The simplest way: ask for their account details and use your bank's transfer tool
To transfer money to someone else's bank account, you need three pieces of information: their full name (exactly as it appears on their account), their account number, and their bank's routing number. Once you have those, you can send the money through your own bank's website, mobile app, or by visiting a branch in person. The money usually arrives within one to three business days, though some banks offer same-day transfers for an extra fee.
The process itself is straightforward. Log into your bank's online banking or app, find the "transfer" or "send money" section, enter the recipient's information, choose the amount, and confirm. Your bank will show you a preview of the transfer before you finalize it — always check that the name and account number match what the person gave you, because sending money to the wrong account is difficult to reverse.
If you are sending money to someone at the same bank as you, the transfer is usually free and arrives the same day or next business day. If you are sending to a different bank, your bank may charge a fee (typically $0 to $3) and the timing depends on whether both banks participate in the same clearing network.
Key Takeaways
- You need the recipient's full name, account number, and their bank's routing number before you can transfer money.
- Transfers between accounts at the same bank are usually free and arrive within one business day.
- Transfers to a different bank may take one to three business days and might include a small fee.
- Always verify the recipient's name and account number match before confirming the transfer, because reversing a mistake is slow and uncertain.
- If you do not have the recipient's routing number, you can ask them or search for it on their bank's website using the bank name.
Where to find the routing number you need
The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies a specific bank or branch. If the person you are sending money to does not have it handy, they can find it in several places. The easiest is usually their bank's website — most banks have a "routing number" or "bank codes" page that lists it by state or branch location. They can also call their bank's customer service line and ask.
If they have a check from their account, the routing number is printed at the bottom left, before the account number. Some banks also print it on their debit card or in their online banking portal under account details.
Make sure you get the routing number for the specific branch where they hold the account, not just any branch of that bank. Some larger banks have different routing numbers for different regions.
What happens if you use the wrong account number
If you accidentally send money to the wrong account number at the correct bank, the transfer will go through to whoever owns that account. Recovering the money is possible but slow — you will need to contact your bank, file a claim, and the receiving bank will have to investigate and ask the account holder to return the funds. This process can take weeks or months, and there is no may provide the money will come back.
If you use the wrong routing number, the transfer may bounce back to your account after a few business days, or it may go to a different bank entirely. Either way, contact your bank when ready if you realize the mistake before the transfer completes.
This is why checking the recipient's name and account number twice before you confirm is so important. Once the transfer leaves your bank, you have limited control over it.
Transfers that arrive the same day versus those that take longer
Same-day transfers are possible but not automatic. Your bank has to offer the service, both banks have to participate in the same same-day network (usually the Federal Reserve's FedNow service or the Clearing House's RTP network), and you usually have to request it before a certain time of day — often 5 p.m. Eastern Time on a business day. Same-day transfers typically cost $5 to $15 extra.
Standard transfers between different banks take one to three business days because the money has to move through a clearing network that processes thousands of transfers at once. Weekends and bank holidays do not count as business days, so a transfer you send on Friday afternoon might not arrive until Tuesday.
Transfers between accounts at the same bank are almost always next business day or faster, and they are usually free. If speed matters, ask the person which bank they use — if it is the same as yours, you can send the money when ready.
Using wire transfers for larger amounts or urgent timing
A wire transfer is a faster, more formal way to send money, and it is the standard method for large sums or time-sensitive payments. Wire transfers usually arrive the same day if you send them before your bank's cutoff time (often 2 or 3 p.m. on a business day). They cost more — typically $15 to $50 depending on whether you are sending domestically or internationally — and they are harder to reverse if something goes wrong.
To send a wire transfer, you will need the same information as a regular transfer (account number, routing number, recipient's name) plus sometimes additional details like the recipient's address. You can initiate a wire transfer through your bank's website, app, or by visiting a branch or calling. Your bank will ask you to confirm all the details before processing.
Wire transfers are less common for everyday payments between friends or family because of the cost and the extra steps involved. They are more useful when you are sending a large amount, paying a business, or need the money to arrive the same day.
Digital payment apps as an alternative
If both you and the recipient have accounts on the same digital payment app — such as Venmo, PayPal, Square Cash, or your bank's own peer-to-peer service — you can send money directly through the app without needing routing numbers or account details. The money usually arrives within one to three business days, and many apps are free for basic transfers.
The trade-off is that these apps work best for smaller, personal payments between people who trust each other. They are not ideal for business payments or large amounts, and the money sits in the app's account until the recipient withdraws it to their bank account. Some apps also charge fees for when ready transfers or for sending money to a debit card.
If you are sending money to someone who does not have a bank account yet, a digital payment app can be a good first step — they can receive money and spend it through the app without needing to open a traditional bank account. However, for regular transfers to someone's actual bank account, using your bank's transfer tool is usually simpler and cheaper.
What information to ask for and how to verify it
Before you transfer money, text or call the person and ask them to confirm three things: their full legal name (as it appears on their bank account, not a nickname), their account number, and their bank's routing number. Write it down exactly as they say it, including any zeros or ones that might be confused with letters.
Once you have the information, read it back to them out loud to make sure you heard it correctly. This extra step catches most mistakes. If they are not available to confirm, ask them to text or email it to you so you have a written record.
When you enter the information into your bank's transfer form, your bank will usually show you a preview that includes the recipient's name as it appears in their account. If the name does not match what the person told you, stop and ask them to check with their bank — the account may be under a legal name they do not use, or there may be a typo in their account registration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer money to someone at a bank I do not use?
Yes. As long as you know their account number and their bank's routing number, you can transfer money from your bank to any other bank in the United States. The transfer will take one to three business days and may include a small fee from your bank.
What if I send money to the wrong person by mistake?
Contact your bank when ready and explain the mistake. If the transfer has not yet cleared (usually within a few hours), your bank may be able to stop it. If it has cleared, your bank will file a claim with the receiving bank, but recovery is slow and uncertain. This is why verifying the account number before you send is so important.
Do I need to tell the person I am sending money to before I transfer it?
It is a good idea to let them know the money is coming so they are not surprised by the deposit and so they can watch for it. If the transfer is delayed, they will know to expect it rather than thinking something went wrong.
Is there a limit to how much money I can transfer?
Most banks set daily and monthly limits on transfers, which vary by bank and account type. Check your bank's website or call customer service to find out what your limits are. If you need to send more than your limit allows, you may be able to request a higher limit or split the transfer across multiple days.
What is the difference between a transfer and a payment?
A transfer sends money to someone's bank account. A payment is usually money you send to a business or organization (like a utility company or credit card issuer) to pay a bill. The process is similar, but payments often have a specific account set up by the business, while transfers are more flexible.