The most direct ways to send money to a bank account
You can send money to someone's bank account through a bank transfer, a money transfer service, or a bill payment system. The method you choose depends on how fast you need the money to arrive, whether you know the recipient's account details, and what fees you want to pay.
A bank transfer (also called an ACH transfer or wire transfer) moves money from your bank account to theirs. An ACH transfer is slower but cheaper—usually free or under $2—and takes one to three business days. A wire transfer is faster, often arriving the same day or next business day, but costs $15 to $50 depending on your bank. Money transfer services like PayPal, Venmo, or Square Cash let you send money using just a phone number or email, though they may charge a fee if you want the money to land in a bank account within hours rather than days.
If you are paying a bill (rent, utilities, a loan), your bank's bill pay system may be the cheapest option—often free—though it works best when you know the recipient's mailing address rather than their account number.
Key Takeaways
- ACH transfers are free or nearly free but take one to three business days; wire transfers arrive faster but cost $15 to $50.
- You will need the recipient's name, account number, and routing number to send an ACH or wire transfer through your bank.
- Money transfer apps like Venmo or PayPal can send money using only a phone number or email, but moving the money to a bank account may take longer or cost extra.
- Bill pay systems through your bank are often free and work well for recurring payments like rent or loan payments.
- Transfers sent on a weekend or holiday will not arrive until the next business day, even if your bank processes them immediately.
ACH transfers: the standard, slow, cheap option
An ACH transfer is the most common way to move money between bank accounts. ACH stands for Automated Clearing House, a network that processes transfers between banks. Your bank sends the money to the recipient's bank, which deposits it into their account. The whole process takes one to three business days because the ACH network batches transfers and processes them at set times each day.
To send an ACH transfer, log into your bank's website or app and look for "Send Money," "Transfer," or "Pay Someone." You will need the recipient's full name, account number, and routing number. The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies their bank; you can find it on a check, ask the recipient, or search the bank's website. Most banks let you send ACH transfers for free, though some charge $1 to $3 per transfer.
ACH transfers work best when you are not in a hurry—paying a bill that is not due for a few days, sending money to a friend who does not need it immediately, or moving money between your own accounts at different banks. They do not work well if you need the money to arrive today or tomorrow.
Wire transfers: fast but expensive
A wire transfer moves money the same day or next business day, making it the fastest way to send money between bank accounts. Your bank sends the money directly to the recipient's bank, which deposits it immediately or within hours. Wire transfers cost $15 to $50 depending on your bank and whether the transfer is domestic (within the United States) or international.
To send a wire transfer, call your bank or visit a branch in person—most banks do not let you wire money through their website or app. You will need the recipient's name, account number, routing number, and the amount you want to send. Some banks ask for the recipient's address or phone number as well. The bank will give you a confirmation number; keep it in case you need to track the transfer or dispute it later.
Wire transfers are irreversible once sent, so double-check the account number and routing number before you confirm. If you send money to the wrong account, you cannot get it back through your bank—you have to contact the recipient's bank and ask them to return it, which they may refuse to do. Use wire transfers only when you are certain of the account details and the recipient is expecting the money.
Money transfer apps: convenient but variable in speed and cost
Apps like Venmo, PayPal, Square Cash, and Google Pay let you send money using just a phone number, email address, or username. You do not need to know the recipient's account number or routing number. The money usually arrives in the recipient's app account within minutes, and they can spend it or transfer it to their bank account.
The catch is that moving money from the app to a bank account takes time and may cost money. Venmo and PayPal offer free transfers to a bank account, but they take one to three business days—the same as an ACH transfer. If you want the money to arrive faster (usually one business day), you pay a fee of 1% to 2% of the amount sent. Some apps charge a flat fee ($0.25 to $1) for instant transfers instead of a percentage.
Money transfer apps work best when both people have the app and are comfortable keeping money in it temporarily, or when you want to send money to someone and do not have their bank details. They are less useful if the recipient needs the money in their actual bank account right away and does not want to pay a rush fee.
Bill pay through your bank: free for regular payments
If you are paying a bill—rent, utilities, a loan, or a contractor—your bank's bill pay system may be the cheapest and easiest option. You set up a payee (the person or company receiving the money), enter the amount, and choose a date. Your bank sends the money by check or ACH transfer, usually arriving within three to five business days. Bill pay is almost always free.
Bill pay works best when you know the recipient's mailing address and the payment is not urgent. It is less useful if you need the money to arrive within days or if the recipient does not have a mailing address (for example, a friend or family member). Some banks let you set up recurring bill payments, so the same amount goes out on the same date every month—useful for rent or loan payments.
To use bill pay, log into your bank's website or app and look for "Bill Pay" or "Pay Bills." Enter the payee's name and address, the amount, and the date you want the payment sent. Your bank will show you when the money should arrive based on the date you choose.
What information you need to send money
| Method | Information Needed | Cost | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACH transfer | Recipient's name, account number, routing number | Free to $3 | 1–3 business days |
| Wire transfer | Recipient's name, account number, routing number | $15–$50 | Same day or next business day |
| Money transfer app | Recipient's phone number, email, or username | Free to 2% (for instant bank transfer) | Minutes to 3 business days |
| Bill pay | Payee's name and mailing address | Free | 3–5 business days |
How to find routing and account numbers
If you are sending an ACH or wire transfer, you need the recipient's routing number and account number. The routing number identifies their bank; the account number identifies their specific account at that bank.
The easiest way to get both is to ask the recipient. They can find the routing number on the bottom left of a check (a nine-digit number) and the account number on the bottom center of a check (usually 10 to 12 digits). If they do not have a check, they can log into their bank's website or app and find both numbers in the account details section. Alternatively, you can search online for "[Bank Name] routing number" and find it on the bank's website.
Make sure you have the correct routing number for the recipient's specific bank and branch. Some large banks have multiple routing numbers depending on the state or branch where the account was opened. If you use the wrong routing number, the transfer may be rejected or sent to the wrong bank.
What happens if a transfer goes wrong
If you send money to the wrong account by mistake, your options depend on the type of transfer. With an ACH transfer, contact your bank immediately and ask them to recall the transfer. If the transfer has not been processed yet (usually within one business day), your bank can stop it. If it has been processed, your bank can ask the recipient's bank to return the money, but the recipient's bank is not required to comply.
With a wire transfer, you have even fewer options. Wire transfers are nearly impossible to reverse once sent. Contact your bank right away with the confirmation number and ask them to contact the recipient's bank, but be prepared for the money to be gone. This is why wire transfers are risky—use them only when you are certain of the account details.
If you send money through a money transfer app and realize you made a mistake, contact the app's customer service immediately. If the recipient has not withdrawn the money yet, the app may be able to cancel the transfer or reverse it. Once the money is in the recipient's bank account, your options are limited.
Transfers sent on weekends and holidays
Bank transfers do not process on weekends or federal holidays. If you send an ACH transfer on a Friday evening, it will not arrive until Monday or Tuesday. If you send it on a holiday, it will not arrive until the next business day after the holiday. Wire transfers sent on weekends or holidays are usually held until the next business day as well, even though wire transfers are normally faster.
Plan ahead if you need money to arrive by a specific date. Send the transfer at least one business day before the money is needed. If you are sending money on a Friday and need it to arrive Monday, send it Thursday instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send money to someone's bank account if I only know their name?
No. You need either their account number and routing number (for ACH or wire transfer) or their phone number or email (for a money transfer app). If you only know their name, ask them for one of these pieces of information before you send money.
What is the difference between a routing number and an account number?
The routing number identifies the bank where the account is held. The account number identifies the specific account within that bank. You need both to send an ACH or wire transfer. The routing number is nine digits; the account number is usually 10 to 12 digits.
Is it safe to give someone my account number and routing number?
Yes, it is safe to share your routing number and account number with someone you trust who needs to send you money. These numbers are printed on every check you write, so they are not secret. However, do not share them with strangers or on unsecured websites. If someone asks for your account number over the phone or email without a clear reason, verify their identity first.
Can I cancel a transfer after I send it?
It depends on the type of transfer and how much time has passed. ACH transfers can sometimes be recalled within one business day if they have not been processed yet. Wire transfers are almost impossible to cancel once sent. Money transfer app transfers can sometimes be canceled if the recipient has not withdrawn the money yet. Contact your bank or app immediately if you need to cancel a transfer.
Why did my transfer take longer than expected?
Transfers sent on weekends or holidays are delayed until the next business day. ACH transfers can take up to three business days even if your bank processes them immediately. Wire transfers may be delayed if your bank or the recipient's bank has additional security checks. If a transfer is more than three business days late, contact your bank and ask them to investigate.