ACH vs. Check — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 15, 2024
ACH (Automated Clearing House) transactions process electronically, ideal for recurring payments, while checks are physical payment methods requiring manual handling and are less efficient for regular transactions.
Difference Between ACH and Check
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
ACH transactions are electronic transfers between banks through the Automated Clearing House network, commonly used for payroll, bill payments, and other recurring transactions. On the other hand, checks involve the physical transfer of a written document instructing a bank to pay a specified amount from one party's account to another.
ACH payments are processed in batches and can clear faster than checks, typically within one business day. Conversely, checks can take several days to clear due to the need for physical transport and manual processing by banks.
Due to their electronic nature, ACH transactions tend to be more secure than checks, which are susceptible to loss, theft, or fraud. Whereas checks can be forged or altered, ACH provides stronger transactional security measures.
ACH is often preferred for its convenience and lower processing fees compared to checks. While checks might be necessary for situations where electronic payments are not feasible, ACH is generally more cost-effective, especially for regular payments.
Both payment methods are widely used, but ACH has been gaining popularity due to its efficiency and ease of use. Meanwhile, checks continue to hold value in certain business transactions and personal use, particularly among those who prefer tangible financial records.
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Comparison Chart
Processing Type
Electronic
Physical
Speed of Processing
Usually within one business day
Can take several days
Security
Higher due to electronic encryption
Susceptible to theft, loss, or forgery
Cost
Generally lower fees
Higher fees due to manual processing
Ideal Use
Recurring payments, direct deposits
Single, non-recurring transactions
Compare with Definitions
Ach
Electronic funds transfer system.
The monthly rent was automatically withdrawn from my account via ACH.
Check
Requires manual deposit or cashing.
She went to the bank to deposit several checks she received.
Ach
Operates through the Automated Clearing House network.
All ACH transactions are processed through a centralized network.
Check
Can be used for both personal and business transactions.
The contractor accepted a check as payment for services rendered.
Ach
Suitable for recurring payments.
ACH is ideal for setting up automatic bill payments.
Check
Subject to forgery and fraud risks.
They implemented stricter policies to prevent check fraud.
Ach
Secure and efficient.
Businesses prefer ACH for its security and efficiency in handling large transactions.
Check
Provides a physical record of payment.
She kept the canceled check as proof of payment for her records.
Ach
Used for direct deposit.
Her salary is deposited directly into her bank account through ACH.
Check
Examine (something) in order to determine its accuracy, quality, or condition, or to detect the presence of something
Customs officers have the right to check all luggage
A simple blood test to check for anaemia
Ach
(obsolete) Any of several species of plants, such as smallage, wild celery, parsley.
Check
Stop or slow the progress of (something, typically something undesirable)
Efforts were made to check the disease
Ach
An expression of annoyance.
Check
(of a passenger) consign (baggage) to the care of the transport provider with whom they are travelling
I checked my bag and got my boarding pass
Ach
An expression of woe or regret.
Check
Mark or click on (a box) in order to select a particular option on a form, questionnaire, etc.
Users who want privacy should check the box that prevents your files from being shared
Ach
A name given to several species of plants; as, smallage, wild celery, parsley.
Check
Move a piece or pawn to a square where it attacks (the opposing king)
He moves his knight to check my king again
Check
(in poker) choose not to make a bet when called upon, allowing another player to do so instead.
Check
(of a hound) pause to make sure of or regain a scent.
Check
An examination to test or ascertain accuracy, quality, or satisfactory condition
A campaign calling for regular checks on gas appliances
A health check
Check
A stopping or slowing of progress
There was no check to the expansion of the market
Check
A move by which a piece or pawn directly attacks the opponent's king and by which the king may be checkmated.
Check
US spelling of cheque
Check
A token of identification for left luggage.
Check
A counter used as a stake in a gambling game.
Check
Another term for tick (sense 1 of the noun)
Check
A part of a piano which catches the hammer and prevents it retouching the strings.
Check
A crack or flaw in timber.
Check
A pattern of small squares
A fine black-and-white check
Check
Expressing assent or agreement.
Check
Used by a chess player to announce that the opponent's king has been placed in check.
Check
Having a checked pattern
A blue check T-shirt
Check
The act or an instance of inspecting or testing something, as for accuracy or quality
Gave the paper a final check.
Check
A standard for inspecting or evaluating; a test
The condition of the wiring can serve as a check for the level of the seller's home maintenance.
Check
A check mark.
Check
A ticket or slip of identification
A baggage check.
Check
A bill at a restaurant or bar.
Check
A chip or counter used in gambling.
Check
Something that stops or slows down motion, action, or expression; a restraint
Heavy rains were a check on the army's advance.
Check
The condition of being stopped or held back; restraint
Kept my temper in check.
Holding agricultural pests in check with sprays.
Check
A stopping or slowing down of something
"The medicines ... gave a check to the disorder that was destroying him" (Richard Henry Dana).
Check
(Sports) The act of blocking or impeding an opponent with the puck in ice hockey, either with one's body or one's stick.
Check
A written order to a bank to pay the amount specified from funds on deposit; a draft.
Check
A pattern of small squares, as on a chessboard.
Check
One of the squares of such a pattern.
Check
A fabric patterned with squares
A dress of pale green check.
Check
A move in chess that directly attacks an opponent's king but does not constitute a checkmate.
Check
The position or condition of a king so attacked.
Check
A small crack; a chink.
Check
(Games) Used to declare that a chess opponent's king is in check.
Check
(Informal) Used to express agreement or understanding.
Check
To inspect so as to determine accuracy, quality, or other condition; test
Checked the brakes for wear.
Checked the paper for misspellings.
Check
To verify by consulting a source or authority
Checked her facts before speaking.
Check a spelling in the dictionary.
Check
To put a check mark on or next to
Checked off each item on the list.
Check
To arrest or slow the motion or progress of
Checked the flow by shutting a valve.
Check
To hold in restraint; curb
Check an impulse to laugh.
Check
(Baseball) To stop (the swing of the bat) in an attempt to avoid swinging at a pitch that is out of the strike zone
The batter checked his swing, and the pitch was called a ball.
Check
(Sports) To block or impede (an opposing player with the ball or puck), as in ice hockey, by using one's body or one's stick.
Check
To deposit or consign for safekeeping or shipment
Checked his coat at the door.
Checked my bags and boarded the plane.
Check
(Games) To move in chess so as to put (an opponent's king) under direct attack.
Check
To make cracks or chinks in
Sunlight dried and checked the paint.
Check
To make an examination or investigation; inquire
Phoned to check on the departure time.
Checked into the rumor.
Check
To be verified or confirmed; pass inspection
The suspect's story checked out.
Check
To agree point for point; correspond
The fingerprints checked with the ones on file.
Check
(Sports) To block or impede an opposing player with the ball or puck, as in ice hockey.
Check
To come to an abrupt halt; stop
The soldiers rushed into the room but checked when they saw their commander.
Check
To write a check on a bank account.
Check
To undergo cracking in a pattern of checks, as paint does.
Check
To place a chess opponent's king in check.
Check
In certain card games, to announce that one is declining the option of making a bet.
Check
To pause to relocate a scent. Used of hunting dogs.
Check
To abandon the proper game and follow baser prey. Used of trained falcons.
Check
(chess) A situation in which the king is directly threatened by an opposing piece. 14
Check
An inspection or examination.
I don't know if she will be there, but it's worth a check.
Check
A control; a limit or stop.
Checks and balances
The castle moat should hold the enemy in check.
Check
(US) A mark (especially a checkmark: ✓) used as an indicator.
Check
(US) An order to a bank to pay money to a named person or entity.
I was not carrying cash, so I wrote a check for the amount.
Check
(US) A bill, particularly in a restaurant.
I summoned the waiter, paid the check, and hurried to leave.
Check
A maneuver performed by a player to take another player out of the play.
The hockey player gave a good hard check to obtain the puck.
Check
A token used instead of cash in gaming machines, or in gambling generally.
Check
A lengthwise separation through the growth rings in wood.
Check
A mark, certificate, or token by which errors may be prevented, or a thing or person may be identified.
A check given for baggage
A return check on a railroad
Check
(falconry) The forsaking by a hawk of its proper game to follow other birds. 15
Check
A small chink or crack.
Check
A pattern made up of a grid of squares of alternating colors; a checkered pattern.
The tablecloth had red and white checks.
Check
Any fabric woven with such a pattern.
Check
To inspect; to examine.
Check the oil in your car once a month.
Check whether this page has a watermark.
Check
To verify the accuracy of a text or translation, usually making some corrections (proofread) or many (copyedit).
Check
To mark items on a list (with a checkmark or by crossing them out) that have been chosen for keeping or removal or that have been dealt with (for example, completed or verified as correct or satisfactory).
Check the items on the list that interest you.
Check off the items that you've checked (inspected).
Check the correct answer to each question.
Check
To control, limit, or halt.
Check your enthusiasm during a negotiation.
Check
To verify or compare with a source of information.
Check your data against known values.
Check
To leave in safekeeping.
Check your hat and coat at the door.
Check
To leave with a shipping agent for shipping.
Check your bags at the ticket counter before the flight.
Check
To pass or bounce the ball to an opponent from behind the three-point line and have the opponent pass or bounce it back to start play.
He checked the ball and then proceeded to perform a perfect layup.
That basket doesn't count—you forgot to check!
Check
(sports) To disrupt another player with the stick or body to obtain possession of the ball or puck.
The hockey player checked the defenceman to obtain the puck.
Check
(poker) To announce that one is remaining in a hand without betting.
Tom didn't think he could win, so he checked.
Check
(chess) To make a move which puts an adversary's king in check; to put in check.
Check
To chide, rebuke, or reprove.
Check
(nautical) To slack or ease off, as a brace which is too stiffly extended.
Check
To crack or gape open, as wood in drying; or to crack in small checks, as varnish, paint, etc.
Check
To make checks or chinks in; to cause to crack.
The sun checks timber.
Check
To make a stop; to pause; with at.
Check
(obsolete) To clash or interfere.
Check
To act as a curb or restraint.
Check
(falconry) To turn, when in pursuit of proper game, and fly after other birds.
Check
(transitive) To mark with a check pattern.
Check
(heraldry) Divided into small squares (chequers) by transverse vertical and horizontal lines.
Check
A word of warning denoting that the king is in danger; such a menace of a player's king by an adversary's move as would, if it were any other piece, expose it to immediate capture. A king so menaced is said to be in check, and must be made safe at the next move.
Check
A condition of interrupted or impeded progress; arrest; stop; delay; as, to hold an enemy in check.
Which gave a remarkable check to the first progress of Christianity.
No check, no stay, this streamlet fears.
Check
Whatever arrests progress, or limits action; an obstacle, guard, restraint, or rebuff.
Useful check upon the administration of government.
A man whom no check could abash.
Check
A mark, certificate, or token, by which, errors may be prevented, or a thing or person may be identified; as, checks placed against items in an account; a check given for baggage; a return check on a railroad.
Check
A written order directing a bank or banker to pay money as therein stated. See Bank check, below.
Check
A woven or painted design in squares resembling the patten of a checkerboard; one of the squares of such a design; also, cloth having such a figure.
Check
The forsaking by a hawk of its proper game to follow other birds.
Check
Small chick or crack.
Check
To make a move which puts an adversary's piece, esp. his king, in check; to put in check.
Check
To put a sudden restraint upon; to stop temporarily; to hinder; to repress; to curb.
So many clogs to check and retard the headlong course of violence and oppression.
Check
To verify, to guard, to make secure, by means of a mark, token, or other check; to distinguish by a check; to put a mark against (an item) after comparing with an original or a counterpart in order to secure accuracy.
Check
To chide, rebuke, or reprove.
The good king, his master, will check him for it.
Check
To slack or ease off, as a brace which is too stiffly extended.
Check
To make checks or chinks in; to cause to crack; as, the sun checks timber.
Check
To leave (something) in the temporary custody of another; as, to check baggage; to check one's firearms at the door; to check one's coat at the cloakroom.
Check
To accept (something) for temporary custody from another; as, to check a customer's baggage; to check a customer's coat.
Check
To make a checkered pattern upon.
Check
To make a stop; to pause; - with at.
The mind, once jaded by an attempt above its power, either is disabled for the future, or else checks at any vigorous undertaking ever after.
Check
To clash or interfere.
Check
To act as a curb or restraint.
It [his presence] checks too strong upon me.
Check
To crack or gape open, as wood in drying; or to crack in small checks, as varnish, paint, etc.
Check
To turn, when in pursuit of proper game, and fly after other birds.
And like the haggard, check at every featherThat comes before his eye.
Check
Checkered; designed in checks.
Check
A written order directing a bank to pay money;
He paid all his bills by check
Check
An appraisal of the state of affairs;
They made an assay of the contents
A check on its dependability under stress
Check
The bill in a restaurant;
He asked the waiter for the check
Check
The state of inactivity following an interruption;
The negotiations were in arrest
Held them in check
During the halt he got some lunch
The momentary stay enabled him to escape the blow
He spent the entire stop in his seat
Check
Additional proof that something that was believed (some fact or hypothesis or theory) is correct;
Fossils provided further confirmation of the evolutionary theory
Check
The act of inspecting or verifying;
They made a check of their equipment
The pilot ran through the check-out procedure
Check
A mark indicating that something has been noted or completed etc.;
As he called the role he put a check mark by each student's name
Check
Something immaterial that interferes with or delays action or progress
Check
A mark left after a small piece has been chopped or broken off of something
Check
A textile pattern of squares or crossed lines (resembling a checkerboard);
She wore a skirt with checks
Check
The act of restraining power or action or limiting excess;
His common sense is a bridle to his quick temper
Check
Obstructing an opponent in ice hockey
Check
(chess) a direct attack on an opponent's king
Check
Examine so as to determine accuracy, quality, or condition;
Check the brakes
Check out the engine
Check
Make an examination or investigation;
Check into the rumor
Check the time of the class
Check
Be careful or certain to do something; make certain of something;
He verified that the valves were closed
See that the curtains are closed
Control the quality of the product
Check
Lessen the intensity of; temper; hold in restraint; hold or keep within limits;
Moderate your alcohol intake
Hold your tongue
Hold your temper
Control your anger
Check
Stop for a moment, as if out of uncertainty or caution;
She checked for an instant and missed a step
Check
Put a check mark on or next to;
Please check each name on the list
Tick off the items
Check
Slow the growth or development of;
The brain damage will retard the child's language development
Check
Be verified or confirmed; pass inspection;
These stories don't check!
Check
Be compatible, similar or consistent; coincide in their characteristics;
The two stories don't agree in many details
The handwriting checks with the signature on the check
The suspect's fingerprints don't match those on the gun
Check
Block or impede (a player from the opposing team) in ice hockey
Check
Train by instruction and practice; especially to teach self-control;
Parents must discipline their children
Is this dog trained?
Check
Consign for shipment on a vehicle;
Check your luggage before boarding
Check
Hand over something to somebody as for temporary safekeeping;
Check your coat at the door
Check
Abandon the intended prey, turn, and pursue an inferior prey, of falcons
Check
Stop in a chase especially when scent is lost;
The dog checked
Check
Mark into squares or draw squares on; draw crossed lines on
Check
Decline to initiate betting
Check
Hold back, as of a danger or an enemy; check the expansion or influence of;
Arrest the downward trend
Check the growth of communism in Sout East Asia
Contain the rebel movement
Turn back the tide of communism
Check
Place into check;
He checked my kings
Check
Write out a check on a bank account
Check
Find out, learn, or determine with certainty, usually by making an inquiry or other effort;
I want to see whether she speaks French
See whether it works
Find out if he speaks Russian
Check whether the train leaves on time
Check
Verify by consulting a source or authority;
Check the spelling of this word
Check your facts
Check
Arrest the motion (of something) abruptly;
He checked the flow of water by shutting off the main valve
Check
Make cracks or chinks in;
The heat checked the paint
Check
Become fractured; break or crack on the surface only;
The glass cracked when it was heated
Check
Written, dated, and signed instrument that directs a bank to pay a specific sum.
He wrote a check for his share of the dinner.
Common Curiosities
What is ACH?
ACH is a network for processing electronic transfers between banks efficiently and securely.
What are the typical fees associated with ACH and check transactions?
ACH transactions typically have lower fees compared to checks, which incur higher processing costs due to manual handling.
What is a check?
A check is a physical document that orders a bank to pay a specific amount from the drawer's account to the payee.
Can ACH transactions be reversed?
Yes, ACH transactions can be reversed under certain conditions such as bank errors or unauthorized transactions.
What makes ACH suitable for regular payments?
ACH's electronic nature makes it ideal for recurring payments like salaries and utility bills due to its reliability and lower fees.
Why might someone choose a check over ACH?
Some may prefer checks for single, non-recurring payments or when electronic transactions are not accepted.
How has the usage of checks changed over time?
The usage of checks has declined with the advent of electronic payment methods like ACH, which offer more convenience and security.
How secure is ACH compared to checks?
ACH is generally more secure due to electronic processing and encryption, whereas checks are prone to physical risks like theft or forgery.
How long does it take for a check to clear?
It can take several days for a check to clear, depending on bank policies and the amount.
What are the environmental impacts of ACH versus checks?
ACH is more environmentally friendly, reducing the need for paper and physical transport compared to checks.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
