The most direct way to send money to a bank account
The fastest and cheapest way to send money to another person's bank account is a bank transfer — also called an ACH transfer or wire transfer, depending on how much money you're sending and how quickly you need it to arrive. You initiate the transfer from your own bank's website, mobile app, or by phone, and the money moves directly from your account to theirs. No checks, no cash, no middleman.
What you need before you start: the recipient's full name, their bank's routing number, and their account number. You can find the routing number on your bank's website or by calling them. The account number appears on the bottom left of a check, or the recipient can tell you. Some banks also let you send money to someone using just their email address or phone number if they've set up a digital wallet, but a traditional bank transfer requires the routing and account numbers.
The time it takes depends on the method. An ACH transfer (the standard option) usually takes one to three business days. A wire transfer is faster — often the same day or next business day — but costs more, usually $15 to $30. If you're not in a hurry, ACH is free or costs just a few dollars.
Key Takeaways
- Bank transfers move money directly from your account to someone else's using their routing number and account number, and usually cost nothing or very little.
- ACH transfers take one to three business days and are free or nearly free; wire transfers arrive faster but cost $15 to $30.
- You can send money through your bank's website, app, or by calling customer service — you do not need to visit a branch.
- If you do not have the recipient's routing and account numbers, ask them directly or look them up on their bank's website.
- Money sent to the wrong account number is difficult to recover, so double-check the account details before you confirm the transfer.
How to send an ACH transfer through your bank
Log into your bank's website or open the mobile app. Look for a button or menu item that says "Send Money," "Transfer," "Pay," or "Move Money." Click it. You will see a form asking where the money should go — select "Another Bank" or "External Account" (the exact wording varies by bank).
Enter the recipient's information: their full name, their bank's routing number, and their account number. Some banks ask you to verify the account by sending two small test deposits first (usually under $1 each), which the recipient then confirms. This step protects against typos. If your bank does this, you will have to wait a few days for the test deposits to clear before you can send the full amount.
Enter the amount you want to send and choose a date — you can send it today or schedule it for a future date. Write a note if you want (for example, "Rent for March" or "Birthday gift"). Review everything, then click "Confirm" or "Send." Your bank will show you a confirmation number. Write it down or take a screenshot.
The money will leave your account within one business day. It will arrive in the recipient's account one to three business days later, depending on their bank. If you scheduled the transfer for a future date, it will not leave your account until that date.
Wire transfers for money that needs to arrive faster
A wire transfer moves money the same day or next business day, but it costs more and is harder to reverse if you make a mistake. Use a wire transfer only when speed matters — for example, if you are buying a house and need to send funds by a deadline, or if you are sending money to someone in another country.
Call your bank or go to a branch to send a wire transfer. You will need the recipient's full name, their bank's routing number, their account number, and the name and address of their bank. The bank will charge you a fee (typically $15 to $30 for a domestic wire) and will ask you to confirm all the details before the money leaves. Once a wire is sent, it cannot be stopped or reversed, so make sure everything is correct.
If you are sending money internationally, a wire transfer is common, but the cost is higher (often $40 to $50) and the recipient's bank may charge them a fee too. Some international transfers take two to five business days even though they are called "wire" transfers, because they pass through multiple banks in different countries.
Using third-party payment apps to send money
Apps like Venmo, PayPal, Square Cash, and Zelle let you send money to someone's phone number or email address without needing their routing and account numbers. The money usually arrives within one to three business days. These apps are convenient for splitting rent, paying back a friend, or sending a gift, but they are not the same as a bank transfer.
When you send money through one of these apps, the money goes into the recipient's account within that app first. They then have to transfer it to their bank account if they want to use it — or they can leave it in the app and spend it there. Some apps charge a fee if you want the money to arrive faster (usually $1 to $3 for next-day delivery). If you send money to the wrong person, the app may be able to cancel it before it is claimed, but once the recipient accepts it, recovery is difficult.
These apps work best for small amounts and people you know. For large amounts or strangers, a direct bank transfer is safer because the money goes straight into their bank account and you have a clear record of where it went.
What to do if the money goes to the wrong account
If you send money to the wrong account number, contact your bank immediately — the same day if possible. Tell them the transfer was sent by mistake and ask them to recall it. Your bank can try to contact the receiving bank and ask them to reverse the transfer, but this only works if the money has not been withdrawn yet.
If the money has already been withdrawn, your bank cannot force the receiving bank to return it. You may be able to file a dispute or a claim, but the process is slow and recovery is not may provide. This is why it is critical to double-check the account number before you hit send.
For wire transfers, the situation is even more serious. Once a wire is sent, it is nearly impossible to reverse. If you sent a wire to the wrong account, contact your bank right away, but be prepared for the possibility that the money is gone. This is one reason wire transfers are used mainly for large, time-sensitive payments where you have verified the recipient's details in advance.
Fees and limits you should know about
Most banks do not charge a fee for ACH transfers to other banks, though some charge $1 to $3 per transfer. Wire transfers cost $15 to $30 domestically and $40 to $50 internationally. Payment apps like Venmo and PayPal are free if the money comes from your bank account, but charge 1% to 3% if you use a credit card.
Banks also set limits on how much you can transfer in a single day or month. A typical limit is $10,000 per day, but this varies by bank and by account type. If you need to send more than your limit, call your bank and ask if they can raise it temporarily. Some banks will do this for a one-time transfer; others will not.
If you are sending money internationally, the receiving bank may also charge a fee, and the exchange rate (if you are converting currency) may not be the best available. For large international transfers, compare the rates and fees at your bank, a wire transfer service like OFX or Wise, and a money transfer company like Western Union before you decide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send money to a bank account using just the account number?
No. You need both the routing number and the account number. The routing number tells the banking system which bank to send the money to; the account number tells that bank which account within the bank. Without the routing number, the transfer will fail.
How do I know if the money arrived?
Check the recipient's bank account — they should see the deposit within the timeframe your bank quoted (usually one to three business days for ACH). You can also ask your bank to confirm the transfer went through by giving them the confirmation number you received when you sent it.
What if I send money to someone and they say they never got it?
Ask your bank for proof that the transfer was sent to the correct account number and routing number. Then ask the recipient to check their bank account — sometimes deposits take longer than expected, or they may have been deposited to a different account if the recipient has multiple accounts at the same bank. If the money truly did not arrive, your bank can investigate and may be able to recover it.
Is it safe to give someone my routing number and account number?
Your routing number is public information — it appears on every check and is listed on your bank's website. Your account number is semi-private. Together, they allow someone to send money to your account, but not to withdraw money from it. However, do not share these numbers with people you do not trust, and never share them in response to an unsolicited email or phone call.
Can I send money to a savings account, or only a checking account?
You can send money to either a savings account or a checking account. The routing and account numbers work the same way. However, some banks limit how many transfers you can make from a savings account per month (often six), so if you are sending money frequently, a checking account may be more practical.