of the most common banking terms. Here are the differences and similarities you should know. It comes down to deposit (plus) vs. withdraw (minus). Check this chart for more details.

Differences	Deposits	Withdrawals
Adds to bank account balance	✓
Immediately reflected in bank account balance		✓
Transaction can only be done at in-network ATMS	✓
Cashier’s checks can be managed at your bank branch		✓

How Deposits and Withdrawals Are Similar

Here’s what these two kinds of banking transactions have in common.

•   Both can be done in person at ATM or branch in your bank’s network (except for check withdrawals, which can only be completed in person or online).

•   Both can involve electronic funds transfer from a linked bricks-and-mortar, an online savings or checking account, or via mobile payment services, such as PayPal, Venmo, Cash App, or Zelle.

How Deposits and Withdrawals Are Different

Now, let’s take a look at some of the key ways in which these transactions are different.

•   A withdrawal leaves you with less money in the bank while a deposit puts more money in the bank. In this way, they are opposites.

•   A withdrawal will immediately be reflected in your account balance, while a deposit may take longer to show up, until the funds clear.

•   Cash deposits generally have to be made at your bank or bank’s branded ATM network locations, while cash withdrawals can be made at any ATM. (But beware, if the ATM is out of your bank’s network, you could be charged an ATM fee by both the ATM owner and your bank.)

•   Check deposits have to be made at your bank or bank’s branded ATM network locations, or via a bank’s mobile phone app.

•   Check withdrawals via cashier’s checks, on the other hand, are likely only available in person at one of your bank’s or credit union branches. Alternatively, you could request one online from your brick-and-mortar or online bank or credit union.

The Takeaway

Now you know the difference between a deposit and a withdraw. They are inverse transactions: While a deposit adds funds to your account and boosts your balance, a withdrawal whisks money away, subtracting an amount from the funds you have on balance. There are many ways to conduct each of these transactions today, largely due to tech offering new options. You can now do your banking in person or use an array of digital tools to send or receive money.

SoFi can make banking much better than basic. Our high-interest bank accounts are convenient to set up and use, and we offer a competitive APY. You can also write checks, set up bill pay, and have access to 55,000+ (fee-free) ATMs worldwide. Oh, and did we mention? No account fees, period.

See how much your money can grow with SoFi.

FAQ

What is a cash withdrawal?

A cash withdrawal involves converting funds you are holding in an account (perhaps an investment plan, a trust, or a pension) into cash that you can then deposit elsewhere or use.

What is a cash deposit?

A cash deposit is money that you add to your bank account. It could come via an electronic transfer, an ATM deposit, or currency that you hand off to a bank teller.

What is the difference between a deposit and a withdrawal?

The difference between a deposit and a withdrawal is that a deposit adds funds to your bank account while a deposit takes funds away.

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SoFi® Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. ©2023 SoFi Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
The SoFi Bank Debit Mastercard® is issued by SoFi Bank, N.A., pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

SoFi members with direct deposit activity can earn 4.60% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Direct Deposit means a deposit to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Deposits that are not from an employer or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, do not constitute Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate.

SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits can earn 4.60% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Qualifying Deposits means one or more deposits that, in the aggregate, are equal to or greater than $5,000 to an account holder’s SoFi Checking and Savings account (“Qualifying Deposits”) during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Qualifying Deposits only include those deposits from the following eligible sources: (i) ACH transfers, (ii) inbound wire transfers, (iii) peer-to-peer transfers (i.e., external transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc. and internal peer-to-peer transfers from a SoFi account belonging to another account holder), (iv) check deposits, (v) instant funding to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, (vi) push payments to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, and (vii) cash deposits. Qualifying Deposits do not include: (i) transfers between an account holder’s Checking account, Savings account, and/or Vaults; (ii) interest payments; (iii) bonuses issued by SoFi Bank or its affiliates; or (iv) credits, reversals, and refunds from SoFi Bank, N.A. (“SoFi Bank”) or from a merchant.

SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder’s Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits throughout each 30-Day Evaluation Period to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility. The 30-Day Evaluation Period refers to the “Start Date” and “End Date” set forth on the APY Details page of your account, which comprises a period of 30 calendar days (the “30-Day Evaluation Period”). You can access the APY Details page at any time by logging into your SoFi account on the SoFi mobile app or SoFi website and selecting either (i) Banking > Savings > Current APY or (ii) Banking > Checking > Current APY. Upon receiving a Direct Deposit or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits to your account, you will begin earning 4.60% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% on checking balances on or before the following calendar day. You will continue to earn these APYs for (i) the remainder of the current 30-Day Evaluation Period and through the end of the subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period and (ii) any following 30-day Evaluation Periods during which SoFi Bank determines you to have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits without interruption.

SoFi Bank reserves the right to grant a grace period to account holders following a change in Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits activity before adjusting rates. If SoFi Bank grants you a grace period, the dates for such grace period will be reflected on the APY Details page of your account. If SoFi Bank determines that you did not have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits during the current 30-day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, then you will begin earning the rates earned by account holders without either Direct Deposit or Qualifying Deposits until you have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits in a subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period. For the avoidance of doubt, an account holder with both Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits will earn the rates earned by account holders with Direct Deposit.

Members without either Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits, as determined by SoFi Bank, during a 30-Day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, will earn 1.20% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances.

Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 10/24/2023. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.

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When it comes to conducting transactions with your bank account, one of the most popular types is using ACH transfers, but they do come with limits. ACH payments are electronic bank transfers that conveniently process regular payments such as mortgages, utilities, loans, and tax payments. They can also be used for one-time payments as well.

While ACH payments are fast and secure, it’s important to know that financial institutions impose an ACH transfer limit — and each one may operate differently. Knowing your limits will help you plan better when it comes to paying your bills and making other types of transfers. It’ll help to make sure all your transactions go through smoothly and avoid any potential hiccups.

So, here we’ll take a look at:

•   How ACH transfers work

•   Incoming and outgoing ACH transfer limits

•   The “fine print” on ACH transfers, including timing and fees.

Let’s get started!

How ACH Transfers Work

First, let’s define our terms: ACH stands for Automated Clearing House. ACH transfers are an electronic transfer system that allows individuals or businesses to transfer money from one financial institution. This network is one of the main ways to send and receive money. Did you sign up for autopay on your utilities bill? ACH transfers will make it happen. Do you receive your paycheck by direct deposit? Yup, that’s also an ACH transfer. Other types of transactions include direct ACH debits, electronic funds transfers (EFTs), electronic checks (eChecks), and direct payments. Aside from banks, third-party apps, such as PayPal, which allow you to pay friends without cash, also use the ACH network.

ACH transfers can involve money being pulled from an account — such as direct debits — where a third-party can take money out from your account once you’ve given permission. For instance, if you pay your life insurance policy monthly, with ACH payments, the company can debit your account each month. You can also push money, where you manually send money to accounts at different financial institutions such as bank accounts of your friends and family members.

Wondering how long ACH transfers take? In most cases, ACH payments, which are only for U.S. transactions, are usually faster than other types of transactions — if there’s enough money in the account, an ACH incoming transfer is usually cleared within one to several days. A few instances where it could take longer is during holidays or if the network suspects the transaction is potentially fraudulent. Debits are typically processed on a next-day basis. (If you need a super-fast transfer, look into how ACH vs. wire transfers stack up.)

Though there technically isn’t a set number of transactions you can do in a day, there are often ACH limits. Plus, there are also ACH period limits — as in, there may be daily or monthly limits, depending on your financial institution. Let’s move on to taking a closer look at the meaning of ACH limits.

💡 Quick Tip: Make money easy. Enjoy the convenience of managing bills, deposits, and transfers from one online bank account with SoFi.

Incoming ACH Transfer Limits

According to the National Automated Clearing House Association (NACHA), which manages ACH payments, ACH transfer limits can be as high as $1,000,000 per day, up from $100,000 previously. However, this is a recent shift, and your incoming ACH transfer limits may still average around $25,000.

This is important to note because you want to be sure that you can receive the money being sent to you. For instance, if you’re selling a vehicle for a sizable amount, you want to be sure the person purchasing it can successfully transfer the money over to you. If it’s over your limit, your transaction may hit a hitch. By knowing your limits, you can troubleshoot before you wind up in a “Where’s my money?” situation.

Outgoing ACH Transfer Limits

Depending on your financial institution, your outgoing ACH transfer limit may be much lower than what NACHA imposes. Understanding the ACH outgoing transfer limit is important because you want to ensure your transactions go smoothly. If you have multiple transactions set up regularly to send money, you’ll want them all to go through and not run the risk of payments being held up and late fees accruing.

ACH Transfer Limits at Top U.S. Banks

The following ACH transfer limits and its associated fees are from the six biggest traditional banks, plus SoFi.

Name of Bank	ACH Transfer Limit	Fees
Bank of America	Varies, but typically $3,000 daily $6,000 monthly	$3 for standard $10 for next-day
Capital One	$10,000 daily $25,000 monthly	None
U.S. Bank	Varies, but typically $2,500 daily	Varies, $0 to $3
Citibank	Inbound, up to $100,000 daily and monthly Outbound, up to $25,000 daily $50,000 monthly	None
Wells Fargo	Varies, but typically $5,000 daily	Varies
Chase	Varies, but typically $10,00 per transaction, $25,000 daily	None
SoFi	Up to $100,000 daily	None

As you can see above, a few of the banks have varying daily and monthly ACH transfer limits. Some of these depend on the type of account you have and your relationship with the bank. For instance, those who have more premium accounts (such as ones that require higher balance minimum requirements) may have higher ACH transfer limits, though it’s not always the case. Also, business accounts may have different and/or higher limits than personal bank accounts. ACH transfers can be conducted with both bricks-and-mortar and secure online bank accounts.

ACH Transfer Penalties

While ACH transfers are a convenient way to conduct bank transactions, there are some limitations you need to be aware of.

Cutoff Times

ACH transfers can be conducted on a same-day or somewhat slower basis. For same-day, transfers must be submitted by 4:45 pm ET. In general, though, ACH transfers will take a bit longer, and it’s worth taking into account the day of the week. If you submit a transfer at 5:03 pm on a Friday, it may not get moving until the following Monday, which could count as a late payment.

All this to say: If you’re making a transfer and want it to arrive as soon as possible, it’s best to initiate the transfer earlier in the day. And keep these timing issues in mind if you are tracking an ACH payment, whether incoming or outgoing.

Insufficient Funds Penalty Fee

Many financial institutions won’t charge you for an ACH transfer, but they may charge you a fee if you don’t have enough money in your account. This penalty is typically called the insufficient funds fee, and the amount varies from bank to bank.

No International Transfers

In most cases, ACH transfers aren’t available to send money to another account internationally. If you want to send money overseas from your bank, you’ll have to do so via a wire transfer. You’ll likely be charged a fee for the service.

The Takeaway

ACH transfers are an important part of modern banking, whisking funds from account to account. This process enables direct deposit, automatic bill-pay, P2P platforms, and more. However, these transactions may come with dollar and timing limits, as well as fees. Each financial institution will have different rules and guidelines as to how you can conduct ACH transfers. Knowing these ground rules is important, especially if you have a lot of daily transactions or simply want to send a large sum of money to someone. This is one of those situations in which reading the fine print on your account agreement or checking in with customer support can save you time, money, and headaches.

Here’s another way to simplify your banking life: Sign up for SoFi’s linked accounts. When you open Checking and Savings with direct deposit, you’ll enjoy a host of benefits, from zero account fees to a competitive APY. Plus, we’re a digital bank, so you can expect transactions to be fast, secure, and easily done on the go.

See how much better banking can be with SoFi.

FAQ

Which bank has the highest ACH transfer limit?

As of press time, SoFi and Citi have the highest ACH transfer limits. However, these higher limits may only be available for those who have certain types of bank accounts or have been a long-time customer with these financial institutions.

Are ACH transfers reported to the IRS?

The IRS doesn’t count ACH transfers as cash, so they are not reported.

What is the maximum amount you can transfer from bank to bank?

The maximum amount you’ll be able to transfer between banks will depend on various factors, such as how much you have in your account, ACH transfer limits for your financial institution, and how much the receiving bank is allowed to receive. NACHA recently raised the maximum possible to $1,000,000, but again, that will not be available to every banking customer.

Which bank is good for ACH?

All financial institutions should be able to initiate and receive ACH transactions. The differences involve limits, processing time, and possible fees. It’s worth checking at specific banks to understand their guidelines if you plan on using ACH transfers.

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Photo credit: iStock/AleksandarNakic

SoFi® Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. ©2023 SoFi Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
The SoFi Bank Debit Mastercard® is issued by SoFi Bank, N.A., pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

SoFi members with direct deposit activity can earn 4.60% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Direct Deposit means a deposit to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Deposits that are not from an employer or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, do not constitute Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate.

SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits can earn 4.60% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Qualifying Deposits means one or more deposits that, in the aggregate, are equal to or greater than $5,000 to an account holder’s SoFi Checking and Savings account (“Qualifying Deposits”) during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Qualifying Deposits only include those deposits from the following eligible sources: (i) ACH transfers, (ii) inbound wire transfers, (iii) peer-to-peer transfers (i.e., external transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc. and internal peer-to-peer transfers from a SoFi account belonging to another account holder), (iv) check deposits, (v) instant funding to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, (vi) push payments to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, and (vii) cash deposits. Qualifying Deposits do not include: (i) transfers between an account holder’s Checking account, Savings account, and/or Vaults; (ii) interest payments; (iii) bonuses issued by SoFi Bank or its affiliates; or (iv) credits, reversals, and refunds from SoFi Bank, N.A. (“SoFi Bank”) or from a merchant.

SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder’s Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits throughout each 30-Day Evaluation Period to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility. The 30-Day Evaluation Period refers to the “Start Date” and “End Date” set forth on the APY Details page of your account, which comprises a period of 30 calendar days (the “30-Day Evaluation Period”). You can access the APY Details page at any time by logging into your SoFi account on the SoFi mobile app or SoFi website and selecting either (i) Banking > Savings > Current APY or (ii) Banking > Checking > Current APY. Upon receiving a Direct Deposit or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits to your account, you will begin earning 4.60% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% on checking balances on or before the following calendar day. You will continue to earn these APYs for (i) the remainder of the current 30-Day Evaluation Period and through the end of the subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period and (ii) any following 30-day Evaluation Periods during which SoFi Bank determines you to have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits without interruption.

SoFi Bank reserves the right to grant a grace period to account holders following a change in Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits activity before adjusting rates. If SoFi Bank grants you a grace period, the dates for such grace period will be reflected on the APY Details page of your account. If SoFi Bank determines that you did not have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits during the current 30-day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, then you will begin earning the rates earned by account holders without either Direct Deposit or Qualifying Deposits until you have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits in a subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period. For the avoidance of doubt, an account holder with both Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits will earn the rates earned by account holders with Direct Deposit.

Members without either Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits, as determined by SoFi Bank, during a 30-Day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, will earn 1.20% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances.

Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 10/24/2023. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

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ACH payments, otherwise known as ACH transactions or transfers, are one way to transfer your money or pay electronically. It’s been a real game-changer: The process eliminates the need for cash, paper checks, and credit card networks.

But, as with most banking transactions, it can feature its own range of costs, whether you are using it to pay your bills or to conduct business. While the costs of ACH are competitive with other payment methods, they can vary. The amount you end up paying for your ACH transaction will depend on multiple factors. For example, the way you use the ACH network and the size of your payments can both factor into pricing.

Since each person’s financial needs are different, we’ll take a look here at how ACH pricing works and how it stacks up against other payment methods. You’ll learn:

•   What an ACH transfer is

•   What typical fees are for ACH transactions

•   How ACH fees compare to other payment methods.

What Is an ACH Transfer?

First things first: ACH stands for Automated Clearing House, the network that powers these electronic transactions. It’s a hub that includes around 10,000 financial institutions and can support payment processing, such as direct payments, electronic checks (eChecks), electronic funds transfers (EFTs), direct debits, and direct deposits. When considering payment apps, like PayPal and Venmo, know that ACH powers those as well.

ACH transfers work similarly to other payment methods. Take your monthly internet bill, for example. If you signed up for autopay, you had to provide some personal information like your checking account details. You also needed to agree to a scheduled payment. After the sign-up, your internet provider requests funds from your bank to pay for the cost. From there, your bank processes the ACH transaction as long as you have enough funds. (It’s worth mentioning that ACH payments are quite secure but there is fraud out there. ACH Positive Pay offers one way to protect yourself if you are concerned about scammers.)

ACH transfers require an initial setup. Following that, you can make bank-to-bank payments using the ACH network. These payments generally fall into two categories: ACH credit and ACH debit. Either way, you may wonder how long an ACH transfer takes. They usually clear within a few business days and for a relatively low cost.

Recommended: How Does a P2P Money Transfer Work?

Typical ACH Payment Fees

Now that you understand the basics of how money moves around in an ACH transaction, let’s consider the costs. As a consumer, you may not pay for ACH processing, though some providers may try to pass along a service charge. In some cases, using ACH may even earn you a discount. For instance, if you automate a home loan payment for a certain date every month, you might be rewarded.

However, as a business, you will likely have to spend a bit to conduct ACH business. According to the Association for Financial Professionals (AFP), the median ACH transfer cost is $0.26 and $0.50. This means that ACH payments are one of the more affordable options for businesses, although prices may vary depending on the provider you choose to process your payments. That provider is usually known as a third-party payment processor (TPPP).

Here are some standard ACH fees you should be on the lookout for if you accept these payments.

Account Fee

The ACH account fee covers a broad array of costs. It essentially pays for the services needed to manage a payment processing account. These include recording a monthly statement, compliance costs, system maintenance, and transaction monitoring. Generally, your service provider or processor will collect this fee.

ACH Processing Fees

The ACH processing fee covers the expense to send an ACH payment to the recipient’s bank account after going through the Automated Clearing House network. ACH processing fees break up into three categories: debit, credit, and discount, which we’ll now look at individually.

Debit Fee

The debit fee pays for a customer to make an ACH debit payment to a business. As mentioned above, this ACH debit fee typically costs between $0.20 and $1.50. The charge depends on the risk of the transaction and the type of business.

Credit Fee

ACH credits come into play when a business makes a payment to a third party, vendor, or employee. It’s similar to a debit fee in terms of cost, meaning between $0.20 to $1.50, and it pays for the transaction to be sent through the ACH network.

Higher-risk businesses (which may cluster in certain fields, from financial and travel services, to auctions and tobacco-based businesses) may face an additional charge as well. This can bring the fee to around 0.5% to 1.5% of the payment. In part, this reflects the fact that ACH credit payments tend to be worth a higher dollar amount than ACH debit transactions. As a result, an ACH credit payment is a greater risk for the merchant services provider.

Discount Fee

The name “discount fee” may be misleading for people just learning about ACH charges. It has no connection to discounted prices. Instead, it’s a fee that applies to certain high-risk ACH transactions based on a percentage. With it, payment processors can increase the cost of the service and lessen the risk of the payment.

Other ACH Fees

We’ve just shared the run-down on the standard costs you may be charged for payment processing with an automated clearing house. But there are other fees you should know about with ACHs. Because when it comes to paying for financial services, no surprises is often the best policy.

Setup Fee

In some cases, your payment processor may charge you for setup. This one-time fee can be waived sometimes, though; it’s worth inquiring. You’re most likely to be able to avoid the fee if ACH processing comes as an add-on service to another arrangement you’ve made. Alternatively, you can reduce costs by working with a business that does not collect this setup charge.

Monthly Fee

Those who use ACH may also face a unique monthly fee along with processing charges. However, some may be able to pay both fees wrapped into the monthly fee. Usually, this fee costs anywhere from $5 to $30.

Monthly Minimum Fee

This may sound like the monthly fee we just described above, but there may indeed be a monthly minimum fee as well. This is a minimum processing charge that could be assessed in addition to your regular monthly charge. Or it might replace that monthly fee.

Batch Fee

ACH files can contain one or more groupings, called batches. Batches contain one or multiple transactions, and they are sorted based on certain clusters of data. When your ACH transfers are batched in this way, you are charged a batch fee. It’s assessed per each batch processed and is typically under a dollar per batch.

ACH Return Fee

Returning an ACH transfer is possible. However, it usually comes with an ACH return fee that costs between $2 to $5 per transaction.

ACH Chargeback Fee

Customers use chargebacks to dispute what they believe are erroneous payments. This process comes with a chargeback fee, and it’s typically higher than fees for ACH returns. The ACH chargeback fee tends to cost between $5 and $25.

High Ticket Surcharge

The original intention for ACH fees was to apply them to low-ticket (that is, not too pricey) purchases. As a result, there’s an additional charge added for high-ticket transactions. You’ll find that payment processors likely charge a surcharge on purchases over $5,000.

Expedited Processing Fee

You may need expedited processing for an ACH transfer. Depending on the payment processor, this service can come with an additional charge.

Comparing ACH Fees to Other Payment Methods

When it comes to electronic transactions, you may find that different techniques can sound quite similar. However, processes vary, and so too can fees. Here’s what you need to know about the fees associated with other payment methods.

ACH vs Wire Transfer

Wire transfers are transactions between two financial institutions where each is responsible for verification. In a wire transfer, a bank sends money from one account into another. This process can take little or virtually no time when it occurs within the same bank. However, if the money must transfer between distant or international banks, it can take a bit longer, but it is often viewed as one of the quickest ways to make a payment.

While this can be a fast method, it’s also costly, often averaging between $20 to $35 when sending money and $10 to $20 when you receive funds in this way. As a result, wire transfers may be best for one-time, large payments.

ACH vs Paper Checks

Paper checks are the traditional route for payment processing and may work well if you don’t want to electronically transfer money between banks. But the overall cost can vary depending on the business’s size, where the checking account is located, and timing.

It’s not unheard of for banks or financial institutions to offer free checking accounts to small businesses. They may even throw in checks at no additional cost. These two selling points, along with low monthly fees, can make paper checks an incredibly cheap financial method.

However, experiences vary. The financial institution may offer a free checking account, but only if the business maintains a certain minimum balance. Not only that, but monthly fees and the time spent filling out or processing checks can be costly. According to NACHA, sending money via a check results in a cost of about $1.22 per transaction.

ACH vs Credit Card and Debit Cards

Credit cards are a standard payment method, particularly for businesses collecting online payments. All the cardholder has to do is use their card to purchase the business’ goods or services. When they do, the credit card network verifies that the payer can indeed afford to do so. This is why credit card transactions are considered “guaranteed funds” payments. ACH doesn’t do this vetting during processing, which means transactions can be rejected. Thus, they may result in a penalty fee. Debit cards are another convenient way to pay. A person swipes or taps their card to pay, and funds are automatically deducted from their account.

ACH processing is relatively slow compared to credit card processing. But ACH pricing is lower than credit card and debit fees, which usually charge between 2.6% and 3.5% of the transaction amount, plus an additional 10- to 30-cent fee per transaction.

Recommended: What is a Credit Card and How Does it Work?

ACH vs Online Invoice with Pay Link

Let’s say you include an easy, clickable payment link in an online invoice that you’ve sent to your customers. In terms of processing, this is likely to cost between 2.9% and 3.5% of the transaction’s total, and you may also pay a 15- to 30-cent fee for each transaction.

ACH vs PayPal

Now, let’s consider how processing via PayPal stacks up. In the U.S., PayPal fees range from 2.7% to 2.9%, depending on whether the transaction was in-store or online, and then there’s a 30-cent fee per transaction. International transactions will be assessed an additional 1.5% of the amount. If you use a QR code with your PayPal transactions, you can lower the cost somewhat.

ACH vs Apple Pay Fees

Apple doesn’t assess a fee from merchants to accept and use Apple Pay for payments, but that doesn’t mean you’re getting a freebie. You will have to pay your processing partner at the standard rates for credit- and debit-card transactions.

The Takeaway

Businesses and individuals alike rely on ACH transfers to process transactions. And there’s a reason for it: These digital payments are quick, convenient, and accessible. ACH transfers also have the benefit of being a lower-cost option compared to methods like wiring funds and some other common techniques. Finding the right way to pay bills and collect payments is a personal decision, with many variables. Money matters, of course, but there may be other benefits to consider as well.

When it comes to your personal banking, finding the right partner is equally important. That’s why we’d like you to consider SoFi, because we think we help our members bank smarter. When you sign up for our high yield bank account with direct deposit, you won’t pay any account fees, so you’ll keep more of your money. And you’ll earn more interest, thanks to our competitive APY.

Ready to bank better? See the difference SoFi can make.

FAQ

Do ACH payments have fees?

Yes, ACH payments come with fees. However, these are generally the lowest fees versus any other payment processing option.

Why do banks charge ACH fees?

Banks charge ACH fees to cover the processing service and potential costs, like penalty fees.

How do you avoid ACH fees?

Since ACH fees vary, the best way to avoid them is through research. Reading terms ahead of time can help you find whether a provider is the right option for you. In general, accessing ACH through a third-party can drastically increase the number of fees.

Do US banks charge for ACH transfers?

As a customer, ACH transfers are typically free, and your bank doesn’t collect a fee. As a business conducting ACH transactions, however, you might be charged a fee for an occasional ACH transaction. It’s more likely, however, that if you are completing these transactions regularly that you will work with and pay a third-party payment processing company rather than your bank.

What is ACH on my bank statement?

ACH stands for Automated Clearing House. It is a network used to transfer funds between bank accounts around the United States. When you see it on your bank statement, you know that payment was made electronically through the ACH network.

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SoFi members with direct deposit activity can earn 4.60% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Direct Deposit means a deposit to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Deposits that are not from an employer or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, do not constitute Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate.

SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits can earn 4.60% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Qualifying Deposits means one or more deposits that, in the aggregate, are equal to or greater than $5,000 to an account holder’s SoFi Checking and Savings account (“Qualifying Deposits”) during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Qualifying Deposits only include those deposits from the following eligible sources: (i) ACH transfers, (ii) inbound wire transfers, (iii) peer-to-peer transfers (i.e., external transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc. and internal peer-to-peer transfers from a SoFi account belonging to another account holder), (iv) check deposits, (v) instant funding to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, (vi) push payments to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, and (vii) cash deposits. Qualifying Deposits do not include: (i) transfers between an account holder’s Checking account, Savings account, and/or Vaults; (ii) interest payments; (iii) bonuses issued by SoFi Bank or its affiliates; or (iv) credits, reversals, and refunds from SoFi Bank, N.A. (“SoFi Bank”) or from a merchant.

SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder’s Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits throughout each 30-Day Evaluation Period to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility. The 30-Day Evaluation Period refers to the “Start Date” and “End Date” set forth on the APY Details page of your account, which comprises a period of 30 calendar days (the “30-Day Evaluation Period”). You can access the APY Details page at any time by logging into your SoFi account on the SoFi mobile app or SoFi website and selecting either (i) Banking > Savings > Current APY or (ii) Banking > Checking > Current APY. Upon receiving a Direct Deposit or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits to your account, you will begin earning 4.60% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% on checking balances on or before the following calendar day. You will continue to earn these APYs for (i) the remainder of the current 30-Day Evaluation Period and through the end of the subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period and (ii) any following 30-day Evaluation Periods during which SoFi Bank determines you to have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits without interruption.

SoFi Bank reserves the right to grant a grace period to account holders following a change in Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits activity before adjusting rates. If SoFi Bank grants you a grace period, the dates for such grace period will be reflected on the APY Details page of your account. If SoFi Bank determines that you did not have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits during the current 30-day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, then you will begin earning the rates earned by account holders without either Direct Deposit or Qualifying Deposits until you have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits in a subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period. For the avoidance of doubt, an account holder with both Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits will earn the rates earned by account holders with Direct Deposit.

Members without either Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits, as determined by SoFi Bank, during a 30-Day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, will earn 1.20% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances.

Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 10/24/2023. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

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Direct Stafford Loans (or simply Stafford Loans or Direct Loans) are the most common federal student loans available for students seeking financial aid for college. While there are Stafford Loan limits, most students who fill out the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA®) can receive some amount of financial aid, whether those Stafford Loans are subsidized or unsubsidized.

Students interested in getting federal aid—including grants, federal student loans, and federal work-study—must submit the FAFSA annually. Here are some other important facts, deadlines, and tips to get you ready to apply for federal financial aid.

What Is a Direct Stafford Loan?

A Stafford Loan is a common name for the federal student loans available to eligible students directly from the US Department of Education. These subsidized or unsubsidized federal loans are often referred to as Stafford Loans or Direct Stafford Loans, which are offered under the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program.

In 1988, Congress changed the name of the Federal Guaranteed Student Loan program to the Robert T. Stafford Student Loan program in honor of higher education champion, Senator Robert Stafford. This is one reason why Stafford Loans are sometimes referred to by different names.

Direct Stafford Loans are taken out in the student’s (not a parent’s) name. Before one accepts any loans as part of a financial aid package, it’s important to understand the fundamental differences between the two types of Stafford Loans you can apply for: subsidized or unsubsidized.

Subsidized vs Unsubsidized Loans

There are two different types of Direct Stafford Loans: subsidized and unsubsidized. With a subsidized Stafford Loan, the government will pay the interest that adds up while the borrower is in school at least half-time, during the loan’s grace period (the first six months after graduating or dropping below half-time enrollment), and during a deferment—an official postponement of payments. In contrast, borrowers with unsubsidized student loans are responsible for all of the interest that accrues on the loan at all times.

To be eligible for a subsidized loan, borrowers must meet the income requirements for need-based aid. The school determines the amount a student is able to borrow. As of 2012, subsidized Stafford Loans were no longer available for graduate or professional students.

Related: Explaining Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans

Unsubsidized Stafford Loans start to accrue interest as soon as the loan is disbursed. These loans are available to undergraduate, graduate, and professional students, and there is no requirement to demonstrate financial need.

Students are not required to start paying back unsubsidized Direct Stafford loans while they are in school, but they are responsible for the interest at all times—including before graduation and during the loan’s grace period.

Students can estimate their federal student aid eligibility before filling out the FAFSA. If students have the flexibility to only accept some of the financial aid package, it may be worth accepting subsidized loans before unsubsidized (if eligible) in order to take advantage of the potential interest savings.

Stafford Loan Limits and Rates

It is up to a student’s school to determine which loan type and loan amounts they receive every year. There are Direct Stafford Loan limits, which are determined by a student’s year in school and whether they are considered a dependent or independent student.

What Is the Direct Stafford Loan Interest Rate?

Interest rates for federal student loans are fixed for the life of the loan and are set annually.

For the 2023-2024 school year, the interest rate on Direct Subsidized or Unsubsidized loans for undergraduates is 5.50%, the rate on Direct Unsubsidized loans for graduate and professional students is 7.05%, and the rate on Direct PLUS loans for graduate students, professional students, and parents is 8.05%. The interest rates on federal student loans are fixed and are set annually by Congress.

What Are Direct Stafford Loan Limits For Undergraduates?

First-year undergraduate dependent students are eligible for Direct loans of up to $5,500, but only $3,500 of that amount can be subsidized. (Note: this excludes students whose parents are ineligible for Direct PLUS Loans.)

This amount can increase with each year you’re in school at least half-time, with even higher limits for eligible graduate students.

For undergraduate dependent students, the current annual loan limits are as follows :

•  First Year: $5,500 maximum, no more than $3,500 subsidized

•  Second Year: $6,500 maximum, no more than $4,500 subsidized

•  Third Year and Beyond: $7,500 maximum, no more than $5,500 subsidized

•  Total Direct Stafford Loan Limits: $31,000 max, $23,000 subsidized

The loan limit amounts vary based on a student’s year in school. Additionally, loan limits differ for dependent and independent students. Independent students are generally considered to be financially independent by meeting certain eligibility requirements. Graduate or professional students can take out a maximum of $20,500 annually, but only in unsubsidized loans.

Dependent students whose parents are not eligible for a Direct Parent PLUS Loan, might be able to take out additional Direct Unsubsidized Loans.

Additionally, students can’t receive Direct Subsidized Loans for more than 150% of the published length of their degree program. For instance, if you are in a four-year bachelor’s degree program, the maximum amount of time you can receive Direct Subsidized Loans is six years.

Applying for a Direct Stafford Loan

In order to qualify for Direct Loans, students must be a US citizen, permanent resident, or eligible non-citizen; enrolled at least part-time in an accredited college; and not in default on any other education loan.

Students can apply for all federal financial aid online via the FAFSA website. According to the Department of Education, almost every FAFSA applicant is eligible for some kind of student aid package that may include federal student loans. Unlike most private student loans, however, most federal student loans do not require a credit check or a cosigner.

Typically, a student’s school will apply their student loan funds to pay for tuition, fees, room and board, and other school charges. (They also factor in any scholarships, federal grants and work-study.) If any additional funds remain, the money will be returned to you, which is why it’s important to carefully consider the amount of loan funding you need.

While a loan refund may be nice in the moment, that money will still need to be repaid (with interest)—though some students might find the funds useful for other school-related items like books and technology. (All Direct Stafford Loan funds must be used for education expenses.)

When Do You Have to Pay Back Your Direct Stafford Loan?

The simple answer is: after the grace period. The grace period for Direct Stafford Loan repayment begins the day the borrower officially leaves school, and lasts for six months. Also, if you change your student status to less than half-time enrollment, that starts the clock on the grace period, too.

Take note: educational institutions define “half-time enrollment” in different ways. The status is usually, but not always, based on the number of hours and credits in which a student is enrolled. When in doubt, check with the school’s student aid office to confirm their official definition.

The total timeframe of the Direct Stafford Loan repayment grace period: six months, and not a day more (with a handful of exceptions ). Another thing to keep in mind about that grace period: students may want to start making payments on the loan during the grace period.

Even though grace periods are meant to give borrowers time to adjust to their post-school life, the interest on an unsubsidized loan is still accruing during the grace period. At the end of the grace period, the accrued interest is capitalized, or added to the principal amount of the loan.

One quick tip while on the subject of grace periods: Find out who the student loan servicer is so you know who to contact with any questions. Borrowers don’t get to choose their own federal student loan servicer. They’re assigned by the Department of Education to handle billing and other services.

Repaying Direct Stafford Loans

The default payment plan is the Standard Repayment Plan, which sets the monthly payment to the amount that will pay off the loan in 120 payments, or 10 years. However, there are alternative federal repayment plans to consider that can help lower monthly payments. (Note that lowering the monthly payments is generally the result of extending the repayment term, which will usually make the loan more expensive in the long run).

Direct Consolidation Loans

There are also Direct Consolidation Loans that allow borrowers to consolidate their federal student loans into one new loan, at an interest rate that’s the weighted average of all the existing interest rates (rounded up to the nearest eighth of a percent). That typically doesn’t help save money on interest but does streamline repayment (one loan, one lender, one payment to make each month).

Student Loan Refinancing

Another option is to refinance student loans with a private lender, which may be appealing to borrowers who are in a financially stable place and have federal and/or private student loans.

Refinancing lets you pay off the loans you already have with a brand-new loan from a private lender. This can be done with both federal and private loans. The new loan from a private lender may allow borrowers to breathe easier with interest rates and repayment terms that work better for them.

But refinancing isn’t without its downsides. Federal student loans that are refinanced with a private lender, will lose all the federal benefits and protections—like income-driven repayment options and loan forgiveness for public service work. Borrowers who want to keep their federal student loans as federal student loans could consider consolidation instead.

The Takeaway

Direct Stafford Loans are federal student loans offered to students to help them pay for college. There are two major types of direct loans, subsidized and unsubsidized. Students with subsidized student loans are not responsible for any accrued interest while they are enrolled at least half-time and during the loan’s grace period. Unsubsidized student loans begin accruing interest as soon as they are disbursed, and borrowers are responsible for repaying all of the accrued interest at all times.

The size of a Stafford Loan depends on such factors as education costs and financial aid eligibility. If your costs are higher than your awarded federal student loans and other financial aid, one way to cover the gap is with a private student loan.

SoFi offers in-school loans at competitive rates and with no origination fees.

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SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student Loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. You should exhaust all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs. SoFi Private Student Loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, and applicants must meet SoFi’s eligibility and underwriting requirements. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information. To view payment examples, click here. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change.

SoFi Student Loan Refinance
If you are a federal student loan borrower, you should consider all of your repayment opportunities including the opportunity to refinance your student loan debt at a lower APR or to extend your term to achieve a lower monthly payment. Please note that once you refinance federal student loans you will no longer be eligible for current or future flexible payment options available to federal loan borrowers, including but not limited to income-based repayment plans or extended repayment plans.

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.

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