The fastest way depends on which banks you use and how soon you need the money there

If both accounts are at the same bank, you can move money between them in minutes through your online banking portal or mobile app — usually free and instant. If the accounts are at different banks, you have three main routes: wire transfer (fastest, costs money), ACH transfer (free, takes one to three business days), or external transfer through your bank's website (free, takes one to three business days). The method you choose depends on speed, cost, and whether you need the money to arrive the same day.

Before you start, you will need the receiving account's routing number and account number. If you do not have those, log into the receiving bank's website or call their customer service line — they can provide both in seconds. Have them ready before you begin the transfer.

Key Takeaways

  • Same-bank transfers are instant and free; different-bank transfers take one to three business days unless you use a wire transfer.
  • ACH transfers and external transfers are free but slower; wire transfers arrive the same day or next business day but cost $15 to $50.
  • You need the receiving account's routing number and account number before you can send money to a different bank.
  • If a transfer does not arrive within the promised timeframe, contact your sending bank first — they can trace it and push for delivery.

Transferring money between accounts at the same bank

Log into your online banking portal or open your bank's mobile app. Look for a link or button labeled "Transfer," "Move Money," or "Send Money." Select the account you want to send from, then choose the receiving account from the list of your own accounts at that bank. Enter the amount and confirm.

The transfer usually posts instantly or within minutes. You will see the debit in your sending account right away and the credit in your receiving account almost immediately. No fees apply, and no routing number is needed because both accounts are in the same system.

ACH transfers to a different bank (free, one to three business days)

An ACH transfer (Automated Clearing House) is the standard way to move money between different banks for free. Log into your sending bank's website or app and find the "Transfer" or "Send Money" section. Look for an option that says "External Transfer," "Transfer to Another Bank," or "Add External Account."

Enter the receiving bank's name, the receiving account number, and the routing number. Your bank will ask you to verify the account — some banks send a small test deposit (usually $0.01 to $0.99) to the account, and you have to confirm the amount to prove you own it. Once verified, you can send money. The transfer takes one to three business days. ACH transfers are free and have no daily limit set by the federal government, though your individual bank may impose one.

If the receiving account is not yet set up in your bank's system, the verification step can add one to two business days before your first transfer goes through. After that, future transfers to the same account are faster.

Wire transfers to a different bank (same day or next day, costs $15 to $50)

A wire transfer is faster than ACH but costs money. Use it when you need the money to arrive the same business day or the next morning. Log into your bank's website or app and look for "Wire Transfer" or "Send Wire." You will need the receiving bank's name, the receiving account number, the routing number, and the recipient's full name.

Some banks also ask for the receiving bank's address. Enter the amount and review the details carefully — wire transfers cannot be reversed once they leave your bank. Confirm the transfer. Your bank will deduct the wire fee (typically $15 to $50 depending on whether it is domestic or international) from your account immediately. The money usually arrives the same business day if sent before your bank's cutoff time (often 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. local time), or the next business day if sent after.

Call your bank if you are unsure about the cutoff time or if you need the money to arrive by a specific time. Some banks offer expedited wire service for an extra fee.

What to do if your transfer does not arrive on time

For ACH transfers, wait the full three business days before contacting your bank. Business days do not include weekends or federal holidays, so a transfer sent on Friday may not arrive until Wednesday. If three business days have passed and the money is not there, log into your sending bank's website and look for a transaction history or transfer status page. Many banks show whether the transfer is pending, in progress, or delivered.

If the status shows delivered but the receiving account does not have the money, contact your sending bank's customer service. Provide the transfer confirmation number, the date sent, the amount, and the receiving account details. Your bank can file a trace to find out where the money is. The receiving bank may also need to investigate on their end. Most traces are resolved within five to ten business days.

For wire transfers, contact your bank immediately if the money does not arrive the next business day. Wire transfers are harder to reverse, but your bank can attempt to recall the wire if it has not been claimed by the recipient. The sooner you report it, the better your chances.

Fees and limits to know about

ACH transfers and external transfers are free at most banks. Wire transfers cost $15 to $50 depending on your bank and whether the wire is domestic (within the United States) or international. Some banks waive wire fees for certain account types or if you maintain a minimum balance.

Daily transfer limits vary by bank and account type. Many banks allow up to $10,000 to $25,000 per day for ACH transfers, but some allow more or less. Wire transfers often have higher daily limits or no limit at all. Check your bank's website or call customer service to find out your specific limits. If you need to send more than your daily limit, you can split the transfer across multiple days or contact your bank to request a temporary increase.

Security and fraud protection when sending money

Before you send money, double-check the receiving account number and routing number. A single digit wrong will send your money to the wrong account, and recovering it can take weeks or be impossible. If you are sending to someone else's account for the first time, call them and read back the numbers to confirm.

Your bank's fraud protection covers unauthorized transfers — if someone hacks your account and sends money without your permission, you can dispute it and get your money back. However, if you authorize the transfer yourself (even if you were tricked into doing so), fraud protection may not apply. Never share your online banking password or one-time codes with anyone, even if they claim to be from your bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I send money to a bank account in another country?

Yes, but you will need an international wire transfer, which costs more ($30 to $75 or higher) and takes longer (one to five business days). You will need the receiving bank's SWIFT code or IBAN number instead of a routing number. Contact your bank for details on their international wire process.

What if I sent money to the wrong account by mistake?

Contact your bank immediately and provide the transfer confirmation number and the incorrect account details. Your bank can attempt to recall the transfer if it has not been claimed. If the money has already been received, your bank will need to contact the receiving bank and ask them to return it — this process can take weeks and is not always successful.

Why is my transfer taking longer than expected?

ACH transfers can be delayed by weekends, federal holidays, or processing backlogs at either bank. If you sent the transfer on a Friday, it may not arrive until Wednesday. If the delay extends beyond three business days, contact your sending bank to file a trace.

Can I cancel a transfer after I send it?

For ACH transfers, you may be able to cancel within a few hours of sending if the transfer is still pending. Contact your bank immediately. For wire transfers, cancellation is much harder once the money leaves your bank — call right away and ask if a recall is possible, but do not expect success.

Do I need to set up the receiving account before I can send money?

For ACH transfers, yes — you need to add the external account and verify it first, which can take one to two business days. For wire transfers, you can usually send without pre-setup, though you will need to enter all the receiving bank details each time. Check your bank's policy.