The FLEX Connexion Blog

The Ultimate Comparison of Each Instant Payment Method

Written by Preston Packer | Mar 7, 2024

Instant payment methods have revolutionized the way we handle transactions, offering unparalleled convenience and speed. As a credit union looking to stay competitive and attract new members, it is crucial to understand the diverse needs of your members when it comes to instant payments. By exploring the differences between each instant payment method, you can tailor your services to best meet the unique requirements of your members.

Explanation of Each Instant Payment Method

FedNow

FedNow is a real-time gross settlement (RTGS) service introduced by the Federal Reserve in the United States. It is designed to facilitate instant payments, providing individuals and businesses with the ability to make and receive payments 24/7.

Zelle

Zelle is a person-to-person (P2P) payment service that allows users to send and receive money directly from their bank accounts using a mobile app or online banking platform. It is a network of participating banks and credit unions that enables fast and secure transactions.

Venmo

Venmo is a popular P2P payment platform that allows users to send and receive money using a mobile app. It is known for its social aspect, as users can share transaction details and split bills with friends. Venmo is owned by PayPal.

RTP

The Real-Time Payments (RTP) system, developed by The Clearing House, is a modern and innovative payment infrastructure designed to facilitate instant and irrevocable electronic fund transfers in the United States in any situation. 

Same Day ACH

Same Day ACH is an enhancement to the traditional ACH network in the United States. It allows for faster processing of certain ACH transactions, enabling same-day settlement of payments, including credits and debits.

Comparison of Each Instant Payment Method

Transaction Types

FedNow

Person-to-Person

Consumer-to-Business

Consumer-to-Government

Government-to-Consumer

Business-to-Business

Business-to-Government

Account-to-Account

Zelle

Person-to-Person

Venmo

Person-to-Person

RTP

Business-to-Business

Business-to-Consumer

Consumer-to-Business

Person-to-Person

Account-to-Account

Government-to-Consumer

Same Day ACH

Person-to-Person

Account-to-Account

 

Settlement Time

FedNow

Instant

Zelle

Within minutes

Venmo

1-3 business days, but Venmo can give customers credit if they need the money right away. 

RTP

Instant

Same Day ACH

Within the same business day. 

 

Transaction Limits

FedNow

The default limit is $100,000, but you can increase or decrease your members' transaction limits. 

Zelle

Your credit union sets members' limits. 

Venmo

$5,000

RTP

$1 million

Same Day ACH

$1 million

 

Security Features

FedNow

Encrypted data during transit and at rest. Authenticated messages, MFA, and role-based access controls. 

Zelle

Authentication and monitoring features. Zelle highly encourages people to only send money to those they know. 

Venmo

Identity verification, encryption, pin codes, and security support. 

RTP

Monitoring and detection services, notifications, and a recovery plan

Same Day ACH

Encryption, authentication, fraud detection, secure access controls, notifications, and confirmations. 

 

Give Your Members an Effortless Instant Payment Experience

Ensuring a seamless and user-friendly interface for instant payment methods will enhance your members' experience with their payment platforms. With the latest addition of FedNow, still gaining traction among credit unions nationwide, many members may not be aware of its benefits. At FLEX, we are excited to introduce FedNow and make it accessible to your credit union. Click below to discover more about our implementation strategy.