The basic steps to send an ACH payment

To send an ACH payment, you log into your bank's website or app, select the option to send money (often called "Send Money," "Transfer," or "Pay"), enter the recipient's name and routing and account numbers, type in the amount, choose a date, and confirm. Your bank then sends the instruction through the ACH network, which processes it overnight or within one to two business days. The money moves directly from your account to theirs without a check or wire fee.

The process is the same whether you're paying a person, a business, or a bill. The main difference is where you start: some banks let you pay bills directly through a "Bill Pay" section, while others use a general "Send Money" tool for everything. Both use the ACH system behind the scenes.

Key Takeaways

  • You need the recipient's full name, routing number, and account number before you start—ask them directly or check a check they've given you.
  • ACH payments take one to two business days to arrive, so plan ahead if someone needs the money quickly.
  • Your bank's website or app is the safest place to send ACH payments; never give your account number to someone who contacts you first.
  • Most banks do not charge a fee for ACH payments, though some online banks or business accounts may have limits on how many you can send per month.

What information you need before you start

The recipient must give you their routing number and account number. The routing number identifies their bank; the account number identifies their specific account at that bank. Both are printed on the bottom left of a check, or you can ask the person or business directly.

You also need the recipient's full name exactly as it appears on their account. If the name doesn't match, the bank may reject the payment or send it to the wrong account. If you're unsure, ask them to spell it or provide a recent statement.

For bill payments, your biller's information is usually already in your bank's system. When you search for "electric company" or "landlord," the bank shows you the correct routing and account numbers to use. You only need to enter the amount and date.

Where to send the payment from your bank

Log into your bank's website or mobile app. Look for a section labeled "Send Money," "Transfer," "Pay Bills," or "Payments." If you don't see it on the main menu, check under "Services" or "Tools."

If you're paying a bill (rent, utilities, insurance), use the "Bill Pay" or "Pay Bills" section if your bank has one—it's usually faster because the biller information is already there. If you're sending money to a person, use "Send Money" or "Transfer to Another Account."

Some banks also let you set up recurring payments, which means the same amount goes out on the same day each month automatically. This is useful for rent or loan payments that stay the same. You can usually pause or cancel a recurring payment anytime.

Entering the payment details correctly

Start by entering the recipient's name exactly as it appears on their account. Then enter their routing number and account number in the fields your bank provides. Double-check both numbers—a single digit wrong sends the money to the wrong place.

Next, enter the amount in dollars and cents. Then choose the date you want the payment to go out. If you choose today, most banks process it the same day, though it won't arrive at the other bank until the next business day. If you choose a future date, the bank holds the payment and sends it on that day.

Before you confirm, review everything on the screen. Make sure the name, routing number, account number, and amount are all correct. Once you hit "Confirm" or "Submit," the payment is usually locked in and cannot be cancelled if it's already been sent to the ACH network.

How long it takes and what happens next

ACH payments typically arrive within one to two business days. If you send a payment on a Friday afternoon, it usually arrives on Monday or Tuesday. Weekends and bank holidays don't count as business days, so a payment sent on Friday evening might not arrive until Wednesday.

Once you confirm the payment, your bank shows it as "Pending" in your account. The money is reserved and cannot be spent elsewhere. When the other bank receives and deposits it, the status changes to "Complete" or "Posted," and the recipient can use the money.

If something goes wrong—the routing number was wrong, the account was closed, or the name didn't match—the money bounces back to your account within a few business days. Your bank will notify you, usually by email or through your account. You can then correct the information and try again.

Fees and limits on ACH payments

Most banks do not charge a fee for sending ACH payments. This is one reason ACH is popular—it's free, unlike wire transfers or checks sent through the mail.

However, some banks limit how many ACH payments you can send per month, especially if you have a basic checking account. Common limits are 6 to 10 per month, though many banks have removed these limits. Check your account terms or call your bank to learn about there's a limit on yours.

If you regularly send many payments, ask your bank whether you need a different account type or whether the limit can be raised. Some business checking accounts have higher limits or no limit at all.

Safety tips when sending ACH payments

Only send ACH payments through your own bank's website or app. Do not send routing and account numbers through email, text, or to someone who contacts you first asking for money. Scammers often pose as landlords, utilities, or government agencies to trick people into sending money.

If someone asks you to send money urgently or threatens you with eviction or arrest, stop and verify their identity independently. Call the company's official phone number (from their website or a bill you received), not a number they gave you. Real landlords and utilities will not threaten you over text or email.

If you make a mistake and send money to the wrong account, contact your bank when ready. They may be able to recall the payment if it hasn't been processed yet. If it has been processed, you'll need to contact the recipient or their bank to ask them to return it, which is not may provide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel an ACH payment after I send it?

It depends on timing. If you cancel within a few hours of sending it, before your bank submits it to the ACH network, you can usually stop it. Once it's in the ACH system, you cannot cancel it. Contact your bank right away if you need to cancel—do not wait. If the payment has already arrived at the other bank, you'll need to contact the recipient and ask them to return it.

What if I enter the wrong account number?

The payment will go to a different account at the same bank. If the account number doesn't exist or the name doesn't match, the bank rejects it and sends the money back to you within a few business days. If the account does exist but belongs to someone else, the money stays there unless that person or their bank returns it voluntarily.

Is ACH safer than a wire transfer?

ACH is slower but reversible; wire transfers are fast but final. With ACH, if something goes wrong, you have a few days to catch it and ask your bank to recall the payment. With a wire, once it's sent, it's gone. For large amounts or unfamiliar recipients, ACH is the safer choice because you have time to verify.

Can I send an ACH payment to someone at a different bank?

Yes. The routing number tells the ACH network which bank to send it to, and the account number identifies the person's account there. As long as you have the correct routing and account numbers, the money will reach them regardless of whether they use the same bank as you.

Do I need to do anything special to receive an ACH payment?

No. Your account is set up to receive ACH payments automatically. You just need to give the sender your routing number and account number. The money arrives in your account within one to two business days, and you can use it like any other deposit.