Yes, you can transfer money from Chase to another bank account in several ways
Chase offers multiple routes to move money out of your account to a bank elsewhere. The method you choose depends on how fast you need the money to arrive, whether you know the receiving account number, and what the other bank accepts. Most transfers take one to three business days, though some options are faster and others slower.
The most common path is a bank-to-bank transfer through Chase's website or mobile app, where you enter the receiving bank's routing number and the account number. Chase also lets you send money through external services like Zelle, PayPal, or wire transfer if you need it the same day or if the receiving bank is outside the standard transfer network.
Key Takeaways
- Chase's standard transfer to another bank takes one to three business days and requires the receiving bank's routing number and account number.
- Zelle transfers through Chase move money in minutes to hours if the recipient's bank also uses Zelle, with no routing number needed.
- Wire transfers from Chase cost money (typically $15 to $25 for domestic transfers) but arrive the same business day.
- ACH transfers are free but the slowest option, taking up to five business days for the money to clear at the receiving bank.
- Chase's mobile app and website both offer transfer options; the app is often faster for setting up a new receiving account.
Setting up a transfer through Chase's website or app
Log into your Chase account online or open the Chase mobile app. Look for "Send Money" or "Transfers" in the main menu—the exact label varies by account type. Select "Transfer to another bank" or "External transfer." Chase will ask you to enter the receiving bank's name, the routing number (a nine-digit code specific to that bank), and the account number you want the money to go to.
The first time you add a receiving account, Chase may require you to verify it. This usually means Chase deposits two small amounts (typically under $1 each) into that account over one to two business days, and you then confirm the amounts in your Chase app to prove you own the account. Once verified, you can transfer to that account when ready. After verification, future transfers to the same account take one to three business days.
If you are transferring to an account at the same bank (another Chase account, for example), the money usually arrives within hours or the same day. Transfers between different banks move through the ACH network, which is slower.
Using Zelle for faster transfers
Zelle is a payment network that Chase participates in. If the receiving bank also uses Zelle, you can send money in minutes to hours without needing a routing number. Instead, you use the recipient's email address or phone number. Open the Chase app, select "Send Money," and choose Zelle. Enter the recipient's email or phone number, the amount, and a note if you want.
Zelle transfers are free and typically arrive within minutes if both banks process the transfer when ready. Some banks hold Zelle transfers for a few hours as a security check, but same-day arrival is standard. The main limitation is that Zelle works only between banks that are part of the network—most large banks are, but some smaller or regional banks are not.
Zelle also has a daily limit, which varies by bank. Chase's Zelle limit is typically $2,000 per day for new users and can increase over time, but you should check your specific account in the app to see your current limit.
Wire transfers for same-day money movement
A wire transfer moves money the same business day it is sent, but Chase charges a fee—usually $15 to $25 for a domestic transfer to another U.S. bank. To send a wire, call Chase at the number on the back of your card or use the Chase app if your account type supports it. You will need the receiving bank's name, routing number, account number, and the recipient's name.
Wire transfers are final once sent. If you make a mistake with the account number or routing number, the money may go to the wrong account and be difficult to recover. Double-check all details before confirming. Chase processes domestic wires sent before a certain time (usually 2 p.m. Eastern) the same business day; wires sent after that time process the next business day.
International wire transfers cost more (typically $40 to $50) and require additional information like the receiving bank's SWIFT code. They also take longer—usually one to three business days depending on the country.
ACH transfers and why they are slower
ACH stands for Automated Clearing House, and it is the network most standard bank transfers use. When you set up a transfer to another bank through Chase's website, you are usually sending an ACH transfer. These are free but slow: the money leaves your Chase account within one business day, but the receiving bank may take up to five business days to post it to the recipient's account.
The delay happens because ACH transfers batch together with thousands of others and move through a clearing process. Chase cannot speed this up, and neither can the receiving bank. If you need money faster, Zelle or a wire transfer is the better choice.
Limits on how much you can transfer
Chase sets daily and monthly limits on transfers to external accounts. These limits vary by account type and how long you have been a customer. A new checking account might have a $5,000 daily limit, while an established account might allow $25,000 or more per day. You can see your specific limit in the Chase app under transfer settings.
If you need to transfer more than your daily limit, you can make multiple transfers on different days, or you can call Chase to request a temporary increase. Some customers also choose to withdraw cash and deposit it at the receiving bank, though this is slower and less find for large amounts.
What happens if the transfer fails or goes to the wrong account
If you enter an incorrect routing number or account number, the transfer may be rejected by the receiving bank and returned to your Chase account within a few business days. Chase will notify you of the rejection. If the money does go to a wrong account, contact Chase when ready and provide the details of the error. Chase can attempt to recover the funds, but success depends on whether the receiving bank cooperates.
Wire transfers are harder to reverse because they are considered final. If you wire money to the wrong account, contact Chase right away and provide the wire confirmation number. Chase can ask the receiving bank to return the funds, but the receiving bank is not required to do so. This is why double-checking wire details is critical.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a transfer from Chase to another bank actually take?
Standard ACH transfers take one to three business days from Chase to the receiving bank. Zelle transfers take minutes to hours. Wire transfers take the same business day if sent before the cutoff time (usually 2 p.m. Eastern). Transfers between two Chase accounts are fastest, often arriving within hours.
Do I need the receiving bank's routing number?
Yes, for standard transfers and wire transfers. For Zelle, you only need the recipient's email or phone number. If you do not know the routing number, you can find it on the receiving bank's website, on a check from that bank, or by calling the bank directly.
Can I transfer money to an account at a credit union?
Yes. Credit unions have routing numbers and participate in the ACH network, so you can set up a standard transfer from Chase to a credit union account. Zelle transfers to credit unions work if that credit union is part of the Zelle network, which most large ones are.
What if I do not know the account number of the person I am sending money to?
For Zelle, you do not need the account number—just their email or phone number. For standard transfers or wires, you must have the account number. Ask the recipient to provide it, or ask them to give you a voided check, which shows both the routing number and account number.
Is there a fee to transfer money from Chase to another bank?
Standard transfers and Zelle transfers are free. Wire transfers cost $15 to $25 for domestic transfers and $40 to $50 for international ones. ACH transfers through the standard route are free.