FinTech

What is FedNow?

Quick answer

An instant payment service run by the US Federal Reserve that lets banks and credit unions send and receive payments in seconds, around the clock.

FedNow, explained

The FedNow Service launched in July 2023. Participating financial institutions can move money between accounts within seconds, at any time of day, every day of the year, including weekends and holidays. It uses the ISO 20022 messaging standard, which carries richer payment information than older formats, and is designed to be accessible to institutions of all sizes.

FedNow works alongside The Clearing House's RTP network, which has offered instant payments in the United States since 2017. For example, a landscaping company could receive payment from a customer's bank account the moment a job is finished, if both banks participate. Availability for businesses and consumers depends on whether their bank has joined and built services on top of FedNow, and adoption has been gradual.

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