ACH vs wire transfer for your Delaware LLC: when to use which

ACH use cases

ACH is the US-domestic free option. Most Stripe payouts come in via ACH. Most US contractor payments leave via ACH. Most LLC payroll (if any) flows through ACH.

Speed: 1-2 business days standard. Same-day ACH available at slight cost. Reversibility: payments can be reversed within ~60 days for fraud or error.

Wire use cases

Wires are the choice for international transfers (ACH does not work internationally), large transactions where speed matters, and counterparty preference (some prefer wires).

Speed: same-day for domestic; 1-5 days for international. Fees: $15-$50 domestic, $35-$65 international. Reversibility: nearly impossible; verify recipient details before sending.

Cost comparison

10 ACH transfers/month: free. 10 domestic wires/month: $150-500. 10 international wires/month: $350-650. For most bootstrap operations, ACH-first saves substantial fees.