Sighted does not charge a fee when you make a payment from your checking account
Sighted treats checking account payments the same way it treats debit card payments — there is no transaction fee attached. When you link your checking account and authorize a payment, Sighted moves the money without adding a charge on top of what you owe.
This matters because some payment platforms do charge a fee for bank transfers or ACH payments, even small ones. Sighted's model is different: the cost to you is only what you actually owe, nothing more.
Key Takeaways
- Sighted charges no fee for payments made directly from a checking account.
- The only money that leaves your account is the payment amount itself.
- Checking account payments process as ACH transfers, which are slower than debit card or credit card payments but carry no added cost.
- If you use a third-party payment service or bill pay system to send money to Sighted, that service may charge its own fee — Sighted does not.
How checking account payments work at Sighted
When you set up a checking account payment at Sighted, you provide your bank routing number and account number. Sighted then initiates an ACH transfer — an electronic movement of funds directly from your bank to Sighted's account. This is the same method your employer uses to deposit your paycheck.
The transfer takes one to three business days to complete, depending on your bank and the time of day you submit it. During that window, the money is in transit but not yet deducted from your balance, though most banks will place a hold on it.
Because ACH transfers are automated and low-cost for payment processors, Sighted passes that savings to you by not charging a fee.
When you might see a fee anyway
Sighted itself does not charge, but a fee can still appear in two situations. First, if your bank charges you for making an ACH transfer — this is rare for standard checking accounts but possible with some specialty or business accounts. Check your bank's fee schedule or call them directly to confirm.
Second, if you use your bank's bill pay service to send money to Sighted instead of paying through Sighted's website, your bank may charge a fee for that service. Bill pay fees are typically $0 to $5 per transaction depending on your account type. To avoid this, pay directly through Sighted's payment portal rather than routing the payment through your bank's system.
Checking account versus other payment methods at Sighted
Sighted offers multiple ways to pay, and the fee structure is the same across most of them. Checking account payments are free and take one to three business days. Debit card and credit card payments are also free but process faster — usually within one business day or instantly. Wire transfers are the fastest option but your bank charges a fee for initiating them, not Sighted.
Checking account payments are the cheapest option because there is no fee from Sighted and your bank typically does not charge either. The trade-off is speed — ACH transfers take longer than debit or credit card payments. If you need the money to arrive the same day, a debit card or credit card is faster, though Sighted still charges no fee for those either.
Setting up a checking account payment to avoid surprises
Before you submit a checking account payment, confirm three things. First, verify that you are paying through Sighted's website or app, not through your bank's bill pay system. Second, check your bank's fee schedule to confirm they do not charge for ACH transfers on your account type. Third, make sure the payment amount is exactly what you intend — you cannot cancel an ACH transfer once it has been submitted, though you can contact Sighted if a mistake occurs.
Most people see no fees at all when they use checking account payments. The process is straightforward: link your account, enter the amount, and confirm. The money moves on its own schedule, and your only cost is the payment itself.
What happens if a fee does appear
If you see an unexpected charge, check your bank statement to see whether it came from your bank or from Sighted. Bank fees usually appear as a separate line item labeled "ACH fee" or "transfer fee." Sighted fees would show as a charge from Sighted itself.
If your bank charged you, contact them to understand why — it may be a one-time mistake or a sign that your account type includes transfer fees. If Sighted charged you, contact Sighted's support team to report it, as this would be unusual and worth investigating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel a checking account payment after I submit it?
Once an ACH transfer has been submitted to your bank, you cannot cancel it through Sighted. However, if you catch the error within a few hours, contact Sighted's support team immediately — they may be able to stop it before it leaves your bank. If the transfer has already completed, you will need to contact Sighted to request a refund.
Why does my bank show a hold on the money if Sighted hasn't charged me yet?
Your bank places a hold on the funds as soon as the ACH transfer is initiated, even though the money is still in transit. This is normal and protects both you and Sighted. The hold is released once the transfer completes, usually within one to three business days.
Is a checking account payment safer than a debit card payment?
Both are safe when you use Sighted's official website or app. ACH transfers offer slightly more fraud protection under federal law because they are regulated differently than debit card transactions, but the practical difference is small if you are paying through a secure connection.
What if my checking account does not have enough money when the ACH transfer tries to go through?
The transfer will fail, and your bank may charge you an insufficient funds fee (typically $25 to $35). Sighted will not charge you, but you will still owe the payment amount. Contact Sighted to reschedule or try again once funds are available.
Do I need to set up automatic payments, or can I pay manually each time?
You can do either. Sighted allows one-time manual payments from your checking account or recurring automatic payments on a schedule you choose. There is no fee difference between the two — both are free.