Anticipated 2018 Faster Payments transaction volume surpassing previous records
In the dynamic world of finance, the faster payments industry is experiencing a significant shift, with the adoption of real-time payment solutions becoming increasingly prevalent. This transformation, as detailed in the Mercator Advisory Group's report "Faster Payments Forecast, 2017-2021, Update: The Consequences of Faster Payments," is shaping the future of payment methods across consumers, businesses, and financial institutions.
One key player in this revolution is Same Day ACH. According to recent reports by PYMNTS and The Payments Space, the ACH Network processed 8.7 billion payments valued at $23.3 trillion in Q2 2025, with Same Day ACH payments reaching 336.4 million transactions valued at $980.3 billion. This represents a 15% year-over-year increase in transaction volume and a 22% rise in value. The first half of 2025 saw 662.4 million Same Day ACH payments valued at nearly $1.9 trillion, indicating strong momentum.
Same Day ACH is finding success in diverse segments, including consumers, businesses, and government organisations. Jane Larimer, CEO of Nacha (ACH operator), noted the "continued robust growth of Same Day ACH." Financial institutions are also prioritising real-time payments solutions like FedNow alongside Same Day ACH to meet growing consumer and SMB demand for faster, cost-effective, and secure payment options.
Meanwhile, Zelle, a peer-to-peer payments network backed by U.S. banks, is currently operating across 29 financial institutions and is expected to expand to an additional 140 banks. The adoption of Zelle by more financial institutions could lead to increased use of peer-to-peer payments in the U.S. Currently, 70% of Zelle transactions are completed within the same bank, enhancing speed and reducing friction in the payment experience.
However, this rapid evolution towards faster payments may present new risks, particularly in the areas of fraud prevention and cybersecurity. As seen in the U.K., the launch of faster payments resulted in a doubling of instances of bank fraud. Financial institutions must, therefore, balance innovation with investment in robust fraud prevention and cybersecurity measures.
In conclusion, the faster payments industry is witnessing a coexistence and complementarity of Same Day ACH, real-time payment platforms like FedNow, and P2P networks like Zelle. These solutions are driving the shift towards instant, secure, and cost-effective digital payments. While Same Day ACH transactions logged 75 million transactions totaling $87 billion in 2018, representing less than 1% of the total ACH transaction volume, there is room for significant growth in the future. The focus on faster payments is set to continue, with the industry poised for further expansion and innovation.
References:
[1] PYMNTS.com (2025). Same Day ACH Transactions Soar in Q2 2025 [online] Available at: https://www.pymnts.com/ach-payments/2025/same-day-ach-transactions-soar-in-q2-2025/
[2] The Payments Space (2025). Same Day ACH Transactions Reach Record High in Q2 2025 [online] Available at: https://thepaymentsspace.com/same-day-ach-transactions-reach-record-high-in-q2-2025/
[3] Nacha (2025). Nacha CEO Discusses Same Day ACH Growth [online] Available at: https://www.nacha.org/news/nacha-ceo-discusses-same-day-ach-growth
[4] The Financial Brand (2025). ACH Network vs. Card Networks: Pay-by-Bank Solutions Gaining Traction [online] Available at: https://thefinancialbrand.com/66987/ach-network-vs-card-networks-pay-by-bank-solutions-gaining-traction/
[5] The Payments Association (2021). Instant ACH Transfers: A Viable Near-Instant Alternative [online] Available at: https://www.thepaymentsassociation.org/knowledge-center/instant-ach-transfers-a-viable-near-instant-alternative
Finance plays a crucial role in the growth and development of Same Day ACH, as it provides the necessary funds for transactions and helps financial institutions prioritize real-time payment solutions like FedNow.
The increasing adoption of real-time payment solutions, such as Same Day ACH and Zelle, is driving innovation in the finance industry, offering consumers, businesses, and government organizations faster, secure, and cost-effective digital payment options.
