Yes, you can transfer money to another person's account, but you need their correct banking details and the transfer goes through your bank's system
You can send money from your account to someone else's account at the same bank or a different bank. The person receiving the money does not need to be related to you, does not need permission from you beyond asking for the transfer, and does not need to do anything on their end — the money arrives in their account automatically once the transfer clears.
What you do need is accurate information: their full name as it appears on their account, their account number, and their bank's routing number (if sending within the US) or their IBAN and bank details (if sending internationally). If any of these details are wrong, the transfer may bounce back to you, arrive in the wrong account, or be delayed while the bank tries to match the information.
The mechanics depend on which method you use. A wire transfer moves money the same day or next business day but costs money — usually $15 to $30 per transfer. An ACH transfer (Automated Clearing House) is free or costs $1 to $3, but takes three to five business days. A same-bank transfer between two accounts at the same institution is usually when ready and free.
Key Takeaways
- You need the recipient's full account name, account number, and routing number (or IBAN for international transfers) before you start.
- Wire transfers move money the same day or next business day but cost $15 to $30; ACH transfers are free or cheap but take three to five days.
- If the account details are wrong, the money may bounce back or arrive in the wrong account, so verify the information before you send.
- The recipient does not need to do anything — the money arrives in their account automatically once the transfer clears.
- Transfers between two accounts at the same bank are usually when ready and free.
How to send money using your bank's online or mobile app
Log into your bank's website or app and look for "Send Money," "Transfer," or "Pay Someone" — the exact label varies by bank. You will usually see options for transferring to your own accounts, to someone else at the same bank, or to an external account at a different bank.
Select the option for an external transfer or a new payee. Enter the recipient's full name exactly as it appears on their account, their account number, their bank's routing number, and the amount you want to send. Double-check the account number and routing number — these are the details most often typed wrong.
Choose your transfer method. If your bank offers it, you will see options like "Send today" (wire transfer), "Send in 1-3 business days" (ACH), or "Send tomorrow" (next-day ACH). Wire transfers cost money; ACH transfers are usually free. Select the date you want the money to leave your account and confirm the transfer.
Your bank will show you a confirmation number. Write it down or take a screenshot. The money leaves your account when ready, but it may take one to five business days to arrive in the recipient's account, depending on which method you chose and whether both banks process it the same day.
Wire transfers: same-day or next-day, but with a cost
A wire transfer is the fastest way to send money to someone else's account. The money usually leaves your account the same day you request it (if you send before your bank's cutoff time, usually 2 or 3 p.m.) and arrives at the recipient's bank the same day or next business day.
Wire transfers cost money — typically $15 to $30 per transfer, depending on your bank. Some banks charge less for transfers within the US and more for international wires. A few banks offer one free wire per month or waive the fee if you maintain a high balance, so check your account terms.
Wire transfers are harder to reverse once sent. If you send money to the wrong account by mistake, you will need to contact your bank and ask them to attempt a recall, but the receiving bank is not required to return the money. For this reason, verify the account details carefully before you send a wire.
ACH transfers: free or cheap, but slower
An ACH transfer (Automated Clearing House) moves money between accounts through a batch system that processes transfers in groups. ACH transfers are free or cost $1 to $3, depending on your bank. Most banks offer free ACH transfers for customers.
ACH transfers take three to five business days from the day you send them. If you send an ACH transfer on a Friday, the money will not arrive until Tuesday or Wednesday of the following week. Some banks offer next-day ACH, which costs a little more but arrives the next business day.
ACH transfers are easier to reverse than wire transfers. If you send money to the wrong account, you can contact your bank within a few days and request a reversal. The receiving bank must cooperate with the reversal request, though the process takes time.
Same-bank transfers: when ready and free
If you and the recipient both have accounts at the same bank, you can usually transfer money between accounts when ready through that bank's system. These transfers are free and appear in the recipient's account within minutes or hours.
To send a same-bank transfer, log into your bank's app or website, select "Transfer to another account" or "Pay someone at [Bank Name]," and enter the recipient's account number and the amount. You do not need their routing number because you are both using the same bank.
Same-bank transfers are the safest option if available, because the bank verifies the account number before the transfer goes through. If the account number does not exist, the transfer will be rejected when ready, and you will know right away that something is wrong.
What information you need before you send
| Transfer Type | Information Needed | Cost | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Same bank | Recipient's full name, account number | Free | when ready to a few hours |
| Wire transfer (US) | Recipient's full name, account number, bank routing number | $15–$30 | Same day or next business day |
| ACH transfer (US) | Recipient's full name, account number, bank routing number | Free or $1–$3 | 3–5 business days |
| International wire | Recipient's full name, account number, IBAN, bank name and address, SWIFT code | $25–$50 | 1–5 business days |
The recipient's full name must match their account exactly. If their account is under "Robert J. Smith" and you enter "Bob Smith," the transfer may be rejected or delayed. Ask the recipient to confirm their name as it appears on their bank statements.
The account number is the unique identifier for their account. In the US, account numbers are typically 8 to 17 digits. Do not confuse it with their debit card number — they are different. Ask the recipient for their account number directly or ask them to provide a blank check, which shows both the account number and routing number.
The routing number identifies the bank or branch. In the US, routing numbers are nine digits. You can find a bank's routing number on its website, by calling the bank, or by searching online for "[Bank Name] routing number." If you have a check from the recipient's account, the routing number is the first nine digits at the bottom left.
When transfers fail or take longer than expected
A transfer can fail if the account details are wrong, if the recipient's account is closed, or if the receiving bank rejects the transfer for security reasons. If a transfer fails, your bank will send you a notice (usually by email or through your app) and the money will return to your account within a few business days.
A transfer can be delayed if the receiving bank is closed (on weekends or holidays), if the amount is unusually large and triggers fraud checks, or if the two banks do not process transfers at the same time. Most delays resolve within one to two business days.
If a transfer has been pending for longer than the stated timeframe, contact your bank with your confirmation number. Your bank can check the status with the receiving bank and tell you whether the money is still in transit, has been rejected, or has arrived but has not posted to the recipient's account yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send money to someone's account if I do not know their name?
No. The recipient's full name as it appears on their account is required for all transfers. If you do not know their name, you cannot send the transfer. Ask the person directly for their legal name and confirm it matches their bank account.
What happens if I send money to the wrong account number?
The money will arrive in the wrong account. If you realize the mistake when ready, contact your bank and ask for a recall or reversal. Wire transfers are harder to reverse; ACH transfers are easier. The receiving bank is not required to return the money, so act quickly.
Can I cancel a transfer after I send it?
It depends on the transfer type and how quickly you act. ACH transfers can usually be cancelled within a few hours of sending. Wire transfers cannot be cancelled once they leave your bank, though you can ask your bank to attempt a recall. Contact your bank when ready if you need to cancel.
Do I need the recipient's permission to send them money?
No. You can send money to anyone whose account details you have. The recipient does not need to approve the transfer or do anything on their end. The money arrives in their account automatically.
Is there a limit to how much I can transfer?
Yes, but it varies by bank and account type. Most banks set daily and monthly limits on transfers to external accounts — often $5,000 to $25,000 per day. Contact your bank to ask about your specific limits or to request a temporary increase for a large transfer.