The fastest way to transfer money from Chase to another bank
You can move money from Chase to another bank in one of three ways: through an external transfer using Chase's website or app, by giving the other bank permission to pull the money directly, or by writing a check. The external transfer method is usually fastest — money typically arrives within one to three business days, and you can do it entirely from your Chase account without contacting the other bank.
To set up an external transfer, log into Chase online or open the Chase Mobile app, find the "Transfers" or "Move Money" section, and select "Transfer to another bank." You'll need the other bank's routing number and your account number there. Chase will ask you to verify the account by depositing small test amounts (usually two deposits under $1 each) or by confirming information the other bank provides. Once verified, the transfer goes through on the schedule you choose.
Key Takeaways
- External transfers from Chase to another bank usually take one to three business days and require only your Chase login and the receiving account's routing and account numbers.
- Chase will verify a new external account by depositing test amounts or asking you to confirm information, a process that takes one to two business days before your first transfer can go through.
- If you need money to arrive the same day, ask the other bank whether they accept wire transfers, which Chase can send but charges a fee for.
- You can also authorize the other bank to pull money directly from Chase using your routing and account numbers, though this requires more trust in that institution.
Setting up an external transfer through Chase's website
Log into Chase.com on a computer or the Chase Mobile app. Look for a section labeled "Transfers," "Move Money," or "Pay & Transfer" — the exact name varies by account type. Select the option to transfer to another bank (not to another Chase account, which is different).
Enter the name of the bank you're sending money to, your account number at that bank, and the bank's routing number. You can find the routing number on the bank's website, on a check from that account, or by calling the bank directly. Chase will ask you to name this account so you can find it easily next time.
Choose the amount and the date you want the transfer to happen. You can schedule it for today, tomorrow, or any future date. Review the details, then confirm. Chase will then verify the account before allowing transfers to go through.
How Chase verifies a new external account
When you add a new external account for the first time, Chase needs to confirm you actually own it. The bank offers two verification methods, and you choose which one.
The first method is the test deposit route. Chase deposits two small amounts (usually between 1 and 25 cents each) into the account you named. After one to two business days, those deposits appear in that account. You then log back into Chase, go to the external account you added, and enter the two amounts. Once Chase confirms the amounts match, the account is verified and you can transfer money.
The second method is when ready verification. Chase asks you to confirm information that only you and the other bank would know — usually your full name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. If the information matches what the other bank has on file, verification happens when ready and you can transfer money right away. Not all banks participate in when ready verification, so this option may not always be available.
Wire transfers for same-day or next-day money movement
If you need money to arrive faster than the standard one to three business days, ask the receiving bank whether they accept wire transfers. A wire transfer is a direct electronic movement of money that usually arrives the same day or the next business day.
Chase charges a fee to send a wire transfer — typically $15 to $20 for a domestic wire (money staying within the United States). You initiate a wire through Chase's website or app by selecting "Wire Transfer" instead of "External Transfer," then providing the receiving bank's name, routing number, your account number at that bank, and the amount. Chase will ask you to confirm the details before sending, since wire transfers cannot be reversed once they leave Chase's system.
The receiving bank may also charge a fee to receive the wire, though many do not. Ask them before you send.
Using ACH transfers when the other bank pulls the money
Instead of pushing money out of Chase, you can authorize the other bank to pull it directly. This is called an ACH transfer (Automated Clearing House), and it works the opposite direction from an external transfer.
To set this up, contact the other bank and ask them to initiate an ACH pull from your Chase account. You'll give them your Chase routing number and your account number. They handle the rest on their end. The money usually arrives in three to five business days.
This method is common when you're setting up direct deposit at a new employer or moving money to an investment account. The advantage is that you don't have to log into Chase to make it happen. The disadvantage is that you're giving another institution direct access to your account information, so only use this with banks and companies you trust.
Transferring money using a check
If you need a physical record or prefer not to use electronic transfers, you can write a check from your Chase account and deposit it at the other bank. This is the slowest method — the check typically takes five to seven business days to clear, and the other bank may place a hold on the funds for a few days after deposit.
Write the check to yourself, sign it, and take it to the other bank to deposit. You can deposit it in person at a branch, through the bank's mobile app if they offer mobile check deposit, or by mailing it. Keep a record of the check number and amount in case you need to track it later.
What to do if a transfer gets stuck or takes longer than expected
If your transfer hasn't arrived within the timeframe Chase quoted, log back into your Chase account and check the status. Most transfers show whether they're pending, in progress, or completed. If it shows completed on Chase's end but hasn't arrived at the other bank, contact that bank's customer service — the delay is usually on their side.
If the transfer shows pending or failed in Chase, contact Chase customer service through the app, website, or by calling the number on the back of your card. Have your transfer confirmation number ready. Chase can tell you whether the transfer is still processing or whether something went wrong — for example, an incorrect routing number or account number would cause a failure.
Transfers that fail are usually returned to your Chase account within one to three business days. Once the money is back, you can correct the information and try again.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for money to show up at the other bank?
External transfers usually take one to three business days. Wire transfers arrive the same day or next business day but cost $15 to $20. Checks take five to seven business days. The exact timing depends on the receiving bank's processing speed, not just Chase's.
Do I need to tell the other bank I'm transferring money?
No. For external transfers, Chase handles everything. For ACH transfers where the other bank pulls the money, you'll give them your routing and account number, but you don't need to contact Chase. For checks, just deposit normally.
Can I transfer money to a bank account in another country?
Chase can send international wire transfers, but not regular external transfers. International wires cost more (usually $40 to $50) and take longer. You'll need the receiving bank's SWIFT code and the account holder's full name and address. Contact Chase for details specific to the country.
What if I enter the wrong account number?
If you catch the mistake before Chase sends the transfer, you can cancel it and correct the information. If the transfer already went out, it will likely fail and return to your Chase account within a few days. Once it's back, you can send it to the correct account.
Is there a limit to how much I can transfer?
Chase sets daily and monthly transfer limits that vary by account type and how long you've been a customer. You can see your limits in the transfer section of your account. If you need to transfer more than your limit allows, contact Chase to request a temporary increase.