You need their routing number, account number, and account holder name to send money directly into a checking account

Sending money to a checking account requires three pieces of information: the routing number (a nine-digit code that identifies the bank), the account number (usually 10 to 12 digits), and the name on the account exactly as it appears at the bank. You do not need the person's debit card number, Social Security number, or PIN. The routing and account numbers alone are safe to share — they are printed on every check and are meant to be given out.

The method you use depends on whether you are sending money from your own bank, through a payment app, or via wire transfer. Each has different speed, cost, and setup requirements. Some are free; others charge a fee. Some arrive the same day; others take one to three business days.

Key Takeaways

  • You need the routing number, account number, and account holder's name — never ask for a PIN, password, or Social Security number.
  • Bank-to-bank transfers through your own bank's website or app are usually free and take one to three business days.
  • Payment apps like Venmo, PayPal, and Cash App are fast but may charge fees for bank transfers or require the recipient to have an account.
  • Wire transfers arrive the same day or next business day but cost $15 to $50 and are harder to reverse if sent to the wrong account.
  • Ask the recipient to confirm their routing and account number before you send money, because sending to the wrong account can be difficult to recover.

Sending money through your own bank

Log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for "Send Money," "Transfer Funds," "Pay Someone," or "Bill Pay." Most banks let you add a new recipient by entering their routing number, account number, and name. Some banks call this an "external transfer" or "third-party transfer." You will usually need to verify the recipient's information — the bank may send a small test deposit (25 cents to $1) to confirm the account is real and in the correct name.

Once the recipient is added, you can send money immediately. The transfer usually takes one to three business days to arrive, depending on the banks involved. This method is free at most banks, though a few charge $1 to $3 per transfer. Ask your bank whether they charge a fee before you send.

If you are sending money to someone at the same bank as you, the transfer may arrive the same day or within hours. Check your bank's website for their specific timeline.

Using payment apps and digital wallets

Apps like Venmo, PayPal, Cash App, and Zelle work differently depending on whether the recipient already has an account. If they do, you can send money directly through the app — it is usually free and arrives within minutes to a few hours. If they do not have an account, you will need to provide their routing and account number so the app can deposit the money into their bank.

Transferring from a payment app to a bank account (called an "ACH transfer" or "bank transfer") usually takes one to three business days and may charge a fee of $0.50 to $2. Some apps offer instant transfers for a higher fee ($1.50 to $2). Check the app's fee schedule before you send.

Payment apps are convenient for small, frequent transfers between people who both use the same app. For one-time transfers or larger amounts, your own bank's transfer service is often cheaper and just as fast.

Wire transfers for same-day or next-day delivery

A wire transfer moves money directly from your bank to the recipient's bank and usually arrives the same business day or by the next morning. You initiate it through your bank's website, app, or by calling or visiting a branch. You will need the recipient's routing number, account number, name, and sometimes their bank's address.

Wire transfers cost $15 to $50, depending on your bank and whether the transfer is domestic (within the United States) or international. The fee is usually deducted from the amount you send, so the recipient gets less than you intended unless you add the fee to your transfer amount.

Wire transfers are harder to reverse than other methods. If you send money to the wrong account, you will need to contact your bank immediately and ask them to attempt a recall, but the receiving bank is not required to return the money. Use wire transfers only when you are certain of the account number and routing number, or when speed is worth the cost and risk.

Confirming the routing and account number before you send

Ask the recipient to provide their routing and account number in writing or to read them to you directly. Do not rely on a screenshot or a photo of a check, because errors can happen during copying. The safest approach is to have them read the numbers aloud while you type them, then read them back to confirm.

If the recipient is unsure of their routing number, they can find it on a check (the first nine digits on the bottom left), on their bank's website, or by calling their bank's customer service line. The account number is also on the check (the second set of digits on the bottom) or visible in their online banking portal.

Sending money to the wrong account is frustrating and time-consuming to fix. A few seconds of confirmation saves hours of trouble later.

What to do if you sent money to the wrong account

Contact your bank or payment app immediately. If the transfer has not yet been processed (usually within a few hours), the bank may be able to stop it. If it has already arrived at the other bank, you will need to ask your bank to file a recall request, but the receiving bank is not required to return the money.

If the money was sent through a payment app, contact the app's customer support team right away. Some apps can reverse transfers within a short window (usually 24 to 48 hours). After that window closes, recovery becomes much harder.

For wire transfers, call your bank immediately. Wire transfers are nearly impossible to reverse after they arrive, so speed is critical. Your bank will attempt to contact the receiving bank and ask them to return the funds, but there is no may provide they will comply.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Your routing and account number are printed on every check you write and are meant to be shared. They allow someone to deposit money into your account, not withdraw from it. Never share your PIN, online banking password, or Social Security number. If someone asks for those, it is a scam.

Can someone withdraw money from my account if they have my routing and account number?

No. Your routing and account number allow deposits only. To withdraw money, someone would need your debit card, PIN, or online banking login. Protect those, but feel safe sharing your routing and account number.

How long does it take for money to show up in a checking account?

Bank transfers usually take one to three business days. Transfers between accounts at the same bank may arrive the same day or within hours. Wire transfers arrive the same business day or by the next morning. Payment app transfers can arrive within minutes if both people use the same app, or one to three days if transferring to a bank account.

What is the difference between ACH and wire transfer?

ACH (Automated Clearing House) transfers are the standard bank-to-bank transfer and take one to three business days. They are free or very cheap. Wire transfers are faster (same day or next day) but cost $15 to $50 and are nearly impossible to reverse. Use ACH for routine transfers and wire transfer only when you need the money urgently.

Do I need the recipient's name to send money to their account?

Yes. Most banks require you to enter the account holder's name exactly as it appears on the account. This is a safety check to make sure the money goes to the right person. If the name does not match, the transfer may be rejected or delayed.