The simplest way to transfer money between your own accounts
If both accounts are at the same bank, you can usually move money between them in minutes using online banking, a mobile app, or by calling the bank. Log into your account, find the transfer or move money option, select the account you want to send from and the account you want to send to, enter the amount, and confirm. The money typically arrives the same day or the next business day.
If the accounts are at different banks, the process takes longer but works the same way: you initiate the transfer from one bank, and it moves through the banking system to the other. Most banks call this an ACH transfer (Automated Clearing House), which is the standard electronic method for moving money between banks in the United States. ACH transfers usually take one to three business days.
You do not need to visit a branch or speak to anyone. Everything can happen online or through an app, and there is no charge for a standard transfer between your own accounts at most banks.
Key Takeaways
- Transfers between accounts at the same bank usually complete the same day or next business day and require only your online banking login.
- Transfers between different banks use ACH, take one to three business days, and you start the transfer from the sending bank's website or app.
- You will need the receiving account's routing number and account number, which you can find on a check, a bank statement, or by calling the receiving bank.
- Some banks let you set up a transfer as a one-time move or as a recurring transfer that happens automatically on a schedule you choose.
- If you make a mistake entering the account number, the transfer may fail or go to the wrong account — always double-check before confirming.
What information you need before you start
To transfer money to another bank account, you need the routing number and account number of the account you are sending money to. The routing number identifies which bank the account is at. The account number identifies which specific account within that bank.
You can find both numbers on a check from that account — the routing number is the first set of nine digits at the bottom left, and the account number follows it. If you do not have a check, you can find these numbers on a recent bank statement, or you can call the bank and ask for them. Write them down carefully; a single wrong digit will cause the transfer to fail or go to the wrong place.
You will also need to know how much you want to transfer and have enough money in the sending account to cover it. Some banks set a daily or monthly limit on how much you can transfer at once, so if you are moving a large amount, check your bank's transfer limits first.
Transferring money from your bank's website or app
Log into your online banking account or open your bank's mobile app. Look for a button or menu option that says "Transfer," "Move Money," "Send Money," or "Pay." The exact wording varies by bank, but it will be in the main menu or under an account management section.
Select the account you want to send money from (the "from" account). Then select or add the account you want to send money to. If this is the first time you are sending money to that account, you will need to enter the routing number and account number. If you have sent to that account before, it may already be saved and you can just select it from a list.
Enter the amount you want to transfer, review the details to make sure everything is correct, and confirm. You will usually see a confirmation number on the screen — write it down or take a screenshot. The bank will also send you a confirmation email.
How long the transfer takes
If both accounts are at the same bank, the money usually moves the same day or by the next business day. Some banks move money between your own accounts when ready if you are transferring within the same day.
If the accounts are at different banks, the transfer uses the ACH system and typically takes one to three business days. The exact timing depends on when you start the transfer (transfers started after business hours or on weekends may not begin until the next business day) and how quickly the receiving bank processes incoming transfers.
Business days are Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays. A transfer you start on Friday afternoon may not arrive until Tuesday or Wednesday. If you need money to arrive by a specific date, start the transfer at least three business days before you need it.
Setting up a transfer that happens automatically
Most banks let you set up a recurring transfer — a transfer that happens on a schedule you choose, such as every week, every two weeks, or every month. This is useful if you regularly move money from a checking account to a savings account, or if you want to send money to someone on the same day each month.
To set up a recurring transfer, follow the same steps as a one-time transfer, but look for an option that says "Make this recurring," "Repeat this transfer," or "Set up automatic transfer." You will choose how often it repeats and when it starts. You can usually change or cancel a recurring transfer at any time through your online banking.
If you set up a recurring transfer and your account does not have enough money on the scheduled date, the transfer will fail. The bank will not overdraft your account to cover it. Check your balance before the transfer date, or set up a transfer amount that you know you can always cover.
What to do if the transfer fails or goes to the wrong account
If you see an error message when you try to transfer, the most common reason is a wrong routing number or account number. Go back and double-check both numbers against the source you got them from — a check, a bank statement, or the bank's website. Even one digit wrong will cause the transfer to fail.
If the transfer fails, your money stays in your account. You can try again with the correct information. If the transfer went through but you entered the wrong account number, call your bank right away. They can sometimes recall the transfer if it has not been processed yet, but if the money has already arrived at the wrong bank, you will need to contact that bank and ask them to return it.
Keep your confirmation number and the date of the transfer. If something goes wrong, the bank will ask for this information to look up the transaction.
Transferring money in person at a branch
You can also transfer money by visiting a branch in person and speaking to a teller. Bring your account information or a form of ID, tell the teller how much you want to transfer and where it should go, and they will process it for you. This method takes the same amount of time as an online transfer — same-day or next-day for accounts at the same bank, one to three days for accounts at different banks.
There is no advantage to doing it in person unless you do not have online banking set up or you are uncomfortable using the website or app. Most people find online transfers faster and more convenient because you can do them anytime, even outside of branch hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer money to someone else's bank account?
Yes, but the process is the same — you need their routing number and account number. The transfer goes to their account, not to them as a person, so make sure you have the correct account number for the person you intend to send money to. If you send money to the wrong account by mistake, contact your bank when ready.
Is there a fee for transferring money between my own accounts?
No, transfers between your own accounts at the same bank or different banks are free at most banks. Some banks may charge a fee for certain types of transfers or if you exceed a monthly limit, so check your bank's fee schedule. You can usually find this on their website or by calling customer service.
What if I do not have online banking set up?
Call your bank's customer service number and ask to transfer money over the phone. You will need to verify your identity and provide the routing number and account number of the account you are sending to. The transfer will take the same amount of time as an online transfer.
Can I cancel a transfer after I have started it?
If you cancel before the transfer is processed, your money stays in your account. Once the transfer has been processed and the money has left your account, you cannot cancel it — you would need to ask the receiving bank to return it. Call your bank right away if you need to cancel; the sooner you call, the better your chances of stopping it.
What is the difference between ACH and a wire transfer?
ACH is the standard free method and takes one to three business days. A wire transfer is faster (usually same-day or next-day) but costs money, usually between $15 and $30. Use ACH for routine transfers between your own accounts or to people you trust. Use a wire transfer only if you need the money to arrive the same day and you are willing to pay the fee.