Yes, you can deposit money from another bank — here's how it works

You can move money from one bank to another in several ways. The method you choose depends on how fast you need the money to arrive, whether you're moving it yourself or someone else is sending it to you, and what tools your banks offer. Most transfers take one to three business days, though some are faster and some slower.

The most common routes are ACH transfer (the standard for moving money between accounts you own), wire transfer (faster but more expensive), mobile deposit (if you have a check), and peer-to-peer payment apps (if someone is sending you money directly). Each has different costs, speed, and security trade-offs.

Key Takeaways

  • ACH transfers between your own accounts at different banks usually take one to three business days and cost nothing.
  • Wire transfers arrive the same day or next business day but typically cost $15 to $30 and cannot be reversed if sent to the wrong account.
  • Mobile deposit lets you photograph a check and deposit it through your bank's app, usually clearing within one to two business days.
  • Peer-to-peer apps like Venmo, PayPal, and Cash App let someone send you money directly, though the money may take a day to reach your bank account.
  • Never give your online banking password to move money between banks — legitimate transfers never require it.

ACH transfer: the standard way to move your own money

An ACH transfer (Automated Clearing House) is the most common method for moving money between your accounts at different banks. You initiate it through your sending bank's website or app, provide the receiving bank's routing number and your account number there, and the money moves automatically. ACH transfers are free and secure because the banks handle the routing and verification.

ACH transfers typically take one to three business days. The sending bank submits the transfer request, the ACH network processes it overnight, and the receiving bank posts it to your account. Weekends and federal holidays add time — a transfer initiated on Friday afternoon may not arrive until Tuesday. Some banks offer next-business-day ACH for an extra fee, usually $1 to $5.

You can set up a recurring ACH transfer if you move money regularly between the same two accounts. Most banks let you do this through their website without calling. If you're moving money from a bank that doesn't offer online transfers, you can call the sending bank and request an ACH transfer over the phone, though this is slower and less common.

Wire transfer: fastest but irreversible and costly

A wire transfer moves money the same business day or next business day, making it the fastest option. You provide the receiving bank's routing number, your account number, and the amount. The sending bank deducts the money immediately and sends it through the Federal Reserve's wire network. The receiving bank posts it within hours or by the next morning.

Wire transfers cost $15 to $30 per transfer, depending on your bank. Domestic wires (within the United States) are cheaper than international wires. Some banks charge extra if you initiate the wire by phone instead of online. The cost is usually deducted from the amount you send, so if you wire $500 and the fee is $25, the receiving account gets $475.

The critical drawback: wire transfers cannot be reversed. Once the receiving bank posts the money, it is gone. If you send it to the wrong account number or routing number by mistake, you have no automatic recourse. The receiving bank is not obligated to return it. This makes wire transfer risky for large amounts unless you have verified the account details with the recipient directly. Scammers often use wire transfer requests because of this irreversibility.

Mobile deposit: photograph a check and deposit it remotely

If you have a paper check from another bank, mobile deposit lets you photograph the front and back of the check using your bank's mobile app and deposit it without visiting a branch. The check image is encrypted and sent to your bank. Your bank verifies the image quality and the check amount, then deposits the funds to your account.

Mobile deposit typically clears within one to two business days. Some banks offer next-business-day clearing for an extra fee or as a premium feature. After you submit the deposit, most banks recommend you write "deposited" on the check and keep it for 30 days in case the bank needs to verify it. Do not deposit the same check twice — that is check fraud and will result in overdraft fees and potential criminal charges.

Mobile deposit has daily and monthly limits that vary by bank. A typical limit is $2,500 per day and $10,000 per month, though some banks allow higher amounts for customers with longer account history or higher balances. If you need to deposit more than your limit, you can deposit multiple checks on different days or visit a branch to deposit in person.

Peer-to-peer payment apps: when someone sends money to you

If someone else is sending you money from their bank account, they can use a peer-to-peer payment app like Venmo, PayPal, Cash App, or Zelle. They enter your email address or phone number, the amount, and initiate the transfer from their bank account. The money reaches you within one to three business days, depending on the app and the banks involved.

Most peer-to-peer apps are free for transfers between bank accounts, though some charge a small fee (usually 1% to 3%) if you want the money instantly instead of waiting. Credit card transfers through these apps often carry a fee. Once the money arrives in your peer-to-peer app account, you can transfer it to your bank account using ACH, which takes another one to three business days, or request instant transfer for a fee.

Zelle is different: it is a network owned by major banks and integrated directly into many bank apps. If both you and the sender have Zelle through your banks, the money can arrive within minutes to a few hours, with no app download required. Zelle transfers are typically free and have higher daily limits than other peer-to-peer apps, though limits vary by bank.

What to do if the transfer is delayed or goes to the wrong account

If an ACH transfer does not arrive within three business days, contact your sending bank first. Ask them to confirm the transfer was submitted and provide you with a confirmation number. Then contact the receiving bank and give them the confirmation number so they can trace the transfer on their end. Delays usually happen because of a typo in the routing number or account number, a holiday, or a processing backlog.

If you sent money to the wrong account by ACH, contact your sending bank immediately. They can attempt to recall the transfer if it has not cleared yet. If it has already posted to the receiving account, the receiving bank is not required to return it, but you can ask them to do so. Document everything in writing and keep copies of all communications.

If you sent a wire transfer to the wrong account, call your bank immediately and ask them to contact the receiving bank on your behalf. Some banks can freeze the funds if the receiving bank has not yet released them. However, once the receiving bank releases the money, recovery is difficult and may require legal action. This is why wire transfers should only be used when you are certain of the account details.

Fees, limits, and security considerations

ACH transfers are free and have no daily limit at most banks, though some banks cap transfers at $10,000 per day for security reasons. Wire transfers cost $15 to $30 and are typically limited to $10,000 to $50,000 per day depending on your account type and history. Mobile deposit has daily and monthly limits set by your bank, usually $2,500 per day. Peer-to-peer apps have limits ranging from $500 to $5,000 per day.

Never share your online banking password or PIN to move money between banks. Legitimate transfers never require your password. If someone asks for your password to "help" you transfer money, it is a scam. Your bank will never ask for your password by email, phone, or text. If you receive such a request, report it to your bank immediately.

Verify account numbers and routing numbers before initiating any transfer. A single digit wrong sends the money to a different account. Ask the recipient to confirm their routing number and account number in writing, or call their bank directly to verify. For large transfers, send a small test amount first and confirm it arrived before sending the full amount.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to transfer money between banks?

ACH transfers take one to three business days. Wire transfers take the same day or next business day. Mobile deposit takes one to two business days. Peer-to-peer apps take one to three business days unless you pay for instant transfer. Weekends and holidays add time to all methods.

Can I transfer money from someone else's bank account to mine?

Only if they initiate the transfer themselves using ACH, wire, or a peer-to-peer app. You cannot transfer money from someone else's account without their authorization — that is theft. If someone wants to send you money, they must do it from their own bank account or through an app linked to their account.

What is the difference between a routing number and an account number?

A routing number identifies the bank (nine digits). An account number identifies your specific account at that bank (usually 10 to 12 digits). You need both to transfer money. The routing number tells the ACH network which bank to send the money to; the account number tells that bank which account to deposit it into.

Is it safe to give someone my account number and routing number?

Yes, if they are sending you money via ACH or wire transfer. These numbers are printed on the bottom of your checks and are not sensitive on their own. However, never give your account number to someone you do not trust, and never give your online banking password to anyone. A scammer with your account number alone cannot withdraw money, but they could potentially deposit fraudulent checks.

What should I do if I accidentally sent money to the wrong account?

Contact your sending bank immediately and ask them to recall the transfer if it has not cleared. If it has cleared, contact the receiving bank and request they return the funds. For ACH transfers, the receiving bank may cooperate. For wire transfers, recovery is much harder because wires are irreversible. Document everything and keep records of all communications.