The main ways to send money to a bank account
You can send money to someone's bank account in four main ways: a wire transfer, an ACH transfer, a peer-to-peer app, or a cashier's check. Wire transfers move money the fastest — usually the same day or next business day — but cost the most, typically $15 to $30. ACH transfers are slower (three to five business days) but cheaper or free. Peer-to-peer apps like Venmo or PayPal are fast and free between friends but may charge a fee if you use a credit card. A cashier's check is the oldest method and works when the person doesn't have a bank account or you need a paper record.
Which method you choose depends on how fast you need the money to arrive, how much you're sending, and whether you and the recipient both have bank accounts. If you're sending money across the country to someone you don't know well — like paying a contractor or settling a debt — a wire transfer or cashier's check is safest. If you're splitting rent with a roommate, an ACH transfer or peer-to-peer app is usually fine.
Key Takeaways
- Wire transfers arrive the fastest (same day or next business day) but cost $15 to $30 and cannot be reversed once sent.
- ACH transfers are free or low-cost but take three to five business days and work only between bank accounts.
- Peer-to-peer apps like Venmo and PayPal are when ready between users but may charge a fee if you pay with a credit card instead of a bank account.
- You will need the recipient's full name, bank name, account number, and routing number for a wire or ACH transfer.
- Wire transfers and cashier's checks cannot be reversed, so confirm the account details are correct before sending.
Wire transfers: fastest but irreversible
A wire transfer is an electronic instruction to your bank to send money directly to another person's bank account. Your bank deducts the money from your account when ready and sends it to the recipient's bank, which deposits it into their account. Most wire transfers arrive the same business day if you send them before your bank's cutoff time (usually 2 or 3 p.m.), or the next business day if you send them after.
Wire transfers cost between $15 and $30 per transfer, depending on your bank. Some banks charge less for transfers within the United States and more for international transfers. Once you send a wire transfer, you cannot reverse it — the money is gone. For this reason, wire transfers are best used when you trust the recipient or when you have verified their account details directly with them by phone or in person.
To send a wire transfer, log into your bank's website or app, or call your bank and speak to a representative. You will need the recipient's full name, the name of their bank, their account number, and their bank's routing number. Your bank will confirm these details with you before processing the transfer.
ACH transfers: cheaper and slower
An ACH transfer (Automated Clearing House) is an electronic transfer between two bank accounts that goes through a clearing system run by the Federal Reserve. ACH transfers take three to five business days because the clearing system processes them in batches, not when ready. However, they are free or cost only $1 to $3, making them much cheaper than wire transfers.
ACH transfers are reversible for a limited time — usually up to 10 business days — if there is an error or fraud. This makes them safer than wire transfers if you are sending money to someone new. However, once the recipient's bank confirms the deposit, reversing the transfer becomes harder and may require the recipient's cooperation.
You can send an ACH transfer through your bank's website or app, or by calling your bank. You will need the same information as a wire transfer: the recipient's full name, bank name, account number, and routing number. Some banks also let you send ACH transfers through bill pay, which works the same way.
Peer-to-peer apps: when ready between users
Peer-to-peer apps like Venmo, PayPal, Square Cash, and Zelle let you send money to another person's phone number or email address. If both of you have the app and linked bank accounts, the money usually arrives when ready or within minutes. These apps are free if you send money from your bank account, but charge 1% to 3% if you pay with a credit or debit card.
Peer-to-peer apps work best for small amounts between people who know each other — splitting a meal, paying back a friend, or sending a birthday gift. They are less formal than bank transfers and do not require account numbers or routing numbers. However, they are not ideal for large amounts or for paying someone you do not know, because the apps offer limited protection if something goes wrong.
To send money through a peer-to-peer app, read the app, link your bank account, and search for the recipient by their phone number or email. Confirm you have the right person before sending. The recipient will receive a notification and can accept or decline the transfer. Once accepted, the money moves to their linked bank account.
Cashier's checks: paper transfers with a record
A cashier's check is a check written by your bank on its own account, may provide by the bank's funds. You go to your bank, tell them how much to write the check for, and they print it with the recipient's name on it. You then mail or hand the check to the recipient, who deposits it into their own bank account.
Cashier's checks cost $5 to $15 per check and take one to three business days to clear once the recipient deposits them. They are useful when the recipient does not have a bank account, when you need a paper record for your records, or when the recipient prefers not to share their account number. Cashier's checks are also safer than personal checks because they are backed by the bank's own money, not your account balance.
To get a cashier's check, visit your bank in person with your ID and the amount you want to send. Tell the teller the recipient's full name and the amount. The bank will deduct the money from your account and print the check. You can then mail it or give it to the recipient directly.
What information you need to send money
For wire transfers and ACH transfers, you need four pieces of information about the recipient: their full legal name, the name of their bank, their account number, and their bank's routing number. The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies the bank. You can find it on the recipient's checks, or they can call their bank to ask for it.
For peer-to-peer apps, you need only the recipient's phone number or email address — the app handles the rest. For a cashier's check, you need the recipient's full name and the amount, but not their account details.
Always confirm the account number and routing number directly with the recipient before sending a wire transfer or large ACH transfer. A small typo in the account number can send your money to the wrong person, and wire transfers cannot be reversed. If you are unsure, ask the recipient to text you a photo of a blank check, which shows both the account number and routing number.
Fees, timing, and which method to choose
The table below compares the four methods by cost, speed, and best use:
| Method | Cost | Speed | Reversible? | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wire transfer | $15–$30 | Same day or next day | No | Large amounts, urgent payments, people you trust |
| ACH transfer | Free–$3 | 3–5 business days | Yes (limited time) | Regular payments, bills, amounts under $25,000 |
| Peer-to-peer app | Free (from bank account) | when ready–minutes | Yes (if not accepted) | Small amounts, friends, splitting costs |
| Cashier's check | $5–$15 | 1–3 business days to clear | No | Paper record, recipients without bank accounts |
If you need the money to arrive today or tomorrow and the amount is large, use a wire transfer. If you have a few days and want to save money, use an ACH transfer. If you are sending a small amount to a friend and both of you have phones, use a peer-to-peer app. If the recipient does not have a bank account or you need a paper trail, use a cashier's check.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send money to someone's bank account without knowing their account number?
Yes, if you use a peer-to-peer app like Venmo or PayPal — you need only their phone number or email. For wire transfers and ACH transfers, you need the account number and routing number. Some banks also let you send money through bill pay using only the recipient's name and address, though this is less common.
What happens if I send money to the wrong account number?
For ACH transfers, you may be able to reverse the transfer within a few days if you contact your bank when ready. For wire transfers, the money is usually gone and cannot be recovered — you would need to contact the recipient's bank and ask them to reverse it, which they may refuse to do. Always double-check the account number before sending.
How long does it take for money to show up in someone's bank account?
Wire transfers arrive the same day or next business day. ACH transfers take three to five business days. Peer-to-peer apps show the money when ready, but it may take one to three business days to move from the app to the recipient's actual bank account. Cashier's checks take one to three business days to clear.
Is it safe to send money through a peer-to-peer app?
Peer-to-peer apps are safe for small amounts between people you know. For large amounts or strangers, wire transfers or cashier's checks are safer because they leave a clearer paper trail. Peer-to-peer apps offer some fraud protection, but it is more limited than bank transfers.
Can I send money internationally using these methods?
Wire transfers work internationally but cost more ($30–$50) and may take longer. ACH transfers work only between U.S. bank accounts. Peer-to-peer apps usually do not work across borders. For international transfers, ask your bank about international wire transfers or services like Western Union.