Why it matters

Understanding settlement helps merchants plan cash flow and understand fees.

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The architecture

Card rails: authorization + capture. Settlement T+1 to T+3.

ACH: batch-processed. Slower but cheaper.

Crypto: on-chain confirmation. Minutes to hours depending on chain.

Settlement railsCard networksT+1-3 daysACH1-3 daysCryptominutes-hoursFees vary: card ~2-3%, ACH pennies, crypto varies; choose per volume + speed
Settlement options.
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How it works end to end

Fees: card 2-3%, ACH cents, crypto varies. Merchants weigh fees against speed and finality.

Chargebacks: card payments can be reversed weeks later. ACH also. Crypto usually final.

Reconciliation: match authorized tokens to captured funds. Discrepancies indicate fraud or errors.