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ACH Transfer Brokers 2025

Written By

James Barra

Written By

James Barra

James is an investment writer with a background in financial services. As a former management consultant, he has worked on major operational transformation programmes at prominent European banks. James authors, edits and fact-checks content for a series of investing websites.

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Edited By

William Berg

Edited By

William Berg

William contributes to several investment websites, leveraging his experience as a consultant for IPOs in the Nordic market and background providing localization for forex trading software. William has worked as a writer and fact-checker for a long row of financial publications.

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Fact Checked By

Jemma Grist

Fact Checked By

Jemma Grist

Jemma is a writer, editor and fact-checker focused on retail trading and investing. Jemma brings a unique perspective to the forex, stock, and cryptocurrency markets and works across several investment websites as a researcher and broker analyst.

» Jemma Grist Profile Page

Updated

May 28, 2024

ACH (Automated Clearing House) transfers are the modern-day equivalent of paper cheques, just faster, cheaper and more reliable, making them particularly popular with US traders looking to fund investment accounts.

Whilst other countries have their own mechanisms for electronic transfers, for example, BACS in the UK, the ACH system in the US distinguishes itself through its scale and use across a broad spectrum of transactions, notably online trading. In fact, the ACH Network processed over 30 billion transactions in 2022 alone, according to Nacha.

We’ve pinpointed the best brokers that accept ACH transfers. Every platform recommended supports deposits to trading accounts using the ACH system.

How Did We Choose The Best ACH Transfer Brokers?

To list the top ACH transfer brokers, we:

What Is An ACH Transfer?

An ACH payment is the transfer of funds through the Automated Clearing House (ACH).

Transfers are electronic and take place between banks (bank-to-bank). The ACH Network batch processes the transfers, with these large-volume, aggregated transactions typically occurring three times per business day.

Examples of ACH transfers used today include direct deposits from an employer or government benefit program, bill payments and person-to-person transfers. They can also be used to make recurring payments into a savings account such as a college fund or retirement account or crucially, to fund a live trading account.

In recent years, ACH transfers have become an increasingly popular way to fund trading accounts, especially in the US. Many brokers, including popular platforms like Robinhood, accept the payment method, with more set to follow suit.

The primary value of an ACH transfer lies in its security, ease of use and efficiency. They are also usually free. There are no specific requirements and limits for the system, you only need a bank account.

James Barra

Author

Fees

As a general rule, ACH transfers are free, although this does vary between banks and brokers. Interactive Brokers, for example, does not charge if you want to deposit by ACH transfer, while you get one free withdrawal request per month.

Speed

An ACH transfer is not an instant payment solution. An ACH transfer typically takes between 1-3 business days to be credited, though just how long cannot be predicted easily. In some cases, the money will move on the day the process is initiated but this is not always the case.

Transfers made late on Friday night may not be executed until Monday morning, for example. Some banks may offer same-day processing at an extra fee.

If you see that an ACH funding hold has been placed on your transfer or bank account, it means that the sum is pending approval or processing. The bank has been notified of the transaction but it will take some time to clear, usually hours but it may vary depending on the time of day, it can roll over.

As a means to fund a trading account, you should be aware that this isn’t an instant execution option. Planning ahead is key to ensure funds are accessible when needed, especially for active day traders.

Security

ACH transfers are as secure as the online banking system through which they are processed. As with any e-payment, fraud is a possibility and you should remain vigilant.

However, when compared to sending cash or a cheque in the mail, ACH transfers offer a much safer solution.

Furthermore, there is usually a window of time in which a sender can recall an ACH transaction if it was made in error. The duration of this window will be specific to the bank, so ensure that you are familiar with your bank’s policy.

The option for reversal grants a degree of security to clients and is fairly unique. It is not a luxury afforded with wire transfers, for example. Once these are made they cannot be reversed.

How To Deposit Using ACH Transfer

The exact process will vary depending on the broker, but generally requires navigating to the cashier portal of your trading platform, selecting ‘ACH’ or similar, and following the instructions.

Below are the more specific steps you need to follow at Interactive Brokers as an example:

1. Before using ACH you will need to set up a standing instruction via Transfer & Pay (enabling IBKR and your bank to transfer funds electronically).
2. To verify your bank you’ll need to supply your account number and routing number.
3. You’ll then need to log in to your bank account and enter your username and password to verify your details.

Once complete you can use the payment solution for deposits and withdrawals.

Note, ACH deposits can be held for up to 4 working days after arrival before being credited to your trading account.

Pros & Cons Of Funding Your Trading Account With ACH Transfer

Pros

Cons

Is ACH Transfer Good For Day Trading?

ACH transfers are a straightforward, cheap and reliable way to fund your trading account. With an increasing number of brokers supporting the payment method, traders can enjoy flexibility in addition to security and convenience.

However, there are some drawbacks to bear in mind. The processing time, 1-3 days, is slower than the multitude of instant-execution options available today. Maximum transfer limits may also present an obstacle for veteran traders looking to deposit larger amounts.

Still, their security, ease of use and low cost mean that traders can get on with the job at hand. We do, however, advise that any trader considering using ACH transfers read up on their bank and broker’s policies to avoid any unexpected fees.

FAQ

Is An ACH Transfer Safe To Use With My Broker?

ACH transfers are secure and reliable, just ensure that you opt for a reputable bank and broker. As with any online payment, scams are in circulation, so be careful and avoid sharing your details with third-party organizations.

How Quickly Will My ACH Transfer Be Processed In My Trading Account?

Although they are reliable and convenient, ACH transfers are not the fastest payment method compared to e-wallets like PayPal, which are typically processed instantly. You can expect to wait 1 to 3 days for the transaction to be processed, which may not suit active day traders.