The most direct way is a bank transfer using the recipient's account and routing numbers

To send money to someone else's bank account, you need their account number and routing number (also called an ABA number). Your bank can move the money directly from your account to theirs using these two pieces of information. This is the standard method most banks offer, and it works whether you're sending money across town or across the country.

You can start a transfer through your bank's website, mobile app, or by calling customer service. The money typically arrives within one to three business days, though some banks offer faster options for an extra fee. The recipient doesn't need to do anything on their end — the money lands in their account automatically once the transfer clears.

Before you send, double-check the account and routing numbers. A mistake in either one can send your money to the wrong account, and recovering it becomes complicated. Ask the recipient to confirm the numbers in writing, or have them log into their own banking app and read them to you directly.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank transfers require only the recipient's account number and routing number, and the money arrives within one to three business days.
  • Always verify account and routing numbers before sending, because a mistake can send money to the wrong person's account.
  • Wire transfers move money faster (often same-day) but cost more and are harder to reverse if something goes wrong.
  • Peer-to-peer apps like Venmo, PayPal, and Cash App work for smaller amounts between people who have the apps, but take longer to reach a bank account.
  • ACH transfers are free but slower; wire transfers are faster but cost $15 to $50 depending on your bank.

Wire transfers arrive faster but cost more and are harder to reverse

A wire transfer moves money the same day or next business day, which is faster than a standard bank transfer. Your bank will ask for the same account and routing numbers, plus the recipient's name and bank address. Wire transfers are useful when someone needs money urgently, but they come with a trade-off: your bank charges $15 to $50 per transfer, and once the money leaves your account, it's nearly impossible to get back if you made a mistake.

Because wire transfers are hard to reverse, they're also a common target for scams. If someone you don't know well is pressuring you to wire money, stop and verify their identity through a separate channel — call them back at a number you know is real, or ask someone you trust. Scammers often pose as family members, employers, or government agencies and create fake urgency to rush you into wiring money.

If you do wire money by mistake or to a scammer, contact your bank when ready. Some banks can stop a wire if it hasn't cleared yet, but once it reaches the recipient's bank, recovery depends on whether that bank will cooperate — and many won't without a police report or court order.

Peer-to-peer apps work for smaller amounts but move money slowly to bank accounts

Apps like Venmo, PayPal, Cash App, and Zelle let you send money to someone using their phone number or email address instead of account numbers. The money moves between app accounts when ready, but if the recipient wants the money in their actual bank account, it takes three to five business days. These apps are convenient for splitting rent or paying back a friend, but they're not faster than a standard bank transfer for getting money into someone's bank account.

Peer-to-peer apps also have daily limits — usually $500 to $2,000 depending on the app and how long you've had the account. If you're sending a larger amount, you'll need to use your bank's transfer service or a wire transfer instead. Some apps charge fees for when ready transfers to a bank account, which can add up if you're moving money regularly.

These apps are generally safe for people you know, but treat them like cash once the money lands. If someone sends you money through an app and then asks you to wire it somewhere else, that's often a sign of a scam — the original payment may reverse days later, leaving you responsible for the money you sent.

ACH transfers are free but take three to five business days

An ACH transfer (Automated Clearing House) is what happens behind the scenes when you use your bank's standard transfer service. It's free, but it's the slowest option — money typically takes three to five business days to arrive. Your bank batches ACH transfers together and processes them in groups, which is why they take longer than wire transfers.

ACH transfers work well when you're not in a rush and want to avoid fees. They're also reversible if something goes wrong, unlike wire transfers. If you send money to the wrong account by mistake, you can contact your bank and ask them to recall the transfer before it clears — though success depends on timing and the receiving bank's cooperation.

Most banks don't charge for ACH transfers, but some online banks or credit unions may have limits on how many free transfers you can make per month. Check your account terms or call your bank to confirm.

International transfers require different steps and take longer

Sending money to a bank account outside the United States involves a SWIFT transfer or international wire. You'll need the recipient's account number, routing number (or the equivalent in their country), and their bank's SWIFT code — a unique identifier for banks worldwide. International transfers typically take five to ten business days and cost $25 to $75 depending on the amount and your bank.

Exchange rates matter for international transfers. Your bank converts your dollars to the recipient's currency, and the rate they use may not be the best available. Some banks charge a separate fee for currency conversion on top of the transfer fee. If you're sending money regularly to another country, compare rates between your bank and services like Wise (formerly TransferWise), which often offer better exchange rates for larger amounts.

International transfers are also more likely to get held up by compliance checks. Banks verify that the money isn't connected to fraud or illegal activity, which can add days to the process. Have the recipient's full legal name, address, and bank details ready, and be prepared to explain the purpose of the transfer if your bank asks.

What to do if money doesn't arrive on time

If a transfer doesn't show up within the expected timeframe, contact your bank first. Ask them to confirm that the transfer was sent and whether it's still processing. Provide the date you sent it, the amount, the recipient's name, and the account number. Your bank can track the transfer through the system and tell you where it is.

If your bank confirms the money was sent but the recipient's bank says they never received it, the transfer may have been rejected due to a mismatch in account or routing numbers. In this case, your bank should return the money to your account within a few business days. Once it's back, verify the correct information and try again.

For wire transfers, if the money went to the wrong account, contact your bank and the receiving bank when ready. Provide them with the wire confirmation number and ask them to attempt a recall. The receiving bank may freeze the funds if they can confirm it was sent in error, but they're not required to. A police report can help, especially if you believe you were scammed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What information do I need to send money to someone's bank account?

You need their account number and routing number (ABA number). For wire transfers, you also need their full legal name and their bank's address. For international transfers, you'll need their SWIFT code instead of a routing number. Always ask the recipient to confirm these details in writing before you send.

Can I reverse a transfer if I send money to the wrong account?

ACH transfers and standard bank transfers can sometimes be recalled if you contact your bank quickly, before the money clears. Wire transfers are much harder to reverse — contact your bank when ready if you made a mistake, but don't expect to recover the money. International transfers are nearly impossible to reverse once sent.

Why is my transfer taking longer than expected?

Transfers can be delayed by bank processing times, weekends and holidays, or compliance checks. If it's been more than five business days for a domestic transfer or ten business days for an international one, contact your bank with the transfer confirmation number and ask them to investigate.

Is it safe to send money through a peer-to-peer app?

Peer-to-peer apps are safe for people you know and trust. Never send money to someone you've only met online or who is pressuring you to move quickly. If someone asks you to receive money through an app and then wire it elsewhere, that's a common scam — the original payment often reverses days later.

How much does it cost to transfer money to someone else's account?

Standard bank transfers and ACH transfers are free. Wire transfers cost $15 to $50 depending on your bank. International transfers cost $25 to $75 plus currency conversion fees. Peer-to-peer apps are free for standard transfers but charge $1 to $3 for when ready transfers to a bank account.