Yes, you can deposit money to another bank account — but the method depends on whose account it is and what banks are involved

You can transfer money to another person's bank account at a different bank. The money moves through the banking system using routing numbers and account numbers, and the transfer usually takes one to three business days. The exact steps and timing depend on whether you are sending money to someone at your own bank, a different bank, or internationally.

The most common methods are ACH transfers (for domestic accounts), wire transfers (faster but more expensive), and bill pay through your bank's website. Each has different costs, speed, and security characteristics. Understanding which method works for your situation means knowing what information you need, how long it takes, and what could go wrong.

Key Takeaways

  • ACH transfers move money between U.S. bank accounts in one to three business days and usually cost nothing or a few dollars.
  • Wire transfers deliver money the same day or next business day but cost $15 to $50 and cannot be reversed once sent.
  • You need the recipient's full name, routing number, and account number — getting any of these wrong will delay or misdirect the transfer.
  • Transfers between accounts at the same bank usually post within hours and are free.
  • International transfers use SWIFT codes instead of routing numbers and take five to ten business days.

ACH transfers: the standard method for moving money between different banks

An ACH transfer (Automated Clearing House) is the most common way to move money between bank accounts. The money travels through a central clearing system that batches transfers and settles them in bulk. Your bank sends the transfer instruction to the ACH network, which routes it to the recipient's bank, which deposits it into their account.

ACH transfers typically take one to three business days. The first business day is when your bank removes the money from your account and sends the instruction. The second or third business day is when the recipient's bank receives the instruction and deposits the money. Weekends and federal holidays do not count as business days, so a transfer sent on Friday may not arrive until Tuesday.

Most banks offer ACH transfers for free or charge $1 to $3 per transfer. Some banks limit how many free transfers you can make per month, usually around ten. If you exceed that limit, they charge a small fee for each additional transfer. Check your bank's fee schedule or ask a teller what ACH transfers cost on your account type.

Wire transfers: faster but permanent and more expensive

A wire transfer moves money directly from your bank to the recipient's bank without going through the ACH clearing system. The money usually arrives the same business day if you send it before your bank's cutoff time (usually 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. Eastern time), or the next business day if you miss the cutoff.

Wire transfers cost $15 to $50 depending on your bank and whether the transfer is domestic or international. Once your bank sends a wire, it cannot be reversed or recalled. If you send money to the wrong account number, the money goes to that account and you have no automatic way to get it back. You would have to contact the recipient's bank and ask them to return it, which they are not required to do. For this reason, wire transfers are best used when you know the recipient and have verified their account details.

To send a wire, you typically call your bank or visit a branch in person. Some banks allow wire transfers through their website or app, but many require you to speak to someone. You will need the recipient's full name, routing number, account number, and the amount. Have all this information ready before you contact your bank.

Bill pay and online transfers: what your bank's website offers

Most banks let you transfer money through their website or mobile app. The exact name and process varies — some call it "Send Money," others call it "Transfer Funds" or "Pay a Person." When you set up a transfer, you enter the recipient's name, routing number, and account number, then choose the amount and date.

Transfers sent through your bank's website typically use the ACH system, so they take one to three business days and cost nothing or a small fee. Some banks let you schedule transfers for a future date, which is useful if you want the money to arrive on a specific day. If you schedule a transfer for a weekend or holiday, most banks automatically move it to the next business day.

Bill pay is slightly different — it is designed for paying companies and organizations rather than individuals, though many banks allow you to pay a person through bill pay. The process is the same: you enter the payee's information and the amount, and your bank sends the payment. Bill pay transfers also use ACH and take one to three business days.

What information you need and where to find it

To transfer money to another bank account, you need four pieces of information: the recipient's full name, their bank's routing number, their account number, and the amount. Getting any of these wrong can cause the transfer to fail or go to the wrong account.

The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies the bank or credit union. You can find it on a check (it is the first set of numbers at the bottom left), on your bank's website, or by calling the bank. The account number is usually 8 to 12 digits and identifies the specific account. It is also on checks and statements. Ask the recipient to give you both numbers, or ask them to provide a voided check — a check they have written "VOID" across the front — which shows both numbers clearly.

The recipient's full name must match the name on their account. If their account is under "James Michael Smith" and you enter "Jim Smith," the transfer may be rejected or delayed. Ask the recipient what name appears on their account statement.

Transfers between accounts at the same bank

If you and the recipient both have accounts at the same bank, the transfer is faster and simpler. Most banks move money between their own accounts when ready or within a few hours, and they charge no fee. You can usually do this through your bank's website or app by selecting "Transfer Between My Accounts" or a similar option.

You typically do not need routing numbers for same-bank transfers — just the recipient's account number and full name. Some banks let you nickname the account (for example, "Mom's Savings") to make future transfers easier. Once you set up the transfer, the money is usually available when ready or by the end of the business day.

International transfers and SWIFT codes

Sending money to a bank account outside the United States requires a different process. Instead of a routing number, you need the recipient's SWIFT code (also called a BIC code), which identifies their bank internationally. You also need their full name, account number, and sometimes their address.

International transfers take five to ten business days because the money passes through multiple banks and currency conversion systems. Costs vary widely — some banks charge a flat fee of $25 to $50, others charge a percentage of the amount, and some charge both. Exchange rates also affect the final amount the recipient receives. Ask your bank for the total cost before you send the transfer.

For large international transfers, consider using a money transfer service like Wise or OFX instead of your bank. These services often offer better exchange rates and lower fees, though they may take slightly longer. Your bank can tell you whether they work with any of these services.

What can go wrong and how to fix it

The most common problem is entering the wrong account number. If the number belongs to another real account at the same bank, the money goes to that account. If the number does not exist, the transfer is rejected and the money returns to your account within a few days. If you realize you made a mistake, contact your bank when ready — they may be able to stop the transfer if it has not yet been processed.

Another issue is the recipient's name not matching their account. Banks have become stricter about this to prevent fraud. If you enter "John Smith" but the account is under "John Michael Smith," the transfer may be rejected. Ask the recipient to confirm the exact name on their account.

Delays can happen if your bank or the recipient's bank is processing a high volume of transfers, or if there is a system outage. ACH transfers can take up to three business days, so wait at least that long before assuming something is wrong. If a transfer does not arrive after three business days, contact your bank with the transfer confirmation number (your bank provides this when you send the transfer).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deposit cash to someone else's bank account?

Not directly through a transfer — transfers move money that is already in a bank account. If you have cash, you must deposit it into your own account first, then transfer it to the other person's account. Some banks let you deposit cash at an ATM or through a mobile app, though this varies by bank.

What is the difference between a routing number and an account number?

The routing number identifies the bank itself — all accounts at Bank of America, for example, share the same routing number. The account number identifies your specific account at that bank. You need both to transfer money to another bank account.

Can I cancel a transfer after I send it?

It depends on the type of transfer. ACH transfers can sometimes be cancelled within a few hours of sending, before your bank submits it to the clearing system. Wire transfers cannot be cancelled once sent. Contact your bank when ready if you need to cancel — do not wait.

Do I need to tell the recipient I am sending money?

It is a good idea to let them know the amount and when to expect it, especially if the transfer takes several days. That way they know to watch for it and can contact you if it does not arrive on time.

What happens if I send money to the wrong person?

If you used the wrong account number, the money goes to that account. You would need to contact the recipient's bank and ask them to return it, but they are not required to do so. For wire transfers, this is a serious problem because they cannot be reversed. Always verify account numbers before sending, especially for large amounts.