Fed expects modest fees increase in 2026 for check clearing, ACH, instant payments

An estimated 0.9% average price increase for established, mature services such as check clearing, automated clearing house (ACH) transactions and instant payments (among others) will be in effect for 2026, the Federal Reserve said late Thursday.

In a release announcing its pricing of payment services it Reserve Banks provide to banks and credit unions, the Federal Reserve said it expects the fees increase to recover 108% of actual and imputed expenses in 2026. That includes the return on equity that would have been earned if a private-sector firm provided the services.

The 0.9% increase is an average for “established, mature services,” the Fed said.

The agency is required by law to establish fees that recover the costs, including imputed costs, of providing payment services over the long run, the agency noted.

The new price levels take effect Jan. 1.

Federal Reserve Board announces pricing, effective January 1, 2026, for payment services the Federal Reserve Banks provide to banks and credit unions