The main ways to send money from checking
You can send money from your checking account through five main routes: wire transfers, ACH transfers, checks, debit cards, and peer-to-peer payment apps. Each one works differently, costs different amounts, and takes a different amount of time. Wire transfers move money the fastest but cost the most. ACH transfers are free or cheap and take one to three business days. Checks are free but slow. Debit cards work instantly at stores and online. Payment apps like Venmo or PayPal let you send to friends quickly, often for free.
The right choice depends on who you're sending money to, how fast you need it to arrive, and whether you're comfortable with the fees. A wire transfer makes sense if you're buying a house and the title company needs funds by Friday. An ACH transfer makes sense if you're paying a bill and can wait a few days. A check makes sense if the person doesn't have a bank account. A debit card makes sense if you're paying a store or website. A payment app makes sense if you're splitting rent with a roommate.
Key Takeaways
- Wire transfers move money the same day or next business day but cost $15 to $50 per transfer.
- ACH transfers are free or cost $1 to $3 and take one to three business days.
- Checks are free but take five to ten business days to clear, and the recipient must deposit them.
- Debit cards work instantly at stores and online but only if the recipient accepts card payments.
- Payment apps like Venmo, PayPal, and Cash App are free for most transfers between friends but may charge fees for instant withdrawal to a bank account.
Wire transfers: fastest but most expensive
A wire transfer moves money directly from your bank account to another bank account, usually within one business day. You go to your bank in person, call them, or use their website or app. You give them the recipient's name, bank name, account number, and routing number. Your bank deducts the money immediately and sends it electronically to the other bank. The receiving bank deposits it into the recipient's account, usually by the next business day.
Wire transfers cost between $15 and $50 per transfer, depending on your bank and whether the money is going to a domestic account (within the United States) or an international account (outside the United States). Domestic wires are cheaper, usually $15 to $30. International wires are more expensive, usually $30 to $50. Some banks charge extra if you send a wire over the phone instead of online. Once you send a wire, you cannot cancel it or get the money back, so make sure you have the right account number before you confirm.
ACH transfers: free or cheap and reliable
An ACH transfer (Automated Clearing House) moves money from your checking account to another bank account through the Federal Reserve's clearing system. It takes longer than a wire transfer but costs much less. You set it up through your bank's website or app, or by calling your bank. You give them the recipient's name, bank name, account number, and routing number. Your bank submits the transfer to the clearing house, which processes it overnight and sends it to the receiving bank. The money usually arrives in one to three business days.
ACH transfers are free at most banks, or cost $1 to $3 if your bank charges a fee. Some banks offer a certain number of free ACH transfers per month and charge for transfers beyond that. You can cancel an ACH transfer if you contact your bank before it clears, which is usually within one business day. If the account number is wrong, the transfer may bounce back to your account, which can take several days. ACH transfers work well for paying bills, sending money to friends, and moving money between your own accounts at different banks.
Checks: free but slow
A check is a written order to your bank to pay money from your checking account to the person or business whose name is on the check. You write the check, sign it, and give it to the recipient. The recipient deposits it at their bank or cashes it at a check-cashing service. Their bank sends the check to your bank through the clearing system. Your bank deducts the money from your account and sends it to the receiving bank. The whole process takes five to ten business days, depending on the banks involved.
Checks are free if you already have them printed. If you need to order new checks, they cost $10 to $30 for a box of 100 to 200 checks, depending on the design and your bank. You can stop payment on a check if you contact your bank before it clears, usually within one business day, though your bank may charge a stop-payment fee of $25 to $35. Checks work well for paying bills by mail, paying contractors or service providers, and sending money to people who don't have bank accounts. Checks do not work for online payments or for people who cannot deposit checks.
Debit cards: instant at stores and online
A debit card is a card linked to your checking account that lets you pay for things at stores, online, or by phone. When you use your debit card, the money comes out of your checking account immediately or within one business day. You do not have to write a check, set up a transfer, or give anyone your account number. The store or website processes the payment and deposits the money into their account.
Debit card payments are free. You do not pay a fee to the store, the website, or your bank. The only cost is if you overdraft your account — if you spend more than you have, your bank may charge an overdraft fee of $25 to $35. Debit cards work instantly at most stores and websites, though some online payments may take one business day to process. You can dispute a debit card charge if it was fraudulent or wrong, and your bank will investigate and refund you if the charge was not your fault. Debit cards do not work for sending money to a specific person unless that person is a store or business that accepts card payments.
Payment apps: free for most transfers to friends
Payment apps like Venmo, PayPal, Cash App, and Zelle let you send money to friends and family using your checking account. You download the app, link your checking account, and enter the recipient's username, email, or phone number. The app transfers money from your checking account to the recipient's account or the app's wallet. Most transfers between friends are free and arrive within one to three business days. Some apps offer instant transfer to a debit card for a fee of $0.50 to $2.
Payment apps work best for splitting bills, paying rent to a roommate, or sending money to friends. They do not work for paying businesses unless the business has set up an account with the app. Some apps charge fees if you transfer money to a debit card instantly instead of waiting for the standard transfer. Some apps also charge fees if you use a credit card instead of a checking account or debit card. Payment apps are not as secure as bank transfers because they are not FDIC-insured, so only use them for small amounts or with people you trust. If you send money to the wrong person, the app may not be able to get it back.
Comparing speed, cost, and when to use each method
| Method | Speed | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wire transfer | Same day or next business day | $15 to $50 | Large amounts, time-sensitive payments, real estate closings |
| ACH transfer | One to three business days | Free or $1 to $3 | Bill payments, regular transfers, moving money between banks |
| Check | Five to ten business days | Free (if you have checks) | Paying contractors, paying by mail, people without bank accounts |
| Debit card | Instant or one business day | Free | Stores, online shopping, restaurants, gas stations |
| Payment app | One to three business days (free) or instant (fee) | Free or $0.50 to $2 | Friends and family, splitting bills, casual transfers |
What information you need to send money safely
For wire transfers and ACH transfers, you need the recipient's routing number and account number. The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies the bank. The account number is the number of the specific account at that bank. You can find both on a check, on your bank statement, or by calling the bank. Make sure you have the correct numbers before you send the transfer, because a wrong number can send your money to the wrong account and make it hard to get back.
For checks, you only need the recipient's name and address. For debit cards, you only need the store or website's payment system. For payment apps, you only need the recipient's username, email, or phone number. Payment apps are the easiest because you do not have to know account numbers, but they are also less secure because they are not bank-to-bank transfers. If you are sending a large amount of money or to someone you do not know well, use a wire transfer or ACH transfer instead of a payment app.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel a transfer after I send it?
It depends on the method. Wire transfers cannot be cancelled once they are sent. ACH transfers can usually be cancelled within one business day if you contact your bank immediately. Checks can be stopped if you contact your bank before they clear, usually within one business day, though your bank may charge a fee. Payment app transfers can sometimes be cancelled if the recipient has not accepted the money yet, but policies vary by app.
What happens if I send money to the wrong account number?
If the account number does not exist, the transfer will bounce back to your account within a few business days. If the account number belongs to someone else, the money will go to that person's account, and you will have to contact that bank and ask them to reverse it. This can take weeks or may not be possible. Always double-check the account number before you send a wire transfer or ACH transfer.
Do I pay a fee if someone sends me money?
No. The person sending the money pays any fees. You do not pay to receive a wire transfer, ACH transfer, check, debit card payment, or payment app transfer. Your bank may charge you a fee if you deposit a check and do not have enough funds to cover it, but that is a different situation.
Which method is safest for sending large amounts?
Wire transfers and ACH transfers are the safest because they are bank-to-bank transfers and are protected by federal banking rules. Payment apps are less safe for large amounts because they are not FDIC-insured and have lower limits on how much you can send. For amounts over $10,000, use a wire transfer or ACH transfer and keep records of the transaction.
Can I send money internationally from my checking account?
Yes, but only through wire transfer. International wire transfers cost $30 to $50 and take one to three business days. You need the recipient's international bank account number (IBAN) and bank code, which vary by country. Some banks also offer international ACH transfers or services like Western Union, but wire transfer is the most common method.