---
title: Instant payments FAQ
slug: concepts/instant-payments/instant-payments-faq
description: Discover Cross River's instant payment services, offering 24/7 real-time transactions via RTP®, FedNow®, and CRNow, with efficient processing and tracking features.
docTags: 
createdAt: 2025-10-22T12:27:59.599Z
---

## Instant payments sponsorship – Frequently Asked Questions

This section answers common questions about RTP®, FedNow®, and CRNow, how they work, where they’re available, and what limits apply.&#x20;

**What is Cross River Instant Payments?**
Cross River enables real-time payments 24/7/365 via RTP®, FedNow®, and CRNow (Cross River Partner network transfers). Funds are cleared instantly when networks are operational.

**Which payment networks are available?**

- **RTP®:** High limits up to $10,000,000.&#x20;
- **FedNow®:** Broad reach, limits up to $10,000,000.&#x20;
- **CRNow:** Cross River Partner network transfers. There are no inherent limits.
  &#x20;Automatic network selection simplifies routing and reduces integration work.&#x20;

**How are payments processed?**

- **Outbound transfers:** Send funds instantly; status and webhook events track progress.&#x20;
- **Inbound transfers:** Receive funds instantly; webhook events confirm successful postings.&#x20;
- Payments can be queued if a receiving bank is temporarily offline.&#x20;

**What types of instant payments exist?**

- **Credit Transfers:** Sender-initiated, real-time push payments (pacs.008).&#x20;
- **Request for Payment (RfP):** Pre-authorized pull payments, requiring debtor approval (pain.013).&#x20;

**Who are the ultimate debtor and creditor?**
These roles clarify the true sender or recipient when multiple parties are involved, ensuring accurate processing and transparency.

**How does network routing work?**

- **Smart Routing:** Automatic routing based on network availability, account details, and partner configuration.&#x20;
- **Explicit Routing:** Specify a preferred network in your API request.
  &#x20;Routing rules ensure payments always follow the most efficient path or fail if no networks are available.&#x20;

**What are send limits?**
Each network has per-transaction limits, and Cross River enforces a daily limit per partner based on prior usage.

**Can queued payments be canceled?**
Yes, you can cancel a queued payment before its expiration. Default queue duration is 3 days, or you can set a custom expiration via the API.

**What are the benefits of using Cross River Instant Payments?**

- Immediate fund transfers, 24/7/365.&#x20;
- Multi-network support with automatic routing.&#x20;
- Payment queuing to handle offline banks.&#x20;
- Unified API for external (RTP, FedNow) and internal (CRNow) payments.



:::hint{type="info"}
For more information, please visit our [instant payments](docId\:U_TnYPQ3-5yepG7jKD5FK) pages.
:::

