Payments on Mercury process at different speeds depending on the type. This guide explains how long each payment type typically takes and what to expect for incoming and outgoing transactions. If you're still missing a payment that you should have received based on this, check out our guide on tracking missing payments.
With the exception of real-time payments, transactions only process on working/business days (Monday through Friday), and not on holidays or weekends. If a transaction is created on a weekend, it will usually be processed on the next business day.
ACH processing times
ACH transactions are U.S-specific intra-bank transfers that only occur on business days.
Incoming ACH
- Typically arrive within 0-2 business days and post around 9-11am PT, Monday-Friday. If you're expecting an ACH credit and it's before this time, it likely hasn't arrived yet
- Transfers from Plaid-linked accounts to Mercury take 3 business days and typically post around 3pm PT
- Incoming invoicing payments via ACH debit, take 1-5 business days to arrive
Outgoing ACH
- Once sent from your account, typically arrive with the recipient in 0-1 business days
- Sent via same-day if sent prior to 12pm PT and less than $1,000,000 USD, otherwise, sent as next day and will arrive with the recipient the following business day
- Transfers from Mercury to Plaid-linked accounts take 0-1 business days
- Posting times will vary by receiving bank but typically same-day ACH transactions post later that afternoon
Domestic wire processing times
Domestic wires are ideal for sending large amounts quickly. These are same-day transactions, but not instant.
Incoming domestic wires
- Typically arrive the same business day if sent before the sending bank's wire cutoff time, otherwise, arrive next business day
- Exact timing varies by sending bank. For example: Wells Fargo: received around 6:00pm PT, Bank of America: received around 9:00pm PT
Outgoing domestic wires
- Our daily domestic wire cutoff is 1:30pm PT. If your wire is created before this time, your recipient should have their wire by evening that same day. If it was created after this time, your recipient will receive it the following business day.
Real-time payment (RTP) processing times
Incoming RTPs
Real-time payments (RTP) allow you to receive money in seconds 24/7, including weekends and holidays, from participating institutions — though some may take up to 30 minutes depending on the sender. You can learn more about receiving real-time payments here.
Outgoing RTPs
The ability to send real-time payments is currently in a closed beta. Stay tuned for broader availability.
International wire processing times
International wire times vary widely as payments are not standardized across country borders. There are also often many parties involved. It's like a flight for your money—if they're large banks on either end, you can have a direct transfer that will be quicker. If you're sending from or to a smaller bank, there may be "layovers" (in this case, correspondent/intermediary banks) for your funds to go through that can make it take a little longer.
Incoming international wires
- Typically take up to 4 business days to reach your Mercury account with possible delays if information is incomplete or incorrect. Be sure your sender follows wire instructions carefully.
Outgoing international wires
- Processed and sent by Mercury within 1-3 business days from when they're requested. In general, these can take up to 5 working days to reach your recipient if all information is correct. Make sure you include a purpose/reason for your wire to ensure it processes quickly.
We recommend checking the status of your international wire from your Transactions page on the web. Simply click into the payment and you'll see the option to Track this wire. This will provide a more accurate timeline and the option to share the tracking link with your recipient.
Check payment processing times
Check payment processing times vary between incoming and outgoing. Incoming check payments go through risk review, while outgoing payments cover both our mailed check product (accessible via the Send Money flow), as well as physical checks (currently in a closed beta).
Incoming check payments (AKA deposits)
- Check deposits: Checks are manually reviewed and once approved can take up to 5 business days to post. You may notice that funds have settled on the 6th business day if the check was submitted after our 12pm Pacific cutoff time.
Outgoing check payments
- Mailed checks: These are mailed on a customer’s behalf via USPS and typically arrive in 7–10 business days (1-2 days to print, then delivery). The check will remain pending until it’s deposited. If not deposited within 90 days, it will automatically cancel.
Mercury is a fintech company, not an FDIC insured bank. Banking services provided through Choice Financial Group and Column N.A., Members FDIC.