If you're sending money within the U.S., it's helpful to understand the differences between ACH transfers and domestic wires. This article covers how ACH transfers work, when to send a domestic wire, and what to expect from ACH processing.
What are ACH transfers and domestic wires?
Automated Clearing House (ACH) transfers and domestic wires both move money electronically between financial institutions in the U.S. The main difference is how they’re processed:
- ACH transfers are processed in batches through the ACH network, so they typically take longer to complete
- Domestic wires are processed individually and typically arrive the same business day when sent before the institution’s cutoff time.
To send either type of payment, you’ll generally need the recipient’s:
- Routing number: Identifies the receiving financial institution
- Account number: Identifies the recipient’s account
- Full name as stated on their account: Used to identify the recipient
- Amount: The amount being sent
For ACH transfers, you’ll also need the recipient’s account type, such as personal checking. This is a Nacha requirement that determines routing, return windows, and protections for the transaction.
Some financial institutions use different routing numbers for ACH transfers and domestic wires. Confirm the correct routing number with the recipient before sending your payment.
How long outgoing ACH transfers take
ACH transfers move money electronically between U.S. financial institutions through the ACH network.
Unlike domestic wires, ACH transfers are processed in batches rather than individually. ACH transfers can be standard or same-day, and processing times can also vary when a transfer involves a Plaid-linked external bank account.
For specific ACH and domestic wire timelines, see Processing times for payments.
FAQs
When should I send a domestic wire instead of an ACH transfer?
ACH transfers are a good option for most payments that aren’t time-sensitive. Consider sending a domestic wire instead when:
- The recipient’s financial institution requires a wire for the type of payment you’re making
- You need funds to arrive by a specific deadline, such as for a closing or settlement
To learn how to send an ACH transfer or domestic wire from your Mercury dashboard or the Mercury app, see Sending money overview.
How do I track an ACH payment?
Every ACH transfer receives a 15-digit Trace ID that financial institutions use to locate the payment within the ACH network.
If you need to track an incoming or outgoing ACH transfer, provide the Trace ID, along with the payment details to Mercury Support or the receiving financial institution.
For outgoing ACH transfers, the Trace ID may not appear immediately after you initiate the payment. It typically becomes available after the transfer has been submitted to the ACH network. To find the Trace ID for an outgoing ACH transfer, open the payment from your Transactions page and look for the “Transactions tracking number”.
How do I track a domestic wire?
Every domestic wire has a unique transaction tracking number, known as an IMAD, that identifies the transfer in the Fedwire system. The IMAD is formatted as YYYYMMDD ABCDXXXX 012345 and includes a date, source routing identifier, and number.
To find the IMAD for an outgoing domestic wire, open the payment from your Transactions page and look for the Transaction tracking number. If you need to track an outgoing domestic wire, provide the IMAD to the recipient for them to check with their financial institution.
You can read more about tracking payments and information needed to troubleshoot missing payments in our Tracking missing payments article.
Can I use the same routing number for ACH and wire transfers?
Not always. Some financial institutions use separate routing numbers for ACH transfers and domestic wires. Confirm the correct routing number with the recipient before sending your payment.
Are ACH transfers and domestic wires free?
Mercury doesn't charge fees for incoming or outgoing ACH transfers or domestic wires. However, other financial institutions may charge fees for sending or receiving wires. Mercury can't reimburse fees charged by another institution, so we recommend confirming any applicable fees with the sender or recipient before initiating a transfer.
Mercury is a fintech company, not an FDIC insured bank. Banking services provided through Choice Financial Group and Column N.A., Members FDIC.