Electronic funds transfer (EFT)

Transfer of funds electronically rather than by check or cash. The Federal Reserve's Fedwire and automated clearninghouse services are EFT systems.

Electronic Funds Transfer System

Any computerized system that facilitates a transaction in which money, securities, or some other good changes hands. Examples of electronic funds transfer include receiving cash out of an ATM and placing an order to buy a stock over the telephone.

electronic funds transfer (EFT)

The transfer of funds, as from one account to another or from buyer to seller, by telephone or computer. The use of EFT results in the instantaneous movement of money. The additional time that the funds are available to earn income can more than offset the fees charged by institutions for this service. Also called wire transfer.

Wall Street Words: An A to Z Guide to Investment Terms for Today's Investor by David L. Scott. Copyright © 2003 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. All rights reserved.

Electronic funds transfer.

Electronic funds transfer (EFT) is the means by which financial institutions exchange billions of dollars every day without the physical movement of any paper money. Money moves electronically from one bank account to another, usually within 24 hours of a scheduled payment.

The system covers all electronic credit and debit money transfers, including direct deposits -- which occur when you authorize your employer or other payer to automatically deposit payroll into your bank account -- debit card and ATM transactions, online bill payment, wire transfers, and debit transfers as well as automatic deductions from your accounts to make regular payments.

According to the US Department of the Treasury, it costs the federal government only 9 cents to issue an EFT payment as opposed to 86 cents to make a traditional check payment.