How to Move Money From Another Bank Into Your Account

Yes, you can deposit money from another bank account into yours

You can move money from another bank account to yours through several methods, each with different speed and requirements. The most common routes are ACH transfers (which take one to three business days), wire transfers (same day or next day, but with a fee), mobile check deposit (if you have a check), and in-person cash deposit (if you can withdraw cash and deposit it yourself). Which method works depends on what you're transferring, how fast you need it, and whether you have direct access to the other account.

The other bank does not need to be the same institution as yours — the transfer happens through the banking network, not between the banks directly. You also do not need the other account holder's password or PIN. You only need their routing number and account number, which you can find on a check or ask them to provide.

Key Takeaways

ACH transfers are free and take one to three business days, but require you to know the other account's routing number and account number.
Wire transfers move money the same day or next day but cost $15 to $50 and cannot be reversed once sent.
Mobile check deposit works only if the money is coming as a check, and the funds may be held for several days before you can use them.
You can always withdraw cash from the other account and deposit it in person, but this requires physical access and carries no fraud protection for the transfer itself.
Your bank may place a hold on incoming transfers even after the money arrives, preventing you from withdrawing it for one to five business days.

ACH transfers: the standard free method

An ACH transfer (Automated Clearing House) is the most common way to move money between banks. You provide the other account's routing number and account number, and your bank sends an electronic instruction through the ACH network. The money arrives in one to three business days, and there is no fee on either end.

To set up an ACH transfer, log into your bank's website or app and look for "transfer" or "send money" options. You will enter the other account's routing number (a nine-digit code that identifies the bank) and account number. Your bank will usually verify the account by sending two small test deposits (typically under $1 each) to the other account, then asking you to confirm the amounts. Once verified, you can transfer up to the limit your bank sets — often $10,000 per day or $25,000 per month, though this varies by institution.

ACH transfers work between any two banks in the United States, whether they are large national banks or small credit unions. The delay happens because the ACH network processes transfers in batches, typically once or twice per business day. If you initiate a transfer on a Friday afternoon, it may not clear until Tuesday.

Wire transfers: faster but irreversible

A wire transfer moves money the same day or next business day and does not require you to set up the account in advance. You provide the routing number, account number, and the recipient's name, and your bank sends the money directly. Wire transfers cost $15 to $50 depending on your bank, and the fee is usually deducted from the amount you send.

The critical difference from ACH is that wire transfers cannot be reversed. Once your bank sends the money, it is gone. If you send it to the wrong account, you have no automatic recourse — you would have to contact the receiving bank and ask them to return it, which they are not required to do. For this reason, wire transfers are best used only when you are certain of the account details and trust the recipient.

To send a wire, call your bank or visit a branch. Most banks do not allow wire transfers through their website or app for security reasons. You will need the recipient's full name, routing number, account number, and the amount. Some banks also ask for the recipient's address. The transfer typically clears within 24 hours on business days.

Mobile check deposit: if you have a check

If the money is coming to you as a check, you can photograph it using your bank's mobile app instead of going to a branch. Mobile check deposit is fast to initiate — you take a photo of the front and back of the check and submit it through the app — but the funds are not when ready available.

Your bank will place a hold on the check, meaning you cannot withdraw the money right away. The hold period depends on the check amount and your bank's policy. Checks under $200 often clear in one business day. Larger checks may be held for three to five business days. During the hold, the money shows in your account balance but is marked as unavailable.

After you deposit a check, do not deposit it again in person or at an ATM. The check can only be deposited once, and depositing it twice is considered fraud. Destroy the check after the mobile deposit clears.

Cash deposit: the direct method

If you can access the other account in person, you can withdraw cash and deposit it into your own account at a branch or ATM. This is the fastest method — the deposit is available when ready if you use a teller, or within one business day if you use an ATM. There is no fee, and you do not need account numbers or routing information.

The limitation is that you need physical access to the other account. If the account is at a bank in a different city, or if you do not have a debit card or access to that account, this method is not practical. Also, banks report cash deposits over $10,000 to the IRS as a matter of law, so very large cash deposits may trigger additional questions from your bank.

Holds on incoming transfers and daily limits

Your bank may place a hold on money that arrives from another bank, even if it comes through ACH or wire. The hold is not a freeze — the money is yours — but you cannot withdraw it until the hold lifts. ACH transfers are often available when ready, but some banks hold them for one business day. Wire transfers are usually available the same day they arrive.

Your bank may also have daily or monthly limits on how much you can receive. These limits are less common than sending limits, but they do exist at some institutions. Check your account agreement or call your bank to confirm what holds and limits explore to your account.

What information you need from the other account

For ACH and wire transfers, you need the routing number and account number of the account you are receiving money from. The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies the bank or credit union. The account number is typically 8 to 17 digits and identifies the specific account.

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. You can also call the bank and ask for the routing number, or search online for "[Bank Name] routing number." If you are receiving money from someone else's account, ask them to provide both numbers and confirm them twice before you give them to your bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to transfer money from another bank?

ACH transfers take one to three business days. Wire transfers take the same day or next business day. Mobile check deposits take one to five business days depending on the check amount. Cash deposits are available when ready at a teller or within one business day at an ATM.

Do I need to know the other person's password or PIN?

No. You only need the routing number and account number. You never need the password, PIN, or any other login information. If someone asks for your password in order to send you money, that is a scam.

What if I give my bank the wrong account number?

For ACH transfers, your bank verifies the account with test deposits before you can transfer large amounts, so you will catch the error early. For wire transfers, the money goes to the wrong account and cannot be recovered automatically — you would have to contact the receiving bank directly. Always double-check account numbers before sending a wire.

Can I receive money from a bank outside the United States?

Yes, but it requires a wire transfer and takes longer — typically three to five business days. International wires also cost more (often $15 to $50) and may have additional fees from the sending bank. You will need to provide your bank's SWIFT code in addition to your routing and account numbers.

Is there a limit to how much I can receive?

Most banks do not set limits on incoming transfers, but some do. Check your account agreement or call your bank. Banks are required to report cash deposits over $10,000 to the IRS, but this is a reporting requirement, not a limit on what you can deposit.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.