EFTs include direct-debit transactions, wire transfers, direct deposits, ATM withdrawals and online bill pay services. Transactions are processed through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network, the secure transfer system of the Federal Reserve that connects all U.S. banks, credit unions and other financial institutions.

For example, when you use your debit card to make a purchase at a store or online, the transaction is processed using an EFT system. The transaction is very similar to an ATM withdrawal, with near-instantaneous payment to the merchant and deduction from your checking account.

Direct deposit is another form of an electronic funds transfer. In this case, funds from your employer’s bank account are transferred electronically to your bank account, with no need for paper-based payment systems.

The increased use of EFTs for online bill payments, purchases and pay processes is leading to a paper-free banking system, where a large number of invoices and payments take place over digital networks. EFT systems play a large role in this future, with fast, secure transactions guaranteeing a seamless transfer of funds within institutions or across banking networks.

EFT transactions, also known as an online transaction or PIN-debit transaction, also offer an alternative to signature debit transactions, which take place through one of the major credit card processing systems, such as Visa, MasterCard or Discover, and can cost as much as 3% of the total purchase price. EFT processing, on the other hand, only charges an average of 1% for debit card transactions.