Automatic Bill Payment

Dictionary Says

Definition of 'Automatic Bill Payment'

Routine, automated payments made from a banking, brokerage or mutual fund account to vendors. The automated function can be initiated either with the source of funds (the bank with the checking account) or the vendor to whom payment is owed. Automatic bill payments occur over an electronic payment system, such as the Automated Clearing House (ACH).
Investopedia Says

Investopedia explains 'Automatic Bill Payment'

Regular, even payments (such as instalment loans) can be automated quite easily from the source of funds (such as a checking account.) This involves making arrangements with the bank holding the checking account to make the exact payment each month. The set of instructions is typically created online by the account holder.

More frequently, this power is given to the vendor (the electric company, for example) to charge the checking account for whatever amount is owed that particular month. If the vendor is not already familiar to the bank, the bank may ask the account holder to have the vendor pre-approved for this function. In most instances, however, it is the account holder who ultimately decides whether the automatic bill payment happens each month; he or she has the power to turn the automatic payment function off or to postpone the payment.

Related Definitions

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    A transactional deposit account held at a financial institution that allows for withdrawals and deposits. Money held in a checking account is very liquid, and can be withdrawn using ...
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  • Automated Clearing House - ACH

    An electronic funds-transfer system run by the National Automated Clearing House Association. This payment system deals with payroll, direct deposit, tax refunds, consumer bills, tax ...
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  • Installment Debt

    Debt issued with the condition of regularly occurring intervals for payment by the debtor, until the principal and interest are paid in full.
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    • Electronic Check

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    • Online Banking

      The performance of banking activities via the Internet. Online banking is also known as "Internet banking" or "Web banking". A good online bank will offer customers just about every ...
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    • Brokerage Account

      An arrangement between an investor and a licensed brokerage firm that allows the investor to deposit funds with the firm and place investment orders through the brokerage, which then ...
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