ACH vs. Wire vs. SWIFT Transfers – What's the Difference and When to Use Each?
Learn the difference between ACH, Wire, and SWIFT money transfers — what they mean, how they work, and which one is right for your transaction.
What is ACH?
ACH (Automated Clearing House) is used for electronic bank-to-bank transfers within the same country, commonly in the US.
- Domestic transfers only
- 1–3 business days
- Low or no fees
- Best for: payroll, bills, regular payments
What is a Wire Transfer?
A wire transfer is a fast, secure bank-to-bank transfer. It can be domestic or international.
- Domestic or international
- Same day (domestic), 1–2 days (international)
- Medium to high fees
- Best for: urgent, high-value transactions
What is SWIFT?
SWIFT is a secure messaging system banks use for international wire transfers.
- International only
- 1–5 business days
- High fees (may include multiple banks)
- Best for: sending money overseas
Comparison Table
Feature | ACH | Wire Transfer |
|---|---|---|
Location | Domestic | Domestic or International |
Speed | 1–3 days | Same day (domestic) |
Cost | Low or free | Medium ($15–$50) |
Use Case | Payroll, bills, B2B | Large, urgent payment |
📎 Related Articles
- Loading money from a US Bank via ACH
- Loading money from US Bank via Domestic Wire
- International Wire / SWIFT Information
Updated on: 16/07/2025
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