Automated payments are payments that are made automatically, without the payer having to start each one, once they have set up a schedule or given a standing permission. Typical uses are utility bills, loan instalments, rent, insurance premiums and subscriptions. Most automated payments repeat on a regular schedule, and the full explanation of how they are set up and what protections apply is in the Recurring Payments entry.
There are two broad models. In a direct debit or card-on-file arrangement, the payer authorises the company to take money, and the company starts each collection, so the amount can change from month to month. In a standing order or a bank's scheduled bill-pay, the payer instructs their own bank to send a set amount on set dates. The difference between the two is explained in push vs pull payments.
In the United States many automated bill payments and payroll deposits run over the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network.