The three main ways to move money to another person's bank account
You can send money to someone else's bank account using a wire transfer, an ACH transfer, or a peer-to-peer payment app. Wire transfers are fastest but cost money. ACH transfers are free or cheap and take one to three business days. Payment apps like Venmo or PayPal are when ready for small amounts but work best between people you know.
Which one you use depends on how fast you need the money to arrive, how much you're sending, and whether you know the person's bank details or just their phone number or email. All three methods start at your own bank account, so you'll need online banking access or a visit to a branch.
Key Takeaways
- Wire transfers move money the same day or next day but typically cost $15 to $30 per transfer.
- ACH transfers are free or cost $1 to $3, take one to three business days, and work for most routine payments.
- Payment apps like Venmo and PayPal let you send money when ready using just a phone number or email, but have daily limits and work best for smaller amounts.
- You will need either the recipient's bank account and routing number, or their email or phone number depending on which method you choose.
- Most banks let you set up recurring transfers if you send money to the same person regularly.
Wire transfers: fastest but with a cost
A wire transfer moves money directly from your bank to another bank on the same day or the next business day. Your bank deducts the money when ready from your account and sends it electronically to the recipient's bank, which deposits it into their account within hours.
Wire transfers cost between $15 and $30 depending on your bank and whether you're sending money within the United States or internationally. You'll need the recipient's full name, bank name, account number, and routing number (a nine-digit code that identifies their bank). You can start a wire transfer online, by phone, or in person at a branch.
Use wire transfers when speed matters — for example, if you're sending a down payment on a house or paying a bill that's due today. Do not use them for small amounts or regular payments to friends, because the fee makes them expensive for those situations.
ACH transfers: free or low-cost and reliable
An ACH transfer (Automated Clearing House) is the standard way banks move money between accounts. It's free or costs $1 to $3, takes one to three business days, and works for almost any payment — rent, utilities, money to a friend, or a refund to a customer.
You need the recipient's name, account number, routing number, and account type (checking or savings). Most banks let you set up an ACH transfer online in a few minutes. You can also set up recurring transfers if you send money to the same person every month.
ACH transfers are the right choice for most situations: paying bills, sending rent to a landlord, reimbursing a friend, or moving money between your own accounts at different banks. The only drawback is the wait — if someone needs cash today, ACH won't work.
Payment apps: when ready but with limits and fees
Apps like Venmo, PayPal, Square Cash, and Zelle let you send money using just a phone number or email address. The money arrives when ready or within minutes, and most transfers between individuals are free. You don't need to know the recipient's bank account number.
Payment apps have daily limits — usually $500 to $2,000 per day depending on the app and how long you've had the account. Some apps charge a fee if you want to send money when ready to a debit card instead of waiting for it to land in a bank account. If you're sending money to a business, some apps charge a small percentage fee.
Payment apps work best for splitting rent with roommates, paying back a friend for dinner, or sending a small gift. They're not suitable for large payments like a down payment or a business invoice, because of the daily limits and because the recipient needs to have the app installed.
What information you need before you start
The information you need depends on which method you choose. For a wire transfer or ACH transfer, you need the recipient's bank account number and routing number. You can find the routing number on the bank's website or by calling them — it's not secret information.
For a payment app, you need the recipient's phone number or email address, and they need to have an account with the same app. If you're not sure which app they use, ask them directly or send them a link to read one.
If you're sending money to a business, ask them which method they prefer. Many businesses list their bank details on their invoice or website. Never send money to a bank account number you found online without confirming it directly with the business — scammers sometimes post fake account numbers.
How to send money through your bank's website or app
Most banks let you send money online without visiting a branch. Log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for a button labeled "Send Money," "Transfer," or "Pay." You'll usually see options for transferring to your own accounts, to another person's account, or to a business.
Select the option for sending to another person. Enter the recipient's name, account number, routing number, and the amount. Review the details carefully — once you confirm, the transfer usually cannot be cancelled. The bank will show you the expected arrival date before you submit.
If you don't see an option to send money online, call your bank or visit a branch. Some smaller banks or older accounts may require you to do transfers in person or by phone, though this is becoming less common.
Setting up recurring transfers for regular payments
If you send money to the same person every month — for example, rent to a landlord or a loan payment to a family member — you can set up a recurring transfer. Your bank will automatically send the same amount on the same day each month without you having to do anything.
To set up a recurring transfer, start a regular transfer and look for an option that says "Make this recurring," "Repeat," or "Schedule." You'll choose the frequency (weekly, monthly, etc.), the start date, and when you want it to stop. You can change or cancel a recurring transfer anytime by logging back into your bank.
Recurring transfers are useful for rent, utilities, or regular payments to family members. They save you time and reduce the chance you'll forget a payment. However, make sure you have enough money in your account each time the transfer runs, or your bank may charge you an overdraft fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send money to a bank account if I don't know the routing number?
You can call the recipient's bank directly and ask for the routing number — it's public information. You can also find it on the bank's website or by searching "[bank name] routing number" online. The routing number is not secret and is safe to share.
What happens if I send money to the wrong account number?
If you send money to a wrong account number, it will go to whoever owns that account. Contact your bank when ready and explain the mistake. Your bank may be able to recall the transfer if it hasn't been processed yet, but once the money arrives in another account, recovery is difficult and depends on whether that person cooperates.
Is it safe to send money through a payment app?
Payment apps are generally safe if you only send money to people you know and trust. The app encrypts your information and your bank details are not shared with the recipient. However, if someone asks you to send money through an app to a stranger or as a "test," it's usually a scam.
How long does an ACH transfer actually take?
ACH transfers take one to three business days. Weekends and bank holidays don't count as business days, so a transfer you send on Friday may not arrive until Tuesday. Some banks offer faster ACH transfers that arrive the next business day, though these may cost a small fee.
Can I send money internationally using these methods?
Wire transfers work internationally, but they're expensive and slow — they can take several days and cost $30 to $50 or more. Payment apps usually don't work across countries. For international transfers, ask your bank about their international wire options or look into specialized services like Wise or OFX that are designed for sending money abroad.