The fastest way depends on your bank and whether both accounts are at the same institution
If both accounts are at the same bank, you can transfer money between them in minutes using online banking, a mobile app, or by calling the bank. Log into your account, select the transfer option, choose your savings account as the source and your current account as the destination, enter the amount, and confirm. The money usually arrives within hours, sometimes instantly.
If your accounts are at different banks, the transfer takes longer—typically one to three business days—because the banks must communicate through a clearing system. You will need your destination bank's sort code and your account number at that bank. You can initiate this transfer through your savings bank's online platform or by visiting a branch in person.
Some banks also let you set up standing orders or recurring transfers if you move money regularly. This automates the process on a schedule you choose—weekly, monthly, or on a specific date each month.
Key Takeaways
- Transfers between accounts at the same bank usually complete within hours or instantly, while transfers between different banks take one to three business days.
- You will need your destination account's sort code and account number to transfer money between banks.
- Online banking and mobile apps are the fastest methods; visiting a branch or calling takes longer but works if you do not have digital access.
- Standing orders let you automate regular transfers so you do not have to initiate each one manually.
- Most banks do not charge a fee for transfers between your own accounts, but confirm this with your bank before you transfer.
Transfers within the same bank: online, app, or phone
Log into your online banking portal or open your bank's mobile app. Look for a "Transfer" or "Move Money" option—the exact label varies by bank. Select your savings account as the sending account and your current account as the receiving account. Enter the amount you want to transfer and review the details to make sure both account numbers are correct.
Confirm the transfer. Most banks show the money in your current account within minutes or by the end of the same business day. Some banks offer same-day or instant transfers if you initiate the request before a certain time (often 3 p.m. or 4 p.m.). Check your bank's website or app for its cutoff time.
If you do not use online banking, call your bank's customer service line or visit a branch. Provide your account numbers and the amount you want to transfer. A staff member can process it over the phone or in person, though this usually takes longer than using the app or website.
Transfers between different banks: sort code and account number required
You will need three pieces of information about your destination account: the sort code (a six-digit number that identifies the bank and branch), the account number (usually eight digits), and the account holder's name. Your destination bank provides all three on statements, online banking, or by phone.
Log into your savings bank's online platform and select the transfer option. Enter your destination bank's details in the fields provided. Some banks let you save this information so you do not have to enter it every time; others require you to enter it fresh each transfer. Enter the amount and confirm.
The transfer enters a clearing system that connects banks. It typically takes one to three business days for the money to reach your current account. Weekends and bank holidays do not count as business days, so a transfer initiated on Friday afternoon may not arrive until Tuesday. Your savings bank will send you a confirmation, and your current bank will notify you when the money arrives.
Standing orders for regular transfers
If you move money from savings to current on a regular schedule—for example, every payday or the first of each month—set up a standing order instead of transferring manually each time. A standing order is an instruction to your bank to move a fixed amount on a date you choose, repeating until you cancel it.
Set up a standing order through your savings bank's online banking or by visiting a branch. Provide your current account details (sort code and account number), the amount to transfer, and the date and frequency. The bank will process the first transfer on your chosen date and repeat it automatically.
You can change or cancel a standing order at any time through online banking or by contacting your bank. If you no longer need the transfer, cancel it to avoid moving money you do not need.
Fees and limits on transfers
Most banks do not charge a fee when you transfer money between your own accounts, whether they are at the same bank or different banks. However, some accounts—particularly premium or investment accounts—may have restrictions or fees. Check your account terms or contact your bank to confirm there are no charges before you transfer.
Your bank may also set a daily or monthly limit on how much you can transfer. This limit protects your account from fraud but can affect large transfers. If you need to move more than your limit allows, contact your bank to request a temporary increase or to arrange the transfer in stages.
What to do if a transfer does not arrive
If a transfer between different banks does not arrive within three business days, contact your savings bank first. Provide the confirmation number from the transfer, the destination account details, and the date you initiated it. The bank can trace the transfer through the clearing system and tell you where it is.
Most delays happen because of incorrect sort codes or account numbers. If the destination account details were wrong, the receiving bank may have rejected the transfer and sent the money back to your savings account. Check your savings account to see if the money has returned. If it has, correct the account details and try again.
If the money has not returned to your savings account and the receiving bank says it never arrived, your savings bank can file a trace with the clearing system. This process takes time—usually one to two weeks—but the bank will investigate and recover the money if it was sent to the wrong account by mistake.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer money from savings to current on the same day?
Yes, if both accounts are at the same bank. Log into online banking or use the mobile app and the transfer usually completes within hours or instantly. If the accounts are at different banks, the transfer takes one to three business days because it must pass through a clearing system.
What happens if I enter the wrong sort code or account number?
The receiving bank will reject the transfer if the details do not match an account at that bank. The money returns to your savings account, usually within a few days. Correct the account details and initiate the transfer again. If the details match a different account by accident, the money may go to the wrong person; contact your bank immediately if this happens.
Do I need to tell my bank before I transfer money between my own accounts?
No. Transfers between your own accounts are routine and do not require advance notice. However, if you are moving a very large amount or transferring to a new account for the first time, your bank may flag it as unusual activity. If the transfer is blocked, call your bank to confirm it is legitimate.
Can I set up a standing order to transfer money weekly?
Yes. Standing orders can be set to repeat weekly, fortnightly, monthly, or on any schedule your bank supports. You choose the amount and the date, and the bank processes it automatically until you cancel the order. This is useful if you move money regularly from savings to cover current account spending.
What if my savings account has a notice period before I can withdraw?
Some savings accounts require notice before you can withdraw money—typically 30 or 60 days. If your account has this restriction, you cannot transfer money immediately. Contact your bank to find out the notice period and whether you can waive it, or wait until the notice period has passed before you transfer.