AmeriCU continues to offer our members the latest enhancements in digital technology, that’s why we’re excited to announce the credit union is now part of both the Real-Time Payments (RTP®) network and the Federal Reserve’s FedNow® Service. This means that, effective June 23, 2026, members can receive eligible incoming payments from a participating sender instantly, at any time!
With this feature, members can now access incoming funds within seconds – day or night, weekends and holidays – 24 hours a day, seven days a week!
Benefits of Real-Time Payments:
- Receive funds instantly.
- Available anytime, 24/7.
- Money can be used immediately.
How It Works:
- A sender initiates a payment through their financial institution using the RTP or FedNow network.
- If the sender’s institution participates and the transaction qualifies, funds are typically credited to your AmeriCU account within seconds.
- Payments are processed individually in real time rather than in batches.
- Once received, payments are generally final and may not be reversible.
Pick up the tab at dinner? Get paid back immediately. Make a sale at the craft fair? No more waiting days to see the profit. Own a business? Receive payments from your customers without delay.
You can receive money in seconds when the other person banks with participating institutions, such as major banks like Chase, Wells Fargo, or Bank of America, as well as many credit unions and community banks across the country.
Note: Both sender and receiver must be at participating financial institutions for real-time processing. Transaction limits, eligibility requirements, and network availability may apply. While funds are typically available upon receipt, exceptions may occur, including for risk or compliance reviews.
Effective June 23, all AmeriCU members will be set up to receive Real-Time Payments! Unless you need to provide your account details to the individual sending you money, there’s no additional action you need to take!
Click here to view Frequently Asked Questions for Real-Time Payments.
Questions about Real-Time Payments? Click ‘Let’s Connect!’ in the bottom-right hand corner to meet with an AmeriCU teammate for more information.
Real-time payments allow you to receive money instantly, directly into your account—24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including weekends and holidays.
Funds are typically available within seconds after the payment is sent to your account.
Real-time payments are available 24/7, including weekends and holidays, when sent from participating financial institutions. Availability may be affected by transaction eligibility, system availability, or risk and compliance reviews.
No. If your account is eligible, you can automatically receive real-time payments. You simply need to provide your account information to the sender.
1. Share your account information (such as routing and account number) with the sender
2. Ask the sender to use a real-time payment option (FedNow or RTP)
3. Funds will be deposited into your account within seconds once sent
You may receive real-time payments from employers or payroll providers, businesses such as insurance companies or merchants, and other individuals whose financial institution supports real-time payments. Availability depends on the sender’s institution and Instant Payment program eligibility.
Examples include gig payments, payments from friends or family, bill or invoice payments.
You may receive a notification, alert, or account update once the funds are deposited, depending on your account settings.
No. Real-time payments are final once processed and generally cannot be canceled or reversed.
Yes. Payment limits may apply based on the sending institution, the receiving institution, and the payment network (FedNow or RTP).
Yes. Real-time payments are processed through secure, regulated U.S. payment networks with fraud monitoring and transaction screening in place.
Yes. Funds are immediately available and can be used right away once received.
At this time, this service is receive-only, meaning you can receive real-time payments but may not be able to send them yet.
No. Real-time payments move money directly between financial institutions. Apps like Venmo® or Cash App® may hold funds in a separate wallet or require additional steps to move money to your bank account.
Not through real-time payment networks. Those apps may offer their own instant transfer options, sometimes with fees, but real-time payments are sent directly to your account through your financial institution.
Standard ACH transfers, checks or mobile check deposits, wire transfers, payments held in third-party apps, and scheduled or recurring batch payments are not real-time payments through FedNow or RTP.
Confirm the sender has your correct account information, ask if they can send the payment using real-time payments, and monitor your account for the instant deposit once sent.
No. Only payments sent through real-time payment networks (FedNow or RTP) will be deposited instantly. Other types of payments may take longer.
The sender may have used a different payment method, their financial institution may not support real-time payments, or processing times may vary based on the method used.
Related News
News
AmeriCU Credit Union Helps Homebuyers Save with Free Virtual Seminar and $400 Closing Cost Rebate
In recognition of National Homeownership Month, AmeriCU Credit Union is helping prospective homebuyers take the next step toward homeownership through a free virtual homebuying seminar designed to provide practical guidance and valuable savings opportunities.
News
Upstate University Hospital’s Mammography Van to visit the AmeriCU Financial Center in Thompson Road on June 30th
Upstate University Hospital’s Mammography Van will visit the AmeriCU Financial Center at 6303 Thompson Road Syracuse, NY 13206, on Tuesday, June 30, 2026.