The simplest way to send money to a bank account
The fastest and cheapest way to send money to someone's bank account is a bank transfer — also called an ACH transfer or wire transfer, depending on how fast you need it to go. You start in your own bank's app or website, enter the person's name and account number, choose how much to send, and confirm. The money moves from your account to theirs, usually within one to three business days.
You do not need to know the person's password, and they do not need to do anything on their end. The money lands in their account automatically. Most banks let you do this for free if you are sending to another account at the same bank, or for a small fee (usually $0 to $3) if you are sending to a different bank.
The main catch: you need the person's correct account number and routing number. If you get either one wrong, the money can go to the wrong account, and getting it back takes time. Always double-check both numbers before you confirm the transfer.
Key Takeaways
- Bank transfers move money directly from your account to someone else's, usually within one to three business days, and cost nothing or a few dollars.
- You need the recipient's full name, account number, and routing number — get these from them directly or from their bank statement, not from a text or email.
- If you send to the wrong account by mistake, contact your bank when ready; recovery is possible but slow.
- Wire transfers are faster (same day or next day) but cost more ($15 to $50) and cannot be reversed, so use them only when you are certain of the account details.
- If you do not have a bank account yet, you can still send money through a money transfer service, though it will cost more and take longer.
What information you need before you start
Before you open your bank's app or website, gather the recipient's banking details. You need three pieces of information: their full name (exactly as it appears on their account), their account number, and their routing number.
The safest way to get this information is to ask the person directly and have them read it to you or send it through a find message. You can also ask them to take a photo of a blank check — the routing number is the nine-digit code at the bottom left, and the account number is at the bottom center. If they do not have checks, they can log into their own bank's app and find both numbers in the account details section.
Never copy banking details from a text message, email, or social media post, even if it seems to come from someone you know. Scammers can intercept these messages or create fake ones. If someone sends you their account details this way, ask them to confirm it in person or over the phone before you send any money.
How to send money through your bank's website or app
Log into your bank account online or through the mobile app. Look for a button or menu option that says "Send Money," "Transfer," "Pay," or "Move Money." Different banks use different names, but the option is usually on the main dashboard or in a menu labeled "Transfers."
Click that option and choose "Transfer to Another Bank" or "External Transfer" (if you are sending to a different bank) or "Transfer Between My Accounts" (if you are sending to another account at the same bank). The bank will then ask you to enter the recipient's information: their name, account number, and routing number.
Enter the amount you want to send. Double-check the account number and routing number one more time — this is the most important step, because a mistake here means the money goes to the wrong place. Then review the total, confirm the transfer, and the bank will show you a confirmation number. Write this down or take a screenshot.
The money usually leaves your account right away, but it may take one to three business days to appear in the recipient's account. Some banks offer faster transfers for an extra fee, but the standard free transfer is the most common option.
Wire transfers: faster but more expensive and permanent
A wire transfer is different from a regular bank transfer. It moves money the same day or next business day, but it costs more (usually $15 to $50) and cannot be reversed once it is sent. Use a wire transfer only when you need the money to arrive urgently and you are completely certain the account details are correct.
To send a wire transfer, call your bank or go to a branch in person. You cannot usually do it through the app. Tell the bank representative you want to send a wire transfer, and give them the recipient's name, account number, routing number, and the amount. The bank will charge a fee and deduct both the fee and the transfer amount from your account.
Wire transfers are common for large purchases (like a down payment on a house) or time-sensitive payments, but they are not necessary for everyday money transfers between friends or family. Stick with a regular bank transfer unless there is a specific reason you need the money to arrive the same day.
What to do if you sent money to the wrong account
If you realize you made a mistake with the account number or routing number, contact your bank when ready — the same day if possible. The sooner you report it, the better your chances of stopping the transfer or recovering the money.
If the transfer has not yet left your account, your bank may be able to cancel it. If it has already gone through, your bank can file a recall request with the other bank, asking them to return the money. This process usually takes five to ten business days, and there is no may provide the other bank will comply, especially if the recipient has already spent the money.
If the money was sent by wire transfer, recovery is much harder. Wire transfers cannot be reversed, so your only option is to contact the recipient directly and ask them to send the money back. If they refuse or you cannot reach them, you may need to report it to your bank and local law enforcement.
Alternatives if you do not have a bank account
If you do not have a bank account yet, you can still send money to someone else's account using a money transfer service. Services like MoneyGram, Western Union, and Wise let you send money online or in person, and the recipient can pick it up or have it deposited into their bank account.
These services charge higher fees than a bank transfer (often $5 to $20 or more, depending on the amount) and may take longer to deliver the money. But they work if you do not have a bank account or if you need to send money to someone in another country.
If you are sending money regularly, opening a bank account is usually cheaper and faster in the long run. Many banks offer accounts with no monthly fee, and some have no minimum balance requirement. Once you have an account, bank transfers become your cheapest option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send money to someone if I only know their name and bank name?
No. You need their account number and routing number. Knowing only their name and bank is not enough — many people have accounts at the same bank, and without the account number, the bank will not know which account to send the money to. Always ask for both numbers before you start the transfer.
How long does a bank transfer usually take?
One to three business days is standard. Weekends and bank holidays do not count as business days, so a transfer sent on Friday may not arrive until Tuesday. Some banks offer faster transfers for a fee, but the free option is the most common.
What if the recipient's name on their account is slightly different from what they told me?
Use the name exactly as it appears on their account — the one they gave you from their bank statement or check. Banks match the name you enter to the account, and a mismatch can cause the transfer to fail or be delayed. If you are unsure, ask the recipient to confirm the exact spelling and order of their name on their account.
Is it safe to send money through a bank transfer?
Bank transfers are safe as long as you send the money to the correct account. The main risk is sending to the wrong account by mistake. Once the money arrives in someone else's account, recovery is slow and not may provide. Always verify the account number and routing number before you confirm.
Can I cancel a bank transfer after I send it?
It depends on timing. If you catch the mistake before the transfer leaves your account, your bank can cancel it. Once it has been sent, your bank can file a recall request, but the other bank is not required to return the money. Wire transfers cannot be cancelled at all. Contact your bank as soon as you realize the mistake.