EFT

EFT is an acronym with several meanings across different fields. The most common are Electronic Funds Transfer, Emotional Freedom Techniques, and effective field theory in physics.

Electronic Funds Transfer refers to the electronic movement of money between bank accounts or payment systems. It covers a broad range of methods, including debit and credit card transactions, wire transfers, and automated clearing house (ACH) transfers. EFT enables rapid or scheduled payments, reduces the need for cash, and is regulated to protect consumers. In the United States, networks such as ACH and wire transfers are common; in Europe, SEPA transfers standardize euro payments; international transfers often use the SWIFT system. Settlement times and fees vary by method and jurisdiction, and fraud prevention, authentication, and data protection are important considerations for participants.

Emotional Freedom Techniques is a form of energy psychology developed in the 1990s by Gary Craig. It combines elements of cognitive and exposure therapies with a tapping sequence on specific meridian points while focusing on an emotional issue. Proponents claim it can reduce distress, anxiety, and related physical symptoms. The approach remains controversial within mainstream medicine, and robust, replicated evidence supporting its efficacy is limited. Critics describe EFT as lacking a solid scientific basis, though some small studies report short-term benefits.

In physics, EFT commonly stands for effective field theory, a framework used to describe physical phenomena at a given energy scale by integrating out higher-energy details. This approach allows researchers to model complex systems without needing a complete description of all underlying physics, while acknowledging its domain of applicability and limitations.