Real-time payments, which allow money to be moved between bank accounts in seconds, 24/7/365, are reducing friction and creating new opportunities for consumers and businesses. With real-time payments, consumers have faster access to funds, enabling them to pay bills quicker, reduce overdraft fees, and invest in the things they need. The adoption of real-time payments is expected to grow dramatically, with US ACH transaction volume likely exceeding 8.9 billion by 2026. However, there are challenges that still remain, including limited usage of the RTP payment platform, higher rates of fraud compared to ACH, and the need for education on fraud vectors. Companies are adopting real-time payments to meet consumer expectations and differentiate their services, while innovative solutions such as Plaid Signal and Instant Payouts are helping businesses navigate these payment options. The launch of FedNow, a round-the-clock payment and settlement service developed by the Federal Reserve, will provide an additional real-time payment option for US consumers and businesses.