The main ways to send money from checking
You can send money from a checking account in four main ways: writing a check, setting up a wire transfer, using a bill pay service through your bank, or sending money through a peer-to-peer app like Venmo or PayPal. Each method works differently, costs different amounts, and takes a different amount of time. The right choice depends on who you're sending money to, how much you're sending, and how fast it needs to arrive.
All of these methods pull money directly from your checking account balance. That means you need to have enough money in the account before you send it, and you should keep track of what you've sent so you don't overdraw. Your bank will show all of these transactions in your checking account statement.
Key Takeaways
- Checks are free but slow, taking three to seven business days to clear, and work best when the person you're paying expects them.
- Wire transfers move money the same day or next business day but cost $15 to $50 per transfer and require the recipient's bank details.
- Bill pay through your bank is free and works well for paying companies and organizations, but not for sending money to individuals.
- Peer-to-peer apps like Venmo and PayPal are fast and free between friends, but charge fees if you want the money when ready or use a credit card.
- You need to know the recipient's bank account number and routing number for wire transfers, or their email or phone number for peer-to-peer apps.
Checks: free but slow
A check is a written instruction that tells your bank to pay money from your account to whoever you write the check to. You write the person's name, the amount, the date, and your signature on a blank check. The person deposits or cashes the check at their bank, and the money moves from your account to theirs.
Checks are free — your bank does not charge you to write them. They take three to seven business days to clear, which means the money does not leave your account right away. This delay happens because the receiving bank has to verify the check is real and that you have enough money. During that time, you should not spend the money you wrote the check for, or you may overdraw your account.
Checks work best when you're paying a company that expects them — a landlord, a utility company, or a contractor — or when you're sending money to someone who prefers not to share their bank details. They do not work well if you need the money to arrive the same day or if the person you're paying does not have a bank account to deposit it into.
Wire transfers: fast but expensive
A wire transfer is an electronic instruction that moves money from your bank account to someone else's bank account, usually at a different bank. You give your bank the recipient's name, their bank account number, their bank's routing number, and the amount you want to send. Your bank sends this information electronically to the other bank, which deposits the money into the recipient's account.
Wire transfers usually complete the same business day or the next business day, depending on what time you send them and whether both banks process them. However, your bank will charge you a fee — typically $15 to $50 per transfer, depending on the bank and whether the transfer is domestic (within the United States) or international. Once the money leaves your account, you cannot get it back, so you need to be certain you have the right account number and the right person.
Wire transfers work best when you need money to arrive quickly and you know the recipient's full banking details. They are common for large payments like down payments on a house, or for sending money to someone at a different bank when a check would be too slow. They do not work well if you do not have the recipient's bank account number, or if you want to avoid paying a fee.
Bill pay: free for companies and organizations
Most banks offer a bill pay service that lets you pay companies directly from your checking account through your bank's website or app. You tell your bank which company you want to pay, how much, and when. Your bank sends the payment electronically or by check, depending on how the company receives payments.
Bill pay is free at most banks. Payments usually arrive within one to three business days, though some arrive the same day. You can set up recurring payments — for example, the same amount every month — so you do not have to remember to pay each time.
Bill pay works well for paying utilities, insurance companies, credit card companies, loan servicers, and other organizations that have a billing address. It does not work for sending money to individuals or friends, because those people do not have a "bill pay" setup. If you try to use bill pay to send money to a person, your bank will either refuse or send a check, which defeats the purpose of using bill pay.
Peer-to-peer apps: fast and often free between friends
Peer-to-peer apps like Venmo, PayPal, Square Cash, and Zelle let you send money to another person using their email address or phone number instead of their bank account number. You read the app, link your checking account, and send money to someone else who has the app. The money usually arrives within one to three business days, though some apps offer when ready transfers for a fee.
Most peer-to-peer transfers between friends are free if you use a regular bank account. However, if you want the money to arrive when ready instead of waiting one to three days, the app will charge you a fee — usually $0.50 to $2.50 depending on the app. If you link a credit card instead of a checking account, fees are higher, usually 2% to 3% of the amount you send.
These apps work best for splitting rent with a roommate, paying back a friend for dinner, or sending money to family. They do not work if the person you're sending to does not have the app, or if you need the money to arrive the same day without paying a fee. Be aware that peer-to-peer apps are not the same as banks — they are companies that hold your money temporarily, and they have different rules about what happens if something goes wrong.
How to choose which method to use
Start by asking: Does the person I'm paying expect a check? If yes, send a check. It is free and they are used to it. If no, ask: Do I need the money to arrive today or tomorrow? If yes, use a wire transfer or a peer-to-peer app with when ready transfer, and accept that you will pay a fee. If you can wait a few days, use bill pay if you're paying a company, or a regular peer-to-peer transfer if you're paying a person.
If you do not know the recipient's bank details and they do not have a peer-to-peer app, a check is your only free option. If you know their bank details and need the money fast, a wire transfer is fastest but costs the most. If you have time and want to avoid fees, peer-to-peer apps and bill pay are your best choices.
Keep in mind that some methods work better for large amounts and some for small amounts. Checks and peer-to-peer apps work fine for any amount, but wire transfer fees make them expensive for small payments. Bill pay works best for regular, predictable payments to the same company each month.
What to do if something goes wrong
If you send money and realize you made a mistake — you sent it to the wrong person, or the wrong amount — what you can do depends on which method you used. With a check, you can stop payment by calling your bank and asking them to put a stop on the check, though this usually costs $25 to $35. With a wire transfer, the money is usually gone and cannot be recovered, so you have to contact the recipient and ask them to send it back. With bill pay and peer-to-peer apps, you may be able to cancel the payment if it has not processed yet, but once it clears, recovery is difficult.
This is why it is important to double-check the recipient's name, account number, and amount before you send, especially with wire transfers. For peer-to-peer apps, confirm you have the right person by checking their profile or asking them to confirm they received your request. For checks, write clearly and keep a record of the check number and amount.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send money internationally from my checking account?
Yes, but only by wire transfer. International wire transfers take longer (usually three to five business days) and cost more (often $30 to $50 or higher). You will need the recipient's full banking details including their SWIFT code or IBAN number, depending on their country. Peer-to-peer apps, bill pay, and checks do not work for international payments.
What happens if I write a check for more money than I have in my account?
The check will bounce, meaning the bank will refuse to pay it. The person who tried to deposit it will be notified, and your bank will charge you an overdraft or returned check fee, usually $25 to $35. The person may also charge you a fee for the bounced check. It is your responsibility to make sure you have enough money before you write a check.
Is it safe to send my bank account number to someone?
Your bank account number and routing number are safe to share with people you trust who need to send you money or receive money from you. However, do not share them with people you do not know or trust, because they could potentially withdraw money from your account. For peer-to-peer apps and checks, you do not need to share your account number at all.
How long does it take for money to leave my account after I send it?
It depends on the method. With a wire transfer, the money leaves the same day or next business day. With bill pay and peer-to-peer apps, it usually leaves within one to three business days. With a check, the money does not officially leave your account until the check clears, which can take three to seven days, but you should treat it as gone when ready so you do not overdraw.
Can I cancel a payment after I have sent it?
It depends on the method and how fast you act. With a check, you can call your bank and request a stop payment, but you have to do this before the check clears. With bill pay and peer-to-peer apps, you may be able to cancel if the payment has not processed yet. With a wire transfer, cancellation is usually not possible once it has been sent. Always act quickly if you need to cancel.