 TITLE: What Are Real-Time Payments? CONTENT: How to Use Real-Time and Faster Payments Wisely\n-----------------------------------------------\nIn the meantime, consider these tips for speedy transactors:\n*   **Shop around for fast options.** If speed counts, seek it out. Whether you'd like a mortgage that closes fast or real-time payment capabilities for your small business, you may have more options than you think. Ask your bank how they can help you, or shop around for the speed you need.\n*   **Be prepared to pay, but don't overpay.** Fast money can cost you a bit more, but beware of exorbitant fees or choices that aren't in your best interest. You might choose to pay slightly more in interest or fees to get a personal loan with fast funding. Some fast money sources aren't consumer-friendly, however—a payday lender could charge an annual percentage rate of nearly 500%.\n*   **Think fast.** Since real-time payments have no built-in lag time, make sure you have the money available in your account before you send a real-time payment. Be careful when entering payment information as well: Once you've sent a payment to the wrong recipient, you probably can't retrieve it.\n*   **Beware of fast fraud.** The Federal Communications Commission warns that fraudsters—including some posing as charities or online sellers—are requesting payment by P2P apps as a way to get money instantly and anonymously. Before you know what hit you, they're gone—along with your money. END