The three ways to move money between checking accounts
You can move money from one checking account to another using a bank transfer, an ACH transfer, or a wire transfer. The method you choose depends on how fast you need the money to arrive, whether the accounts are at the same bank or different banks, and what your bank charges.
A bank transfer (sometimes called an internal transfer) moves money between accounts at the same institution. This is the fastest and cheapest option — it usually happens the same day or next business day, and most banks do not charge a fee. A ACH transfer (Automated Clearing House) moves money between accounts at different banks through a clearing network. It takes one to three business days and is free at most banks. A wire transfer moves money the same day or next business day but costs money — typically $15 to $30 per transfer — and is usually reserved for larger amounts or urgent situations.
Key Takeaways
- Bank transfers between accounts at the same institution are free and arrive the same day or next business day.
- ACH transfers between different banks are free but take one to three business days because the money passes through a clearing network.
- Wire transfers arrive the same day or next business day but cost $15 to $30 and should only be used when speed matters more than cost.
- You can initiate any transfer online, by phone, or in person at a branch, depending on what your bank offers.
Bank transfers: same institution, fastest route
If both checking accounts are at the same bank, use a bank transfer. Log into your online banking portal, select the account you want to send money from, and choose "Transfer" or "Move Money". Name the receiving account (you may see it listed already if it is registered to you), enter the amount, and confirm. The money usually arrives within hours or by the next business day.
Some banks also let you set up recurring transfers — for example, moving $200 from your checking account to a savings account every payday. This is useful if you are splitting deposits between accounts or moving money on a regular schedule. Check your bank's online banking menu under "Transfers" or "Scheduled Payments" to see if this option is available.
If you do not have online access or prefer to do this in person, you can walk into any branch of your bank with your account numbers and ask a teller to move the money. Bring a photo ID. This takes a few minutes and costs nothing.
ACH transfers: different banks, free but slower
If the two checking accounts are at different banks, you will use an ACH transfer. This is the standard way money moves between institutions in the United States. The transfer goes through the Automated Clearing House network, which batches transfers and settles them once or twice per business day. This is why ACH transfers take one to three business days instead of happening when ready.
To send an ACH transfer, log into your bank's online portal and look for "Send Money", "External Transfer", or "Pay to Another Bank". You will need the receiving bank's routing number and the receiving account number. You can find the routing number on your bank's website, on a check, or by calling the receiving bank. Enter the amount, confirm the details, and submit. Most banks do not charge a fee for outgoing ACH transfers.
Some banks limit how much you can transfer in a single ACH transaction — often $10,000 to $25,000 per day, though this varies. If you need to move more than that, you may need to split it across multiple days or contact your bank to request a higher limit.
Wire transfers: same-day arrival, but with a cost
A wire transfer moves money the same day or next business day, making it faster than an ACH transfer. However, wire transfers are not reversible once sent, and they cost money — usually $15 to $30 per transfer depending on your bank. Use a wire transfer only when you need the money to arrive urgently and the cost is worth it to you.
To send a wire transfer, call your bank or visit a branch in person. You will need the receiving bank's routing number, the receiving account number, and the name on the receiving account. The bank will verify all the details before processing. Some banks also allow wire transfers through online banking, but calling or visiting in person is more common because the bank wants to confirm your identity and reduce fraud.
Wire transfers are final — once the money leaves your account, you cannot cancel it or get it back if you made a mistake. Double-check the account number and routing number before you confirm. If you send money to the wrong account, you will have to contact the receiving bank and ask them to return it, which may take weeks or may not happen at all.
What information you need for each transfer type
| Transfer Type | Same Bank or Different? | Information Needed | Cost | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bank transfer | Same bank | Receiving account number (usually auto-filled) | Free | Same day or next business day |
| ACH transfer | Different banks | Receiving bank routing number, receiving account number | Free | 1–3 business days |
| Wire transfer | Different banks | Receiving bank routing number, receiving account number, name on account | $15–$30 | Same day or next business day |
How to find routing numbers and account numbers
You need a routing number and account number to send money to another bank. The routing number identifies the bank; the account number identifies the specific account within that bank.
Find your own routing number on a check (it is the first nine digits at the bottom left), on your bank's website, or by calling your bank. For the receiving account, ask the person or business you are sending money to for their routing number and account number. If they give you a check, the routing number is at the bottom left and the account number is next to it. If they give you a bank statement, the account number is usually at the top.
Never guess or assume a routing number. If you enter the wrong one, the money may go to the wrong bank, and recovery is difficult. When in doubt, call the receiving bank directly and confirm the routing number before you send anything.
Timing: when the money actually arrives
The day you initiate a transfer is not the same as the day the money arrives. Banks process transfers on business days only — not on weekends or federal holidays. If you send a transfer on Friday evening, it will not process until Monday.
Bank transfers between accounts at the same institution usually arrive the same business day if you send before the bank's cutoff time (often 5 p.m. or 6 p.m. local time). If you send after the cutoff, it arrives the next business day.
ACH transfers take longer because they are batched. If you send an ACH transfer on Monday morning, it may arrive Wednesday or Thursday. If you send on Friday, it will not arrive until the following Tuesday or Wednesday because the clearing house does not process over weekends.
Wire transfers are faster — usually same-day if sent before the bank's cutoff, or next business day if sent after. But confirm your bank's cutoff time, because it varies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer money between checking accounts at different banks online?
Yes. Log into your bank's online portal, select "Send Money" or "External Transfer", and enter the receiving bank's routing number and account number. The money will be sent as an ACH transfer and arrive in one to three business days. You do not need to call the bank or visit a branch unless you want to.
What happens if I enter the wrong account number?
The transfer may go to the wrong account or be rejected by the receiving bank. If it goes through to the wrong account, contact your bank when ready and provide the details. Your bank can attempt to recover the money, but there is no may provide. This is why wire transfers are risky — they are not reversible. For ACH transfers, your bank has more time to intervene.
Why does my ACH transfer take three days when the bank says one to three?
ACH transfers are batched and processed by the clearing house once or twice per business day. If you send your transfer after the bank's cutoff time, it enters the next batch. Weekends and federal holidays add extra days because the clearing house does not process on those days. A transfer sent Friday afternoon may not arrive until the following Wednesday.
Is there a limit to how much I can transfer?
Most banks set daily or monthly limits on ACH transfers — often $10,000 to $25,000 per day. Wire transfers may have higher limits. Check your bank's online banking portal or call to find out your specific limit. You can usually request a higher limit by calling customer service.
Can I cancel a transfer after I send it?
For ACH transfers, you may be able to cancel within a few hours if you contact your bank when ready. For wire transfers, cancellation is usually not possible once the money has left your account. For bank transfers between accounts at the same institution, cancellation is rarely possible. The sooner you contact your bank, the better your chances.