Instant Transfers Through the RTP® Network and FedNow® Service*
Send money in seconds — 24/7, including holidays — with instant transfers from Northwest. Instant transfers allow you to send funds from your Northwest account to your accounts held at other participating financial institutions. Best of all, instant transfers are available in online and mobile banking, so there is no need for an additional app. Once sent, transfers are final and immediately available in your other account.
Northwest offers instant transfers through the RTP network and the FedNow service, enabling fast, secure, and reliable transactions for eligible members. See our Schedule of Fees for applicable Northwest fees.
Who Can Use Instant Transfers?
Instant transfers are available to Northwest members with eligible checking, savings, and money market accounts. Availability may vary based on account type and transaction characteristics.
How It Works
- Log in to online or mobile banking
- Select “Move Money” from mobile banking or “Transfer and Pay” from your desktop
- Select “Transfer”
- Select the “From” account on the “Make a Transfer” page
- Select an account from your external financial institution (or click “Add an Account” to set up a new external account)
- Enter the amount
- Under “When,” choose “Instant.” If instant is not an available option, this means the financial institution does not participate in the FedNow service or the RTP network and cannot receive an instant transfer
- Review and submit
Funds are delivered to your other account within seconds once the transfer is approved. Funds delivered via the FedNow service or the RTP network are generally available immediately upon receipt but may be delayed if required to comply with federal sanctions screening or other regulatory obligations.
Make sure to sign up for alerts within the security center in mobile and online banking to receive confirmation that your transfer has succeeded or needs additional attention.
Important Things to Know:
- Instant transfers are irrevocable once sent.
- Transfers are subject to eligibility requirements and transaction limits.
- Not all financial institutions participate in instant transfer networks. If eligible, the instant transfer option will appear when you choose the account.
- External transfer limits vary by member and are determined based on security and relationship factors. Log in to online or mobile banking to view your available transfer limits.
Please ensure transfer details are accurate before submitting an instant transfer.
Get Started
Instant transfers are available through Northwest’s online or mobile banking. Log in to learn more or contact the Member Service Center at 703-709-8900 or 844-709-8900 (toll-free) if you have questions about eligibility or usage.
*RTP® is a registered trademark of The Clearing House Payments Company LLC. FedNow® is a registered service mark of the Federal Reserve Banks.
An Automated Clearing House (ACH) transfer is a secure, convenient, and reliable way to move funds between your Northwest account and accounts at other financial institutions. Whether you need to make a one-time transfer or schedule recurring transactions, ACH provides an easy and efficient solution. Transfers are typically completed within three business days and can be initiated at any time through the Move Money tab in online or mobile banking.
Best of all, ACH transfers are provided at no cost, making them an affordable and dependable way to manage your money.
How it Works
Account Transfers
- Sign in to your account
- Select Move Money from the navigation menu
- Choose Transfer
- Select Add an Account from the drop-down menu
- Select the option as to how you would like to add a new account – Signing into your online banking at other Financial Institution or Manually Add Account
- Select the Amount
- Select the Frequency
- Select the Date
- Select Review Transfer
- Select Submit Transfer
Keep ACH Payments Safe
- Only authorize ACH payments with trusted companies or individuals.
- Review account activity regularly and report unauthorized transactions promptly.
- Protect online banking credentials and never share one-time passcodes.
- Verify payment instructions before sending funds.
- Contact Northwest if something looks suspicious.
Manage your bills with Bill Pay. From online and mobile banking you can set up billers, make payments, and track your payment activity. Use it to pay for utilities, rent, phone bills, or other recurring expenses.
Benefits:
- Pay all your bills from one place
- Reduce the risk of late payments
- Avoid writing checks
- Schedule payments in advance
- Set up automatic recurring payments
Transfer funds securely to another bank account either domestically or internationally with a wire transfer. Wires may be initiated through the “Move Money” tab in online and mobile banking. Use wires to send large transfers quickly, make business payments, or send money internationally.
Domestic wire transfers are generally completed same-day. International wire transfers may take 5-10 business days depending on the financial institutions and countries involved.
To make a wire transfer, you’ll need the recipient’s full name, address, financial institution’s name, and routing number, as well as the recipient’s account number.
Send and receive funds from your account directly from a contact’s Zelle account. From the “Move Money” tab in online and mobile banking you can scan a contact’s QR code, or provide your own, and transfer funds quickly and securely.
Use Zelle for everyday reimbursements like splitting rent or bills, sending money to family members, or paying a babysitter or lawn service. Zelle is designed for transactions between you and those you know and trust. Make sure to verify the recipient’s phone number or email address before sending.
Transaction limits and other restrictions may apply.