Related comparisons
Compare business banks by payment method support and fees:
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | ACH | Wire Transfer | RTP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed | 1–3 business days | Same day (hours) | Seconds (24/7) |
| Typical Cost | $0.10 – $0.75 | $15 – $50 | $0.50 – $2.00 |
| Availability | Business days only | Business hours | 24/7/365 |
| Reversibility | Limited window | Generally final | Generally final |
| Transaction Limit | Varies by bank | High/unlimited | Often $100K–$1M |
| International | Limited | Yes (SWIFT) | Domestic only (US) |
| Best For | Payroll, recurring bills | Large, urgent payments | Time-sensitive, moderate value |
When to Use Each Payment Method
Use ACH when:
- Payment isn't time-sensitive (can wait 1–3 days)
- Running payroll or paying recurring vendors
- Cost savings matter more than speed
- Processing high volume of payments
Use Wire when:
- Same-day delivery is required
- Large transaction value (real estate, acquisitions)
- International payment where ACH isn't available
- Counterparty requires wire for cleared funds
Use RTP when:
- Instant settlement needed without wire costs
- Weekend or after-hours payment is required
- Paying contractors who need immediate funds
- Your bank supports RTP sending
Real-World Example: Choosing the Right Method
A small marketing agency needs to make three payments:
| Payment | Amount | Urgency | Recommended Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly office rent | $3,000 | Due in 5 days | ACH ($0.25) |
| Emergency freelancer payment | $2,500 | Needed today | RTP ($1.00) or Wire ($25) |
| International vendor deposit | $15,000 | Due tomorrow | Wire ($45) |
By choosing the right method for each payment, the agency pays ~$46 in fees instead of $95+ if they used wires for everything.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using wires for routine payments: Switch to ACH and save $15–$50 per transfer
- Assuming RTP is available: Check with your bank before planning on RTP
- Ignoring transaction limits: RTP often has lower limits than wires
- Not planning for weekends: Only RTP processes on weekends and holidays
Business Banks Supporting Multiple Payment Methods
These banks may offer ACH, wire, and RTP options for businesses that need flexible payment solutions.
Mercury
Fintech platform combining banking services* with powerful financial software. Supports ACH and wire transfers. May be suitable for businesses seeking modern payment tools across multiple methods.
Mercury is a fintech company, not an FDIC-insured bank. Banking services are provided by Choice Financial Group and Column N.A., Members FDIC.
Bluevine
Business banking with ACH capabilities and transparent fee structures. May offer multiple payment options for small businesses.
Chase
Traditional bank offering ACH, wire transfers, and comprehensive treasury services. May support multiple payment rails for businesses with diverse needs.
Next Steps
Ready to optimize your payment strategy? Here are your next steps:
- Compare ACH vs wire costs with our calculator
- Compare business bank accounts for payment method support
- Deep dive into ACH fees for cost optimization