The main ways to send money from checking

You can send money from your checking account through five main methods: wire transfers, ACH transfers, checks, debit cards, and peer-to-peer (P2P) apps. Each one works differently, costs different amounts, and takes a different amount of time. Wire transfers are fastest but cost money. ACH transfers are free but slower. Checks are free but require the recipient to deposit them. Debit cards work only at merchants. P2P apps are fast and free for most transfers but work only between people, not businesses.

The method you choose depends on who you're sending money to, how fast you need it to arrive, and whether you want to pay a fee. If you're sending money to another person quickly, a P2P app or wire transfer works best. If you're paying a bill or sending money to a business, ACH or a check is usually the right choice. If you're buying something in a store or online, use your debit card.

Key Takeaways

  • Wire transfers move money the same day or next business day but typically cost $15 to $30 per transfer.
  • ACH transfers are free and take three to five business days, and most banks let you set them up online or by phone.
  • Checks are free to write but require the recipient to deposit them, which adds several days to delivery.
  • Peer-to-peer apps like Venmo, PayPal, and Cash App transfer money between people in minutes to hours and charge no fee for standard transfers.
  • Your bank may limit how much you can transfer per day or per month, so check your account settings before sending large amounts.

Wire transfers: fastest but with a cost

A wire transfer moves money directly from your bank account to another bank account on the same day or the next business day. Your bank needs the recipient's full name, bank name, account number, and routing number. You can set up a wire transfer in person at a branch, by phone, or online through your bank's website or app.

Wire transfers cost money—typically $15 to $30 per transfer depending on your bank and whether the money is going to a domestic account or an international one. International wire transfers cost more, usually $35 to $50. Once you send a wire transfer, you cannot cancel it, so double-check the recipient's information before you confirm. If you send money to the wrong account, you will need to contact your bank and the receiving bank to try to recover it, which can take weeks or may not work at all.

Wire transfers are useful when you need money to arrive quickly and the recipient is a business or another person with a bank account. They are not useful for sending money to someone who only has a P2P app or for small amounts between friends, because the fee is too high.

ACH transfers: free and standard for bills

ACH stands for Automated Clearing House. An ACH transfer moves money from your checking account to another bank account over the ACH network, which is run by the Federal Reserve. ACH transfers are free and take three to five business days. Most banks let you set up an ACH transfer online, through your mobile app, or by calling customer service.

To send an ACH transfer, you need the recipient's name, bank name, account number, and routing number. You can also set up recurring ACH transfers if you pay the same person or business the same amount every month—for example, rent or a loan payment. Your bank may limit how much you can transfer per day or per month through ACH, so check your account settings or call your bank if you need to send a large amount.

ACH transfers are the standard way to pay bills, send money to contractors or service providers, and transfer money between your own accounts at different banks. They are slower than wire transfers but free, so they work well when you have a few days before the money needs to arrive.

Checks: free but slow

Writing a check is free and does not require internet or a phone call. You write the recipient's name, the amount, the date, and your signature on a check from your checkbook. The recipient then deposits or cashes the check at their bank, which takes three to seven business days depending on the bank and whether the check is deposited in person or through a mobile app.

Checks work for paying anyone—individuals, businesses, utilities, landlords. They create a paper record of the payment. However, checks are slow, and if you lose a check or write the wrong amount, fixing it takes time. Some businesses and individuals no longer accept checks, so ask before you send one.

Checks are useful when you do not have the recipient's bank information, when you want a paper record, or when the recipient prefers checks. They are not useful when you need money to arrive quickly.

Debit cards: for purchases only

Your debit card pulls money directly from your checking account when you use it to buy something in a store, online, or over the phone. Debit card transactions are instant or nearly instant. You do not need to know the merchant's bank information—you just need their card reader or website.

Debit cards work only for purchases from merchants, not for sending money to other people or paying bills directly to a person. Some bills can be paid with a debit card through the biller's website or by phone, but that is a purchase transaction, not a transfer. Debit cards do not charge you a fee for the transaction, though some merchants may charge a fee if you use a debit card instead of cash.

Peer-to-peer apps: fast transfers between people

Peer-to-peer apps like Venmo, PayPal, Cash App, and Zelle let you send money to another person's phone number or email address. The money moves from your checking account to theirs in minutes to a few hours. Most P2P apps charge no fee if you transfer money from your checking account or savings account, though some charge a small fee (usually 1 to 3 percent) if you use a credit card or debit card.

To use a P2P app, you create an account, link your checking account, and enter the recipient's phone number or email. The recipient must also have an account with the same app or a compatible app. P2P apps work well for splitting rent, paying back a friend, or sending money to family. They do not work for paying businesses or bills unless the business has set up an account with the app.

Some banks offer their own P2P service—for example, Zelle is owned by a group of large banks and is built into many bank apps. If your bank offers Zelle, you can send money through your bank's app without downloading a separate app.

Transfer limits and daily caps

Your bank may limit how much money you can transfer per day or per month. These limits vary by bank and by account type. Some banks allow up to $10,000 per day for ACH transfers, while others allow only $2,500. Wire transfer limits are usually higher, sometimes $25,000 or more per day. P2P apps often have lower limits—sometimes $500 to $2,000 per day depending on the app and how long you have had your account.

If you need to send more than your daily limit, you can call your bank and ask them to raise the limit temporarily or permanently. You can also split the transfer across multiple days. Check your bank's website or app to see what your current limits are, or call customer service to ask.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take money to arrive when I send it?

Wire transfers arrive the same day or next business day. ACH transfers take three to five business days. Checks take three to seven business days after the recipient deposits them. P2P apps deliver money in minutes to a few hours. Debit card purchases are instant.

Can I cancel a transfer after I send it?

Wire transfers cannot be cancelled once sent. ACH transfers can sometimes be cancelled within one business day if you contact your bank right away, but this is not may provide. Checks can be cancelled by asking your bank to stop payment, which costs money and takes a few days. P2P transfers can usually be cancelled within minutes if the recipient has not yet accepted the money.

What happens if I send money to the wrong account?

For wire transfers, contact your bank and the receiving bank immediately—recovery is difficult and may not be possible. For ACH transfers, contact your bank within one business day. For checks, ask the recipient to return the check or contact your bank to stop payment. For P2P apps, contact the app's customer service right away.

Do I pay a fee to send money?

Wire transfers cost $15 to $50 depending on whether it is domestic or international. ACH transfers are free. Checks are free. Debit card purchases are free. Most P2P transfers from a bank account are free, though some apps charge a fee if you use a credit card.

Can I send money internationally from my checking account?

Yes, through a wire transfer or an international money transfer service. Wire transfers work but are expensive ($35 to $50) and slow (one to three business days). International money transfer services like OFX, Wise, or MoneyGram may be cheaper and faster for some countries. Ask your bank what options are available.