The three ways to send money from checking

You can send money from a checking account in three ways: a wire transfer, an ACH transfer, or a check. Each one moves money at a different speed, costs different amounts, and reaches different kinds of recipients. Wire transfers are fastest but cost money and are harder to reverse. ACH transfers are free or cheap, take a few days, and work for most routine payments. Checks are the slowest but cost almost nothing and let the recipient choose when to cash them.

Which one you use depends on who you are paying, how fast they need it, and whether you want to pay a fee. A landlord might accept a check or ACH transfer. A business overseas needs a wire. A utility company usually prefers ACH. Understanding what each method does—and what happens after you initiate it—helps you pick the right one the first time.

Key Takeaways

  • Wire transfers move money the same day or next business day but cost $15 to $50 and cannot be reversed once sent.
  • ACH transfers are free or cost $1 to $3, take three to five business days, and work for most bills and person-to-person payments.
  • Checks clear in one to three business days depending on the bank and the amount, and cost only the price of the checkbook.
  • Your bank's website or mobile app is the fastest way to send money; calling or visiting a branch takes longer.
  • The recipient's bank and your bank both process the payment, so delays can happen on either end even if you sent it correctly.

Wire transfers: same-day or next-day money

A wire transfer moves money directly from your bank to another bank account, usually within hours. Your bank deducts the money from your checking account when ready, but the recipient's bank may not deposit it until the next business day. If you send a domestic wire (within the United States) before 2 p.m. on a business day, it typically arrives the same day. If you send it after 2 p.m. or on a weekend, it arrives the next business day.

Wire transfers cost money—usually $15 to $50 depending on your bank and whether the recipient is domestic or international. Once you send a wire, you cannot reverse it. If you send it to the wrong account number, the money goes to that account, and you have to contact the recipient's bank and ask them to return it. This is why wire transfers are best for payments you are certain about: buying a house, paying a contractor you have worked with before, or sending money to someone you know.

To send a wire, you need the recipient's full name, bank name, account number, and routing number. If the recipient is outside the United States, you also need their SWIFT code or IBAN. You can initiate a wire through your bank's website, mobile app, or by calling or visiting a branch. Most banks require you to verify the recipient's information before processing.

ACH transfers: free or low-cost, three to five days

An ACH transfer (Automated Clearing House) moves money from your checking account to another account through the Federal Reserve's clearing system. It is slower than a wire but free or nearly free. Most banks do not charge for outgoing ACH transfers, though some charge $1 to $3. The recipient's bank may also charge a small fee, but usually does not.

An ACH transfer takes three to five business days to complete. Your bank sends the payment request to the Federal Reserve, which batches it with thousands of other transfers and sends it to the recipient's bank. The recipient's bank then deposits the money into their account. This delay is why ACH does not work for urgent payments, but it is the standard method for recurring bills, payroll, and person-to-person transfers through apps like Venmo or PayPal.

To send an ACH transfer, you need the recipient's account number and routing number. You can set it up through your bank's website or app, and most banks let you schedule it for a future date. If you make a mistake—wrong account number, for example—the transfer may bounce back to your account after a few days, or it may go to the wrong person. Contact your bank when ready if this happens.

Checks: slowest but reversible

A check is a written instruction to your bank to pay money to the person or business whose name you write on it. When you write a check, the money does not leave your account when ready. It stays in your checking account until the recipient deposits or cashes the check. Once they do, your bank deducts the amount.

A check typically clears in one to three business days, depending on your bank and the recipient's bank. Some banks hold checks longer if the amount is large or if the recipient's bank is small. You can write a check and mail it, hand it to someone in person, or deposit an image of it through your bank's mobile app (mobile deposit). The recipient can deposit it at their bank, cash it at a store, or mail it to someone else.

Checks are reversible. If you write a check and change your mind before the recipient cashes it, you can contact your bank and put a stop payment on it. This costs $25 to $35 and takes a few business days. If the check has already cleared, you cannot reverse it through your bank—you have to contact the recipient and ask them to refund you.

How to send money through your bank's website or app

Most banks let you send money through their website or mobile app without visiting a branch or calling. Log into your account, look for a "Send Money," "Transfer," or "Pay" button, and choose the type of transfer you want. The exact steps vary by bank, but the process is similar across most institutions.

For an ACH transfer or bill payment, enter the recipient's name, account number, and routing number. For a wire transfer, you may need to add the recipient as a "payee" first, which requires you to verify their information. Some banks ask you to confirm the recipient's name matches the account number before processing. This step protects you from sending money to the wrong account.

After you submit the transfer, your bank sends you a confirmation number. Save this number in case you need to contact your bank about the transfer later. You can usually view the status of pending transfers in your account history. If the transfer fails—for example, because the account number is wrong—your bank will notify you and the money will stay in your account.

Sending money by phone or in person

You can also send money by calling your bank or visiting a branch in person. This method is slower than using the website or app, but some people prefer it if they have questions or want to speak to someone. When you call, have the recipient's information ready: their name, account number, routing number, and the amount you want to send.

If you visit a branch, bring a photo ID and the recipient's information. The teller will help you choose the type of transfer and process it for you. Some banks charge an extra fee for in-person or phone transfers, so ask before you start. Processing times are the same as online transfers—same-day for wires, three to five days for ACH, and one to three days for checks.

What happens after you send the money

Once you send money, your bank deducts it from your checking account right away (for wires and ACH) or when the check clears (for checks). The recipient's bank then processes the incoming payment. This is where delays often happen, because the recipient's bank may take longer to deposit the money into the recipient's account.

If the recipient does not see the money after the expected time, contact your bank with your confirmation number. Your bank can trace the transfer and find out where it is. If it is stuck at the recipient's bank, the recipient may need to contact their bank. If there is an error—wrong account number, for example—your bank can help you file a claim to recover the money, though this process can take weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel a transfer after I send it?

It depends on the type. You can cancel an ACH transfer if you contact your bank before it processes, usually within one business day. You cannot cancel a wire transfer once it leaves your bank. For checks, you can put a stop payment on it if the recipient has not cashed it yet, but this costs $25 to $35.

What if I send money to the wrong account number?

For ACH transfers and checks, contact your bank when ready. Your bank can try to recover the money, but success depends on whether the recipient's bank cooperates. For wire transfers, contact your bank right away—they can ask the recipient's bank to return the money, but there is no may provide. This is why wire transfers require extra verification before sending.

How do I know if the money arrived?

Check your bank account history for a confirmation number and status. For ACH transfers, the status changes from "pending" to "posted" when it clears. For wires, your bank usually sends you a confirmation email or text. Ask the recipient to confirm they received it, especially for large amounts or urgent payments.

Why is my transfer taking longer than expected?

Delays happen on either end: your bank may process it slower than usual, or the recipient's bank may take longer to deposit it. Weekends and holidays add extra days. Large amounts sometimes trigger extra review. Contact your bank with your confirmation number if it is more than one day late for a wire or more than five days late for an ACH transfer.

Do I need the recipient's name to match the account number exactly?

For ACH transfers and checks, the name does not have to match perfectly—banks match primarily on account number. For wire transfers, banks verify the name more carefully, so it should match the account holder's name as closely as possible. Ask the recipient for their exact legal name if you are unsure.