How to Send Money to Someone's Bank Account

The most direct way is a bank transfer through your own bank's website or app

If both you and the person receiving the money have bank accounts, the simplest route is to send money directly from your bank. You log into your bank's online platform, enter the recipient's name and account details, choose the amount, and initiate the transfer. The money moves through the banking system and lands in their account—usually within one to three business days, depending on whether both banks are in the same country.

Your bank calls this by different names: a wire transfer, an ACH transfer (in the US), a bank-to-bank transfer, or an electronic funds transfer. The mechanics are the same: you're moving money from your account to theirs through the banking network. You'll need the recipient's full name, account number, and routing number (in the US) or equivalent banking details for their country.

This method works whether the recipient's bank is the same as yours or different. If it's the same bank, the transfer often completes the same day. If it's a different bank, it typically takes one to three business days for the money to clear.

Key Takeaways

Bank transfers through your own bank's website or app are the fastest and cheapest way to send money to someone with a bank account.
You need the recipient's full name, account number, and routing number (or equivalent banking details for their country).
Transfers between accounts at the same bank often complete the same day; transfers between different banks usually take one to three business days.
Wire transfers cost money (typically $15 to $30 per transfer), while ACH transfers are often free or cost $1 to $3.
If you don't know the recipient's banking details, you can ask them directly or use a payment app that lets you send money by email or phone number instead.

What information you need from the recipient

Before you can send money, you need the recipient's banking details. At minimum, ask for their full name (exactly as it appears on their account), their account number, and their bank's routing number. In the US, the routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies the bank. If the recipient is outside the US, you'll need their IBAN (International Bank Account Number) or SWIFT code instead.

If you're unsure what to ask for, your own bank's website usually has a template or a help section that lists exactly what you need. Many banks have a "send money" or "transfer funds" page that walks you through the required fields. The recipient can find their own routing number on the bottom left of their checks, or by logging into their bank's website or calling their bank directly.

Double-check the details before you send. A typo in the account number or routing number can send the money to the wrong account, and recovering it can take weeks or be impossible.

The difference between wire transfers and ACH transfers

Your bank likely offers two types of transfers: wire transfers and ACH transfers. Both move money from your account to someone else's, but they work differently and cost different amounts.

An ACH transfer (Automated Clearing House) is the standard way most people send money between US bank accounts. It's slow but cheap. The money takes one to three business days to arrive, and your bank charges little or nothing—often free, sometimes $1 to $3. ACH transfers are reversible if something goes wrong; your bank can pull the money back within a certain window.

A wire transfer is faster but more expensive and harder to reverse. The money usually arrives the same day or the next business day, but your bank charges $15 to $30 per transfer. Once the money leaves your account, it's gone—if you send it to the wrong account, you may not be able to get it back. Wire transfers are best for large amounts or time-sensitive payments.

For most everyday payments to someone you know, ACH is the right choice. Use wire transfer only if you need the money to arrive urgently or if the recipient's bank doesn't accept ACH transfers.

How long the money takes to arrive

Timing depends on which type of transfer you use and whether both banks are in the US.

An ACH transfer between two US banks takes one to three business days. If you send money on a Friday evening, it won't arrive until Tuesday or Wednesday (Monday is a business day, but the banking system doesn't process transfers over the weekend). If you send it on a weekday morning, it usually arrives within two business days.

A wire transfer between two US banks usually arrives the same day if you send it before your bank's cutoff time (often 2 or 3 p.m.), or the next business day if you send it after. International wire transfers take longer—typically three to five business days—because the money has to move through multiple banks and currency systems.

If you're sending money to someone outside the US, ask your bank which method they recommend. Some banks offer international ACH transfers, which are slower but cheaper than wire transfers. Others only offer wire transfers for international payments.

Sending money through a payment app instead of your bank

If you don't have the recipient's banking details, or if you want to avoid your bank's transfer fees, you can use a payment app like Venmo, PayPal, Square Cash, or Zelle. These apps let you send money using just the recipient's email address or phone number, and they often have lower fees or no fees at all.

The catch: the recipient has to have an account with the same app. If they use Venmo and you use PayPal, you can't send money directly between the apps. You'd have to transfer the money from PayPal to your bank account first, then send it from your bank to their account—which defeats the purpose.

Payment apps work by linking to your bank account. When you send money through the app, it pulls the funds from your linked bank account and deposits them into the recipient's linked account. The money usually arrives within one to three business days, the same as an ACH transfer, because that's what's happening behind the scenes.

Payment apps are convenient for small, regular payments to people you know—splitting rent, paying back a friend for dinner, sending money to family. For larger amounts or one-time payments to someone you don't know well, a direct bank transfer is safer because you have a clear record with your own bank.

What happens if you send money to the wrong account

If you make a mistake with the account number or routing number, the money might go to someone else's account. What happens next depends on the type of transfer and how quickly you notice the error.

With an ACH transfer, you have a window of time (usually a few days) to contact your bank and ask them to reverse the transfer. Your bank can attempt to recall the money, but they can't force the other bank to return it. If the recipient has already spent the money, recovery is difficult.

With a wire transfer, reversal is much harder. Once the money leaves your bank, it's in the recipient's account and the transfer is final. Your bank can contact the receiving bank and ask them to return the funds, but they have no legal obligation to do so. If the recipient won't cooperate, you may have no way to recover the money.

This is why it's critical to verify the account number and routing number before you send, especially for large amounts. Ask the recipient to confirm the details, or have them send you a photo of a check or a bank statement showing their account number.

Sending money internationally

If the recipient's bank account is outside the US, you'll need their IBAN (International Bank Account Number) or SWIFT code instead of a routing number. These codes identify their bank and account in the international banking system.

International transfers are slower and more expensive than domestic ones. A wire transfer typically takes three to five business days and costs $25 to $50. Your bank may also explore an exchange rate that's less favorable than the real market rate, which effectively charges you extra.

Some banks offer international ACH transfers, which are cheaper but slower—sometimes taking a week or more. Before you send, ask your bank what options they offer and what the total cost will be, including any exchange rate markup.

For regular international transfers, some people use specialized money transfer services like Wise (formerly TransferWise) or OFX, which often offer better exchange rates and lower fees than traditional banks. These services work similarly to payment apps: you link your bank account, enter the recipient's banking details, and the money moves through their system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I send money to a savings account, or does it have to be a checking account?

You can send money to either a savings account or a checking account. The account type doesn't matter—as long as the account number and routing number are correct, the money will arrive. Ask the recipient which account they want the money sent to, and use those details.

What if the recipient's name on their account doesn't match their legal name?

Use the name exactly as it appears on their bank account, not their legal name or nickname. Banks match the name you provide against the account holder's name in their system. If the names don't match, the transfer may be rejected or delayed. When in doubt, ask the recipient how their name appears on their account.

Do I need to tell the recipient I'm sending money before I send it?

It's a good idea to let them know, especially if it's a large amount or if they're not expecting it. That way, they know to watch for the transfer and can confirm it arrived. It also gives you a chance to verify their banking details before you send.

Can I cancel a transfer after I've sent it?

With an ACH transfer, you may be able to cancel it within a few hours of sending, depending on your bank. Contact your bank when ready if you need to stop a transfer. With a wire transfer, cancellation is usually not possible once the money has left your account. This is another reason to double-check the details before you send.

Will the recipient see my name and account information?

Yes. When you send money through a bank transfer, the recipient's bank shows them your name and sometimes a reference note you include. They won't see your full account number, but they will see your name. Payment apps work the same way—the recipient knows who sent the money.

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.