The fastest way to move money out of Chase
You can transfer money from Chase to another bank using external transfers, which move funds from your Chase account to a bank account you own elsewhere. Chase offers three main routes: online transfer through your Chase account, a wire transfer for same-day or next-day movement, or an ACH transfer that takes one to three business days and costs nothing.
The method you choose depends on how fast you need the money and whether you want to pay a fee. Online transfers and ACH transfers are free; wire transfers cost $15 to $20. Most people use the online transfer option because it is free, requires no phone call, and completes within one to three business days.
Before you start, you will need the receiving bank's routing number and your account number at that bank. If you do not have the routing number, call the receiving bank or search for it on their website — it is a nine-digit code that identifies the bank in the ACH and wire systems.
Key Takeaways
- Chase online transfers to external accounts are free and take one to three business days, making them the cheapest option for most people.
- Wire transfers cost $15 to $20 but move money the same day or next business day if sent before the cutoff time.
- You must add the receiving bank account as an external account in Chase before you can transfer to it, which requires the routing number and account number.
- Chase limits how much you can transfer per day and per month depending on your account type, so check your limits before moving large amounts.
- If the transfer fails or the money goes to the wrong account, contact Chase within 24 hours to report the error and request a trace.
Setting up an external account in Chase online banking
To transfer money out of Chase, you first add the receiving bank account to your Chase profile. Log into your Chase account online or through the mobile app, then go to the Transfers section. Select "Add external account" or "Transfer to another bank" — the exact wording varies by app version.
Enter the receiving bank's name, the routing number, and your account number at that bank. Chase will ask you to verify the account by depositing two small amounts (usually under $1 each) into the account you are adding. You will see these deposits in the receiving account within one to two business days, and you will need to confirm the exact amounts in Chase to prove you own the account.
Once verified, the account stays in your Chase profile and you can transfer to it anytime without repeating this step. If you are adding an account at a very small bank or credit union, Chase may not recognize it immediately — in that case, you may need to call Chase at the number on the back of your card to add it manually.
Transferring money using Chase online or mobile app
After the external account is verified, go to Transfers in your Chase app or website. Select the Chase account you want to transfer from, then choose the external account you want to send money to. Enter the amount and the date you want the transfer to happen — you can schedule it for today or a future date up to 30 days out.
Chase will show you the expected arrival date based on the transfer method. For a standard online transfer, expect one to three business days. Review the details, then confirm the transfer. You will get a confirmation number immediately, and Chase will send you an email receipt.
The money leaves your Chase account on the date you chose, but it may take an extra day or two to appear in the receiving account because the receiving bank has to process it on their end. If you do not see the money after three business days, log back into Chase and check the transfer status — it will show whether the transfer is pending, completed, or failed.
Wire transfers for faster movement
If you need money to arrive the same day or next business day, use a wire transfer. Chase charges $15 for domestic wire transfers (transfers within the United States). You can initiate a wire through online banking, the mobile app, or by calling Chase at the number on your card.
Wire transfers must be sent before a cutoff time, usually 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. Eastern time on business days. If you send after the cutoff, the wire goes out the next business day. The receiving bank typically posts the money within hours of receiving it, though some banks take until the next business day to make it available.
To send a wire, you need the receiving bank's routing number, your account number at that bank, and the full name on the receiving account. Some banks also require a SWIFT code if the receiving bank is outside the United States. Double-check all details before confirming — wire transfers cannot be reversed once sent, and if you send to the wrong account, you have to contact the receiving bank and ask them to return the money.
Chase transfer limits and how to move large amounts
Chase sets daily and monthly limits on how much you can transfer out of your account. The limits vary by account type and your history with Chase, but typically range from $1,000 to $10,000 per day and $25,000 to $100,000 per month for online transfers. Wire transfers often have higher limits.
If you need to move more than your limit allows, you have two options: split the transfer across multiple days, or call Chase and ask them to temporarily raise your limit. When you call, have your account number ready and be prepared to explain why you need the higher limit. Chase may raise it for a one-time transfer or for a set period.
For very large amounts — $50,000 or more — calling Chase directly is faster than trying to move the money in pieces. A representative can process a wire transfer or arrange multiple transfers on your behalf and may be able to waive or reduce the wire fee if you are a long-standing customer.
What to do if a transfer fails or goes to the wrong account
If a transfer fails, Chase will return the money to your account within one to three business days and send you a notification explaining why. Common reasons include an incorrect routing number, a closed account at the receiving bank, or a mismatch between the account number and account name. Check the failure notice, correct the information, and try again.
If you sent money to the wrong account by mistake, contact Chase immediately — ideally within 24 hours. Chase can file a reversal request with the receiving bank asking them to return the funds. The receiving bank is not required to comply, but most do if the request comes quickly. After 24 hours, your options narrow, and you may have to contact the receiving bank directly and ask them to return the money as a courtesy.
For wire transfers sent to the wrong account, call Chase right away. Wire transfers are harder to reverse than ACH transfers, but Chase can send a recall request to the receiving bank. If the receiving bank has already released the money to the account holder, recovery becomes much more difficult and may require involving law enforcement.
Comparing transfer methods: speed, cost, and when to use each
| Transfer Method | Cost | Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online transfer (ACH) | Free | 1–3 business days | Routine transfers with no time pressure |
| Wire transfer | $15–$20 | Same day or next business day | Time-sensitive payments or large amounts |
| Scheduled transfer | Free | 1–3 business days from scheduled date | Recurring transfers or planning ahead |
Use an online transfer for most situations — it is free and reliable for amounts under your daily limit. Use a wire transfer if you need the money within 24 hours or if you are sending a large amount and want to reduce the risk of the transfer failing. Scheduled transfers work well if you move money on a regular basis, like monthly savings or bill payments to another account you own.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for money to show up after I transfer from Chase?
Online transfers typically take one to three business days from the date you initiate them. Wire transfers arrive the same day or next business day if sent before the cutoff time. The receiving bank may take an extra day to post the money to the account, so budget for up to four business days in the worst case.
Can I transfer money from Chase to a joint account at another bank?
Yes. Add the joint account as an external account using the routing number and account number, just as you would for a single-name account. Chase will verify it the same way, and you can transfer to it without restriction.
What happens if I enter the wrong routing number?
The transfer may fail and Chase will return the money to your account, or it may go to a different bank entirely. If it goes to the wrong bank, contact Chase within 24 hours to file a reversal request. Always double-check the routing number before confirming a transfer, especially for large amounts.
Do I have to pay a fee to transfer money out of Chase?
Online transfers and ACH transfers are free. Wire transfers cost $15 to $20. There are no fees for adding an external account or for scheduled transfers.
Can I transfer money from Chase to a bank account in another country?
Yes, but you will need to use an international wire transfer, which costs more than a domestic wire (typically $40 to $50) and requires additional information like the receiving bank's SWIFT code and the account holder's address. Call Chase to arrange an international wire.