The most direct route depends on how fast you need the money and whether you know the other account details
You can move money between banks using ACH transfer (the slowest, usually free), wire transfer (fastest, costs money), peer-to-peer apps like Venmo or PayPal (fast for small amounts, sometimes free), or by writing a check (slowest). Which one works depends on whether you have the receiving account number, how much you're sending, and whether the receiving bank is domestic or international. Most people start with ACH because it's free and works for routine bills and transfers—it just takes one to three business days.
Key Takeaways
- ACH transfers are free and work between most U.S. banks, but take one to three business days and have limits (usually $10,000 to $25,000 per transaction, varying by bank).
- Wire transfers move money the same day or next business day but cost $15 to $50 and require the receiving bank's routing number and account number.
- Peer-to-peer apps like Venmo, PayPal, and Cash App are fastest for small amounts under $1,000 but may charge fees for instant transfers.
- You need either the receiving account number and routing number, or the recipient's email or phone number (depending on the method).
- Fraud protection varies by method: ACH and wire transfers have dispute windows of 60 to 180 days, while peer-to-peer apps offer less recourse if you send to the wrong person.
ACH transfer: free but takes one to three business days
An ACH transfer (Automated Clearing House) is the standard way banks move money between accounts. You initiate it through your bank's website or app, enter the receiving account number and routing number, and the money arrives in one to three business days. It's free at most banks, though some charge $1 to $3 for outgoing transfers.
ACH transfers have daily and monthly limits set by your bank, usually $10,000 to $25,000 per transaction. If you need to send more, you can split it across multiple days or contact your bank to request a higher limit. The receiving bank must be in the United States; ACH does not work for international transfers.
To start an ACH transfer, log into your bank's online banking portal or mobile app, look for "Send Money," "Transfer," or "Pay," and select "Transfer to Another Bank." You'll need the receiving account holder's name, account number, and the nine-digit routing number of their bank. If you don't have the routing number, you can find it on the receiving bank's website or by calling them.
Wire transfer: same-day or next-day delivery for a fee
A wire transfer moves money faster than ACH—usually the same business day or next business day—but costs $15 to $50 depending on your bank and whether the receiving bank is domestic or international. Wire transfers are irreversible once sent, so confirm the account details are correct before you authorize the transfer.
To send a wire, call your bank or visit a branch with the receiving account holder's name, account number, routing number, and bank name. Some banks allow wire transfers through their website or app, but many still require a phone call or in-person visit for security reasons. The bank will confirm the details, charge the fee, and send the money. You'll receive a confirmation number and receipt.
Wire transfers work for both domestic (U.S.) and international transfers, though international wires take longer and may involve intermediary banks. If you're sending money internationally, ask your bank whether the receiving bank's SWIFT code or IBAN (International Bank Account Number) is required.
Peer-to-peer apps: fast for small amounts, but watch the fees
Apps like Venmo, PayPal, Cash App, and Zelle let you send money using only the recipient's email address or phone number. The money arrives within minutes to a few hours, and most transfers between users are free. However, if you want the money to land in the recipient's bank account instantly (rather than sitting in the app), you usually pay a fee of 1% to 2%.
These apps work best for small amounts—typically under $1,000 per transaction—and between people who trust each other. If you send money to the wrong person or are scammed, recovery is difficult because the transfer is usually final. Zelle, which is owned by major U.S. banks and built into many banking apps, offers slightly more fraud protection than independent apps, but still less than ACH or wire transfers.
To use a peer-to-peer app, download it, link your bank account or debit card, and search for the recipient by their email or phone number. Confirm their name matches before sending. The recipient will receive a notification and can accept the money into their account or app balance.
Check: the slowest option, but works when you don't have account details
Writing a check is still a valid way to transfer money if you don't have the receiving account number or prefer a paper trail. The recipient deposits the check at their bank, and it typically clears in one to five business days. Checks are free to write if you already have a checkbook, though ordering new checks costs $10 to $30.
Checks are useful when you're paying a business that doesn't accept electronic transfers, or when you want a physical record of the payment. However, checks can be lost in the mail, forged, or delayed by the recipient's bank, so they're not ideal for urgent transfers.
What information you need to provide for each method
| Transfer Method | Information Needed | Speed | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACH | Account number, routing number, recipient name | 1–3 business days | Free to $3 |
| Wire | Account number, routing number, recipient name, bank name | Same day to 1 business day | $15–$50 |
| Peer-to-peer app | Email or phone number | Minutes to hours | Free to 2% |
| Check | Recipient name and mailing address | 1–5 business days | Free to $30 (for checks) |
What to do if a transfer goes wrong or takes too long
If money doesn't arrive within the expected timeframe, contact your bank first. For ACH transfers, ask whether the receiving bank's routing number was correct and whether the transfer is still pending. Banks sometimes hold transfers for fraud review, which can add one to two business days. If the transfer was rejected, your bank will tell you why (usually an incorrect account number or closed account) and return the money to your account within one to three business days.
For wire transfers, call your bank immediately if the money doesn't arrive within one business day. Wire transfers are harder to reverse, but if you catch the error quickly, your bank may be able to recall the transfer before the receiving bank releases the funds. After 24 hours, recovery becomes much harder.
For peer-to-peer transfers, contact the app's support team and the recipient. If you sent money to the wrong person, ask them to return it. Most apps allow you to dispute a transfer within 60 to 180 days if you can prove fraud or error, but this process is slower than disputing an ACH or wire transfer through your bank.
If you believe you were scammed or sent money by mistake, file a dispute with your bank (for ACH and wire) or the app (for peer-to-peer). Provide documentation of the transaction, including the date, amount, and recipient details. Your bank or app will investigate and may recover the money, but this can take 30 to 90 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer money to a bank account at a different bank?
Yes. ACH transfers, wire transfers, and checks all work between different banks. Peer-to-peer apps work between any bank as long as both people have the app or linked bank accounts. The receiving bank does not need to be the same as your bank.
What's the difference between a routing number and an account number?
The routing number identifies the bank (nine digits), and the account number identifies your specific account at that bank (usually 10 to 12 digits). You need both for ACH and wire transfers. You can find both on a check, your bank's website, or by calling the bank.
Is it safe to give someone my account number and routing number?
Yes, it's safe to share your account number and routing number for receiving transfers. These numbers are printed on every check you write. However, do not share your PIN, password, or the three-digit security code on the back of your debit card.
Can I cancel a transfer after I've sent it?
For ACH transfers, you may be able to cancel within a few hours if the transfer hasn't been processed yet. Contact your bank immediately. For wire transfers, cancellation is much harder after a few hours have passed. For peer-to-peer apps, you usually cannot cancel once the recipient has accepted the transfer.
How much can I transfer at once?
ACH transfers are usually limited to $10,000 to $25,000 per transaction, depending on your bank. Wire transfers have higher limits, often $50,000 or more. Peer-to-peer apps typically cap transfers at $1,000 to $5,000 per day. Contact your bank to request a higher limit if you need to send more.