E-checks and electronic payments typically take 24-48 hours to clear the payer's bank and for the funds to show up in the payee's bank account. This quick timing is beneficial for both parties to the transaction. They need to deposit the check to their bank and then the bank sends it through the check clearing process.

Setting up the payment: payment information is fed into the online payment processing software. Payment confirmation and fund transfer: the payment is withdrawn from the payer's bank account and is deposited in the payee's bank account. It happens automatically, and a payment receipt is also sent to the payer.

When using a debit card for a one-time payment, the merchant requests approval from the bank to determine whether the account has enough money. With an eCheck, the transaction is not sent to the bank for approval prior to making the payment.