The main ways to send money from a checking account

You can send money from a checking account through your bank's website or app, through a third-party money transfer service, or by setting up a direct payment to someone else's account. The method you choose depends on who you're sending to, how fast you need it to arrive, and whether you want to pay a fee.

Most banks let you send money for free to people who have accounts at the same bank. Sending to someone at a different bank usually costs nothing through your bank's system, but takes one to three business days. If you need the money to arrive the same day or within hours, you'll typically pay a fee—either to your bank or to a third-party service like Venmo, PayPal, or Square Cash.

The person receiving the money needs to give you either their bank account number and routing number, or their email address or phone number if you're using a peer-to-peer app. Some methods require them to have an account with the same service you're using; others work across any U.S. bank.

Key Takeaways

  • Your bank's website or app is usually free for transfers between accounts at the same bank or to other banks, but takes one to three business days.
  • Peer-to-peer apps like Venmo and PayPal let you send money using just an email or phone number, but may charge fees for instant transfers.
  • Wire transfers and ACH transfers are the two main methods banks use; ACH is slower and cheaper, wire is faster and costs more.
  • The recipient needs either their bank details (account and routing number) or an account with the same app or service you're using.
  • Fees vary widely—some transfers are free, while instant transfers can cost $1 to $3 depending on the service and amount.

Sending money through your bank's website or mobile app

Log into your bank's website or app and look for a link labeled "Send Money," "Transfer Funds," "Pay Someone," or "Bill Pay." The exact wording varies by bank. You'll enter the recipient's name, their bank account number, and their bank's routing number. The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies the bank; you can find it on a check or by asking the recipient's bank directly.

Your bank will ask whether you want the money to go to an account at your bank (internal transfer) or at another bank (external transfer). Internal transfers usually arrive within hours or by the next business day and are free. External transfers through the ACH system typically take one to three business days and are also free.

Some banks offer a faster option called a wire transfer, which can move money the same day but usually costs $15 to $30. Wire transfers are harder to reverse if you make a mistake, so double-check the account number and routing number before you confirm.

Using peer-to-peer payment apps

Apps like Venmo, PayPal, Square Cash, and Zelle let you send money using just the recipient's email address or phone number instead of their bank account details. You link your checking account to the app, and the app pulls money from that account when you send a payment.

Standard transfers from these apps to a linked bank account take one to three business days and are usually free. If you want the money to arrive within minutes or hours, most apps charge $1 to $3 depending on the amount. Some apps, like Zelle, offer free instant transfers if both people use the same service.

The main trade-off is that both the sender and recipient usually need to have an account with the same app. Venmo and PayPal work across different banks, but Zelle only works if both people's banks support it. Check whether the person you're sending to already uses the app before you create an account.

ACH transfers versus wire transfers

ACH transfers are the standard method most banks use for moving money between accounts. They're free or very cheap, but they take one to three business days because the banks batch them and process them overnight. ACH transfers are reversible—if you send money to the wrong account, you can contact your bank and potentially recover it.

Wire transfers move money the same day, usually within a few hours. They cost $15 to $30 and are nearly impossible to reverse once sent. Use a wire transfer only when you need money to arrive urgently and you're certain the account details are correct. Wire transfers are common for large purchases like down payments on a house or car, or for sending money internationally.

Your bank may also offer a service called "expedited ACH" or "next-day ACH," which costs a few dollars and guarantees delivery by the next business day instead of up to three days. This is a middle ground between standard ACH and wire transfers.

What information you need from the recipient

For a bank-to-bank transfer, you need the recipient's full name exactly as it appears on their account, their account number, and their bank's routing number. The routing number is specific to the bank and branch; if you get it wrong, the transfer may be delayed or sent to the wrong place.

The recipient can find their routing number on the bottom left of a check, or by calling their bank. Some banks publish routing numbers on their website. You can also use an online routing number lookup tool, but verify the number with the recipient or their bank before you send money.

For peer-to-peer apps, you typically need only the recipient's email address or phone number. Make sure you have the correct email or phone—sending to the wrong one means the money goes to a stranger, and recovery is difficult.

Fees and how to avoid them

Most bank transfers between accounts at different banks are free through the ACH system. Your bank may charge a fee only if you request a wire transfer or an expedited transfer. Peer-to-peer apps charge fees only for instant transfers; standard transfers to a linked bank account are free.

Some banks charge a small fee ($1 to $5) for outgoing wire transfers, and some charge for incoming wire transfers too. A few banks waive wire transfer fees for customers who maintain a high balance or have a premium account. Check your bank's fee schedule or call customer service to find out what you'll be charged.

To avoid fees, use your bank's standard ACH transfer (one to three business days) or a peer-to-peer app's free standard transfer. Reserve wire transfers and instant transfers for situations where the speed is worth the cost.

Tracking a transfer and what to do if it doesn't arrive

After you send money, your bank or app will give you a confirmation number. Save this number—you'll need it if you have to contact customer service. Most banks and apps let you check the status of a transfer in your transaction history. Standard ACH transfers show as "pending" for one to three days, then move to "completed" once they arrive.

If a transfer doesn't arrive within the expected time, log into your account and check the status. If it still shows as pending after three business days, contact your bank's customer service. Have your confirmation number and the recipient's account details ready. Your bank can trace the transfer and find out where it is.

If you sent money to the wrong account by mistake, contact your bank immediately. ACH transfers can sometimes be reversed if you catch the error quickly, but wire transfers are almost never reversible. The longer you wait, the harder it is to recover the money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I send money to someone at a different bank for free?

Yes. Standard ACH transfers between different banks are free and take one to three business days. Your bank's website or app will let you set this up without paying anything. If you need the money to arrive faster, you'll have to pay a fee for a wire transfer or use a peer-to-peer app's instant transfer option.

What's the difference between Venmo and my bank's transfer system?

Venmo and similar apps are faster and easier if both people have the app, because you only need an email or phone number. Your bank's system is free for standard transfers and doesn't require the recipient to sign up for anything—they just need a checking account. Use your bank for transfers to people who don't use apps; use Venmo for quick payments to friends who already have it.

How long does a wire transfer take?

Wire transfers usually arrive the same day if you send them before your bank's cutoff time, which is often 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. on business days. Transfers sent after the cutoff or on weekends may not arrive until the next business day. Call your bank to confirm their cutoff time before you send a large wire transfer.

What happens if I send money to the wrong account number?

For ACH transfers, contact your bank right away. They may be able to reverse the transfer or recover the money if you catch the error within a day or two. For wire transfers, reversal is almost impossible—the money is usually gone. Always double-check the account number and routing number before you confirm any transfer.

Do I need the recipient's routing number if I'm using Venmo?

No. Venmo only needs an email address or phone number. The app handles the bank details behind the scenes. This makes Venmo simpler for casual payments between friends, but your bank's transfer system is better if the recipient doesn't use apps or if you're sending a large amount of money.