The main ways to move money out of your checking account

You can send money from your checking account in four ways: writing a check, using a debit card, setting up a bank transfer, or using your bank's bill pay service. Each one works differently and takes a different amount of time, so which one you choose depends on who you're sending money to and how fast it needs to arrive.

The slowest method is a check — it can take 5 to 10 business days for the person or business to receive and deposit it. The fastest is a debit card swipe at a store or online, which happens when ready. Bank transfers and bill pay fall in the middle, usually taking 1 to 3 business days, though some banks now offer same-day transfers for a small fee.

All four methods pull money directly from your checking account balance, so you need to have enough money in the account before you send it. If you don't, the transaction will be declined or, in the case of a check, it may bounce — meaning the bank returns it unpaid and you may owe a fee.

Key Takeaways

  • Checks take 5 to 10 business days to clear but work for almost any payment; debit cards are when ready but only work at stores and online retailers.
  • Bank transfers and bill pay usually take 1 to 3 business days and are the safest way to send money to another person's bank account.
  • You must have enough money in your checking account before you send it, or the transaction will fail or bounce.
  • Bill pay is built into most checking accounts and lets you schedule payments to companies in advance, even if you don't have their bank details.
  • Wire transfers are faster than standard transfers but cost money and require the recipient's full banking information.

Writing and mailing a check

A check is a written instruction to your bank to pay someone a specific amount of money from your account. You write the person's or business's name on the check, fill in the dollar amount, sign it, and mail it to them. They then deposit it at their own bank, and the money moves from your account to theirs over the next 5 to 10 business days.

Checks work for almost any payment — rent, utilities, medical bills, or paying a friend back. You don't need the recipient's bank account number, just their name and mailing address. However, checks are slow and can get lost in the mail. If you write a check for more money than you have in your account, it will bounce, and your bank will charge you a fee (usually $25 to $35). The person you wrote the check to may also charge you a fee.

Your checkbook came with your checking account, or you can order more checks from your bank. Write the date, the recipient's name, the amount in numbers and words, and your signature. Never send cash in the mail — a check is much safer because only the person whose name is on it can deposit it.

Using your debit card to pay

Your debit card is a plastic card linked to your checking account. When you swipe it at a store, insert it into a machine, or use the card number online, the money comes out of your checking account when ready. You don't have to wait days for the payment to process.

Debit cards work at stores, gas stations, restaurants, and online retailers. You can also use them to withdraw cash from an ATM. The transaction shows up in your account within minutes, so you always know exactly how much money you have left. However, debit cards only work where the business accepts them — you can't use a debit card to pay rent to a private landlord or to send money to a friend's bank account.

Protect your debit card the same way you protect cash. Don't share the card number or PIN with anyone. If your card is lost or stolen, call your bank right away. Most banks limit your liability to $50 if you report the loss within two business days.

Bank transfers between accounts

A bank transfer moves money from your checking account to another person's bank account. You need the recipient's full name, account number, and routing number (a nine-digit code that identifies their bank). You can set up a transfer through your bank's website, mobile app, or by calling the bank.

Most transfers take 1 to 3 business days. Some banks now offer same-day transfers, but they may charge a fee of $10 to $25. The money is safer in transit than a check because it moves directly from bank to bank, and you have a record of exactly when it was sent.

To find someone's routing number, ask them directly or look it up on their bank's website. The routing number is usually printed at the bottom left of a check. Once you have all the information, you can set up the transfer in minutes. You can also set up recurring transfers if you send money to the same person regularly — for example, paying a roommate's share of rent every month.

Using bill pay to schedule payments

Bill pay is a service built into most checking accounts that lets you schedule payments to companies and people. You don't need the recipient's bank account number — you just tell your bank who to pay and how much. Your bank then mails a check or sends an electronic payment on the date you choose.

Bill pay is useful for regular payments like utilities, insurance, credit cards, or loan payments. You can set it up to happen once or to repeat every month automatically. Most banks offer bill pay for free, though some charge a small monthly fee. Payments usually take 1 to 3 business days, so schedule them a few days before the due date to avoid late fees.

To use bill pay, log into your bank's website or app and look for "bill pay" or "payments." Add the company or person you want to pay, enter the amount and date, and confirm. You'll see a record of every payment you've made, which is helpful if you need to prove you paid something.

Wire transfers for faster, longer-distance payments

A wire transfer is the fastest way to send money to another bank account, usually arriving the same day or the next business day. However, wire transfers cost money — typically $15 to $30 — and they cannot be reversed once sent. You need the recipient's full name, account number, routing number, and sometimes their bank's address.

Wire transfers are useful when you need money to arrive quickly and the recipient is far away — for example, sending money to a family member in another state or paying a deposit on an apartment. However, because they cannot be reversed, wire transfers are a common target for scams. Never wire money to someone you don't know or trust, and never wire money because someone told you to over the phone or email.

To send a wire transfer, call your bank or visit a branch in person. The bank will ask you for the recipient's information and will charge you a fee. You'll receive a confirmation number. Keep this number in case you need to track the transfer or prove you sent it.

Choosing the right method for your situation

Use a check if you're paying someone who doesn't have a bank account or if you need a paper record. Use a debit card if you're paying a store or online retailer and want the money to leave your account when ready. Use a bank transfer if you're sending money to another person's bank account and have a few days to wait. Use bill pay if you're paying a company regularly and want to automate the process.

Use a wire transfer only if the money needs to arrive the same day and you trust the recipient completely. Never wire money to someone you've just met or because someone pressured you to.

Before you send money any way, double-check that you have enough in your account and that you have the correct information for the recipient. A mistake — like writing the wrong account number or sending money to the wrong person — can be hard or impossible to fix.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I write a check for more money than I have in my account?

The check will bounce, meaning your bank will refuse to pay it and return it to the person who tried to deposit it. Your bank will charge you a fee (usually $25 to $35), and the recipient may also charge you a fee. The person will know the check bounced, which can damage your reputation. Always make sure you have enough money before you write a check.

Can I cancel a payment after I've sent it?

It depends on the method. You can usually stop a check by calling your bank within a day or two, though there may be a fee. You can cancel a bank transfer or bill pay payment before it processes, but once the money leaves your account, it's gone. Wire transfers cannot be cancelled once sent, which is why they're risky.

How do I know if my payment arrived?

Check your bank account online or through your app — you'll see the payment listed with a date. For checks and transfers, the recipient's bank may take a few days to process it, so the money might not show up in their account when ready even though it left yours. Ask the recipient to confirm they received it.

What's the difference between a routing number and an account number?

A routing number identifies the bank itself — it's the same for everyone who banks there. An account number identifies your specific account at that bank. You need both to send a bank transfer. The routing number is usually the first nine digits at the bottom left of a check, and the account number is the second set of digits.

Is it safe to give someone my bank account number?

It's safe to give your account number and routing number to someone you trust who needs to send you money. However, never give out your PIN, password, or the three-digit security code on the back of your debit card. If someone asks for those, they're trying to scam you.