How far in advance should I set up my payments to be paid?

That depends on whether the payee receives electronic payments or checks. Electronic payments post in 2 business days. Payees that receive payments by check will display as having a lead time of 5 days. Once the checks are mailed, we have no control over how long it takes your payee to debit your account. Paper checks may clear earlier than the pay date selected by the account holders(s) since they may be deposited by the payee upon receipt.