 TITLE: What Is the Difference Between ACH and Wire Transfer? CONTENT: Key Differences Between ACH and Wire Transfers\n----------------------------------------------\nBefore you initiate an ACH or wire transfer, it's important to understand how they differ. Consider these factors when deciding which option is best:\n*   **Availability**: ACH transfers only work for domestic transactions. If you want to send funds abroad through the ACH network, you must do so using an international wire transfer.\n*   **Security**: Both types of transfers offer security measures you aren't afforded when you send a paper check. Financial institutions that handle wire and ACH transfers provide an added layer of protection because banking information is encrypted during the transfer. Both types of transfers require steps to be taken to verify identity or banking information before the transaction can be completed, but mistakes and fraud do happen. While ACH transfers can be stopped, wire transfers work much more quickly and are final once the funds are received—canceling a wire transfer is usually a race against time.\n*   **Transfer limits**: Daily transfer limits apply for ACH and wire transfers. Check with your bank or credit union to confirm.\n*   **Processing times**: ACH transfers can take one or more business days to process, but most wire transfers are processed the same business day.\n*   **Posting times**: Wire transfers allow recipients to access funds the moment they hit an account. ACH transfers are slightly different: The funds will appear in \"pending\" status and won't be released to you for use until they clear the ACH system. This could take up to three business days.\n*   **Reversals**: The good news is you may be able to request a transaction reversal for ACH transfers if there's an error. Wire transfers don't offer this luxury and are permanent once the transaction is initiated.\n*   **Fees**: Expect to pay a fee from $10 to $35 for each wire transfer you initiate. Recipients are sometimes subject to a nominal fee for incoming wire transfers. Most ACH transfers are free, but a fee may apply for expedited bill pay services or transfers to outside banks. END