The fastest ways to move money into Chase
The method you use depends on who is sending the money and where it's coming from. If you're receiving money from someone else, they can send it through a bank transfer (ACH), wire transfer, peer-to-peer app, or by depositing a check. If you're moving your own money from another bank into Chase, you can initiate a transfer from Chase's website or app, or ask your other bank to push the money over. The speed ranges from same-day (wire transfer) to three to five business days (ACH).
Chase accepts incoming transfers through multiple channels, and most don't require you to do anything except provide your account number and routing number. The routing number for Chase is 021000021 for most U.S. accounts, though some branches have different numbers—check your Chase debit card or statement to confirm yours.
Key Takeaways
- ACH transfers from another bank take three to five business days and are free, but wire transfers arrive the same day and cost $15 to $20.
- You need your Chase account number and routing number to receive money, both visible on your debit card or in the Chase app under account details.
- Peer-to-peer apps like Venmo, PayPal, and Cash App can move money to Chase instantly if both people have accounts, but the sender pays a fee for instant transfers.
- If you're sending money from your own Chase account to another bank, you can set up a one-time transfer or recurring payment through Chase's bill pay or transfer tools.
- Checks deposited to Chase clear in one to two business days if you use mobile deposit, or same-day if you deposit at a branch.
ACH transfers: the free but slower option
An ACH transfer (Automated Clearing House) is a bank-to-bank electronic transfer that takes three to five business days. It's free for the person receiving the money. The sender's bank initiates the transfer, and Chase receives it through the Federal Reserve's clearing system. This is the most common way to move money between regular bank accounts.
To receive an ACH transfer into Chase, give the sender your account number and routing number. They enter this information into their own bank's website or app, select Chase as the receiving bank, enter the amount, and schedule the transfer. You don't need to do anything on your end—the money arrives automatically once it clears. If the sender's bank asks for your bank name, tell them "Chase Bank" or "JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A."
ACH transfers work in both directions. If you want to send money from Chase to another bank, log into Chase's website or mobile app, go to "Transfers," select the account you're sending from, and enter the receiving bank's routing number and the recipient's account number. Chase will process it within one to two business days.
Wire transfers: same-day but with a fee
A wire transfer moves money the same business day it's sent, but costs money. Chase charges $15 for domestic wire transfers (within the U.S.) and $15 to $45 for international wires, depending on the destination country. The sender pays this fee, not the recipient. Wire transfers are final once sent—you cannot cancel or reverse them—so confirm all account details before authorizing.
To receive a wire into Chase, provide the sender with your account number, routing number, and full name as it appears on your account. For international wires, you may also need to provide your bank's SWIFT code (Chase's is CHASUS33). The sender's bank initiates the wire, and it typically arrives within hours during business days. Chase deposits wires into your account on the same day they arrive, though the funds may not be available to withdraw until the next business day.
If you're sending a wire from Chase, call Chase's wire transfer line at 1-800-869-3557 or visit a branch. You'll need the recipient's account number, routing number, and bank name. Chase will confirm the details and charge your account immediately. Wires sent before 2 p.m. ET on a business day usually arrive the same day; wires sent after that may arrive the next day.
Peer-to-peer apps: instant but with conditions
Apps like Venmo, PayPal, Cash App, and Zelle let you send money to someone else's Chase account instantly if both people have accounts set up in the app. The sender links their bank account or debit card to the app, enters the recipient's username or phone number, and sends the money. The recipient's Chase account receives the transfer within minutes.
Zelle is owned by major U.S. banks including Chase, so transfers through Zelle are often free and arrive within minutes. To use Zelle, open the Chase mobile app, tap "Transfer & Pay," select "Send Money with Zelle," and enter the recipient's email or phone number. If they're already enrolled in Zelle, the money arrives immediately. If not, they'll receive a notification to enroll, and the money will be available once they do.
Venmo, PayPal, and Cash App charge fees for instant transfers to a bank account—typically $0.50 to $2.50 depending on the app and transfer speed. Standard transfers (one to three business days) are usually free. The sender pays the fee, not the recipient. These apps are best for small, casual transfers between people who know each other, not for large payments or business transactions.
Mobile check deposit: fastest for checks
If someone sends you a physical check, you can deposit it to Chase without visiting a branch. Open the Chase mobile app, tap "Mobile Check Deposit," take photos of the front and back of the check, enter the amount, and confirm. Chase typically makes the funds available within one business day for checks under $5,000. Checks over $5,000 may take longer.
Make sure the check is made out to you and hasn't been altered. Endorse the back of the check (sign it) before photographing, or sign it after taking the photos—Chase's app will prompt you. The check must be deposited within 90 days of the date written on it. Once you deposit it, don't deposit the physical check again at a branch or ATM, or Chase may flag it as a duplicate.
Setting up recurring transfers to Chase
If you receive the same payment regularly—like a paycheck or a regular transfer from a family member—you can set up automatic deposits. If your employer offers direct deposit, provide them with your Chase account number and routing number, and they'll deposit your paycheck automatically on payday. This is free and arrives on the scheduled date.
For recurring transfers from another bank account you own, log into that bank's website, set up a recurring ACH transfer to Chase, and specify the frequency (weekly, monthly, etc.). Chase will receive the transfer on the schedule you set. If you're receiving money from someone else on a regular basis, ask them to set up a recurring transfer through their bank, or use a peer-to-peer app that allows scheduled payments.
What to do if a transfer doesn't arrive
If you're expecting money and it hasn't shown up, first check the timing. ACH transfers take three to five business days, so if it's been fewer than three days, wait. Wire transfers should arrive the same day; if it's been more than one business day, contact Chase. Peer-to-peer transfers should arrive within minutes; if it's been an hour, check that the recipient's information was correct.
Contact Chase through the mobile app (tap "Help & Support"), call 1-800-935-9935, or visit a branch. Have the sender's name, the amount, and the date the transfer was initiated ready. Chase can trace the transfer and tell you whether it's still in process or if there's an error. Common problems include a wrong routing number, a mismatched account name, or a closed account on the receiving end. If the money was sent to the wrong account, Chase can attempt to recover it, but success depends on whether the receiving bank cooperates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between my account number and routing number?
Your routing number identifies your Chase branch and is the same for everyone at that branch—it's 021000021 for most Chase accounts. Your account number is unique to you and is printed on your debit card and checks. Both are needed to receive transfers; the routing number tells the sending bank where to send the money, and the account number tells Chase which account to deposit it into.
Can I receive money from outside the U.S.?
Yes, but it requires a wire transfer and takes longer. The sender's bank initiates an international wire using Chase's SWIFT code (CHASUS33), your account number, and your full name. International wires can take three to five business days and may incur fees on both ends—Chase may charge you a receiving fee of $15 to $20, and the sender's bank charges a sending fee. Ask Chase about fees before accepting the transfer.
Is there a limit to how much money I can receive?
Chase doesn't publicly state a daily or monthly receiving limit, but large or frequent transfers may trigger fraud monitoring. If you receive an unusually large amount, Chase may place a temporary hold and contact you to verify the transfer is legitimate. Wire transfers over $10,000 are reported to the federal government as part of anti-money-laundering rules, but this is routine and doesn't mean anything is wrong.
What if the sender used the wrong account number?
If the money went to a different Chase account by mistake, contact Chase immediately with the sender's name and the amount. Chase can attempt to recover the funds, but the other account holder must cooperate. If the money went to a non-Chase bank, Chase can't recover it directly—the sender's bank must contact the receiving bank. The sooner you report it, the better the chance of recovery.
Do I need to report incoming transfers to the IRS?
Personal transfers between family members or friends are not taxable income and don't need to be reported. If you receive money as payment for work or services, it's taxable income and should be reported on your tax return. If you receive more than $20,000 in a single transfer or $50,000 in transfers within a year from a foreign account, Chase will file a report with the IRS, but again, this is routine and doesn't mean you've done anything wrong.