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rideshare driver receives digital payment

Instant Money Has Arrived: Introducing FedNow Receive

We’re excited to bring members a faster, more flexible way to receive money. With FedNow® Receive, funds sent to your account arrive in seconds, any time of day — even on weekends and holidays.

FedNow is the Federal Reserve’s new instant payment network, designed to move money safely and reliably 24/7/365. That means no more waiting for transfers to clear, deposits to “process,” or business days to arrive.

How You Can Use FedNow Receive: Practical Examples

Since Trailhead is currently set up to receive FedNow payments, you can begin instantly getting funds for a variety of common situations:

  • Instant Paydays: If your employer, payroll provider, or a company you contract with offers instant payroll disbursements through FedNow, you can receive your wages instantly.
  • P2P (Person-to-Person) Payments: When friends or family send you money from a financial institution that supports sending FedNow payments, the money will appear in your account immediately.
  • Government & Insurance Payouts: Receive disbursements from federal agencies (like the U.S. Treasury) or insurance companies instantly after a claim is approved.
  • Freelancer/Gig Worker Pay: Get paid for completed jobs and services right away, improving your business’s cash flow.

How FedNow Receive Works

  1. The sender initiates a FedNow or “Instant Payment” from their participating financial institution.
  2. They enter your account details (your name, our credit union’s name, and your account number).
  3. You receive the funds within seconds — with immediate access to spend or transfer.

Note: The sender’s financial institution must support FedNow or instant payments.

Good to Know

  • We currently support receiving instant payments. We’ll share updates when sending becomes available.
  • To keep your account secure, we may have standard limits or fraud protections in place for instant transactions.
  • Most payments post instantly, though in rare cases we may briefly review a transfer for your safety.

Start Using FedNow Receive Today

If someone is ready to send you money, they simply choose FedNow / Instant Payment at their bank or credit union and enter your account details. That’s it — funds arrive in seconds.

Have questions or want help getting started? Our team is here for you. Visit a branch, call Member Services, or reach out through online banking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is FedNow?
FedNow® is the Federal Reserve’s instant payments service that lets participating banks and credit unions move money in real time, 24/7/365.

Can I send money with FedNow from my account here?
Not quite yet. At this time, Trailhead supports receiving only, but we’re excited to bring the sending option to members soon and will keep you updated as it becomes available.

Are funds really available right away?
Yes—FedNow payments are designed to post in seconds. Occasionally, we may pause or review a payment to protect you from fraud.

What information does the sender need?
Your name, our credit union’s name, and the account number to credit. The sender will initiate an Instant/FedNow payment from their participating institution.

Do I need a new app or account to use FedNow?
No. FedNow payments are processed directly into your existing Trailhead account. You don’t need a separate app or sign-up process.

How do I know if the sender is using FedNow?
The person or business sending you the money must have an account at a financial institution that is also participating in the FedNow Service and choose to send the payment using the FedNow rail. If they do, you will receive the funds instantly.