The main ways to send money from checking
You can send money from your checking account in four main ways: writing a check, setting up a bank transfer, using a wire transfer, or paying through a bill payment service. Each one works differently, costs different amounts, and takes a different amount of time. The method you choose depends on who you're sending money to, how fast it needs to arrive, and how much you're comfortable paying in fees.
The slowest and cheapest option is a check — it can take 5 to 10 business days to clear, and there's no fee. The fastest is a wire transfer — money arrives the same day or next business day, but you'll pay $15 to $30. Bank transfers and bill payments fall in the middle: they usually take 1 to 3 business days and cost nothing or very little.
Key Takeaways
- Checks are free but slow, taking 5 to 10 business days, and work best when the person you're paying doesn't need the money right away.
- Bank transfers (also called ACH transfers) are free or very cheap, take 1 to 3 business days, and work between accounts at different banks.
- Wire transfers arrive the same day or next business day but cost $15 to $30 and require you to know the recipient's full banking details.
- Bill payment services let you send money to people or businesses without sharing your account number, and most banks offer this free to checking account holders.
- You can set up most of these methods online, through your bank's app, or by calling your bank's customer service line.
Writing and mailing a check
A check is a written instruction to your bank to pay money from your account to the person or business whose name is on the check. You write the amount, the date, and who it's for, sign it, and mail it. The person who receives it deposits it at their bank, and the money moves from your account to theirs over the next 5 to 10 business days.
Checks are free and work with anyone who has a bank account. They're useful when you're paying rent, a utility bill, or someone you know personally. The downside is the wait — if someone needs money urgently, a check won't work. You also need to keep track of what you've written so you don't accidentally spend the money twice before the check clears.
To write a check, you need a checkbook, which your bank provides when you open a checking account. If you've run out, you can order more from your bank or from a third-party printer. Your bank will show you the routing number and account number to put on the order form.
Bank transfers between accounts
A bank transfer (also called an ACH transfer) moves money electronically from your checking account to another person's account at a different bank. You do this through your bank's website or app by entering the other person's name, their bank's name, their account number, and their routing number. The money usually arrives in 1 to 3 business days, and there's no fee.
Bank transfers work well when you're sending money to someone you trust and who has a bank account. You might use this to pay back a friend, send money to a family member, or pay a small business that accepts transfers. The catch is that you need the other person's banking details, and once you send the money, you can't get it back if you made a mistake — you'd have to ask them to send it back.
To set up a bank transfer, log into your bank's website or app, look for a section called "Send Money," "Transfers," or "Pay a Person," and follow the steps. Your bank will ask you to confirm the details before the transfer goes through. Some banks let you set up recurring transfers if you send money to the same person regularly.
Wire transfers for fast delivery
A wire transfer is the fastest way to send money from your checking account. The money leaves your account and arrives at the recipient's bank the same day or the next business day. Wire transfers cost $15 to $30, depending on your bank and whether you're sending money within the United States or internationally.
Wire transfers are useful when someone needs money urgently — for example, to close on a house, pay a medical bill, or send money overseas. They're also harder to reverse if you make a mistake, so banks require you to provide detailed information about the recipient and confirm everything before processing.
To send a wire transfer, call your bank or visit a branch in person. You'll need the recipient's full name, their bank's name and address, their account number, and their bank's routing number. Your bank will verify all this information, deduct the money plus the fee from your account, and send it to the other bank. Ask your bank how long it takes to process — some same-day transfers have a cutoff time, usually early afternoon.
Bill payment services through your bank
Most banks offer a bill payment service that lets you send money to almost anyone without sharing your checking account number. You log into your bank's website or app, enter the recipient's name and mailing address, and the amount you want to send. Your bank prints a check and mails it, or sends the money electronically if the recipient is set up to receive it that way.
Bill payment is free at most banks and takes 1 to 3 business days. It's safer than mailing your own check because you don't have to write out your account number and routing number on paper. It's also useful if you don't have checks on hand or if you want a record of the payment in your bank's system.
To use bill payment, log into your bank's website or app and look for "Bill Pay," "Send Money," or "Pay Bills." Enter the recipient's information the first time, and your bank will save it so you can pay them again without re-entering everything. Some banks let you schedule payments for a future date, which is helpful if you know when a bill is due.
Choosing the right method for your situation
The method you choose depends on three things: how fast the money needs to arrive, who you're sending it to, and how much you want to spend on fees. If you're paying a utility company or landlord and have time, use bill payment or a check — both are free. If you're sending money to a friend and they can wait a few days, use a bank transfer. If someone needs the money the same day, use a wire transfer and accept the fee.
Consider also whether you have the recipient's banking details. If you don't know their account number and routing number, you can't use a bank transfer or wire transfer — you'll need to use a check or bill payment instead. And if you're sending money to someone you don't know well or haven't dealt with before, bill payment is safer because you don't have to share your account information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send money to someone who doesn't have a bank account?
Not through a bank transfer or wire transfer — those require the recipient to have an account. You can mail a check, but if they don't have a bank account, they'll need to cash it at a check-cashing service, which charges a fee. Some banks also offer services that let you send money to a prepaid card or mobile wallet, though this may cost extra.
What happens if I send money to the wrong account number?
With a check, the bank will reject it if the account number doesn't match. With a bank transfer or wire transfer, the money may go to the wrong person's account, and you'll have to contact your bank and ask them to try to recover it — this can take weeks. Always double-check the account number and routing number before you confirm the transfer.
How do I know if the money arrived?
Your bank will show the transfer in your checking account history, usually within a few hours of sending it. The recipient's bank will show it in their account once it clears. If you're worried, you can ask the recipient to confirm they received it, or you can call your bank and ask them to check the status.
Can I cancel a transfer after I've sent it?
With a check, you can stop payment by calling your bank, though they may charge a fee. With a bank transfer or wire transfer, you usually can't cancel once it's been sent — it depends on how far along the process is. Call your bank when ready if you need to cancel; the sooner you call, the better your chances.
Do I pay a fee every time I send money?
Checks and bank transfers are free. Bill payment is free at most banks. Wire transfers cost $15 to $30 per transfer. Some banks charge fees for sending money to people outside the United States or for expedited delivery, so ask your bank about their specific fees.