When sending or receiving money, you have several payment options — each with different speeds, costs, and cut-off times. Here’s a simple breakdown of ACH, ACH Same-Day, SEPA, Wire Transfers, and SWIFT payments, along with relevant fees.
What is an ACH Payment?
ACH (Automated Clearing House) payments are electronic transfers between U.S. bank accounts, commonly used for business payments, payroll, and routine bank transfers.
Processing Time: 1–3 business days
Cost: Low-cost domestic option
Fee: 1% of the transaction amount (minimum $1 USD)
Best For: Routine, non-urgent domestic payments in the U.S.
What is ACH Same-Day?
ACH Same-Day allows faster domestic transfers via the same network, processed within the business day if submitted before the cut-off.
Processing Time: Same day (if submitted before 2:45 PM ET)
Cost: Slightly higher than standard ACH
Fee: 1% of the transaction amount (minimum $2 USD)
Best For: Time-sensitive domestic U.S. payments
What is SEPA?
SEPA (Single Euro Payments Area) enables quick, cost-effective transfers in euros across the EU and select European countries.
Processing Time: 1–2 business days (often same-day)
Cost: Low and transparent
Fee: 1% of the transaction amount (minimum $1 USD)
Best For: Euro-denominated payments within Europe
What is a Wire Transfer?
Wire transfers are typically used for high-value or urgent domestic and international payments, often processed faster than ACH.
Processing Time:
Domestic: Same business day
International: 1–2 business days
Cost: Higher, with faster processing and tracking
Fee: 1% of the transaction amount (minimum $25 USD)
Best For: Large or urgent domestic or cross-border transfers
What is a SWIFT Payment?
SWIFT is the global messaging network used by banks for international transfers. It ensures secure communication between financial institutions worldwide.
Processing Time: 1–2 business days (depending on recipient’s country and bank)
Cost: Typically similar to wire transfers
Fee:
Share fees: 1% of the transaction amount (minimum $25 USD)
Pay all fees: 1% of the transaction amount (minimum $50 USD)
Guarantees the payment will be received in its full amount by the beneficiary bank, meaning Loula will cover any fees charged by intermediary banks.
Best For: International payments to regions like Asia, Europe, or LatAm
Cut-off Times for Business Days
To avoid delays, transfers should be submitted before the following times:
ACH Standard: ~6:00 PM ET
ACH Same-Day: ~2:45 PM ET
SEPA: ~4:00 PM CET
Wire Transfers: ~2:00–5:00 PM ET (varies by bank)
SWIFT: ~2:00–5:00 PM ET (subject to international banking hours)
Quick Comparison Table
Feature | ACH Payment | ACH Same-Day | SEPA | Wire Transfer | SWIFT Payment |
Processing Time | 1–3 business days | Same business day | 1–2 business days | Same-day (dom), 1–2 days (intl) | 1–2 business days |
Fee | 1% (min $1 USD) | 1% (min $2 USD) | 1% (min $1 USD) | 1% (min $25 USD) | 1% +25 USD (min $25 USD) |
Cut-off Time | ~6:00 PM ET | ~2:45 PM ET | ~4:00 PM CET | ~2:00–5:00 PM ET | ~2:00–5:00 PM ET |
Best For | U.S. routine payments | Urgent U.S. payments | Euro payments in Europe | High-value domestic/international | Secure global transfers |
How to Choose the Right Payment Option
Use ACH for routine U.S. payments with lower urgency.
Use ACH Same-Day for faster domestic transfers.
Use SEPA for Euro payments within Europe.
Use Wire for larger or urgent international transfers that require confirmation.
Use SWIFT for secure, transparent international transfers to/from banks worldwide.
Still unsure which method fits your needs? Contact our team — we’ll help you choose the best way to move your money.