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.
Best ACH Transfer Brokers
Following our tests, these are the 6 top brokers accepting ACH transfers:
-
- Demo account
- Min. deposit: $0
- Min. trade: $1
-
- Demo account
- Regulator: NFA, CFTC, CySEC
- Min. trade: 1 contract
-
- Demo account
- Instruments: Stocks, Options, ETFs, Crypto
- Regulator: SEC, FINRA
eToro USA LLC and eToro USA Securities Inc.; Investing involves risk, including loss of principal; Not a recommendation -
- Demo account
- Regulator: CFTC, NFA
- Platforms: WebTrader, App
Trading in futures and options involves the risk of loss and is not suitable for everyone. -
- Demo account
- Instruments: Stocks, Options, ETFs, ADRs, OTCs
- Platforms: Desktop Platform, Mobile App
-
- Demo account
- Instruments: Stocks, Options, ETFs, Bonds
- Regulator: SEC, FINRA
Learn how we test brokers and why you can trust our ratings.
Here is a short overview of each broker's pros and cons
- Interactive Brokers 4.3/5 Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is a premier brokerage, providing access to over 170 markets across 40 countries, along with a suite of comprehensive investment services. With over 40 years of experience, this Nasdaq-listed firm adheres to stringent regulations by the SEC, FCA, CIRO, and SFC, amongst others, and is one of the most trusted brokers for trading around the globe.
- NinjaTrader 4.5/5 NinjaTrader is a US-headquartered and regulated brokerage that specializes in futures trading. There are three pricing plans to suit different needs and budgets, as well as ultra-low margins on popular contracts. The brand's award-winning charting software and trading platform also offers a high-degree of customization and superb technical analysis features.
- eToro USA 3.4/5 eToro is a social investing platform that offers short-term and long-term trading on stocks, ETFs, options and crypto. The broker is well-known for its user-friendly community-centred platform and competitive fees. With FINRA and SIPC oversight and millions of users across the world, eToro is still one of the most respected brands in the industry. eToro securities trading is offered by eToro USA Securities, Inc.
- Plus500US 4.0/5 Plus500US is a well-established broker that entered the US market in 2021. Authorized by the CFTC and NFA, it provides futures trading on forex, indices, commodities, cryptocurrencies, and interest rates. With a 10-minute sign-up, a manageable $10 minimum deposit ($200 for wire transfer), and a straightforward web platform, Plus500 continues to strengthen its offering for traders in the US.
- Moomoo 3.2/5 Moomoo is an SEC-regulated app-based investment platform that offers a straightforward and affordable way to invest in Chinese, Hong Kong, Singaporean, Australian and US stocks, ETFs and other assets. Margin trading is available and the brand offers a zero-deposit account as well as several bonuses.
- TradeUp 3.5/5 Established in 1986, TradeUp operates as a commission-free broker in the US offering trading for stocks, ETFs and options. Through its web platform and mobile app, clients can trade over 5,000 instruments with cash and margin options, while idle funds can earn interest.
Compare The Best ACH Transfer Brokers
| Broker | Minimum Deposit | Instruments | Platforms | Leverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interactive Brokers | $0 | Stocks, Options, Futures, Forex, Funds, Bonds, ETFs, Mutual Funds, Cryptocurrencies | Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, TradingView, eSignal, TradingCentral, ProRealTime, Quantower | 1:50 (major forex pairs), 1:2-1:4 (equities) |
| NinjaTrader | $0 (live trades must meet intraday margin minimums, e.g., $50 to trade micro contracts) | Futures, Forex, Stocks, Options, Commodities, Futures, Crypto (non-futures depend on provider) | NinjaTrader Desktop, Web & Mobile, eSignal | $50 intraday margins for Micro contracts and $500 for popular E-mini contracts |
| eToro USA | $50 | Stocks, Options, ETFs, Crypto | eToro Trading Platform & CopyTrader | - |
| Plus500US | $10 | Futures on Cryptocurrencies, Metals, Agriculture, Forex, Interest rates, Energy, Equity Index Future Contracts, Prediction Markets | WebTrader, App | Variable |
| Moomoo | $0 | Stocks, Options, ETFs, ADRs, OTCs | Desktop Platform, Mobile App | 1:2 |
| TradeUp | $0.01 | Stocks, Options, ETFs, Bonds | Desktop, Web, Mobile | - |
Community Sentiment
See how users rate these brokers based on the average customer ratings submitted on DayTrading.com, plus ratings from Trustpilot, the Apple App Store and Google Play.
| Broker | Our Users' Rating | Trustpilot Score | Trustpilot Reviews | iOS App Rating | Android App Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interactive Brokers | 5519 | ||||
| NinjaTrader | 1243 | ||||
| eToro USA | 32195 | ||||
| Plus500US | 20078 | ||||
| Moomoo | 744 | ||||
| TradeUp | - | 1 |
Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers is one of the best brokers for advanced day traders, providing powerful charting platforms, real-time data, and customizable layouts, notably through the new IBKR Desktop application. Its superb pricing and advanced order options also make it highly attractive for day traders, while its diverse range of equities is still among the best in the industry.
Christian Harris, Reviewer
Interactive Brokers quick facts
- Demo Account
- ✔Yes
- Instruments
- Stocks, Options, Futures, Forex, Funds, Bonds, ETFs, Mutual Funds, Cryptocurrencies
- Regulator
- SEC, FINRA, CFTC, NFA, CIRO, FCA, CBI, ASIC, SFC, SEBI, JFSA, MAS
- Platforms
- Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, TradingView, eSignal, TradingCentral, ProRealTime, Quantower
- Minimum Deposit
- $0
- Minimum Trade
- $1
- Account Currencies
- USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, INR, JPY, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, AED, HUF
Pros
- There's a vast library of free or paid third-party research subscriptions catering to all types of traders, plus you can enjoy commission reimbursements from IBKR if you subscribe to Toggle AI.
- With low commissions, tight spreads and a transparent fee structure, IBKR delivers a cost-effective environment for short-term traders.
- Interactive Brokers was named 'Best US Broker' for 2025 by DayTrading.com, recognizing its long-standing commitment to US traders, ultra-low margin rates, and global market access at minimal cost.
Cons
- IBKR was fined $11.8m by the US OFAC in 2025 for providing services in sanctioned jurisdictions. It was also fined $125k by FINRA in 2025 for municipal bond disclosure failures.
- Support can be slow and frustrating based on tests, so you might find it challenging to reach customer service representatives promptly or encounter delays in resolving issues.
- You can only have one active session per account, so you can’t have your desktop program and mobile app running simultaneously, making for a sometimes frustrating trading experience.
NinjaTrader
NinjaTrader continues to meet the demands of active futures traders looking for low fees and premium analysis tools. The platform hosts top-rate charting features including hundreds of indicators and 10+ chart types.
Christian Harris, Reviewer
NinjaTrader quick facts
- Demo Account
- ✔Yes
- Instruments
- Futures, Forex, Stocks, Options, Commodities, Futures, Crypto (non-futures depend on provider)
- Regulator
- NFA, CFTC, CySEC
- Platforms
- NinjaTrader Desktop, Web & Mobile, eSignal
- Minimum Deposit
- $0 (live trades must meet intraday margin minimums, e.g., $50 to trade micro contracts)
- Minimum Trade
- 1 contract
- Account Currencies
- USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD
Pros
- Nano contracts — one-hundredth the size of standard contracts — allow traders to size positions with precision and manage risk at a much smaller scale, a meaningful advantage for those building positions gradually
- The market replay function is a standout feature — you can download tick-by-tick historical data, rewind to any specific date, and interact with it as if trading live, making it genuinely useful for both strategy testing and real-world practice
- NinjaTrader's ecosystem gives traders access to thousands of add-ons and applications from developers across more than 150 countries, covering indicators, strategies, and custom tools that go well beyond what the platform ships with natively
Cons
- NinjaTrader was acquired by Kraken in May 2025, and while it continues to operate independently for now, traders who value long-term stability may have reservations about how the platform's direction and pricing could shift under new ownership.
- NinjaTrader was fined $250k in 2025 for failing to implement an adequate anti-money laundering (AML) program and for supervisory failures.
- Intraday margin requirements can spike by as much as four times in the 15 minutes leading up to major economic news releases, and may stay elevated for several minutes after volatility subsides — a detail that can catch underprepared traders off guard at exactly the wrong moment.
eToro USA
eToro remains a top pick for traders looking for leading social investing and copy trading services. With a low deposit, zero commissions and an intuitive platform, the broker will meet the needs of newer day traders.
Jemma Grist, Reviewer
eToro USA quick facts
- Demo Account
- ✔Yes
- Instruments
- Stocks, Options, ETFs, Crypto
- Regulator
- SEC, FINRA
- Platforms
- eToro Trading Platform & CopyTrader
- Minimum Deposit
- $50
- Minimum Trade
- $10
- Account Currencies
- USD
Pros
- The online broker offers an intuitive social investment network with straightforward copy trading on cryptos
- The low minimum deposit and straightforward account opening process means beginners can get started quickly
- The broker's Academy offers comprehensive learning materials for beginners to advanced-level investors
Cons
- There's a narrower range of day trading instruments available compared to competitors, with only stocks, ETFs, options, and cryptos
- Average fees may cut into the profit margins of active traders
- eToro USA was fined $1.5 million by the SEC in 2024 related to unregistered crypto offerings
Plus500US
Plus500US stands out as an excellent choice for beginners, offering a very user-friendly platform and access to the Futures Academy to enhance trading skills. Its powerful tools and reliable service helped it scoop second place in DayTrading.com's annual 'Best US Broker' award.
Michael MacKenzie, Reviewer
Plus500US quick facts
- Demo Account
- ✔Yes
- Instruments
- Futures on Cryptocurrencies, Metals, Agriculture, Forex, Interest rates, Energy, Equity Index Future Contracts, Prediction Markets
- Regulator
- CFTC, NFA
- Platforms
- WebTrader, App
- Minimum Deposit
- $10
- Minimum Trade
- Variable
- Account Currencies
- USD
Pros
- Plus500US excels for its low fees with very competitive day trading margins and no inactivity fees, live data fees, routing fees, or platform fees
- The Futures Academy is an excellent resource for new traders with engaging videos and easy-to-follow articles, while the unlimited demo account is great for testing strategies
- Plus500 added prediction markets to its 'Plus500 Futures' platform in February 2026, with event-based trades covering 10 categories, from financials to politics, including short-term opportunities with intraday contracts that expire after just 15 minutes.
Cons
- The proprietary platform is user-friendly but lacks advanced technical analysis tools found in third-party solutions like MetaTrader 4
- Plus500US does not offer social trading capabilities, a feature available at alternatives like eToro US which could strengthen its offering for aspiring traders
- While Plus500US continues to broaden its investment offering, it's currently restricted to around 50+ futures with no stocks
Moomoo
Moomoo remains an excellent choice for new and intermediate stock traders who want to build a diverse investment portfolio. What really stands out is the broker's user-friendly app and the low trading fees.
Jemma Grist, Reviewer
Moomoo quick facts
- Demo Account
- ✔Yes
- Instruments
- Stocks, Options, ETFs, ADRs, OTCs
- Regulator
- SEC, FINRA, SIPC, MAS, SFC, ASIC, FMA, CIRO, CIPF, JFSA, SC
- Platforms
- Desktop Platform, Mobile App
- Minimum Deposit
- $0
- Minimum Trade
- $0
- Account Currencies
- USD, CAD, AUD, JPY, MYR, HKD, SGD, CNY
Pros
- There are reduced options contract fees from $0.65 to $0
- The Moomoo AI assistant, found in the desktop software and app, provides genuinely useful market insights to inform active traders
- Moomoo is a Member of FINRA and the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC), adding another level of security for prospective clients
Cons
- The account range is narrow compared to other brokerages in its class with no managed portfolios or robo-advisor solutions
- Moomoo has faced multiple regulatory penalties in recent years, including fines and orders in 2026 that stopped it temporarily accepting some Japanese and Chinese clients
- There is no negative balance protection, which is a common safety feature at top-tier-regulated brokers
TradeUp
TradeUp is best suited to budget-conscious day traders looking to trade U.S. and global markets (via ADRs) with zero commissions on a user-friendly mobile app. Its more than 250 Chinese American Depositary Receipts (ADRs), including Alibaba Group (BABA), also make it suitable for trading Chinese equities.
Christian Harris, Reviewer
TradeUp quick facts
- Demo Account
- ✔Yes
- Instruments
- Stocks, Options, ETFs, Bonds
- Regulator
- SEC, FINRA
- Platforms
- Desktop, Web, Mobile
- Minimum Deposit
- $0.01
- Minimum Trade
- $1
- Account Currencies
- USD
Pros
- TradeUp offers commission-free trading on US stocks and ETFs, and support for fractional shares lets you buy portions of a share for as little as $1. This makes it a cost-effective choice for active day traders who want to minimize trading expenses.
- TradeUp’s platforms work smoothly across multiple devices based on our tests, including mobile apps for iOS and Android, a desktop app for Windows and Mac, and a web-based platform. This allows active traders to switch between devices without losing continuity, whether you’re at home or on the go.
- TradeUp runs an integrated and intuitive financial calendar that helps you track earnings, dividends, and IPOs relevant to your watchlist, enabling you to stay ahead of market-moving events.
Cons
- The platform's technical indicators have limited customization options from our use. On both mobile and web versions, you can't layer multiple indicators on the same chart simultaneously, which restricts more sophisticated chart analysis.
- A 2026 security incident left the personal and financial data of 26,985 users vulnerable, including their Social Security numbers, driver's licenses, passports, and medical information.
- TradeUp does not support popular third-party platforms like TradingView or cTrader, so traders who rely on those for advanced charting, automation, or community features won't find that flexibility.
How Did We Choose The Best ACH Transfer Brokers?
To list the top ACH transfer brokers, we:
- Leveraged our database of 143 brokers, identifying all those accepting ACH payments
- Verified they support ACH deposits and withdrawals for online trading
- Sorted them by their overall rating, blending 200+ data entries with our direct observations
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.
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 BarraAuthorFees
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:
- Before using ACH you will need to set up a standing instruction via Transfer & Pay (enabling IBKR and your bank to transfer funds electronically).
- To verify your bank you’ll need to supply your account number and routing number.
- 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
- ACH transfers are relatively safe and reliable. They are an established and widely used payment method, supported by major financial institutions. Though as with any e-payments, be wary of scams and ensure that you have opted for a reputable bank and broker.
- ACH transfers are usually free. If charges do apply, they tend to be nominal. As any trader will know, hidden fees can crop up anywhere, so it is refreshing to have a low or even no-cost option. When compared to wire transfers, another popular way to fund trading accounts, ACH transfers are much cheaper, albeit wire transfers can be quicker.
- Making regular, recurring payments to trading accounts using ACH transfers is straightforward and much easier than writing out a cheque each time. You will also save yourself the cost of a stamp.
Cons
- ACH transfers can take 1-3 business days to be processed, sometimes longer. This is slow when compared to the multitude of instant transfer options that exist today, and will be of particular interest to day traders. Whilst same-day transfers are becoming increasingly popular, this network still has some way to go.
- Many banks set maximum transfer limits. Limits may be per transaction, daily or weekly. Banks can also impose limits on transfer destinations, for example, international transfers. Most banks cap transfers at $10,000 per day, though this is not a hard and fast rule. For example, Chase Bank offers greater flexibility with a cap of $25,000.
- As ACH transfers are aggregated, some banks will set cut-off times that will need to be adhered to if you wish your transfer to be processed for the next business day. If you miss the cut-off, it could delay the transfer, causing a problem if time is of the essence. Time frames may also vary on weekends (both on Saturday and Sunday) and holidays.
- Not all brokers, banks or services will accept ACH transfers. In contrast, widely available PayPal offers a similar level of security to ACH transfers and is also capped, although, at $100,000 for crypto purchases, it affords traders a greater degree of flexibility
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.
Article Sources
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