GLOBAL PAYMENTS KNOWLEDGEISO 20022 / SWIFT / SEPA / MT / MX
COMPARE / PAYMENT SCHEMES

Payment systems, side by side.

The same questions answered for every scheme: does it settle gross or net, how fast is it final, how are accounts addressed, and which message standard carries it? Pick two to four and compare. Every value cites its official source; nothing volatile is stated.

PICK 24 SCHEMES

Selected payment schemes compared across key dimensions
DimensionFedNowflowcardRTPflowcardFedwire Fundsflowcard
OperatorFederal ReserveThe Clearing HouseFederal Reserve
RegionUnited StatesUnited StatesUnited States
Settlement modelGross (one by one)Gross (one by one)Gross (one by one)
How it settlesEach payment settles individually in central-bank money.Settles individually against prefunded balances.Real-time gross settlement in central-bank money.
SpeedSeconds, 24/7/365Seconds, 24/7/365Real-time, business hours
FinalityImmediate and irrevocableImmediate and irrevocableImmediate and irrevocable
AddressingAccount numberAccount numberAccount / ABA routing
Message standardISO 20022ISO 20022Fedwire format (ISO 20022 migration underway)
SourceFedNow ServiceRTP (Real-Time Payments) NetworkFedwire Funds Service

A teaching comparison of headline mechanics, not a specification. Limits, operating windows, and fees vary and change — check each scheme’s official source before you rely on a detail.