You need their routing number, account number, and account holder name to send money directly into a checking account

Sending money to a checking account works through one of three channels: a bank transfer (also called an ACH transfer), a wire transfer, or a peer-to-peer payment app. Which one you use depends on how fast the money needs to arrive, whether you know the person's bank, and what tools you already have access to. The routing number and account number are the core pieces of information, but what you do with them varies by method.

Before you send anything, confirm you have the correct account holder name. Money sent to the right account number but wrong name can still go through—banks do not always verify the name matches—but if something goes wrong, recovering it becomes much harder. Ask the person directly: "What name is on your account?" not "What is your name?" These are sometimes different.

Key Takeaways

  • ACH transfers (the slowest, free option) take one to three business days and work through your own bank's website or app using the routing and account numbers.
  • Wire transfers arrive the same day but cost $15 to $50 and require you to go to a bank branch or use your bank's online wire service.
  • Peer-to-peer apps like Venmo, PayPal, or Cash App are fastest for people you know, but they work through usernames or phone numbers, not routing numbers.
  • The routing number identifies the bank; the account number identifies the specific account within that bank—you need both for bank-to-bank transfers.
  • Never send money to an account number you found online or received unsolicited; confirm it directly with the person or organization receiving it.

ACH transfers: the free option that takes several days

An ACH transfer (Automated Clearing House) is the most common way to move money between checking accounts. It is free, but it is slow—typically one to three business days. You initiate it through your own bank's website or mobile app, and your bank handles the rest.

Log into your bank's online banking portal and look for "Send Money," "Transfer Funds," or "Pay Someone." You will be asked for the recipient's routing number, account number, account holder name, and the amount. Enter the routing number exactly as the person gave it to you—even one digit wrong will cause the transfer to fail or go to the wrong bank. The account number should also be exact. Most banks will let you save this information for future transfers once you have sent one successfully.

The transfer sits in a queue for one to three business days. Weekends and bank holidays do not count as business days, so a transfer you send on Friday evening may not land until Tuesday. If the money does not arrive within three business days, contact your bank—something went wrong, and they can trace it.

Wire transfers: same-day delivery at a higher cost

A wire transfer moves money the same business day, usually within hours. The tradeoff is cost: most banks charge $15 to $50 per outgoing wire, and some charge the recipient's bank a fee as well. Wire transfers are also harder to reverse if you make a mistake, so use them only when speed matters.

You can initiate a wire through your bank's online portal if your bank offers it, or you can go to a branch in person. Either way, you will need the routing number, account number, account holder name, and the amount. Some banks also ask for the recipient's bank name and address. Provide all of this information carefully—a wire sent to the wrong account is difficult to recover.

Once you send a wire, it is usually final. If you realize you made a mistake, call your bank when ready, but do not expect to stop it. This is why wire transfers are common for large purchases (like a down payment on a house) where both parties have confirmed the details in advance.

Peer-to-peer apps: fastest for people you already know

If you are sending money to a friend, family member, or someone you know, a peer-to-peer app is often faster and simpler than a bank transfer. Apps like Venmo, PayPal, Cash App, and Zelle do not require routing or account numbers—you just need the person's username, phone number, or email address. Money usually arrives within minutes to a few hours.

These apps work differently depending on which one you use. Venmo and Cash App let you send money to a username or phone number; PayPal works with email addresses; Zelle is built into many banks' apps and uses phone numbers or email. All of them require both people to have the app and a linked bank account or debit card.

The downside is that these apps are designed for people you know and trust. They are not the right tool for sending money to a business, a charity, or someone you have not verified directly. If someone asks you to send money via one of these apps and you have not confirmed their identity separately, do not do it—these apps have limited fraud protection for outgoing transfers.

What to do if you only have a routing number, not an account number

A routing number alone is not enough to send money. It tells you which bank the account is at, but not which account within that bank. You must have the account number as well. If someone has only given you a routing number, ask them for the account number directly.

If the person is deceased, unavailable, or you are trying to send money to a business and cannot reach anyone, you may be able to find the account number on a check, a bank statement, or a recent invoice. The account number is usually printed at the bottom of a check, after the routing number. If you still cannot find it, contact the bank or business directly and confirm the account number before sending anything.

Verifying the information before you send

Before you initiate any transfer, verify the routing number and account number directly with the person or organization receiving the money. Do not rely on information you found online, received in an email, or got from a third party. Scammers often intercept payment instructions and provide fake account numbers.

If you are sending money to a business or charity, call their main phone number (not one from an email) and ask for the correct account information. If you are sending to a person, call or text them directly and ask them to confirm the routing and account numbers. It takes two minutes and can prevent the money from going to the wrong place.

Once the money is sent, it is usually final. Banks can sometimes reverse transfers within a short window, but after a few hours or days, recovery becomes difficult or impossible. Verification before you send is your only real protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I send money to a checking account without knowing the person's name?

Technically, yes—banks do not always verify that the account holder name matches the name you provide. However, if something goes wrong and you need to recover the money, having the correct name on file makes the process much easier. Always ask for the correct account holder name before sending.

What happens if I send money to the wrong account number?

The money will go to whatever account that number belongs to at that bank. If it is the wrong person's account, you will need to contact your bank and ask them to trace it. Recovery is possible but not may provide, especially if the recipient has already spent the money. This is why verification before sending is critical.

Is it safe to share my routing number and account number?

Your routing number is public information—it is printed on every check and is not a secret. Your account number is more sensitive. Sharing both together with someone you trust is generally safe for receiving money, but never share this information with someone you do not know or via email or text unless you initiated the contact. Scammers can use this information to set up fraudulent transfers.

How long does an ACH transfer usually take?

One to three business days is standard. The exact timing depends on when you send it, your bank's processing schedule, and the recipient's bank. Transfers sent on weekends or holidays will not process until the next business day. If it takes longer than three business days, contact your bank.

Can I cancel a transfer after I send it?

ACH transfers can sometimes be cancelled within a few hours of sending, depending on your bank. Wire transfers are almost impossible to cancel once sent. Contact your bank when ready if you need to stop a transfer—do not wait. The sooner you act, the better your chances.