How to Send Money to Another Bank Account

The three main ways to move money between accounts

You can send money to another bank account in three ways: a wire transfer, an ACH transfer, or a debit card payment. Wire transfers are fastest but cost money. ACH transfers are free or cheap and take a few business days. Debit card payments work only if the other person or business accepts them. Which one you use depends on how fast you need the money to arrive, whether you know the account details, and what the recipient accepts.

All three methods move money from your account to someone else's account at the same bank or a different bank. You'll need either the recipient's account number and routing number, or their debit card number, or their username if you're using a payment app.

Key Takeaways

Wire transfers arrive within hours but typically cost $15 to $30 and cannot be reversed once sent.
ACH transfers are free or cost $1 to $3, take three to five business days, and can be reversed if there's an error.
Debit card payments work when ready if the recipient accepts them, but you need their card number and they must be a business or person set up to receive them.
You'll need the recipient's account number and routing number for wire and ACH transfers, or their debit card number for card payments.
Your bank's website or mobile app is the fastest way to send money; you can also call your bank or visit a branch in person.

Wire transfers: fastest but not reversible

A wire transfer moves money from your bank account to another account within hours, usually by the same business day if you send it before your bank's cutoff time (often 2 p.m. or 3 p.m.). Wire transfers cost between $15 and $30 depending on your bank, and they cannot be reversed once the money leaves your account. This makes them useful for urgent payments but risky if you make a mistake with the account number.

To send a wire transfer, you'll need the recipient's full name, account number, routing number, and the name of their bank. Some banks also ask for the recipient's address. You can start a wire transfer online through your bank's website or app, by phone, or by visiting a branch in person. Your bank will confirm all the details before sending the money.

Wire transfers work between any two banks in the United States. If you're sending money outside the country, the process is similar but takes longer and may cost more; ask your bank about international wire fees before you send.

ACH transfers: free or low-cost and reversible

An ACH transfer (Automated Clearing House) moves money between bank accounts through a network that processes transfers in batches. ACH transfers are free at most banks, or cost $1 to $3 if your bank charges a fee. They take three to five business days to arrive, which is slower than a wire transfer but acceptable for most everyday payments like rent, bills, or money to a friend.

The main advantage of an ACH transfer is that it can be reversed if you make a mistake or if the recipient's account is closed. You have a window of time (usually a few days) to contact your bank and stop the transfer if something goes wrong. This makes ACH transfers safer than wire transfers for payments to people you don't know well or when you're unsure about the account details.

To send an ACH transfer, you need the recipient's account number and routing number, just like a wire transfer. You can set up an ACH transfer through your bank's website, app, or by calling your bank. Many banks also let you set up recurring ACH transfers if you send money to the same person or business regularly, such as a landlord or loan servicer.

Debit card payments: when ready but limited

If the person or business you're sending money to accepts debit card payments, you can pay them directly using their card number, expiration date, and CVV (the three-digit code on the back). This method is when ready — the money arrives right away — and works whether you're both at the same bank or different banks. However, debit card payments only work if the recipient is set up to receive them, which is common for businesses but rare for individuals.

Debit card payments are most useful for paying bills online, buying things from a store or website, or sending money to a business. If you're sending money to a friend or family member, they would need to have a business account or use a payment app that accepts card payments. For personal transfers between individuals, ACH transfers or payment apps like Venmo or PayPal are more common.

Using your bank's website or app

The fastest way to send money is through your bank's website or mobile app. Log in, look for a section called "Send Money," "Transfers," "Pay Someone," or "Bill Pay." You'll enter the recipient's information (account number and routing number for ACH or wire, or card number for a card payment), the amount, and when you want the money to arrive. Review all the details carefully before you confirm, because some transfers cannot be reversed.

Most banks show you the fee (if any) and the expected arrival date before you send. If you're not sure whether you're setting up an ACH transfer or a wire transfer, your bank's website usually tells you which one it's using based on the speed you choose. "Standard" or "3-5 business days" means ACH. "Next business day" or "same day" means wire transfer.

Sending money by phone or in person

If you're not comfortable using your bank's website or app, you can call your bank's customer service number (on the back of your debit card) and ask to send money. A representative will walk you through the process and confirm all the details before the transfer goes out. This takes longer than using the app — usually 10 to 20 minutes — but it's a safe option if you want someone to double-check your work.

You can also visit a branch in person and ask a teller to help you send money. Bring the recipient's account number and routing number, or their debit card number, and the amount you want to send. The teller will enter the information into the system and confirm the details with you before processing the transfer. In-person transfers take about 10 to 15 minutes.

What information you need before you start

Before you send money, gather the right information based on the type of transfer. For an ACH transfer or wire transfer, you need the recipient's full name (exactly as it appears on their account), 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 a check, on the bank's website, or by calling the bank.

For a debit card payment, you need the recipient's card number, expiration date, and CVV. For a payment app like Venmo or PayPal, you need their username or email address. Double-check all numbers before you send, because a wrong digit in the account number or routing number will send your money to the wrong place, and wire transfers cannot be reversed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for money to arrive?

Wire transfers arrive within hours, usually the same business day. ACH transfers take three to five business days. Debit card payments are when ready. Weekends and holidays can delay ACH transfers, so a transfer sent on Friday may not arrive until Tuesday.

Can I cancel a transfer after I send it?

Wire transfers cannot be cancelled once they leave your bank. ACH transfers can usually be cancelled within a few hours of sending, but you must contact your bank when ready. Debit card payments cannot be cancelled. If you make a mistake, call your bank right away.

What if I send money to the wrong account number?

For ACH transfers, contact your bank within a few days and they may be able to reverse it. For wire transfers, call your bank when ready, but they may not be able to recover the money. This is why it's important to double-check the account number before you send.

Do I need to know the recipient's name to send money?

For wire transfers and ACH transfers, yes — you need their full name as it appears on their account. For debit card payments, you only need the card number. Some banks ask you to verify the recipient's name matches the account before the transfer goes through.

Is there a limit to how much money I can send?

Most banks set daily and monthly limits on transfers, which vary by bank and account type. Your bank's website or app will show your limit when you start a transfer. If you need to send more, contact your bank to ask about raising your limit.

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.