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What is the RTP network? Instant payments in the US

By SendPay Business · · 2 min read

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The RTP network is an instant payment system in the United States, launched by The Clearing House in 2017. Payments settle in seconds, around the clock, every day of the year, between banks that have joined the network.

How an RTP payment works

  • The sender's bank sends the payment through the RTP network.
  • The receiving bank confirms the account and accepts the payment.
  • Money settles immediately and is available to the recipient within seconds.
  • Payments are final, so they can't be pulled back like a card payment.
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RTP vs FedNow vs ACH

RTP is run by The Clearing House, a bank-owned company. FedNow is a similar instant service from the Federal Reserve, launched in 2023. ACH is older and processes payments in batches, so it's usually slower.

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Request for payment

RTP also supports request for payment messages, where a business sends a bill that the customer can approve and pay instantly from their bank.

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Where SendPay fits

SendPay platforms give your customers GBP, EUR and USD accounts, transfers and branded Visa cards under your own brand, powered by licensed partners. For US customers, SendPay covers card payment platforms.

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How it works

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  2. Choose what it does
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Why sign up

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  • A free business accountOpen it in about a minute with your business name, email, password and mobile. No card and no documents to start.
  • Get paid from day oneTake card payments, and share your own payment link and invoices so customers pay in a click.
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SendPay Business is a technology company, not a bank. Accounts, cards and payments are powered by licensed partners.

Questions people ask

Could bank payments cost less than cards?

Compare card fees with pay by bank.

Pay by bank savings calculator →
What is FedNow?

The Federal Reserve's instant payment service.

What is FedNow? →
What is an ACH transfer?

A US bank payment processed in batches.

What is an ACH transfer? →
What is Faster Payments?

The UK's instant bank transfer system.

Faster Payments →

Read next

Spotted a mistake or something out of date? and we'll fix it. How our guides are made

This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. SendPay Business is a technology company, not a bank, and does not take deposits; regulated services on the platforms are provided by licensed partners. Other companies named in this guide are reference points only and are not affiliated with SendPay Business.