The most direct way: ACH transfer from your bank

The simplest method is to log into your bank's website or app, find the "Send Money" or "Transfer" section, and enter the recipient's name, routing number, and account number. Your bank will move the money through the ACH (Automated Clearing House) network, which is the system most U.S. banks use to move funds between accounts. The transfer usually takes one to three business days, and there is no cost if both accounts are at U.S. banks.

You will need the other person's routing number (a nine-digit code that identifies their bank) and their account number. They can find both on a check, or by logging into their own bank account and looking at account details. Some banks also let you send money to someone using just their email address or phone number if they have already set up a receiving account with your bank.

ACH transfers are safe because your bank verifies the routing and account numbers before the money leaves. If you make a mistake and send money to the wrong account, you will need to contact your bank and ask them to recall the transfer — this works only if the receiving bank has not already released the funds to the recipient.

Key Takeaways

  • ACH transfers through your bank take one to three business days and cost nothing, but require the recipient's routing number and account number.
  • Wire transfers move money the same day or next business day but cost $15 to $50 and cannot be reversed once sent.
  • Digital payment apps like Venmo, PayPal, and Cash App are fastest for small amounts between people who have the app, but may charge fees for instant transfers.
  • Person-to-person payment services like Zelle are free and fast if both banks support them, but work best for amounts under $1,000 per transaction.
  • Always verify the recipient's account details before sending money, because some transfer methods cannot be undone if you make a mistake.

Wire transfers when you need the money to arrive today or tomorrow

A wire transfer moves money the same business day if you send it before your bank's cutoff time (usually 2 or 3 p.m.), or the next business day if you miss the cutoff. Wire transfers cost between $15 and $50 depending on your bank and whether the recipient's bank is domestic or international. You will need the same information as an ACH transfer — routing number, account number, and the recipient's name — plus the recipient's bank name and address.

The critical difference is that wire transfers cannot be reversed. Once the money leaves your bank, it is in the recipient's account and they can withdraw it immediately. If you send a wire to the wrong account by mistake, you have almost no recourse. For this reason, wire transfers are best used only when you know the recipient personally and have triple-checked their account details, or when you are sending money to a business you trust.

Some banks limit how much you can wire per day or per transaction. Call your bank before you wire a large amount to make sure you are within your limit.

Zelle and other bank-to-bank payment services

Many banks now offer Zelle, a service that lets you send money to someone else's bank account using just their email address or phone number, as long as both banks are part of the Zelle network. The money usually arrives within minutes to a few hours, and there is no fee. You set it up through your bank's app or website, not through a separate app.

Zelle works well for amounts under $1,000 per transaction, though some banks allow higher limits. The catch is that both people must bank at institutions that support Zelle — if the recipient's bank is not on the network, Zelle will not work. You can check whether your bank and the recipient's bank support Zelle on the Zelle website.

Like wire transfers, Zelle payments cannot be reversed once sent. The money goes directly into the recipient's account, so verify their email address or phone number carefully before you hit send.

Digital payment apps for transfers between individuals

Apps like Venmo, PayPal, Cash App, and Square Cash let you send money to another person if you both have the app installed. The money usually arrives within one to three business days at no cost, or within minutes if you pay a fee (typically $0.50 to $2.50 for instant transfer). These apps are popular for splitting rent, paying back a friend, or sending money to family.

The main limitation is that both people must have the app and a linked bank account or debit card. If the recipient does not use the app, you cannot send them money through it. Some apps also have daily or monthly limits on how much you can send — Venmo, for example, limits peer transfers to $20,000 per week for verified accounts.

Digital payment apps are generally safe, but they are not as protected as bank transfers if something goes wrong. If you send money to the wrong person, the app may not be able to recover it. Read the app's terms of service to understand what happens if there is a dispute.

International transfers and when to use a money transfer service

If you are sending money to someone outside the United States, your bank's wire transfer service will work, but it is often expensive and slow. International wire transfers can take three to seven business days and cost $25 to $75 or more. The recipient's bank may also charge a fee to receive the money.

For international transfers, consider a money transfer service like OFX, Wise, or MoneyGram. These services often have better exchange rates and lower fees than banks, especially for larger amounts. Wise, for example, specializes in international transfers and charges a small percentage of the amount you send rather than a flat fee. The trade-off is that these services may take one to three business days, though some offer faster options for an additional fee.

If you are sending a small amount internationally and both people have PayPal or a similar app, that may be faster and cheaper than a wire transfer or money transfer service.

What to do if a transfer goes wrong

If you sent money to the wrong account, contact your bank immediately. For ACH transfers, your bank can file a recall request, but this only works if the receiving bank has not released the funds. The process usually takes five to ten business days. If the receiving bank has already given the money to the recipient, you will need to contact that person directly and ask them to return it — your bank cannot force them to do so.

For wire transfers, your options are very limited. Call your bank right away and explain the mistake. Some banks will contact the receiving bank and ask them to return the funds, but they cannot force the other bank to comply. If the recipient refuses to return the money, you may need to pursue a civil claim, which is expensive and time-consuming.

For transfers through Zelle or digital payment apps, contact the app's customer service team immediately. They may be able to reverse the transfer if it has not been claimed yet, but once the recipient has accepted the money, reversal is unlikely.

How to protect yourself from sending money to a scammer

Scammers often pose as someone you know — a family member, a friend, or a business — and ask you to send money urgently. Before you transfer any money, verify the request through a separate channel. If someone texts you asking for money, call them back using a phone number you know is theirs. If an email asks you to wire funds, call the business directly using the number on their website, not the number in the email.

Be especially cautious with wire transfers and Zelle, because these methods cannot be reversed. If you have any doubt about whether the request is real, wait and ask the person in person or through a communication channel you trust. Scammers rely on urgency and pressure to prevent you from thinking clearly.

Never send money to someone you have not met in person, even if they seem trustworthy online. If a romantic interest, job offer, or investment opportunity asks you to send money first, it is almost certainly a scam.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does an ACH transfer actually take?

One to three business days is the standard window. Some banks offer next-day ACH, which moves the money by the next business day for no extra fee. Weekends and bank holidays do not count as business days, so a transfer sent on Friday may not arrive until Tuesday.

Can I send money to someone at a different bank than mine?

Yes. ACH transfers, wire transfers, Zelle, and digital payment apps all work between different banks. The only requirement is that both banks are in the U.S. banking system (for domestic transfers) or that the recipient's bank accepts international transfers (for international transfers).

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

The routing number identifies the bank itself — it is the same for all customers at that bank. The account number identifies your specific account at that bank. You need both to transfer money. You can find both on a check: the routing number is the first nine digits at the bottom left, and the account number follows it.

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

Yes, it is safe to share these numbers so someone can send you money. These numbers are printed on every check you write, so they are not secret. However, do not share your full account number with anyone unless you trust them, because they could potentially set up automatic withdrawals from your account.

What should I do if I realize I sent money to the wrong person?

Contact your bank or the payment app immediately. For ACH transfers, your bank can file a recall within a few days. For wire transfers and Zelle, your options are limited — contact the service right away and explain the mistake, but be prepared that the money may not be recoverable if the recipient has already withdrawn it.