Link.com is a payment platform that lets you send money to someone else's bank account using their email address or phone number instead of asking for their account and routing numbers
Link.com (operated by Mastercard) works like this: you log in, enter the recipient's email or phone number, the amount, and hit send. The recipient gets a notification and can claim the money by linking their bank account or choosing to receive it another way. The money moves from your bank to theirs through the ACH network, which is the same system that handles direct deposits and bill payments in the United States.
The key difference from a wire transfer or a check is that you never need the other person's account details. You also don't need them to have a Link.com account themselves — they just need to be able to receive the notification and respond to it. The whole process typically takes one to three business days, depending on both banks involved.
Key Takeaways
- Link.com payments move money through the ACH network using only an email address or phone number, not account numbers.
- The recipient does not need a Link.com account; they receive a notification and claim the money by linking their own bank account.
- Transfers usually take one to three business days to complete, depending on the banks involved.
- Link.com is owned and operated by Mastercard and is available through some banks and payment apps that have integrated it.
- You can only send money from a bank account you control; you cannot use a credit card or debit card to fund a Link.com payment.
How the money actually moves
When you initiate a Link.com payment, your bank does not send the money when ready. Instead, it sends an instruction through the ACH network to the recipient's bank, along with the recipient's email or phone number. The recipient's bank holds the money in a temporary account and sends them a notification — usually an email or text message — asking them to claim it.
The recipient clicks the link in the notification, enters their bank account information (or selects an existing account if they have used Link.com before), and confirms they want to receive the money. Once they do, the money moves from the temporary account to their actual checking or savings account. This final step usually happens within one business day, though some banks process it faster.
If the recipient does not claim the money within a set period — typically 30 days, though this varies by bank — the money returns to your account automatically. You will see it back in your balance, and you can try sending it again or use a different method.
Who offers Link.com payments
Link.com is not a standalone bank or app you read on its own. Instead, it is a service that banks and payment apps integrate into their platforms. Your bank or payment app has to support it for you to use it. Common providers that offer Link.com include some regional banks, credit unions, and fintech apps, but not all of them do.
To learn about you can use Link.com, log into your bank's app or website and look for a "send money" or "transfer" section. If Link.com is available, you will see an option to send by email or phone number. If you do not see it, your bank has not integrated the service yet, and you would need to use a different method like Venmo, PayPal, or a traditional wire transfer.
Link.com versus other ways to send money
| Method | What you need from recipient | Speed | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Link.com | Email or phone number | 1–3 business days | Usually free |
| Wire transfer | Account number, routing number | Same day or next day | $15–$30 per transfer |
| ACH transfer (bank to bank) | Account number, routing number | 1–3 business days | Usually free |
| Venmo or PayPal | Username or email | 1–3 business days (when ready to app balance) | Free for bank transfers; fees for when ready |
| Check | Mailing address | 5–10 business days | Cost of check and stamp |
Link.com sits between a traditional ACH transfer and a peer-to-peer app like Venmo. You get the simplicity of not needing account numbers (like Venmo), but the money moves through your actual bank account (like ACH), so there is no middle platform holding your balance. It is faster than a check and usually free, but slower than a wire transfer and not as widely available as Venmo or PayPal.
Fees and limits
Most banks that offer Link.com do not charge a fee to send or receive money. However, some banks may charge a small fee — usually $1 to $3 per transaction — so check your bank's terms before you send. The recipient never pays a fee to receive Link.com money.
Sending limits depend on your bank. Some banks let you send up to $10,000 per transaction, while others cap it at $2,500 or $5,000. If you need to send more, you may need to make multiple transfers or use a different method. Your bank's app or website will show you your limit before you send.
Security and what can go wrong
Link.com uses the same security as your bank's regular transfers — encryption, authentication, and fraud monitoring. However, once you send the money, you cannot cancel it if the recipient has already claimed it. If you send money to the wrong email address or phone number, the person who receives the notification could claim it, and you would have to contact them to get it back.
Always double-check the recipient's email or phone number before you hit send. If you make a mistake, contact your bank when ready — they may be able to stop the payment if the recipient has not claimed it yet, but once it is claimed, recovery depends on whether the recipient will cooperate.
When Link.com is useful and when it is not
Link.com works well when you need to send money to someone you know and trust, you have their email or phone number, and you are not in a hurry. It is simpler than asking for account numbers and faster than a check. It is also useful if the recipient does not have a Venmo or PayPal account but does have a bank account and email.
Link.com is not the right choice if you need the money to arrive the same day — use a wire transfer instead. It is also not ideal if you are sending to a business or organization, because they may not have a way to claim the money through a personal email. For those situations, a traditional ACH transfer with account and routing numbers, or a wire transfer, is more reliable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if the recipient never claims the money?
The money stays in a temporary account at the recipient's bank for a set period, usually 30 days. After that, it returns automatically to your account. You will see it back in your balance, and you can try sending it again or contact the recipient to confirm their email or phone number.
Can I send Link.com payments internationally?
No. Link.com only works for transfers between U.S. bank accounts. If you need to send money internationally, you will need to use a wire transfer, an international money transfer service, or a platform like Wise or OFX.
Is Link.com the same as Zelle?
No. Both are payment services that use email or phone numbers, but they are separate systems. Zelle is owned by a consortium of banks and is more widely available. Link.com is owned by Mastercard and is integrated into fewer banks. Check which one your bank supports.
Can I use Link.com to send money from a credit card?
No. Link.com only works with bank accounts. You must fund the payment from a checking or savings account you control. If you want to send money from a credit card, use Venmo, PayPal, or a similar app that accepts credit card funding.
What if I send money to the wrong person?
Contact your bank when ready. If the recipient has not claimed the money yet, your bank may be able to cancel the payment. If they have already claimed it, you will need to contact them directly to ask for the money back. Your bank cannot force them to return it.