Lesson 1:Why the Old Rails Are Holding You Back

The Hidden Cost of Moving Money

Overview:
Most people think of banking as "free" or low-cost, especially if they're not paying overdraft fees. But behind every payment—especially for businesses—there’s a web of friction and fees baked into the traditional financial system. These costs add up and quietly erode your bottom line.

Key Points:

• Wire fees (domestic and international) can range from $15–$50 per transaction.

• ACH transfers are delayed by 1–3 business days and often come with batch processing limitations.

• Credit card interchange fees average 2–3% of every transaction.

• Banking hours and cutoffs add latency: money doesn’t move after 5pm or on weekends.

• Cross-border payments are often routed through multiple intermediaries (correspondent banks), each taking a cut and adding delays.

Takeaway:
Even if you’re not seeing the fees directly, the legacy banking system is costing you time, flexibility, and money—especially if you run a high-volume or international business.