The main places that take checking account payments online
You can pay with your checking account at most websites and apps that sell goods or services. The payment method is called ACH (Automated Clearing House), and it pulls money directly from your account instead of using a debit card or credit card. Retailers, utilities, subscription services, government agencies, and nonprofits all accept it.
The most common places are bill-pay sites (your utility company, phone provider, insurance company), online retailers (Amazon, Walmart, Target), subscription services (Netflix, Spotify, gym memberships), and government payment portals (IRS, DMV, court fines). You enter your routing number and account number, and the payment goes through in one to three business days.
Some sites call this "bank transfer," "direct debit," or "eCheck." They all mean the same thing: money moving from your checking account to theirs through the banking system, not through a card network.
Key Takeaways
- ACH payments (direct from your checking account) work at utilities, online stores, subscription services, and government agencies—anywhere that accepts bank transfers.
- You need your routing number and account number, both printed on the bottom left of your checks or available in your bank's app or website.
- ACH payments take one to three business days to clear, so plan ahead if you have a due date.
- ACH is usually free or costs less than a credit card, and some retailers offer discounts for paying this way.
- Not every website accepts ACH; debit card or credit card may be your only option at some retailers.
How to find the routing and account numbers you need
Your routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your bank. Your account number is unique to your checking account. Both appear on the bottom left of any check you have, in this order: routing number, then account number, then check number on the far right.
If you do not have checks, log into your bank's website or mobile app. Most banks display both numbers in the account details or settings section. Call your bank's customer service line if you cannot find them—they can read them to you over the phone or email them to you.
Do not share these numbers with anyone except the company you are paying. Treat them like you would a password.
Which online retailers accept checking account payments
Large retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Best Buy accept ACH payments, though the option may not appear until you reach the payment screen. Smaller online stores vary—some offer it, some do not. If you do not see a bank transfer or ACH option at checkout, the site probably only takes cards.
The easiest way to check is to add an item to your cart and go to the payment page. Look for options labeled "bank account," "ACH," "direct debit," "eCheck," or "bank transfer." If none of those appear, you will need a debit or credit card instead.
Some retailers offer a discount (usually 1 to 3 percent) if you pay by ACH instead of card, because the fee they pay is lower. It is worth asking at checkout or checking the store's payment help page.
Paying bills directly through your bank's bill-pay service
Most banks offer a built-in bill-pay tool in their website or app. You set up a payee (the company you owe money to), enter the amount and due date, and the bank sends the payment on your schedule. This is different from ACH at a retailer—your bank handles the payment, not the company's website.
Bill-pay is free at most banks and takes one to three business days. You can schedule payments in advance, set up recurring payments for the same amount each month, or send a one-time payment. The bank keeps a record of every payment you make.
To use it, log into your bank's website or app, find the bill-pay section, and add the company you want to pay. You will need their mailing address (the bank will ask for it). Some companies, like utilities and credit card companies, are already in the system and you just select them from a list.
Government payments and tax refunds
The IRS, state tax agencies, and most government departments accept ACH payments for taxes, fines, permits, and fees. The IRS website (irs.gov) has a payment portal where you can pay by bank account. State tax sites have their own portals—search "[your state] tax payment" to find it.
Court fines, parking tickets, and DMV fees usually have online payment portals run by your local or state government. These almost always accept ACH. Search the agency's name plus "pay online" to find the portal.
If you are waiting for a tax refund and want it deposited directly to your checking account instead of receiving a check, you can choose direct deposit when you file. The IRS and state agencies will deposit refunds in one to three weeks after they approve your return.
Subscription services and recurring payments
Streaming services, gyms, software subscriptions, and other monthly charges accept ACH payments. When you sign up or change your payment method, you enter your routing and account numbers just like you would at a retailer.
Be careful with recurring payments: the company will charge your account on the same day each month until you cancel. Check your bank statement regularly to make sure the charge is the amount you agreed to. If a charge is wrong or you did not authorize it, contact your bank within 60 days and they can dispute it.
To cancel a recurring payment, log into your account on the company's website and remove the payment method, or contact their customer service. Do not just ask your bank to block it—the company may still try to charge you and you could face late fees or service cancellation.
When ACH payments fail or take longer than expected
ACH payments usually clear in one to three business days, but delays happen. Weekends and bank holidays add time—a payment submitted on Friday may not clear until Tuesday. If you submit a payment on a holiday, it may not process until the next business day.
Payments can fail if your account number is wrong, your account does not have enough money, or your bank flags the transaction as suspicious. If a payment fails, the company will usually send you a notice and ask you to resubmit. Check your email and your account on the company's website.
If a payment is late and you face a late fee or service interruption, contact the company and explain that the payment was submitted on time. Many will waive a single late fee if you can show proof of submission. If your bank caused the delay, ask the bank to provide a letter documenting when the payment was sent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to give my routing and account number to websites?
Yes, if the website is legitimate and uses a secure connection (look for "https://" in the address bar and a lock icon). Routing and account numbers are not secret like a password—they appear on every check you write. The real protection is that ACH payments are reversible: if something goes wrong, your bank can dispute the charge within 60 days.
Can I use ACH to pay someone I know, like a roommate or family member?
Not through ACH directly. You would need to use a peer-to-peer payment app like Venmo, PayPal, or your bank's transfer service (many banks let you send money to another person's account if you have their routing and account number). These are faster and safer than giving your account details to an individual.
What if I enter the wrong routing number or account number?
The payment may go to the wrong account or fail entirely. If it fails, the company will notify you and you can resubmit with the correct information. If it goes to the wrong account, contact your bank immediately—they can sometimes recover the money, but it depends on whether the receiving bank cooperates. Always double-check the numbers before you submit.
Do I have to pay a fee to use ACH at online retailers?
No. ACH payments are free to you as the customer. Some retailers charge a small fee (usually under $1), but most do not. Your bank does not charge you for outgoing ACH payments either. If a retailer charges a fee, they will tell you before you confirm the payment.
How long does it take to get a tax refund if I choose direct deposit?
The IRS and state tax agencies typically deposit refunds within one to three weeks after they approve your return. The exact timing depends on how busy the agency is and whether they need to verify your information. You can track your refund status on the IRS website (irs.gov/refunds) or your state tax agency's website.