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 the same day, often within an hour.
If your accounts are at different banks, the transfer takes longer — typically one to three business days — because the money must move through the banking system. You will need your current account number and the sort code of the bank holding it. You can initiate this transfer from your savings bank's online platform or by visiting a branch in person.
Some banks also allow you to 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 and can be done online, through an app, or by phone.
- Transfers between different banks take one to three business days and require the destination account number and sort code.
- You can set up a standing order to move money automatically on a schedule that suits you.
- Some banks charge a fee for transfers, particularly if you move large amounts frequently or use a branch in person.
- Always double-check the account number and sort code before confirming a transfer to avoid sending money to the wrong account.
Transferring within the same bank: online, app, or phone
Most banks offer the simplest transfer experience when both accounts belong to you at the same institution. Log into your online banking portal or open the mobile app, then look for a "Transfer" or "Move Money" option. You will see a list of your accounts — 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. The bank will show you the sending account, receiving account, amount, and the date the transfer will process. Confirm the transfer, and it will usually complete within minutes to a few hours. Some banks process transfers instantly if both accounts are in your name at the same branch.
If you prefer not to use online banking, you can call your bank's customer service line and ask them to process the transfer over the phone. Have your account numbers ready. This method is slower — the bank may take one business day to process it — but it is an option if you do not have internet access or prefer speaking to someone.
Transferring between different banks: what you need and how long it takes
Moving money from a savings account at one bank to a current account at another bank requires the receiving bank's details. You will need the account number (usually 8 digits) and the sort code (6 digits, formatted as three pairs) of your current account. Your current bank statement or online banking portal will show both.
Log into your savings bank's online platform and select the transfer option. You may see "Send Money" or "Pay Someone" — look for the option to add a new payee or recipient. Enter your current account details and give the transfer a name (for example, "My Current Account"). The bank will verify the details, which may take a few minutes or up to one business day depending on the bank's system.
Once verified, enter the amount and confirm. The transfer will process through the Faster Payments Scheme or CHAPS, depending on the amount and your bank's systems. Faster Payments transfers typically arrive within one business day; CHAPS transfers (usually for larger amounts) can arrive the same day. Some banks charge a fee for transfers between institutions, particularly if the amount is large or if you use a branch in person.
Setting up automatic transfers with a standing order
If you move money from savings to your current account regularly — for example, every month to cover bills — you can set up a standing order to automate the process. A standing order is an instruction to your bank to transfer a fixed amount on a date you choose, repeating on a schedule you set.
To set up a standing order, log into your savings bank's online platform and look for "Standing Orders" or "Recurring Transfers." Select your savings account as the source and enter your current account details as the destination. Specify the amount, the date the transfer should occur each month (or week, or on another schedule), and when the standing order should start and end.
Once you confirm, the bank will process the transfer automatically on the date you chose. You can cancel or change the standing order at any time through your online banking portal. Standing orders are useful for regular, predictable transfers, but they do not adjust if you need to move a different amount in a particular month — you would need to make a one-off transfer for any additional money.
What to check before you confirm a transfer
Before you press confirm on any transfer, verify three things: the sending account (your savings account), the receiving account (your current account), and the amount. A common mistake is entering the wrong account number, which sends money to someone else's account. Once the transfer is confirmed, you cannot cancel it immediately — you would have to contact your bank and ask them to recall the payment, which may not be possible if the receiving bank has already processed it.
If both accounts are in your name at the same bank, the risk is lower because the bank's system will not allow you to enter an account that does not belong to you. If you are transferring to a different bank, take extra care: copy and paste the account number and sort code from your current account statement or online banking portal rather than typing it by hand. This reduces the chance of a typo.
Check whether your bank charges a fee for the transfer. Some banks charge for transfers between institutions, and a few charge for transfers between your own accounts if you use a branch in person. Online and app transfers are usually free. If you are moving a large amount, ask your bank whether there is a daily or monthly limit on transfers — some banks cap the amount you can move in a single day or require you to call and confirm large transfers.
If the transfer does not arrive on time
If you initiated a transfer between accounts at the same bank and it has not arrived within a few hours, contact your bank. Same-bank transfers rarely fail, but technical issues or system maintenance can cause delays. Your bank can check the status and reprocess the transfer if needed.
If you transferred between different banks and the money has not arrived after three business days, contact your savings bank first. They can confirm the transfer was sent and provide you with a reference number. If the transfer was sent correctly, the receiving bank may be holding it for verification — this happens occasionally with large amounts or if the receiving bank's system flagged the transaction. Your current bank can tell you whether the money is in their system and when it will be released to your account.
Keep the transfer reference number and the date you initiated the transfer. If there is a dispute, your bank will need this information to investigate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer money from savings to current account on a weekend?
You can initiate the transfer at any time through online banking or an app, but it will not process until the next business day if you send it on a weekend or after your bank's cut-off time (usually 3 p.m. or 5 p.m. on weekdays). Same-bank transfers may process faster on weekdays, but between-bank transfers always wait until the next business day to enter the clearing system.
Is there a limit to how much I can transfer?
Most banks set daily or monthly limits on transfers, which vary by bank and account type. Check your online banking portal or call your bank to find out your limit. If you need to move more than the limit allows, you can make multiple transfers over several days or contact your bank to request a temporary increase.
What happens if I enter the wrong account number?
If both accounts are at the same bank, the system will not allow you to enter an account number that does not belong to you. If you are transferring to a different bank and enter a wrong number, the money will go to someone else's account. Contact your bank immediately with the transfer reference number — they can attempt to recall the payment, but success depends on whether the receiving bank has already processed it.
Do I need to tell my bank I am transferring 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, some banks may ask you to confirm it by phone for security reasons.
Can I set up a standing order to transfer a different amount each month?
No. A standing order transfers the same fixed amount on a repeating schedule. If you need to move different amounts, set up a standing order for your regular transfer and make one-off transfers for any additional money you need to move in a particular month.