Overview {#payouts-intro-overview}
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The `Payouts` service transfers funds from one account to another using a two-step transaction process:

* An account funding transaction (AFT) withdraws funds from a sender's account using standard credit card processing.
* An original credit transaction (OCT) deposits funds into a recipient's account.

An AFT and OCT are independent transactions, though an AFT often precedes a corresponding OCT.  
In typical payment transactions, you initiate debits and credits to receive payments from cardholders for your goods and services. With `Payouts`, you provide a money transfer service by initiating AFT and OCT transactions that move funds between accounts. These are the money transfer types:

* An account-to-account payment moves funds between accounts owned by the same person.
* A business-to-person payment moves funds between a merchant and a cardholder.
* A person-to-person payment moves funds between two cardholders.  
  For a person-to-person funds transfer, Pull and Push services are executed. When an AFT is authorized for a person-to-person transaction, the funds are available and can be withdrawn from the sender's account. This service is referred to as a Pull service. A subsequent OCT is authorized, and the funds can deposited into the recipient's account. This service is referred to a Push service.  
  The `Payouts` system ensures that both Pull and Push services are executed efficiently, providing a seamless experience for users. By leveraging `Payouts`, businesses and individuals can streamline their financial operations, making transactions more efficient and reliable.  
  No merchant goods are involved in `Payouts` transactions.

> IMPORTANT
> You must receive approval from your processor before using the AFT service. Contact your processor to register in the AFT program.