The basic steps to send an ACH payment

To send an ACH payment, you log into your bank's website or app, select the option to send money (often called "Send Money," "Pay Someone," or "Transfers"), enter the recipient's name and routing and account numbers, type in the amount, choose a date, and confirm. Your bank then sends the payment through the ACH network, which takes one to three business days to reach the other person's account.

The process is the same whether you're paying a person, a business, or an organization — the only thing that changes is the information you enter. You don't need special permission or a separate account; if you have a checking or savings account, you can send ACH payments right now.

Key Takeaways

  • You need the recipient's full name, routing number, and account number to send an ACH payment through your bank.
  • ACH payments take one to three business days to arrive, so plan ahead if you have a important date.
  • Most banks let you send ACH payments through their website or mobile app at no cost.
  • You can set up a recurring ACH payment if you send the same amount to the same person regularly.
  • If you make a mistake, contact your bank when ready — they may be able to stop the payment before it clears.

Where to find the ACH payment option in your bank

Log into your bank's website or open the mobile app. Look for a button or menu item labeled "Send Money," "Transfer," "Pay," or "Payments." Some banks group this under "Transfers & Payments" or put it on the main dashboard. If you can't find it, call your bank's customer service line — they can walk you through it or send you a link.

Different banks organize their menus differently, but the function is always in the same place: wherever you manage moving money out of your account. If your bank doesn't offer ACH payments online, you can also request one by phone or in person at a branch, though this is slower and less common now.

What information you need before you start

Gather these four pieces of information before you open your bank's app or website:

  • The recipient's full name — the name on their bank account, spelled exactly as it appears there.
  • Their routing number — a nine-digit code that identifies their bank. They can find this on a check, by calling their bank, or by looking it up on their bank's website.
  • Their account number — the number of the specific account at that bank where the money should land. This is also on a check or available from their bank.
  • The amount you want to send — in dollars and cents.

If you're paying a business or organization, ask them for this information directly. If you're paying a person, you can ask them or look at a check they've written to you — the routing and account numbers are printed at the bottom. Never guess at these numbers; a mistake means the money goes to the wrong account, and getting it back takes time.

How to enter the information and send the payment

Once you've opened the send money section, your bank will ask you to either select a recipient you've paid before or add a new one. If this is your first time paying this person, select "Add Recipient" or "New Payee." Type in their full name exactly as it appears on their account, then enter their routing number and account number in the fields your bank provides.

Next, enter the amount you want to send. Your bank will show you the date the payment will be sent and the date it should arrive (usually one to three business days later). Review everything — the name, the numbers, the amount — because once you confirm, the payment is on its way. Click "Confirm" or "Send," and the transaction is complete.

Your bank will give you a confirmation number. Write it down or take a screenshot. If something goes wrong, you'll need this number to track down the payment.

Setting up a payment to happen automatically each month

If you send the same amount to the same person regularly — rent to a landlord, a loan payment to a lender, money to a family member — you can set up a recurring ACH payment so you don't have to enter the information each time.

After you've sent the first payment and the recipient is saved in your bank's system, look for an option like "Make This Recurring," "Set Up Automatic Payments," or "Schedule Recurring Transfer." Your bank will ask how often (weekly, monthly, on a specific date) and when to stop (never, after a certain date, or after a certain number of payments). Once you confirm, the payment will go out automatically on that schedule.

You can change or cancel a recurring payment anytime by going back into your bank's payment settings. If you need to stop a payment before it goes out, do it as soon as you realize — the sooner you act, the more likely your bank can halt it.

What to do if you made a mistake

If you entered the wrong account number, the wrong amount, or the wrong recipient name, contact your bank when ready. Call the number on the back of your debit card or the customer service number on your bank's website. Tell them the confirmation number of the payment and explain the error.

If the payment hasn't cleared yet (it's still in the one- to three-day window), your bank may be able to stop it before it reaches the other bank. If it has already cleared, your bank can file a dispute and try to recover the money, but this takes longer and isn't always successful. The sooner you call, the better your chances.

This is why reviewing the information before you hit confirm is so important — it's much easier to fix a mistake before the payment leaves your bank than after.

ACH payment limits and fees

Most banks don't charge a fee to send an ACH payment, but some do — usually between $0 and $3 per transaction. Check your bank's fee schedule or ask customer service whether ACH payments cost anything.

Your bank may also limit how much you can send in a single ACH payment or how many you can send per day. These limits vary widely — some banks allow $25,000 per transaction, others allow $10,000, and some have no limit at all. If you need to send more than your bank's limit, ask whether you can request a higher limit or whether you need to split the payment across multiple days.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does an ACH payment actually take?

One to three business days is the standard window. The exact timing depends on when you send it, your bank's processing schedule, and the recipient's bank. Payments sent on a Friday or weekend usually don't start processing until Monday. If you have a specific important date, send the payment at least three business days early.

Can I cancel an ACH payment after I've sent it?

Yes, but only if it hasn't cleared yet. Call your bank when ready with your confirmation number and ask them to stop the payment. If the payment has already reached the recipient's bank, you can't cancel it — you'd have to ask the recipient to send the money back. This is why speed matters: the sooner you call, the more likely your bank can stop it.

What if the recipient's bank rejects the payment?

If the account number is wrong or the account is closed, the recipient's bank will reject the payment and it will bounce back to your bank within a few days. Your bank will then return the money to your account. You'll need to get the correct information from the recipient and send it again.

Do I need to do anything special to receive an ACH payment?

No. If you have a checking or savings account, you can receive ACH payments automatically. You just need to give the sender your routing number and account number. You don't have to set anything up or give permission — the money will land in your account when it arrives.

Is an ACH payment safe?

ACH payments are as safe as any bank transfer. Your bank's security protects the transaction, and the ACH network is regulated by the Federal Reserve. The main risk is human error — sending money to the wrong account because you entered the wrong number. Always double-check the recipient's information before you confirm.