The main ways to send money to someone else's bank account
You have four practical routes: a wire transfer through your bank, an ACH transfer (also called an electronic funds transfer), a peer-to-peer payment app, or a check. Which one works depends on how fast you need the money to arrive, whether you know the recipient's account details, and what your bank charges.
Wire transfers move money the fastest—usually the same day or next business day—but cost $15 to $50 and are harder to reverse if you make a mistake. ACH transfers are slower (three to five business days) but free or very cheap, and work through the standard banking system. Payment apps like Venmo, PayPal, or Cash App are when ready between app users but may take a day or two to land in a bank account. Checks are free but the slowest option, taking five to ten business days to clear.
Key Takeaways
- Wire transfers arrive the fastest (same day or next business day) but cost $15 to $50 and cannot easily be reversed.
- ACH transfers are free or nearly free, take three to five business days, and work through your regular bank without special setup.
- Peer-to-peer apps move money when ready between app users but may charge a fee if you want the money sent to a bank account instead.
- You will need the recipient's full name, routing number, and account number for wire and ACH transfers, or their username for payment apps.
- If you make a mistake with a wire transfer, contact your bank when ready—once the money leaves, recovery is difficult and not may provide.
Wire transfers: fastest but not reversible
A wire transfer sends money directly from your bank to another bank account, usually arriving the same day or the next business day. You initiate it through your bank's website, app, or by visiting a branch in person. You will need the recipient's full name, their bank's routing number (a nine-digit code that identifies the bank), and their account number.
Wire transfers cost between $15 and $50 depending on your bank and whether the money is going to a domestic or international account. Domestic wires (within the United States) are cheaper and faster than international ones. Once the money leaves your account, it is extremely difficult to get back—your bank can try to recall it, but if the recipient's bank has already accepted it, the money is theirs. This is why wire transfers are common for large purchases like real estate, but risky for sending money to someone you do not know well.
Call your bank or log into your account to find out their wire transfer fee and whether they charge extra for same-day delivery. Some banks offer one free wire transfer per month or waive the fee if you maintain a high balance.
ACH transfers: free and standard, but slower
An ACH transfer (Automated Clearing House) is the standard way banks move money between accounts. It is free or costs $1 to $3, takes three to five business days, and works through the Federal Reserve's clearing system. You set it up through your bank's website or app by entering the recipient's name, routing number, and account number, then selecting the amount and date.
Because ACH transfers move through a standardized network, they are safer than wire transfers if you make a mistake—your bank can often stop the transfer before it leaves, or reverse it afterward if the recipient agrees. The downside is the wait: if someone needs money today, ACH will not work. Weekends and bank holidays add extra days, so a transfer you send on Friday afternoon might not arrive until the following Wednesday.
Most banks let you set up recurring ACH transfers (for rent, loan payments, or regular support) without any extra cost. Check your bank's website under "Send Money" or "Bill Pay" to start an ACH transfer.
Peer-to-peer payment apps: when ready between users, slower to bank accounts
Apps like Venmo, PayPal, Cash App, and Zelle move money when ready between people who use the same app, but the process is different if the recipient does not have the app or wants the money in their bank account instead of the app's wallet.
If both people have the app, the money arrives when ready and is usually free. If you are sending to someone without the app, or if they want the money moved to their bank account, the app will initiate an ACH transfer on their behalf, which takes one to three business days. Some apps charge a fee (usually 1 to 3 percent) if you want the money to arrive faster, or if you are using a credit card instead of a bank account to fund the transfer.
Payment apps are convenient for splitting bills or sending money to friends, but read the app's terms carefully—some have limits on how much you can send per day or per month, and some hold the money for a period of time if this is your first transfer to that person.
Checks: free but the slowest option
Writing a check is free and requires nothing but the recipient's name and mailing address. The recipient deposits it at their bank, and it takes five to ten business days to clear. Checks are useful if you do not have the recipient's account details, if they prefer not to share their banking information, or if you are sending a large amount and want a paper record.
The main risk is that a check can be lost in the mail or delayed by the recipient's bank. If the check does not arrive, you can stop payment through your bank (usually for $25 to $35) and issue a new one. Never send cash through the mail—it cannot be replaced if it is lost or stolen.
What information you need to send money
| Method | Information needed | Cost | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wire transfer | Full name, routing number, account number | $15–$50 | Same day or next day |
| ACH transfer | Full name, routing number, account number | Free–$3 | 3–5 business days |
| Payment app | Username or phone number (if both have app); routing and account number if sending to bank account | Free–3% | when ready (app to app) or 1–3 days (to bank account) |
| Check | Full name and mailing address | Free | 5–10 business days |
How to find routing and account numbers
Your routing number appears on the bottom left of your checks, or you can find it on your bank's website or by calling customer service. Your account number is also on your checks (bottom center) or in your online banking portal. If you are sending money to someone else, ask them for these numbers directly—never rely on a number someone sends you by text or email without confirming it with them first.
Some banks use different routing numbers for different types of transfers (wire versus ACH), so double-check with your bank or the recipient's bank if you are unsure which number to use. Entering the wrong routing or account number will cause the transfer to fail or go to the wrong account, which is why wire transfers are risky—ACH transfers can usually be reversed, but wires cannot.
What to do if you send money to the wrong account
If you realize you made a mistake when ready, contact your bank right away. For ACH transfers, your bank can often stop the transfer before it leaves or request a reversal from the receiving bank. For wire transfers, your bank can attempt a recall, but success is not may provide—if the receiving bank has already accepted the funds, you may have no recourse.
If the money went to the wrong person, you can ask your bank to contact the receiving bank and request the funds back, but this requires the cooperation of both banks and the account holder. In some cases, you may need to file a dispute or report fraud to your bank. Keep records of the transfer (confirmation number, date, amount) and any communication with the recipient or their bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send money to a bank account without knowing the account number?
Not through a wire or ACH transfer—you need the routing number and account number. With a check, you only need the recipient's name and address. Some payment apps let you send money using just a phone number or username if the recipient is also on the app, but if they want it in their bank account, you will eventually need their account details.
How long does a wire transfer actually take?
Domestic wire transfers usually arrive the same business day if you send them before your bank's cutoff time (often 2 or 3 p.m.). If you send after the cutoff, the money arrives the next business day. International wires take one to three business days depending on the receiving country and bank.
Is it safe to give someone my routing and account number?
Your routing number is public information—it appears on every check and is listed on your bank's website. Your account number is more sensitive, but giving it to someone you trust for the purpose of receiving a transfer is standard practice. Never give these numbers to someone who contacts you unexpectedly claiming to be from your bank or a government agency.
What happens if I send money to someone and they do not send it back?
Once the money arrives in their account, it is legally theirs. If you sent it by mistake or under false pretenses, you would need to pursue a civil claim or report fraud to police, but your bank cannot force the recipient to return it. This is why it is important to confirm details before sending, especially large amounts.
Can I cancel a transfer after I have sent it?
ACH transfers can sometimes be stopped if you contact your bank within a few hours of sending. Wire transfers cannot be reliably stopped once they have been sent. Payment apps vary—some allow you to cancel if the recipient has not accepted the money yet. Always contact your bank when ready if you need to cancel.