The basic steps to send money from your account
Sending money from your bank account means moving funds to someone else's account — either at your bank or at a different bank. The most common methods are wire transfers, ACH transfers (also called electronic transfers), and bill pay. Wire transfers move money the fastest but cost more. ACH transfers are slower but usually free. Bill pay lets you send money directly to a company or person's mailing address.
Before you send money any way, you need the recipient's information. For a wire transfer or ACH transfer to a bank account, you need their full name, account number, and routing number (a nine-digit code that identifies their bank). For bill pay, you need their mailing address or account number with them. Always double-check this information — sending money to the wrong account is difficult to reverse.
Key Takeaways
- Wire transfers move money the same day or next day but usually cost $15 to $30 per transfer.
- ACH transfers are free or low-cost but take three to five business days to reach the other account.
- Bill pay sends a check or electronic payment to a company or person's address and takes five to ten business days.
- You need the recipient's routing number and account number for wire and ACH transfers, or their mailing address for bill pay.
- Always verify the recipient's information before sending — reversing a transfer to the wrong account is hard and may not be possible.
Wire transfers: fastest but most expensive
A wire transfer moves money directly from your account to another account, usually the same day or next business day. Banks charge a fee — typically $15 to $30 — because the transfer is fast and final. Once the money leaves your account, you cannot cancel it.
To send a wire transfer, go to your bank in person, call them, or use online banking if your bank offers it. You will need the recipient's name, account number, routing number, and the amount. Some banks also ask for the recipient's address. The bank will confirm the details with you before processing. Ask how long it will take — same-day transfers usually have a cutoff time (often 2 or 3 p.m.), and transfers sent after that may not go until the next day.
Wire transfers are best for large amounts, urgent payments, or when you need the money to arrive quickly. They are not ideal for small regular payments because the fee adds up.
ACH transfers: free or low-cost and slower
An ACH transfer (Automated Clearing House) is an electronic transfer between bank accounts that takes three to five business days. Most banks offer ACH transfers free or for a small fee (under $2). Because the transfer is slower, the bank has time to verify the information, which makes it safer than a wire transfer.
You can set up an ACH transfer through online banking, by phone, or in person. You need the recipient's name, account number, and routing number. Some banks let you save a recipient's information so you can send money to them again without re-entering everything. If you are sending money to a person (not a company), ask your bank whether they can process it — some banks only do ACH transfers to other bank accounts, not to individuals.
ACH transfers work well for regular bills, rent, or sending money to family when you are not in a hurry. Because they are free, they are the cheapest option for small amounts.
Bill pay: paying companies and people by mail
Bill pay is a service where your bank sends a check or electronic payment on your behalf. You tell the bank who to pay, how much, and when. The payment reaches the recipient in five to ten business days (or longer if you schedule it in advance). Most banks offer bill pay free to checking account holders.
Bill pay works for paying companies (utilities, credit cards, insurance) and for sending money to individuals. For a company, you enter their name and account number with them. For a person, you enter their mailing address and the bank mails a check. You can schedule bill pay for a specific date, which is useful if you want to make sure a payment arrives by a certain day.
Bill pay is slower than wire or ACH transfers, but it is free and works even if you do not have the recipient's bank account information. It is a good choice for paying regular bills or sending money to someone without a bank account.
Comparing the three methods
| Method | Speed | Cost | What you need | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wire transfer | Same day or next day | $15–$30 | Routing number, account number | Urgent or large payments |
| ACH transfer | 3–5 business days | Free or under $2 | Routing number, account number | Regular bills, family transfers |
| Bill pay | 5–10 business days | Free | Mailing address or account number | Companies, people without bank accounts |
What information you need before you send
The information you need depends on the method. For wire transfers and ACH transfers, you need the recipient's routing number and account number. The routing number identifies the bank; the account number identifies the specific account within that bank. You can find both on a check, or ask the recipient directly. If you are sending to a company, they may list this information on their website or invoice.
For bill pay, you need the recipient's mailing address (for a check) or their account number with the company (for electronic payment). If you are paying a utility or credit card company, you can usually find the address on your bill.
Always ask the recipient to confirm their information before you send. A wrong routing number or account number means the money goes to the wrong place, and reversing it can take weeks or may not be possible at all.
How to send money through your bank's website or app
Most banks let you send money online. Log into your account and look for a button or menu labeled "Send Money," "Transfer," "Pay," or "Bill Pay." The exact name varies by bank. Click it and you will usually see options for wire transfer, ACH transfer, or bill pay.
Choose the method you want, then enter the recipient's information. The bank will show you a summary of the transfer before you confirm — read it carefully to make sure the amount and recipient are correct. Once you confirm, the transfer is usually final and cannot be cancelled. Some banks let you cancel a transfer within a few hours if you change your mind, but do not count on it.
If you do not see a "send money" option in your online banking, call your bank or visit a branch. Not all banks offer all methods online, and some require you to set up a transfer in person the first time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send money to someone at a different bank?
Yes. Wire transfers and ACH transfers both work between different banks. Bill pay also works — the bank sends a check or electronic payment to any address or company. You just need the recipient's routing number and account number for wire or ACH, or their mailing address for bill pay.
What happens if I send money to the wrong account?
Contact your bank when ready. For wire transfers, the money is usually final and cannot be reversed — the bank can ask the other bank to return it, but the other bank is not required to. For ACH transfers, you have more time to dispute it, and the bank may be able to recall the transfer. For bill pay, contact your bank and the recipient right away. The sooner you report it, the better your chances of recovery.
How do I know if the transfer went through?
Check your account online or call your bank. Your account will show the transfer as pending, then as completed once it processes. For wire transfers, this usually happens the same day or next day. For ACH transfers, it takes three to five business days. For bill pay, it takes five to ten business days. The recipient's bank will also show the deposit in their account once it arrives.
Can I cancel a transfer after I send it?
It depends on the method and how fast you act. Wire transfers are usually final once sent. ACH transfers can sometimes be recalled within a few hours. Bill pay can be cancelled if you contact your bank before the check is mailed or the payment is sent. Call your bank when ready if you need to cancel — do not wait.
Do I need a special account to send money?
No. Any checking or savings account can send money through wire transfer, ACH transfer, or bill pay. Your bank may charge a fee for wire transfers, but ACH and bill pay are usually free. Ask your bank what methods are available on your account type.