The simplest way to transfer money between banks
The easiest method is to log into your sending bank's website or app, find the transfer or send money section, and enter the receiving bank's routing number and your account number there. Most banks let you set this up in minutes, and the money usually arrives within one to three business days. You do not need to visit a branch or call anyone.
If you do not want to use the website, you can call your bank's customer service line and ask them to move the money for you. They will ask for the same information — the receiving bank's routing number and your account number — and process it over the phone. This takes slightly longer because it depends on when a person is available, but it works the same way.
A third option, if you are moving money out of an account you are closing, is to ask your old bank to send you a check or to deposit the funds directly into your new account. Some banks do this automatically when you close an account; others require you to request it.
Key Takeaways
- Most transfers between banks take one to three business days because the banks must communicate through a clearing system, not because of distance or time of day.
- You will need the receiving bank's routing number (a nine-digit code) and your account number at that bank, which you can find on a check or by logging in online.
- Setting up a transfer through your bank's website or app is faster than calling, because you can do it any time without waiting for customer service.
- If you need money the same day, a wire transfer or in-person cash withdrawal and deposit are your only options, and wire transfers cost money.
What information you need before you start
Gather two pieces of information about the account you are sending money to: the routing number and the account number. The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies the bank itself. The account number is the number of your specific account at that bank.
You can find both numbers on a check from that account — the routing number is the first set of digits on the bottom left, and the account number is the second set. If you do not have a check, log into the account online or call the bank and ask. Most banks display both numbers in the account details section of their website or app.
You will also need to know how much money you want to transfer. Some banks set limits on how much you can move in a single day or in a week, so if you are moving a large amount, check your bank's rules first or call and ask.
How to set up a transfer through your bank's website or app
Log into your sending bank's website or mobile app using your username and password. Look for a section called "Transfer Money," "Send Money," "Move Money," or "Pay." The exact name varies by bank, but it is usually in the main menu or under an account management section.
Click or tap that option. You will see a form asking where you want to send the money. Select "Transfer to another bank" or "External transfer" — do not choose "Transfer between my own accounts" unless both accounts are at the same bank. Enter the receiving bank's routing number and your account number at that bank in the fields provided.
Type in the amount you want to transfer and choose a date. Most banks let you transfer when ready or schedule it for a future date. Review the information on the confirmation screen to make sure everything is correct, then submit. You should receive a confirmation number and a message saying when the money will arrive.
How long the transfer takes and why
Standard transfers between banks take one to three business days. This is not because of distance — a transfer to a bank across the country takes the same time as one to a bank down the street. The delay happens because banks do not send money directly to each other. Instead, they use a clearing system called the ACH network (Automated Clearing House), which batches transfers and processes them on a schedule.
Business days means Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays. If you submit a transfer on Friday evening, it will not start processing until Monday, and it may not arrive until Wednesday or Thursday. Transfers submitted on weekends or holidays are queued for the next business day.
Some banks offer faster transfers for an extra fee, or they may move money faster if both banks are part of the same network. Ask your bank whether they offer a faster option and what it costs.
When you need money the same day
If you need the money today, a standard transfer will not work. You have two realistic options: withdraw cash from your sending bank and deposit it in person at your receiving bank, or use a wire transfer.
A wire transfer moves money the same day, usually within a few hours. You can set one up by calling your bank or visiting a branch in person. Wire transfers cost money — typically between $15 and $30 — and you need the receiving bank's wire routing number, which is sometimes different from the regular routing number. Call the receiving bank to confirm you have the correct number before you wire.
Withdrawing cash and depositing it in person is free but requires you to visit both banks during business hours. This works well if both banks have branches near you.
Transfers between accounts at the same bank
If both accounts are at the same bank, the transfer is usually when ready or takes only a few hours. Log into your account, select "Transfer between my accounts" or "Internal transfer," choose the account you want to send to, enter the amount, and submit. You should see the money move right away or within the same business day.
Some banks let you set up recurring transfers between your own accounts — for example, moving money from checking to savings every payday. This is useful if you want to automate your savings without having to remember to transfer manually each time.
What to do if the transfer goes wrong
If money does not arrive when you expected it, log into your sending bank's account and look for the transfer in your transaction history. The status should tell you whether it is still pending, completed, or failed. If it is still pending after three business days, call your bank and ask them to check on it.
If the transfer failed, your bank will tell you why — usually because you entered the wrong routing number or account number. Correct the information and try again. Money that fails to transfer is returned to your sending account within a few business days.
If you sent money to the wrong account by mistake, call your sending bank when ready. They may be able to recall the transfer if it has not been processed yet. If it has already arrived at the wrong bank, you will need to contact that bank and ask them to return it, which is slower and less certain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer money on a weekend or holiday?
You can submit a transfer any time through your bank's website or app, but it will not process until the next business day. If you submit on Saturday, it starts processing on Monday. Federal holidays are treated like weekends, so a transfer submitted on a holiday will not move until the next business day after that.
What if I enter the wrong account number?
The transfer will likely fail and the money will be returned to your account within a few business days. Some banks catch errors before sending, but not all. If the transfer does go through to the wrong account, contact your bank right away — they can try to recover it, but success depends on whether the receiving bank cooperates.
Do I need to tell the receiving bank I am sending money?
No. As long as you have the correct routing number and account number, the money will arrive in that account automatically. The receiving bank does not need advance notice. You may want to tell the account holder so they know to expect it, but the bank itself does not need to be informed.
Is there a limit to how much I can transfer?
Most banks set daily or weekly limits on transfers to external accounts — often $1,000 to $10,000 per day, though this varies. Check your bank's website or call customer service to find out your limit. If you need to move more than the limit allows, you can make multiple transfers over several days, or call your bank and ask if they can raise your limit temporarily.
What is the difference between a routing number and a wire routing number?
A routing number is used for standard ACH transfers, which take one to three days. A wire routing number is used for wire transfers, which move the same day. Some banks use the same number for both; others have different numbers. Always confirm with the receiving bank which number you need for the type of transfer you are making.