The main ways to move money between your own bank accounts

You can move money between banks in four ways: an ACH transfer (the slowest but free option), a wire transfer (fast but costs money), a debit card transfer (when ready if both banks are linked), or by writing a check. Which one you use depends on how fast you need the money to arrive and whether you're moving it between your own accounts or sending it to someone else.

If the money is going to another person, you'll need their bank details. If it's your own money moving between accounts you control, the process is simpler — you just need the account and routing numbers.

Key Takeaways

  • ACH transfers are free and work between any U.S. banks, but take three to five business days to complete.
  • Wire transfers arrive the same day or next business day, but cost between $15 and $30 depending on your bank.
  • Debit card transfers are when ready if both banks are linked to the same card network, but only work for your own accounts.
  • You start a transfer through your bank's website, mobile app, or by calling customer service — you do not need to visit a branch.

ACH transfers: free but slower

An ACH transfer (Automated Clearing House) is the standard way banks move money between accounts. It's free, works between any U.S. banks, and requires nothing but account numbers. The catch is timing: ACH transfers take three to five business days. Weekends and federal holidays don't count, so a transfer you start on Friday afternoon won't land until Wednesday or Thursday.

You start an ACH transfer through your bank's website or app. Log in, find the "transfer" or "send money" section, enter the receiving bank's name and the account number, and choose the amount. Your bank will ask for the receiving bank's routing number — a nine-digit code that identifies that bank in the ACH system. You can find it on a check, on the bank's website, or by calling them.

ACH transfers work in both directions. Your bank can send money out (a "debit"), or another bank can pull money from your account (a "credit"). If someone is asking you to set up a recurring payment — like rent to a landlord or a loan payment — they're usually asking you to authorize an ACH debit, which means they'll pull the money on a date you agree to.

Wire transfers: fast and expensive

A wire transfer moves money the same day or next business day, but your bank charges a fee — usually between $15 and $30 for a domestic wire (money staying in the U.S.). International wires cost more, sometimes $40 to $50. Wire transfers are also harder to reverse if you make a mistake, so banks ask you to confirm the details carefully before sending.

You can start a wire through your bank's website or app, but many banks require you to call or visit a branch for larger amounts. You'll need the receiving bank's name, the account number, and the routing number, just like an ACH transfer. You'll also need the account holder's full name exactly as it appears on their account.

Wire transfers are useful when you need money fast — for a down payment, to cover an urgent bill, or to send money to someone in another country. They're not worth the fee for routine payments that can wait a few days.

Debit card transfers: when ready between linked accounts

If both banks use the same debit card network (Visa, Mastercard, or your bank's own network), you can link the accounts and transfer money when ready through your debit card. This only works for your own accounts — you can't use it to send money to someone else.

To set this up, log into your bank's app or website and look for "linked accounts" or "transfer between my accounts." You'll enter the other bank's account number and routing number. Once linked, you can move money back and forth when ready, with no fee. The money appears in the receiving account within minutes.

This is the fastest free option if you have accounts at multiple banks. The downside is that not all banks support it, and it only works between your own accounts.

Checks: the slowest option

Writing a check and mailing it is still a valid way to move money, though it's the slowest. The person receiving the check has to deposit it, and the bank has to clear it — a process that takes five to ten business days depending on the amount and the banks involved.

Checks are useful when you don't have the other person's bank details, or when you need a paper record of the payment. They're not useful when you need money to arrive quickly.

What information you need to send money

Before you start any transfer, gather these details about the receiving account:

  • The name of the bank (the full legal name, not a nickname)
  • The account number (usually 8 to 17 digits)
  • The routing number (a nine-digit code unique to that bank)
  • The account holder's full name, exactly as it appears on the account

You can find the routing number on a check (it's the first nine digits at the bottom left), on the bank's website, or by calling the bank's customer service line. If you're sending money to another person, ask them to provide these details — don't guess or use partial information, because a mistake can send your money to the wrong account.

How to start a transfer through your bank

Most banks let you start a transfer through their website or mobile app without visiting a branch. Log in to your account and look for a button labeled "Transfer," "Send Money," "Move Money," or "Pay." Click it and you'll see options for where the money is going — to another account at the same bank, to an account at a different bank, or to a person.

Select the destination, enter the amount, and review the details. Your bank will show you the fee (if any) and the expected arrival date. Confirm the transfer, and it will be sent. You'll get a confirmation number — save this in case you need to track the transfer later.

If your bank doesn't let you do this online, or if you're not sure how, call customer service. They can walk you through it or start the transfer for you over the phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

ACH transfers can usually be canceled within one business day if you contact your bank quickly. Wire transfers are much harder to cancel once sent — call your bank when ready if you need to stop one. Debit card transfers and checks cannot be canceled once they've left your account.

What if I send money to the wrong account number?

Contact your bank right away. For ACH transfers, your bank may be able to recall the money if the receiving bank hasn't processed it yet. For wire transfers, recovery is much harder. This is why it's important to double-check account numbers before sending, especially for large amounts.

Do I need to do anything special to receive money from another bank?

No. As long as your account is active and the sender has your correct account number and routing number, the money will arrive automatically. You don't need to do anything on your end.

Why does my bank ask for a routing number if I'm already giving them the bank name?

The routing number is how the banking system actually identifies the bank — the name is for you to confirm you're sending to the right place. Multiple banks can have similar names, so the routing number removes any confusion.

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

Most banks set daily or monthly limits on transfers, especially for new accounts or new recipients. Your bank's website or app will show your limit. If you need to transfer more, call customer service — they can often increase the limit or process a larger transfer manually.