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
- Instruments: Stocks, Options, ETFs, ADRs, OTCs
- Platforms: Desktop Platform, Mobile App
-
- Regulator: SEC, FINRA
- Platforms: Firstrade Invest 3.0, TradingCentral
- Min. deposit: $0
-
- Demo account
- Instruments: Stocks, ETFs, Options, Pink Sheets, Warrants
- Regulator: SEC, FINRA, CIRO, AFM, SCB
-
- Demo account
- Instruments: Stocks, Options, ETFs, Bonds
- Regulator: SEC, FINRA
-
- Demo account
- Instruments: Cryptos, xStocks, Pre-IPO Perpetual Futures
- Regulator: FINTRAC, AUSTRAC, CySEC, CBI
-
- Demo account
- Regulator: FINRA, SEC
- Min. deposit: $250
Learn how we test brokers and why you can trust our ratings.
This is why we think these brokers are the best in this category in 2026:
- 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.
- Firstrade 4.0/5 Firstrade is a US-headquartered discount broker-dealer with authorization from the SEC. The company is also a member of FINRA/SIPC. With welcome bonuses, powerful tools and apps, plus commission-free trading, Firstrade Securities is a popular and top-tier online brokerage. It is also quick and easy to open a new account.
- TradeZero 3.8/5 TradeZero is a stock and ETF broker established in the Bahamas in 2015. Though the global entity is regulated offshore, the US subsidiary is overseen by FINRA with SIPC registration. The powerful proprietary trading software makes it a popular choice for active day traders.
- 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.
- Kraken 3.9/5 Kraken is a leading cryptocurrency exchange with a proprietary trading terminal and a list of 600+ tradeable crypto tokens. Up to 1:5 leverage is available with stable rollover fees on spot crypto trading and up to 1:50 on futures.
- Zacks Trade 3.9/5 Zacks Trade is a FINRA-regulated US broker offering trading on stocks, ETFs, cryptocurrencies, bonds and more through a proprietary terminal. The broker is geared toward active traders and offers very affordable fees on most assets as well as an app and a vast amount of market data.
Compare The Best ACH Transfer Brokers
| Broker | Minimum Deposit | Instruments | Platforms | Leverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moomoo | $0 | Stocks, Options, ETFs, ADRs, OTCs | Desktop Platform, Mobile App | 1:2 |
| Firstrade | $0 | Stocks, ETFs, Options, Mutual Funds, Bonds, Fixed | Firstrade Invest 3.0, TradingCentral | 1:2 |
| TradeZero | $2,500 (US), $500 (International), $250 (Europe) | Stocks, ETFs, Options, Pink Sheets, Warrants | TZ1, ZeroPro, ZeroFree, ZeroMobile, TradingView | 1:2 (U.S), 1:6 intraday/1:2 overnight (International), 1:3 (Europe) |
| TradeUp | $0.01 | Stocks, Options, ETFs, Bonds | Desktop, Web, Mobile | - |
| Kraken | $10 | Cryptos, xStocks, Pre-IPO Perpetual Futures | Kraken App, Kraken Pro, Kraken Futures, AlgoTrader, Quantower | - |
| Zacks Trade | $250 | Stocks, ETFs, Options, Mutual Funds, Bonds, Warrants, IPOs | Zacks Trade Pro (Desktop), Zacks Trader (Web), and Handy Trader (App) | - |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moomoo | 742 | ||||
| Firstrade | 53 | ||||
| TradeZero | - | 3092 | |||
| TradeUp | - | 1 | |||
| Kraken | 9201 | ||||
| Zacks Trade | - | 13 |
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, 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
- API Skills provides agentic investing to retail traders, whereby users can connect their personal AI agents like Claude or OpenAI to Moomoo's infrastructure to execute algo strategies in plain natural language
- The broker offers access to extended pre-market trading hours
Cons
- The account range is narrow compared to other brokerages in its class with no managed portfolios or robo-advisor solutions
- There is no negative balance protection, which is a common safety feature at top-tier-regulated brokers
- 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
Firstrade
Firstrade is perfect for beginners looking to trade US stocks with zero commissions. There is a wealth of free education plus premium-quality research, notably through its latest FirstradeGPT tool, plus trading ideas from Morningstar, Briefing.com, Zacks and Benzinga.
William Berg, Reviewer
Firstrade quick facts
- Demo Account
- ✘No
- Instruments
- Stocks, ETFs, Options, Mutual Funds, Bonds, Fixed
- Regulator
- SEC, FINRA
- Platforms
- Firstrade Invest 3.0, TradingCentral
- Minimum Deposit
- $0
- Minimum Trade
- $5
- Account Currencies
- USD
Pros
- One of the first brokers to add AI-powered analysis through FirstradeGPT
- Highly trusted US-regulated brokerage and SIPC member
- Improved platform offering in 2025 with Firstrade Invest 3.0, sporting a cleaner interface and faster order entry for active traders across key areas like watchlists and options chains
Cons
- No demo/paper trading account at Firstrade, despite them available at over 90% of alternatives we've evaluated
- Visa credit/debit card deposits and withdrawals are not accepted
- Customer support still needs work following testing, though 24/7 assistance has been introduced
TradeZero
TradeZero is best for experienced stock day traders, especially those trading momentum in small-caps or those chasing opportunities in pre- and after-hours sessions. It also suits short sellers needing hard-to-borrow locates and active options traders thanks to its direct routing tools and Level 2 data, though these typically require a paid platform subscription (ZeroPro or ZeroWeb).
James Barra, Reviewer
TradeZero quick facts
- Demo Account
- ✔Yes
- Instruments
- Stocks, ETFs, Options, Pink Sheets, Warrants
- Regulator
- SEC, FINRA, CIRO, AFM, SCB
- Platforms
- TZ1, ZeroPro, ZeroFree, ZeroMobile, TradingView
- Minimum Deposit
- $2,500 (US), $500 (International), $250 (Europe)
- Minimum Trade
- $1
- Account Currencies
- USD
Pros
- TradeZero’s 4:00 AM to 8:00 PM ET market access is excellent for those looking to capitalize on pre-market momentum and post-earnings volatility on U.S. equities.
- TradeZero brought out Developer 2026, giving experienced algo traders an API to automate stock and options trades and short locate workflows.
- In our latest support tests, comprising 7 queries on different topics, 70% of responses arrived in under 5 minutes and 90% resolved the issue without follow-up.
Cons
- TradeZero was charged by the US SEC in 2022 over misleading statements concerning its meme-stock purchase halts, plus it had a $250k fine from FINRA in 2024 over compliance failures, and a $175k fine from CIRO in 2025 for inadequate supervision of client trading.
- The TradingView integration disappointed during our tests and is supported by wider user feedback, with access issues, freezes and occasional order-processing problems that make it harder to trust for frequent live execution.
- It doesn't use a true 'no commission' model - free trading really applies to non-marketable limit orders of 200+ shares above $1, while marketable orders, OTC names, options, locates, borrow and data still add up fast. It charges a $0.99 flat fee on trades under 200 shares.
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 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.
- 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 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.
Cons
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Kraken
Kraken will suit traders looking for a diverse list of cryptos including Bitcoin and a good security track record.
William Berg, Reviewer
Kraken quick facts
- Demo Account
- ✔Yes
- Instruments
- Cryptos, xStocks, Pre-IPO Perpetual Futures
- Regulator
- FINTRAC, AUSTRAC, CySEC, CBI
- Platforms
- Kraken App, Kraken Pro, Kraken Futures, AlgoTrader, Quantower
- Minimum Deposit
- $10
- Minimum Trade
- Variable
- Account Currencies
- USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF
Pros
- 3D secure required
- Kraken Pro offers perpetual futures through a CFTC-regulated venue
- Kraken enables accredited US investors to lock their cash and stablecoins up for fixed periods from 3 to 18 months with competitive fixed APY of up to 7%
Cons
- Slow verification process on Pro account
- Slow verification times
- Does not support many newer altcoins
Zacks Trade
Zacks Trade will suit active day traders with experience using advanced trading software. Fees and margin rates are low while the market research is excellent.
Christian Harris, Reviewer
Zacks Trade quick facts
- Demo Account
- ✔Yes
- Instruments
- Stocks, ETFs, Options, Mutual Funds, Bonds, Warrants, IPOs
- Regulator
- FINRA, SEC
- Platforms
- Zacks Trade Pro (Desktop), Zacks Trader (Web), and Handy Trader (App)
- Minimum Deposit
- $250
- Minimum Trade
- $3
- Account Currencies
- USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, INR, JPY, ZAR, TRY, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD, PLN, CZK, HUF
Pros
- While Zacks Trade charges commissions that most competitors have eliminated, it wins back ground on borrowing costs. Its margin rates start at 8.83% — a figure that sits notably below what traders pay at the major household-name brokers — making it a practical choice for anyone who regularly carries leveraged positions overnight. The savings are modest on small balances but compound meaningfully for traders running larger margin books across a full year.
- Most brokers at this price point offer little beyond basic charts and a news ticker. Zacks Trade goes considerably further — standard accounts come with over 20 free research subscriptions, plus access to more than 80 additional paid options spanning providers like Morningstar, Dow Jones, Seeking Alpha, and Thomson Reuters.
- The ability to place trades by phone with a human broker at no additional charge beyond the standard penny-per-share commission is a genuine rarity among discount brokers. Most competitors either don't offer this at all or charge a meaningful premium for it, making it one of the few features here that Zacks Trade genuinely owns.
Cons
- Traders cannot access forex, cryptocurrencies, commodities, or futures — a meaningful gap for anyone trading across multiple asset classes. Given that the infrastructure runs through Interactive Brokers, which supports all of these, it feels like an artificial ceiling rather than a genuine platform limitation.
- Most brokers have dropped stock and ETF trading to $0, making Zacks Trade's penny-per-share fee stand out. For casual traders, the cost is negligible, but a 10,000-share trade costs $100 in commission — and in a market where zero-commission alternatives are everywhere, that's a harder position to defend.
- The account-opening process is fully digital but overly complicated, with verification taking more than a week in some cases. Multiple document steps and an experience-assessment stage before approval make this one of the more tedious onboarding processes in retail brokerage, at a time when most competitors have it down to hours.
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.
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