How to Send Money Into a Chase Bank Account

The main ways to transfer money to a Chase account

You can move money into a Chase account through a wire transfer, an ACH transfer, a mobile check deposit, a peer-to-peer payment app, or by walking into a branch with cash. Which one works depends on how fast you need the money there, whether you're sending it from another bank or from a person, and how much you're sending. Wire transfers arrive the same day but cost money and require the recipient's routing number. ACH transfers are free but take three to five business days. Mobile check deposit works only if you have a check and a Chase mobile app. Peer-to-peer apps like Venmo or PayPal let you send money from your phone but charge a fee if you want it when ready.

The person or business sending the money needs to know which method works for their situation. If you're the one receiving money, you'll need to give the sender your Chase account number and routing number for wire or ACH transfers, or your Venmo handle or email for app-based transfers. If you're sending the money yourself, you'll pick the method based on your bank and how quickly you need it to land.

Key Takeaways

Wire transfers move money the same business day but cost $15 to $30 and require the recipient's full banking details.
ACH transfers are free and work between most U.S. banks but take three to five business days to complete.
Mobile check deposit through the Chase app lets you photograph a check instead of visiting a branch, though the funds may take one to two business days to clear.
Peer-to-peer apps like Venmo, PayPal, and Cash App move money between individuals quickly but charge fees for when ready transfers.
Cash deposits at a Chase branch or ATM are when ready but only work if you're physically present with the money.

Wire transfers: same-day but with a fee

A wire transfer moves money from one bank to another on the same business day. The sender goes to their bank (or logs into their online banking) and provides the recipient's name, Chase account number, and Chase routing number (which is 021000021 for most Chase accounts). The sender's bank then sends the money directly to Chase, which deposits it into the account by the end of that business day.

Wire transfers cost money. Most banks charge $15 to $30 to send a wire, and some charge a small fee to receive one. Chase typically charges $15 to $20 to send a domestic wire. The sender pays this fee, not the recipient. Wire transfers are useful when you need money to arrive the same day—for example, to cover a time-sensitive bill or to send money to someone who needs it urgently. Once a wire is sent, it cannot be reversed, so both the sender and recipient should double-check the account number before the transfer goes through.

ACH transfers: free but slower

An ACH transfer (Automated Clearing House) is a free way to move money between banks. The sender logs into their bank's website or app, enters the recipient's Chase account number and routing number, and schedules the transfer. The money typically arrives in three to five business days. ACH transfers are free for both the sender and the recipient, which makes them the cheapest option for moving money between banks.

ACH transfers work well when you're not in a hurry—for example, paying a bill that's not due for a week, or sending money to a friend who can wait a few days. The delay happens because banks process ACH transfers in batches, usually once or twice a day. Weekends and holidays don't count as business days, so a transfer sent on Friday may not arrive until Wednesday. If you need money faster, a wire transfer or peer-to-peer app is a better choice.

Mobile check deposit through the Chase app

If you have a paper check and the Chase mobile app on your phone, you can deposit it without visiting a branch. Open the app, go to the deposit section, photograph the front and back of the check, and submit it. Chase will deposit the funds into your account, usually within one to two business days. Mobile check deposit is free and works 24/7, so you can deposit a check at midnight on a Sunday if you need to.

The check must be made out to you, and you'll need to endorse it (sign the back) before photographing it. Chase has limits on how much you can deposit this way—typically $2,500 per check and $5,000 per day, though these limits vary by account type. Once you've submitted the deposit, don't deposit the same check anywhere else. Write "deposited via mobile" on the back and keep it for your records for at least 30 days in case Chase needs to verify it.

Peer-to-peer apps: fast for person-to-person transfers

Apps like Venmo, PayPal, Square Cash, and Zelle let you send money directly from your phone to another person's phone number or email address. The recipient links their Chase account to the app, and the money moves into that account. These transfers usually arrive within minutes to a few hours, depending on the app and whether you pay for when ready transfer.

Most peer-to-peer apps are free if you're willing to wait one to three business days for the money to land. If you want it when ready, you'll pay a fee—usually 1% to 3% of the amount. For example, sending $100 when ready through Venmo costs about $1 to $3. These apps work best for splitting rent with a roommate, paying back a friend, or sending money to family. They're not ideal for large amounts or time-sensitive business payments, since the daily limits are usually $500 to $5,000 depending on the app.

Cash deposits at a Chase branch or ATM

If you have physical cash, you can deposit it directly into a Chase account at any Chase branch during business hours, or at a Chase ATM 24/7. Walk up to the teller with the cash and the account holder's debit card or ID, or use the ATM's deposit slot if you're depositing at a machine. The money is available when ready in the account, though it may take one business day to fully clear for withdrawal.

Cash deposits are the fastest way to move money if you have it in hand, and they're free. The downside is that you have to be physically present, and ATM deposits have limits—usually $5,000 to $10,000 per transaction depending on the machine. If you're depositing a large amount of cash, use a branch teller instead. Keep your receipt as proof of deposit.

What information the sender needs to provide

For wire and ACH transfers, the sender needs the recipient's account number and routing number. The Chase routing number for domestic transfers is 021000021. The account number is on the bottom left of a Chase check, or you can find it by logging into Chase online banking and looking at the account details. For international wire transfers, the sender will also need a SWIFT code, which is CHASUS33 for Chase.

For peer-to-peer apps, the sender needs the recipient's phone number, email address, or username on that app. For check deposits, the check must be made out to the recipient's name. For cash deposits, the recipient just needs to be present with a valid ID, or someone else can deposit cash on their behalf if they have a signed authorization.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for money to show up in a Chase account?

It depends on the method. Wire transfers arrive the same business day. ACH transfers take three to five business days. Mobile check deposits and peer-to-peer transfers usually take one to two business days. Cash deposits are when ready. Weekends and holidays don't count as business days, so a transfer sent Friday afternoon may not arrive until the following Wednesday.

Can I transfer money to a Chase account if I don't have a Chase account myself?

Yes. You can send a wire transfer through your own bank, or use a peer-to-peer app like Venmo or PayPal if you have an account there. You don't need to be a Chase customer to send money to someone who is. You do need the recipient's account number and routing number for a wire, or their contact information for a peer-to-peer app.

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

Wire transfers cannot be reversed once they're sent. If you send a wire to the wrong account, contact your bank when ready and provide them with the details. They can try to recover the funds, but there's no may provide. ACH transfers can sometimes be stopped if you catch the error before the transfer processes, usually within one business day. Always double-check the account number before sending.

Are there limits on how much I can transfer?

Yes, and they vary by method and by your account type. Wire transfers typically have higher limits—often $10,000 to $100,000 per day depending on your bank. ACH transfers are usually capped at $10,000 to $25,000 per day. Mobile check deposits are limited to $2,500 per check and $5,000 per day. Peer-to-peer apps have daily limits of $500 to $5,000. Cash deposits at an ATM are usually limited to $5,000 to $10,000 per transaction. Contact Chase or your bank if you need to transfer more than these limits allow.

Do I need to tell Chase I'm expecting a transfer?

No. Chase doesn't need advance notice for wire transfers, ACH transfers, or check deposits. The money will arrive and be deposited automatically. If you're expecting a large wire transfer and want to make sure there are no problems, you can call Chase ahead of time with the sender's name and approximate amount, but it's not required.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.