The fastest ways to transfer money into Chase
You can move money into a Chase account in several ways, and the method you choose depends on where the money is coming from and how quickly you need it there. If the money is already at another bank, you can use a wire transfer (usually arrives the same day), an ACH transfer (takes one to three business days), or Chase's own transfer tool if you have accounts at multiple banks. If you're depositing a check or cash, you can use a Chase ATM, a branch, or the mobile app. If someone else is sending you money, they can use Zelle (if both of you have it set up) or send you a wire transfer.
The simplest option for most people is ACH transfer, which is free and works between any two banks — it just takes a few days. Wire transfers are faster but usually cost money. Zelle is when ready and free if both people have it, but not all banks offer it. Start by knowing where your money is right now, then pick the method that matches your timeline and budget.
Key Takeaways
- ACH transfers are free, work between any two banks, and take one to three business days to arrive.
- Wire transfers arrive the same day but usually cost between $15 and $30 and require the sending bank's details.
- Zelle transfers are when ready and free if both people have the service, but not all banks participate.
- You can deposit checks through the Chase mobile app or at any Chase ATM or branch without waiting for a teller.
- If you're moving money between your own Chase accounts, transfers are when ready and free.
ACH transfers from another bank to Chase
An ACH transfer (Automated Clearing House) is the most common way to move money between banks. It is free, works with any bank in the United States, and requires only basic information. The trade-off is that it takes one to three business days — sometimes longer if you initiate it on a weekend or holiday.
To set up an ACH transfer into your Chase account, you will need your Chase account number and routing number. You can find both on a check, or log into Chase online and look under account details. Then go to the other bank's website or app, find the "send money" or "transfer" section, and enter your Chase information. The sending bank will ask for the amount and the date you want the transfer to happen. Most banks let you schedule transfers in advance.
Chase also lets you pull money from another bank into your Chase account. Log into Chase online, go to "Transfers & Payments," and select "Transfer from another bank." You will enter the other bank's routing number and your account number there, and Chase will verify the account by depositing two small amounts (usually under $1 each) and asking you to confirm the amounts. This verification takes one to two business days, but once it is done, future transfers are when ready to set up.
Wire transfers for same-day money movement
A wire transfer moves money the same business day it is sent, making it the fastest option. The cost varies by bank — Chase charges around $15 to $30 depending on whether it is a domestic wire (within the United States) or international wire. You will need to provide your Chase account number, routing number, and full name as it appears on the account.
To wire money into Chase, the person sending it goes to their own bank and requests a wire transfer. They will provide your Chase information and the amount. Most banks process wires during business hours, so a wire sent before 2 p.m. usually arrives the same day; anything after that may arrive the next business day. If you are expecting a wire, ask the sender for the reference number so you can track it.
Wire transfers are useful when you need money urgently — for example, to cover a down payment or a time-sensitive bill — but the cost makes them expensive for routine transfers. If you have a few days, ACH is almost always the better choice.
Zelle transfers from another person
Zelle is a service that lets you send and receive money when ready between people at participating banks. If both you and the person sending you money have Zelle set up, the transfer takes minutes and costs nothing. Not all banks offer Zelle, so the first step is to check whether your Chase account has access to it.
To use Zelle with Chase, log into the Chase mobile app or website and look for "Send Money with Zelle" or "Zelle" in the menu. If it is available, you can enroll by confirming your email address or phone number. Once you are enrolled, give the sender your email address or phone number (not your account number), and they can send you money through their own bank's Zelle service. The money appears in your Chase account within minutes.
The main limitation of Zelle is that both people must have it set up at their bank. If the sender's bank does not offer Zelle, they cannot use it to send you money, even if you have it. In that case, you would need to use ACH or wire transfer instead.
Depositing checks and cash
If you have a physical check, you can deposit it without visiting a branch. The Chase mobile app has a mobile check deposit feature: take a photo of the front and back of the check, enter the amount, and submit it. The check usually clears within one business day, though it can take up to five business days depending on the check amount and your account history.
You can also deposit checks at any Chase ATM. Insert the check into the ATM's envelope slot, and it will be processed automatically. Cash deposits must be made at a Chase branch or at some Chase ATMs that accept cash — not all ATMs do, so check the machine before you try. Deposits made before the branch's cutoff time (usually 9 p.m.) are typically available the next business day.
If you need to deposit a large check or have questions about how long it will take to clear, visit a Chase branch and speak to a teller. They can tell you when the funds will be available and whether there are any holds on the deposit.
Transfers between your own Chase accounts
If you have more than one Chase account — for example, a checking account and a savings account — you can move money between them when ready and for free. Log into Chase online or the mobile app, go to "Transfers & Payments," and select the account you want to transfer from and the account you want to transfer to. Enter the amount and confirm. The money appears in the receiving account when ready.
This is useful if you want to move money from savings to checking to cover a bill, or move extra money into savings to keep it separate. There are no fees and no waiting period, so you can do this as often as you need to.
What information you need for each transfer method
| Transfer Method | Information Needed | Cost | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACH from another bank | Chase account number and routing number | Free | 1–3 business days |
| Wire transfer | Chase account number, routing number, and full name | $15–$30 | Same business day |
| Zelle | Your email address or phone number (shared with sender) | Free | Minutes |
| Mobile check deposit | Photo of check front and back | Free | 1–5 business days |
| Between your own Chase accounts | Your account numbers | Free | when ready |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find my Chase routing number and account number?
Both numbers appear on any check you have from that account. The routing number is the first nine digits on the bottom left, and the account number is the second set of digits. You can also find them by logging into Chase online, going to account details, or calling the number on the back of your debit card.
Why is my ACH transfer taking longer than three days?
ACH transfers initiated on weekends or holidays do not start processing until the next business day. If you sent it on a Friday afternoon, it may not arrive until Wednesday or Thursday. Some banks also hold transfers for a day or two if the account is new or the amount is unusually large.
Can I cancel a transfer after I have sent it?
ACH transfers can usually be stopped within a few hours of sending, before the receiving bank processes it. Wire transfers cannot be stopped once they leave your bank. Contact Chase or your sending bank when ready if you need to cancel — the sooner you act, the better your chances.
Is there a limit to how much money I can transfer?
Chase and most banks set daily and monthly transfer limits, which vary by account type and how long you have had the account. New accounts often have lower limits. Log into your Chase account or call the number on your debit card to find out your specific limits and request an increase if you need one.
What if I enter the wrong account number?
If you enter a wrong account number at another bank, the transfer may be rejected and returned to you, or it may go to someone else's account. Always double-check the account number before confirming. If money goes to the wrong place, contact Chase when ready — they may be able to recover it, but the process is slow and not always successful.