The three ways to move money into someone else's account

You can send money to another person's bank account through a wire transfer, an ACH transfer, or a peer-to-peer payment app. Wire transfers move money the same day but cost $15 to $50. ACH transfers take three to five business days and usually cost nothing. Peer-to-peer apps like Venmo or PayPal are free or nearly free but move money between app accounts first, then to a bank account afterward.

Which one you use depends on how fast you need the money to arrive, whether you know the person's full bank details, and what your bank offers. If you need money there today and the recipient is across the country, wire transfer is your only option. If you have a few days and want to avoid fees, ACH is standard. If you're sending to someone you know and both of you use the same app, peer-to-peer is usually fastest and easiest.

Key Takeaways

  • Wire transfers deliver money the same business day but cost $15 to $50 and require the recipient's full bank routing number and account number.
  • ACH transfers are free or low-cost, take three to five business days, and are the standard way banks move money between accounts.
  • Peer-to-peer apps move money when ready between app users but may take one to three days to reach a bank account, and work best when both people have the same app.
  • You initiate all three from your bank's website, mobile app, or by calling your bank directly.
  • The recipient does not need to do anything — the money arrives in their account automatically once the transfer clears.

Wire transfers: same-day delivery at a cost

A wire transfer moves money directly from your bank account to another person's bank account on the same business day. Your bank deducts the money when ready, and the recipient's bank receives it by the end of that business day or early the next morning. Wire transfers are the fastest option and the only one that guarantees same-day arrival.

To send a wire, you need the recipient's full legal name, their bank's routing number (a nine-digit code that identifies the bank), their account number, and the account type (checking or savings). You can find this information on a check, ask the person directly, or call their bank. You initiate the wire through your bank's website, mobile app, or by visiting a branch or calling. Most banks charge $15 to $50 per outgoing wire transfer.

Wire transfers are irreversible once sent. If you send money to the wrong account, you cannot get it back through your bank — you have to contact the recipient's bank and ask them to return it, which they are not required to do. Double-check the account number and routing number before you confirm the transfer.

ACH transfers: free and standard, but slower

An ACH transfer (Automated Clearing House) is how most banks move money between accounts. It takes three to five business days and costs nothing or a small fee depending on your bank. ACH is the standard method banks use, so nearly every bank account in the United States can receive one.

You need the same information as a wire transfer: the recipient's name, routing number, account number, and account type. You set it up through your bank's website or app, and your bank pulls the money from your account when ready, but the recipient's bank does not receive it until the clearing house processes the batch. This usually happens overnight, but the receiving bank may hold the money for a day or two before crediting the account, especially if the amount is large or the account is new.

ACH transfers are reversible for a limited time. If you send money to the wrong account, you can contact your bank and request a reversal within a few days. The receiving bank must attempt to return the money, though the process takes time. This makes ACH safer than wire transfer if you are unsure about the account details.

Peer-to-peer apps: when ready between users, slower to bank accounts

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 same app and linked bank accounts, the money moves between your app accounts when ready. Transferring that money from the app to a bank account takes one to three business days and may cost a small fee.

Peer-to-peer apps are convenient when you and the recipient both use the same platform. You do not need to know their bank details — just their phone number or email. The recipient sees the money in their app account right away and can transfer it to their bank account whenever they want. Some apps, like Zelle, are built into many banks' mobile apps, so you may already have access without downloading anything extra.

The downside is that both people need to use the same app. If you want to send money to someone who does not have Venmo, you cannot use Venmo to do it. Also, the money sits in the app account until the recipient moves it to their bank, so if they do not check their app for days, they may not realize the money arrived.

How to send money through your bank's website or app

Most banks let you send ACH transfers and wire transfers directly from their website or mobile app. Log in to your account, look for a section called "Send Money," "Transfer Funds," "Pay to Another Account," or "External Transfers." Enter the recipient's name, routing number, account number, and account type. Choose the transfer type (wire or ACH), enter the amount, and review the details before confirming.

Your bank will ask you to name the recipient so you can find the transfer later — for example, "Sarah's Rent" or "Medical Bill Payment." This label appears in your transaction history but not in the recipient's account. Some banks require you to verify a new recipient's account before sending large amounts, which means they send a small deposit (usually under $1) to the account and ask you to confirm the amount. This takes one to two business days.

If you cannot find the transfer option online or prefer to speak with someone, call your bank's customer service line. A representative can walk you through the process or send the money for you over the phone. Banks also allow wire transfers at physical branches, though this usually requires an appointment or a long wait.

What information you need and where to find it

To send money to a bank account, you need four pieces of information: the recipient's full legal name (as it appears on their bank account), their bank's routing number, their account number, and the account type (checking or savings).

The easiest way to get this information is to ask the person directly. They can find it on a check from their account — the routing number is the first nine digits at the bottom left, and the account number is the second set of digits. They can also log into their bank's app or website and find it in the account details section. If they do not have a check or access to their account, they can call their bank and ask for their routing number and account number.

If you are sending money to a business, ask them for their banking details. Most businesses have a standard form or email address for payment instructions. Do not guess or use information from a website — always ask the business directly or call their main number to confirm.

Timing: when the money actually arrives

Wire transfers arrive the same business day if you send before your bank's cutoff time, usually 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. If you send after the cutoff, the money arrives the next business day. Weekends and bank holidays do not count as business days, so a wire sent on Friday afternoon may not arrive until Monday.

ACH transfers take three to five business days from the time you send them. Your bank pulls the money from your account when ready, but the clearing house batches transfers and processes them overnight. The receiving bank then credits the account, which may take another day or two. Some banks offer "next-day ACH," which arrives the next business day, but this is not standard and may cost extra.

Peer-to-peer app transfers between app users are when ready. Transfers from an app account to a bank account take one to three business days, depending on the app and the receiving bank. Weekend and holiday delays explore here too.

Fees and what to watch for

Wire transfers cost $15 to $50 per transfer, depending on your bank. Some banks charge less for domestic wires (within the United States) and more for international wires. A few banks offer free wire transfers if you maintain a high balance or have a premium account, so check your account terms.

ACH transfers are free at most banks. Some banks charge a small fee ($1 to $3) for outgoing ACH transfers, and a few charge for incoming transfers, though this is rare. Check your bank's fee schedule or ask a representative.

Peer-to-peer apps are usually free when you transfer money between app users. Transferring from an app to a bank account may cost $0.25 to $2.50, depending on the app. Some apps charge a percentage fee (1% to 3%) for when ready transfers or for using a credit card instead of a bank account. Read the app's fee disclosure before you send.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I send money to someone at a different bank?

Yes. Wire transfers and ACH transfers work between any banks in the United States. Peer-to-peer apps only work if both people have the same app, unless the app is connected to the banking system (like Zelle, which works across many banks).

What happens if I send money to the wrong account number?

With a wire transfer, the money goes to that account and you cannot reverse it. You must contact the receiving bank and ask them to return it, but they are not required to. With an ACH transfer, you can ask your bank to reverse it within a few days. With peer-to-peer apps, the money goes to the wrong person's app account, and you must contact them or the app's support team to get it back.

How do I know if the money arrived?

Check your bank account or app — you will see the transfer listed in your transaction history with a status like "pending," "processing," or "complete." The recipient can check their own account to see when the money arrived. You can also call your bank or the recipient's bank to confirm.

Can I cancel a transfer after I send it?

Wire transfers cannot be cancelled once sent. ACH transfers can sometimes be cancelled within a few hours of sending, depending on your bank — call when ready if you need to stop one. Peer-to-peer app transfers between app users are when ready and cannot be cancelled, but transfers to a bank account may be cancellable for a short window.

Do I need the recipient's permission to send them money?

No. You can send money to any account as long as you have the correct routing number and account number. The recipient does not need to do anything — the money arrives automatically. However, if you are sending a large amount or the account is new, the receiving bank may hold the money temporarily or contact the account holder to verify.