Yes, and there are several ways to do it depending on how fast you need the money to arrive

You can transfer money to another person's bank account through your own bank, a money transfer service, or a payment app. The method you choose depends on whether you know the person, how much you're sending, and how quickly it needs to arrive. Most transfers take one to three business days, though some options are faster and some are slower.

The person receiving the money does not need to be present or do anything on their end — the money goes directly into their account. You will need their name, account number, and routing number (or the equivalent in their country if sending internationally). Some services let you send money using just an email address or phone number instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank-to-bank transfers through your own bank are usually free and take one to three business days, but require the recipient's account and routing numbers.
  • Payment apps like Venmo, PayPal, and Cash App let you send money using just a phone number or email, but may charge fees for when ready transfers.
  • Wire transfers move money the same day or next business day but cost $15 to $50 and are harder to reverse if you send to the wrong account.
  • Money transfer services like Western Union and MoneyGram work without a bank account and are useful for sending cash to someone in person, but charge higher fees.
  • International transfers require different routing information and take longer, usually five to ten business days, unless you use a specialized service.

Bank transfers through your own financial institution

The simplest and cheapest way is to use your bank's online banking platform or mobile app. Log in, select "Send Money" or "Transfer Funds," and enter the recipient's name, account number, and routing number. Your bank will move the money to their account, usually within one to three business days. Most banks do not charge a fee for this.

You need the exact account and routing number — getting either one wrong means the money goes to the wrong person, and you will have to contact your bank to try to recover it. Ask the person to give you this information directly or have them log into their own banking app and read it to you. Do not guess or use information from a check, because routing numbers can vary by branch.

If the recipient banks at the same institution as you, the transfer often completes the same day. If they bank elsewhere, it takes longer because the money has to move through the Federal Reserve's clearing system.

Payment apps for transfers between people

Apps like Venmo, PayPal, Cash App, and Zelle let you send money using just a phone number or email address instead of account numbers. You link your bank account or debit card to the app, enter the recipient's contact information, and the money moves to their account or their app balance. These are popular for splitting rent, paying back a friend, or sending money to family.

Standard transfers through these apps are usually free and take one to three business days. If you want the money to arrive when ready, most apps charge a fee — typically 1 to 3 percent of the amount. Some apps like Zelle are owned by banks and are faster by default; others like Venmo are slower unless you pay for speed.

The recipient does not need to have the app installed to receive money, though they may need to read it or link a bank account to claim the funds. Check the app's terms to see whether the recipient can receive money without being a member.

Wire transfers for same-day or next-day delivery

A wire transfer moves money the same business day or the next morning, depending on what time you send it and whether the receiving bank processes it when ready. You go to your bank in person or online, provide the recipient's name, account number, routing number, and the amount, and your bank sends it through the Federal Reserve's wire system.

Wire transfers cost $15 to $50 depending on your bank and whether the money is going domestically or internationally. Once the money leaves your account, it is nearly impossible to get back — the receiving bank has already credited the recipient's account. Only use a wire transfer if you trust the recipient completely or if you have confirmed the account details directly with them.

Some banks limit how much you can wire per day or per month, especially if your account is new. Call your bank ahead of time if you are sending a large amount.

Money transfer services without a bank account

Services like Western Union, MoneyGram, and Remitly let you send money even if you do not have a bank account. You go to a physical location (a grocery store, pharmacy, or dedicated office), give the agent cash, and they send the money to the recipient's bank account or to a pickup location where the recipient can collect it in cash.

These services charge higher fees than banks — often 5 to 10 percent of the amount sent, plus a flat fee. They are most useful for sending money internationally or to someone who does not have a bank account. The recipient can usually pick up the money within minutes to a few hours at a partner location.

You will need a government-issued ID to send money through these services, and the recipient will need an ID to pick it up if they are collecting cash.

International transfers and currency exchange

Sending money to someone in another country takes longer and costs more because the money has to move through international banking networks and be converted to the recipient's currency. A standard international bank transfer takes five to ten business days and costs $25 to $50 in fees, plus a currency exchange fee that varies by bank.

Specialized services like Wise, OFX, and Remitly often have lower exchange rates and faster delivery than traditional banks. They are designed for international transfers and can move money in one to three business days. You will need the recipient's international bank account number (called an IBAN in Europe and other regions) and their bank's SWIFT code.

Some payment apps like PayPal and Wise let you send money internationally using just an email address, though fees and exchange rates vary. Check the total cost before you send, because what looks like a small percentage fee can add up on larger amounts.

What happens if you send money to the wrong account

If you use the wrong account number, the money usually goes to someone else's account at the receiving bank. Your bank cannot straightforward reverse it — they have to contact the other bank and ask them to return the funds. The receiving bank will then contact the account holder and ask them to send the money back. This process can take weeks, and there is no may provide the other person will cooperate.

Wire transfers are especially risky because once the money arrives, the receiving bank considers it delivered and the account holder's property. You have almost no recourse. Always confirm the account number and routing number directly with the person before you send, especially for large amounts or wire transfers.

If you send money through a payment app to the wrong person, contact the app's support team when ready. Some apps can reverse pending transfers or freeze accounts, but only if you report the error quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for money to show up in someone else's account?

Standard bank transfers take one to three business days. Payment apps like Venmo and PayPal take one to three business days for free transfers, or minutes to hours if you pay for when ready delivery. Wire transfers arrive the same day or next business day. Money transfer services like Western Union deliver to a pickup location within minutes to hours.

Do I need the recipient's permission to transfer money to their account?

No. Once you have their account number and routing number, you can send money without asking. The money goes directly into their account and they will see it there. They do not need to accept it or do anything on their end.

What if I only have the person's name and phone number?

Payment apps like Venmo, PayPal, and Cash App let you send money using just a phone number or email. The recipient will receive a notification and can claim the funds by linking a bank account or accepting it into their app balance. For a traditional bank transfer, you will need their account and routing numbers.

Can I transfer money to someone at a different bank than mine?

Yes. Your bank can send money to any other bank in the country through the Federal Reserve's clearing system. You just need the recipient's account number, routing number, and the name on their account. The transfer takes one to three business days.

Is there a limit to how much I can transfer?

Most banks and payment apps have daily or monthly limits that vary by account type and how long you have been a customer. New accounts often have lower limits. Check your bank's website or call them to find out your specific limit. Wire transfers sometimes have separate limits from regular transfers.