Answer
Same-day ACH: how it works, cutoffs and limits
Quick answer
Same-Day ACH is a faster way to send ACH payments that settles the same business day instead of the next. The Federal Reserve runs three same-day windows, with deadlines at 10:30 a.m., 2:45 p.m. and 4:45 p.m. ET. Each payment can be up to $1 million, rising to $10 million on September 17, 2027.
Updated October 2026. Evergreen page — refreshed in place as facts change.
The three same-day windows
Every same-day payment rides in one of three windows on the Federal Reserve's FedACH schedule:
| Window | Submission deadline (ET) | Settlement (ET) | Receiving bank makes credits available by |
|---|---|---|---|
| First | 10:30 a.m. | 1:00 p.m. | 1:30 p.m. local time |
| Second | 2:45 p.m. | 5:00 p.m. | 5:00 p.m. local time |
| Third | 4:45 p.m. | 6:00 p.m. | End of the bank's processing day |
Limits: $1 million now, $10 million from September 2027
Same-Day ACH started in 2016 with a $25,000 limit per payment, rose to $100,000 in 2020 and to $1 million in March 2022. Nacha's members approved a rise to $10 million in April 2026, effective September 17, 2027, which brings it in line with RTP and FedNow. International ACH payments (IAT entries) aren't eligible for same-day settlement.
Same-day ACH vs standard ACH vs instant payments
Where same-day ACH fits:
| Standard ACH | Same-Day ACH | RTP and FedNow | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arrives | Next business day | Same business day | Seconds |
| Runs | Business days | Business days, three windows | 24/7/365 |
| Credits and debits | Both | Both | Credits only |
| Per-payment limit | Set by each bank | $1 million | $10 million network limit |
| Reversible | Returns allowed | Returns allowed | No |
What same-day ACH is good for
It covers most 'today, not tomorrow' payments without the cost of a wire:
- Fixing a payroll error or paying a late addition before payday.
- Paying a vendor whose invoice is due today.
- Pulling a customer's payment by debit and having it settle the same day.
- Moving money between your own accounts at different banks during the business day.
What it costs
Under Nacha's rules the sending bank pays the receiving bank a same-day entry fee of 5.2 cents per payment. Banks price same-day ACH to customers however they like: some include it, some charge a per-payment fee.
Why a same-day ACH can still arrive tomorrow
The usual reasons are a missed cutoff at the sending bank (the payment drops into the next window or the next day), a weekend or federal holiday, a payment marked for standard rather than same-day settlement, or a receiving bank that posts late in its day. If it must arrive in minutes or on a Sunday, use an instant payment instead.
ACH from an Anytime Capital business account
Anytime Capital business accounts send ACH and same-day ACH to any US bank account, for vendors, contractors and your own accounts elsewhere, scheduled or on demand. When a payment can't wait for a window, RTP and FedNow transfers go out in seconds, any day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does same-day ACH work on weekends?
No. ACH, same-day included, settles only on business days. A payment sent on a Saturday settles on Monday at the earliest.
Is same-day ACH the same as an instant payment?
No. Same-day ACH settles in batches at set times during business days. Instant payments over RTP or FedNow settle in seconds at any hour.
Can a same-day ACH payment be reversed?
Sometimes. Under Nacha's rules a sender can reverse an erroneous payment within five banking days, and debits can be returned for reasons such as insufficient funds or no authorization.
Can same-day ACH be used for international payments?
No. International ACH (IAT) entries aren't eligible for same-day settlement. Payments abroad go by wire or over the recipient's local payment rail.
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Important Disclosures
- Third-party fees, timings, and product details cited on this page are industry-typical figures as of the date shown and may have changed. Verify current details with the relevant institution.
- Additional identity verification may be required depending on transaction type and amount.
- Anytime Capital is a licensed money services business. Information on this page is educational and is not financial, legal, or tax advice.
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