Some time ago, it was a big deal to transfer money to someone in another country. It is a known fact that senders not only have to go through various strenuous processes but also incur transaction fees.
However, things are much better today, particularly due to the advancement in financial technology.
Today, anybody from almost anywhere can send money to any other person located in any other place around the world. Technology in the financial system has indeed simplified transactions across the border.
There are actually several options available for how the sender wants to provide the money to the receiver in their location. Usually, one can carry out the transaction via any of these methods:
- ACH Direct Debit
- Wire Transfer
- Credit or Debit Card
And while the various options came with various intricacies and features, they all still do the same thing, since the funds leave your space and get to the hands of the receiver.
However, it is important to know the uniqueness attached to each option, so you can determine the one you feel will work best for you (based on your peculiar situation).
Using any of the aforementioned ways of paying money transfers, different transaction fees are attached to each of them.
Duration is also a big factor that should be considered. In other words, while you won’t have to pay for ACH payments, for instance, you should be ready to pay transaction fees for other options.
And when it comes to duration, you must be aware of how fast it takes for the receiver to get the money.
Which method is best for money transfer: ACH Direct Debit, Wire Transfer, or Card Payment?
Let’s explore each of them:
ACH Direct Debit
This is a very simple and easy option that allows the sender to transfer funds directly from their bank account without having to write a check or initiate a card transaction.
Indeed, Automated Clearing House (ACH) payments can be carried out with ease, as this isn’t complicated from the sender’s end. With a few clicks on your part, you are done.
You simply need to authorize your biller and the funds will be removed from the account attached to the system.
Once you get it authorized, the exact amount you have initiated will be deducted from your account and the recipient will be credited.
This option should be preferred for automated payments like bills, and an advantage of this is that you won’t have to encounter any added fees.
The fact that you won’t be burdened with added fees (unlike various other options available) is one prominent strength of this one.
So, if you are making just a modest transfer and don’t want to spend more on fees, then you can simply opt for this one.
Downside:
ACH payments come with a downside. If you are on a strict deadline, ACH might not be the best for you.
Wire Transfer
Making long-distance payments via wire transfers has been around for a very long time, and it is another prominent payment method. With this method, one can easily move money from bank to bank.
One of the immediate and core strengths of this option revolves around the fact that it is a very fast way of making payments.
The recipient can receive their money within the space of 24 hours, and it doesn’t matter how distant they are from your own location.
So, unlike ACH payments where it takes a lot of time for processing to be taken care of, this is not the same with wire transfers. Wire transfer is faster
Another edge that wires have over other payment methods is related to the absence of limits and restrictions when it comes to sending huge amounts of money.
There is a limit to what you can transfer with other payment methods. However, you won’t have issues sending very big funds via a wire transfer.
Nevertheless, when engaging in wire transfers, you must be ready to pay for the services, since it is not free (unlike when you are making use of ACH payments).
The small fee you must pay when using a wire transfer is the price for the opportunity to move your money as fast as possible, irrespective of how huge it is.
Credit or Debit Card
Third, you can make your payment with your credit or debit card and the money will be sent to the recipient with ease. This option is a very familiar one that is trusted for its features and nature.
If you are making use of card payments, you will be able to send the money as quickly as possible, and the recipient gets it without much delay (unlike when you are making use of ACH payments).
Like it is with wire transfers, you must be ready to pay the price for the quickness (and other benefits attached to making use of card payments).
That is to say, if you are making use of card payments, you should be ready to pay a little additional fee for this service.
Which is the best?
It is relative, based on what you are aiming for. If you are sending very huge amounts, then you should go for the Wire transfer option.
If you want the transaction to be processed as quickly as possible, you can choose either a Wire transfer or card payment. If you are sending small funds, you may want to go for ACH payments.
Conclusion
Today, you have the liberty to choose from several options when it comes to making money transfers and sending funds across borders.
You can decide majorly on ACH payments, wire transfers, or Card Payments. The trio are pretty reliable, but you must be aware that they come in different packages and they have unique peculiarities and downsides.