What Is EFT Tracking & How to Track EFT Payments?

Introduction 

Electronic funds transfers (EFTs) have become vital to modern financial transactions, streamlining payments for individuals and businesses. With the growing use of EFTs, the need for precise tracking has also increased. EFT tracking ensures that every transaction, from initiation to completion, is monitored for accuracy, helping to resolve issues swiftly and maintain financial control.

Also, EFT tracking facilitates smooth financial operations and supports compliance and accountability by using unique identifiers like trace numbers. As businesses continue to seek efficient financial processes, effective EFT tracking is crucial for maintaining financial accuracy and ensuring smooth financial operations. 

Let’s dive deeper into EFT tracking.

What Is EFT Tracking?

EFT tracking involves monitoring electronic funds transfers (EFTs) between bank accounts. It uses unique identifiers, like trace numbers or transaction IDs, to track the payment from start to finish, ensuring that funds are transferred accurately and allowing verification of the transaction’s status.

This tracking ensures that funds are correctly transferred and received. EFT tracking helps both businesses and individuals confirm that transactions are processed accurately and efficiently. It also assists in resolving any issues that may arise, such as delays or errors in payment. By checking transaction records and status updates, parties involved can verify that the EFT has been completed as intended.

Why Should You Track EFT Payments?

Tracking EFT payments is important for several reasons. Let us look into them.

Ensure Accuracy: Tracking EFT payments verifies that transactions are executed correctly, ensuring that the right amount of funds is transferred between bank accounts. This process helps catch and correct errors before they become significant issues, maintaining financial integrity.

Resolve Issues Quickly: Monitoring EFT payments allows you to detect problems, such as payment delays or discrepancies, as soon as they occur. Prompt identification of these issues helps you address and resolve them quickly, minimizing potential disruptions to your financial operations.

Maintain Financial Control: Effective tracking provides a comprehensive view of your cash flow by recording each transaction. This visibility helps you manage your finances more precisely, enabling better forecasting and budgeting to support informed financial decisions.

Support Compliance: Keeping detailed records of EFT payments ensures adherence to regulatory and reporting requirements. This documentation is essential for audits and compliance checks, helping you meet legal obligations and avoid penalties.

Enhance Accountability: Tracking EFT payments creates an audit trail that increases transparency and accountability. It simplifies the process of resolving disputes or errors, ensuring that all transactions are properly documented and can be reviewed if necessary.

Improve Cash Flow Management: Regular monitoring of EFT payments provides insight into your incoming and outgoing funds. This oversight helps you optimize cash flow management, ensuring you have the liquidity needed for operations and investments while avoiding potential cash shortfalls.

How to Track an EFT Payment?

Here is a step-by-step process for tracking an EFT payment

1. Obtain the Transaction Details: Collect all relevant information about the EFT payment, including the trace number, transaction ID, or confirmation number provided when the payment was initiated. These identifiers are essential for tracking the payment accurately.
2. Access Your Bank Account: Log in to your online banking platform or mobile banking app where the EFT payment was made or received. For security reasons, ensure you use the official banking app or website.
3. Locate the Transaction: Once logged in, navigate to the section where transactions are listed, often labeled as “Transaction History,” “Payment History,” or “Account Activity.” Use the search function to find the specific EFT payment. Enter the trace number, transaction ID, or relevant date and amount to filter the results.
4. Check the Status: Review the status of the payment to determine its progress. Look for indications such as “completed,” “settled,” or “successful” to confirm that the funds have been transferred correctly. This ensures that the transaction has been processed as intended.
5. Review Transaction Details: Carefully verify the details of the payment, including the amount transferred and the recipient’s information. Cross-check these details with your records to ensure that they match and that there are no discrepancies.
6. Contact Your Bank if Needed: If you discover any issues or discrepancies, such as an incorrect amount or an incomplete transaction, contact your bank’s customer service or support team. Provide them with the transaction details and any relevant information to resolve the issue promptly.

How HighRadius Can Help?

HighRadius offers a comprehensive, cloud-based solution to automate and streamline the B2B payments process for businesses. TheB2B Payments Suite features a robust payments module with a payment gateway, surcharge management, and interchange fee optimization. Thepayment gateway for SAP integrates with SAP and makes cash applications seamless.

Trusted by 1000+ companies to deliver speed-to-value, including P&G, Ferrero, Johnson & Johnson, and Danone, HighRadius has been a Gartner Magic Quadrant Leader 3 years in a row, placed highest in the ability to execute and furthest in the completeness of vision. 

FAQs

Where is the EFT trace number located?

The EFT trace number is typically found on the transaction details or confirmation receipt provided by the bank or payment processor. It can also be located in your bank statement under the specific EFT transaction, helping to identify and track the transfer within the banking system.

What is EFT payment confirmation?

EFT payment confirmation is a verification of a completed electronic funds transfer (EFT). It provides a confirmation number or receipt to validate that the funds have been successfully transferred between bank accounts. This confirmation ensures the transaction is complete and allows for tracking and record-keeping.

How to track payment reference numbers?

To track payment reference numbers, use your payment system’s reporting tools or transaction logs. Search by the reference number, date, or amount. Ensure all payment records are accurately entered and reconciled with bank statements. Many systems also offer notifications or dashboards for tracking payment statuses.