The main ways to send money to someone else's bank account
You can send money to a bank account through ACH transfer (the most common method for domestic transfers), wire transfer (faster but more expensive), peer-to-peer apps (instant but limited to people you know), or cashier's check (slow but requires no account). Which one you use depends on how fast you need the money to arrive, how much you're sending, and whether you know the recipient's bank details.
ACH is free or nearly free and takes one to three business days. Wire transfer costs $15 to $50 and arrives the same day or next business day. Apps like Venmo and PayPal are instant between app users but may take a day or two if the recipient needs to move the money to their bank. A check takes five to ten business days and works even if you don't have online banking.
Key Takeaways
- ACH transfer is the cheapest option for sending money to a bank account and works through your bank's website or app, but takes one to three business days.
- Wire transfer arrives the same or next business day but costs $15 to $50 and cannot be reversed once sent, so verify the account number before you send.
- Peer-to-peer apps like Venmo and PayPal are instant between users but only work if both people have the app and are connected.
- You need the recipient's full name, routing number, and account number for ACH or wire transfer; their email or phone number is enough for most apps.
- If you make a mistake with the account number, ACH transfers can sometimes be recalled, but wire transfers usually cannot be stopped once they leave your bank.
ACH transfer: the standard method for most people
ACH stands for Automated Clearing House, and it is the system most banks use to move money between accounts. You initiate it through your bank's website, mobile app, or by calling customer service. You provide the recipient's name, routing number, account number, and the amount. Your bank then sends the request through the ACH network, which batches transfers and processes them overnight.
ACH transfers are free or cost $1 to $3 if your bank charges a fee. They take one to three business days because the ACH network processes transfers in batches at set times each day. If you send money on a Friday evening, it will not begin processing until Monday morning, and the recipient's bank may not post it until Wednesday. Weekends and bank holidays add extra days.
ACH is reversible if you catch a mistake quickly. If you send money to the wrong account number, you can contact your bank and ask them to recall the transfer before it settles. Once the money lands in the recipient's account and they withdraw it, recovery becomes much harder. For this reason, always double-check the account number before you hit send.
Wire transfer: when you need money to arrive the same day
A wire transfer moves money directly from your bank to the recipient's bank through the Federal Reserve or SWIFT (for international transfers). You initiate it at your bank's branch, through online banking, or by phone. Wire transfers cost $15 to $50 depending on whether the transfer is domestic or international and which bank you use.
Domestic wire transfers arrive the same business day if you send before your bank's cutoff time (usually 2 p.m. or 3 p.m.). International wires take one to three business days. Once a wire leaves your bank, it cannot be recalled or reversed. If you send money to the wrong account, you have no automatic recovery. For this reason, wire transfer is best used only when you know the recipient and have verified their account details in writing.
Some banks require you to visit a branch in person for wire transfers over a certain amount, or to register the recipient's account before you can send. This is a fraud prevention measure. If you wire money regularly to the same person or business, ask your bank whether you can set up a standing instruction or pre-approved recipient list.
Peer-to-peer apps: instant transfers between app users
Peer-to-peer apps like Venmo, PayPal, Square Cash, and Zelle let you send money to someone's email address or phone number if they also have the app. The money moves instantly between app accounts. If the recipient wants to move the money to their bank account, that step takes one to two business days and may cost a small fee depending on the app.
These apps work best for splitting bills, paying friends, or sending money to people you know. They are not ideal for paying a business or someone you have never met, because the recipient needs to have the app and be connected to you. Most apps also have daily or monthly limits on how much you can send—often $500 to $5,000 per transaction, though limits vary by app and account age.
Zelle is different because it connects directly to your bank account and your recipient's bank account, so no app download is required. If both your bank and the recipient's bank support Zelle, the money arrives instantly. Not all banks offer Zelle, so check whether your bank is part of the network before you count on it.
Cashier's check: when the recipient doesn't have online banking
A cashier's check is a check drawn on the bank's own account, not yours, so it is may provide to clear. You go to your bank, tell them the amount and the recipient's name, and they issue the check. Cashier's checks cost $5 to $15. You then mail or hand the check to the recipient, who deposits it at their bank.
Cashier's checks take five to ten business days to clear because the recipient's bank must verify the check with your bank. This method works if the recipient does not have online banking or does not use apps, or if you need a physical record of payment. It is also useful if you are paying someone you do not fully trust with your bank account details.
The downside is the delay and the cost. If you need money to arrive quickly, a cashier's check is not the right choice. If you lose the check before depositing it, you will need to file a claim with your bank, which can take weeks.
What information you need to send money
| Method | Information needed | Cost | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACH transfer | Full name, routing number, account number | Free to $3 | 1–3 business days |
| Wire transfer | Full name, routing number, account number | $15–$50 | Same day or next business day |
| Peer-to-peer app | Email address or phone number | Free (usually) | Instant between app users; 1–2 days to bank account |
| Cashier's check | Recipient's full name | $5–$15 | 5–10 business days |
For ACH and wire transfers, you need the recipient's routing number (a nine-digit code that identifies their bank) and account number (usually 10 to 12 digits). You can find both on a check, or ask the recipient directly. Many banks also let you look up a routing number on their website if you know the bank name and state.
For peer-to-peer apps, you only need the recipient's email or phone number if they are already a user. If they are not, they will need to download the app and set up an account before you can send money. For a cashier's check, you only need the recipient's full name as it should appear on the check.
What happens if you send money to the wrong account
If you send an ACH transfer to the wrong account number, contact your bank immediately. Your bank can file a reversal request with the recipient's bank, asking them to return the money. This works best if you catch the mistake within a few hours, before the transfer settles. Once the recipient's bank posts the money to their account and the recipient withdraws it, reversal becomes much harder.
If a reversal is denied, your bank can file a claim on your behalf, but this process takes weeks and is not may provide to recover the money. You may need to pursue the matter through small claims court or accept the loss. For this reason, always verify the account number by asking the recipient to confirm it in writing, or by checking a recent statement or official document.
Wire transfers cannot be reversed once they leave your bank. If you send a wire to the wrong account, you must contact the recipient's bank directly and ask them to return the money. They are not required to do so. If the recipient refuses or cannot be found, you have no automatic recovery. This is why wire transfer should only be used when you are certain of the account details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send money to a bank account if I don't have a bank account myself?
No, you need a bank account to send an ACH transfer or wire transfer. If you do not have a bank account, you can buy a cashier's check at a bank (you do not need to be a customer), or use a peer-to-peer app if you have a debit card linked to it. Some apps like PayPal let you load money from a debit card without a bank account.
How do I find someone's routing number and account number?
Ask the recipient directly—most people are comfortable sharing this information for a legitimate transfer. You can also ask them to send you a photo of a check, which shows both numbers at the bottom. If they do not have a check, they can log into their bank's app or website and find the numbers in the account details section. Never look up someone's bank details without asking them first.
What's the difference between a routing number and an account number?
The routing number identifies the bank or credit union. The account number identifies your specific account at that bank. You need both to send an ACH or wire transfer. If you provide the wrong routing number, the transfer may be rejected or sent to the wrong bank. If you provide the wrong account number, the money may go to someone else's account at the correct bank.
Can I cancel a transfer after I send it?
ACH transfers can sometimes be cancelled if you contact your bank within a few hours of sending, before the transfer enters the ACH network. Wire transfers cannot be cancelled once they leave your bank. Peer-to-peer transfers between app users are instant and cannot be cancelled. If you need to cancel, call your bank immediately and ask whether the transfer has already been processed.
Is it safe to send money through a peer-to-peer app?
Peer-to-peer apps are safe if you only send money to people you know and trust. Do not send money to strangers or people you met online, because the transaction is usually not reversible if they disappear or claim they never received it. Most apps offer some fraud protection if your account is hacked, but they do not protect you from sending money to the wrong person on purpose.