The basic steps to send money via ACH from Chase

To send an ACH payment from Chase, log into Chase Online or the mobile app, go to the transfer section, select the account you want to send from, enter the recipient's bank details (routing number and account number), choose the amount and date, and confirm. The payment typically reaches the other bank within one to two business days, though Chase shows it as pending when ready after you submit it.

Chase handles ACH transfers through its own processing system, which connects to the Federal Reserve's ACH network. When you initiate a transfer, Chase validates the routing and account numbers, checks that your account has sufficient funds, and then sends the payment instruction to the receiving bank. The receiving bank then credits the recipient's account on their end.

The process differs slightly depending on whether you're sending to someone at another bank (external transfer) or to another Chase account (internal transfer). Internal transfers between your own Chase accounts or to another Chase customer often post the same day. External transfers to other banks follow standard ACH timing.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase ACH transfers require the recipient's routing number and account number, not their name alone, so you'll need to ask for both pieces of information.
  • External transfers to other banks typically take one to two business days, while transfers between Chase accounts may post the same day.
  • You can schedule ACH transfers in advance through Chase Online or the app, which is useful for recurring payments or bills due on a specific date.
  • Chase does not charge a fee for outgoing ACH transfers, though some banks charge fees for incoming transfers (this is rare but possible).
  • Once you submit an ACH transfer, you cannot cancel it if it has already been sent to the receiving bank, so double-check the account number before confirming.

Where to find the transfer option in Chase Online and mobile

In Chase Online (the desktop version), log in and look for "Transfers" or "Move Money" in the main navigation menu. Click it, then select "Send money to another bank" or "External transfer." The app uses similar language but may label it as "Transfer" with a money icon. Both versions walk you through the same steps: picking your sending account, entering recipient details, and setting the amount and date.

If you're sending to another Chase account you own, the process is faster. Look for "Transfer between my accounts" or "Internal transfer" instead. This option appears in the same menu but processes differently — Chase moves the money within its own system rather than routing it through the ACH network.

The mobile app is often faster for one-time transfers because it remembers recipients you've sent to before. After your first transfer to someone, Chase stores their bank details (masked for security) so you don't have to re-enter the routing and account numbers each time.

What information you need from the recipient

You need two pieces of information from the person or business receiving the money: their routing number and their account number. The routing number identifies which bank holds the account; the account number identifies which specific account within that bank. Without both, Chase cannot process the transfer.

The recipient can find their routing number by logging into their own bank's website, calling their bank, or checking the bottom left corner of a check (the first nine digits are the routing number). The account number is usually on the check as well, or they can find it in their online banking portal. Some businesses print both on invoices or payment instructions.

You'll also need to give the transfer a label or memo so you remember what it was for. Chase stores this note in your transaction history but does not send it to the receiving bank, so the recipient won't see it. The recipient will see only the amount and the date it arrived.

How long ACH transfers take and when money arrives

External ACH transfers from Chase to another bank take one to two business days. This means if you send a transfer on a Monday morning, it typically arrives by Tuesday or Wednesday. The timing depends on when you submit it and when the receiving bank processes incoming transfers — most banks process ACH credits overnight or early morning.

Transfers submitted after business hours (usually 5 p.m. Eastern) or on weekends are queued for the next business day. Chase processes transfers Monday through Friday; transfers sent on Saturday or Sunday don't move until Monday. Federal holidays also delay processing, so a transfer sent on a Friday before a Monday holiday won't arrive until Wednesday or Thursday.

Transfers between your own Chase accounts or to another Chase customer often post the same day, sometimes within hours. Chase can move money within its own system faster than it can route it through the Federal Reserve's ACH network. If speed matters, confirm with the recipient which bank they use — if it's Chase, the transfer will be quicker.

Setting up recurring or scheduled ACH transfers

Chase allows you to schedule a single transfer for a future date or set up a recurring transfer that repeats on a schedule you choose. To schedule a one-time transfer, enter the recipient details and amount as usual, then select a future date instead of "today." Chase will hold the transfer and send it on that date.

For recurring transfers, look for an option labeled "Recurring transfer" or "Repeat this transfer" after you enter the recipient and amount. You'll choose how often it repeats (weekly, biweekly, monthly, etc.) and when it starts. Chase will then send the transfer automatically on that schedule until you cancel it. This is useful for regular bills or payments to the same person.

You can edit or cancel a scheduled transfer at any time before it's sent. Once Chase has already submitted it to the receiving bank, you cannot cancel it through the app — you would need to contact Chase customer service and request a reversal, which is not may provide.

Fees and limits on Chase ACH transfers

Chase does not charge a fee for outgoing ACH transfers, whether they're one-time or recurring. This is true for personal checking and savings accounts. Some business accounts may have different fee structures, so check your account agreement if you're using a business account.

Chase does impose daily and monthly limits on how much you can transfer. These limits vary by account type and your account history. A typical limit for a newer account might be $1,000 to $5,000 per day, while established accounts may have higher limits. You can see your current limit in the transfer screen before you submit — if you try to send more than your limit, Chase will reject the transfer and tell you the maximum amount allowed.

If you need to send more than your limit, contact Chase customer service to request a temporary increase. They may grant it depending on your account history and the reason for the transfer. Alternatively, you can split the transfer into multiple payments across different days.

What to do if an ACH transfer fails or doesn't arrive

If Chase rejects your transfer before sending it, the app or website will show an error message explaining why. Common reasons include an incorrect routing or account number, insufficient funds in your account, or exceeding your daily transfer limit. Fix the issue (verify the account number, add funds, or wait until the next day) and try again.

If Chase accepted the transfer but it hasn't arrived after two business days, log into your Chase account and check the transaction status. Chase shows pending transfers in your history with a timestamp. If it still shows as pending after the expected arrival date, contact Chase customer service with the transfer confirmation number (Chase provides this when you submit the transfer). They can trace the transfer and determine whether it's stuck in the receiving bank's system or if something went wrong.

If the receiving bank rejected the transfer, Chase will return the money to your account and notify you. This usually happens within three to five business days. The most common reason for rejection is an incorrect account number. Confirm the account number with the recipient and resubmit the transfer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I send an ACH transfer to a business or just to individuals?

You can send ACH transfers to both individuals and businesses. The process is the same — you need the business's bank account number and routing number. Many businesses list these on their website under "payment methods" or "how to pay us." Some businesses prefer ACH transfers because they're cheaper than credit card payments.

What's the difference between an ACH transfer and a wire transfer from Chase?

ACH transfers take one to two business days and cost nothing. Wire transfers arrive the same day but cost $15 to $30 depending on whether it's domestic or international. Use ACH for routine payments where timing isn't urgent; use a wire when the money needs to arrive when ready. Chase offers wire transfers through the same transfer menu.

If I send money to the wrong account number, can I get it back?

If the account number belongs to a real account at the receiving bank, the money will go there and you cannot retrieve it through Chase alone. You would need to contact the person or business who owns that account and ask them to return it. If the account number is invalid, the receiving bank will reject the transfer and Chase will return the money to you within a few business days.

Do I need to set up the recipient as a "payee" before I can send them money?

No. Chase lets you send a transfer to any bank account without setting up a payee first. However, after your first transfer, Chase stores the recipient's information so you can send to them again without re-entering their routing and account numbers. This stored recipient is sometimes called a "payee," but you don't have to create it manually.

Can I send an ACH transfer from my Chase savings account, or only from checking?

You can send ACH transfers from either a Chase checking or savings account. The process is identical. The only difference is that savings accounts may have withdrawal limits depending on your account type and federal regulations, so confirm you're not exceeding those limits before you transfer.