The basic steps to send an ACH payment

To send an ACH payment to someone, you need their name, routing number, and account number. You give this information to your bank through online banking, a phone call, or in person, and your bank sends the money directly to their bank account. The transfer usually takes one to three business days.

The person receiving the money does not have to do anything — the funds arrive in their account automatically once the transfer clears. You do not need their permission beforehand, but you do need their correct account details. If you get a digit wrong, the money may go to the wrong account or bounce back to you.

Key Takeaways

  • You need the recipient's full name, routing number, and account number to send an ACH payment through your bank.
  • ACH transfers take one to three business days to arrive, so plan ahead if the money is needed quickly.
  • You can send an ACH payment through your bank's website, mobile app, phone line, or by visiting a branch in person.
  • Double-check the account number and routing number before confirming the transfer, because mistakes can send money to the wrong account.
  • Most banks do not charge a fee for outgoing ACH transfers, though some accounts or transfer amounts may have exceptions.

Where to get the recipient's banking information

The person you are sending money to can find their routing number and account number on a check, or by logging into their online banking. The routing number is usually printed at the bottom left of a check, and the account number is printed next to it. If they do not have a check, they can call their bank or look at their bank statement — most statements show both numbers.

Make sure you have the correct spelling of their name as it appears on their account. Banks match the name to the account, and a misspelled name can cause the transfer to fail or be delayed. Ask them to spell it out if you are unsure, especially if their name has unusual spelling or multiple parts.

How to send the payment through your bank

Log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for a section called "Send Money," "Transfer Funds," "Pay Someone," or "ACH Transfer" — the exact name varies by bank. Click that option and select "New Recipient" or "Add Payee." Enter the recipient's name, routing number, and account number exactly as they gave it to you.

Your bank will ask you to confirm the information, and some banks will verify the account by sending a small test deposit first — usually one or two cents — that the recipient has to confirm. Once verified, you enter the amount you want to send and choose the date. Most banks let you send the payment right away or schedule it for a future date. Review everything one more time before you hit "Confirm" or "Send."

If you prefer not to use online banking, you can call your bank's customer service line and give them the information over the phone, or visit a branch in person. The process is the same, but it takes longer because a person has to enter the details manually.

How long an ACH transfer takes

An ACH transfer typically takes one to three business days from the time you send it. Business days are Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays. If you send a transfer on Friday evening, it will not start processing until Monday, so it may not arrive until Wednesday or Thursday.

Some banks offer next-day ACH, which guarantees delivery by the next business day, but this is not standard and may only be available for certain account types or transfer amounts. Check with your bank about whether they offer this option. The recipient's bank also has to process the incoming transfer, which adds a day or two even after your bank sends it.

Fees and limits on ACH transfers

Most banks do not charge a fee for sending an ACH transfer, especially if you are sending from a checking or savings account. However, some banks charge a fee if you exceed a certain number of transfers per month, or if you have a special account type. A few banks charge a small fee per transfer regardless. Check your account agreement or call your bank to find out whether transfers cost anything.

Banks also set limits on how much you can transfer in a single day or per month. These limits vary widely — some banks allow $10,000 per day, others allow $25,000 or more. If you need to send more than your limit, you can either wait a few days and send multiple transfers, or call your bank to ask if they can raise your limit temporarily.

What to do if something goes wrong

If you realize you made a mistake after sending the transfer — such as entering the wrong account number — contact your bank when ready. The sooner you report it, the better chance they have of stopping the transfer before it reaches the other bank. If the money has already arrived in the wrong account, your bank can file a reversal request, but this requires the other bank's cooperation and can take weeks.

If the transfer fails or bounces back, your bank will usually send you a notification explaining why. Common reasons include an incorrect account number, a closed account, or a mismatch between the name and account number. Contact the recipient to confirm their information and try again.

ACH transfers versus other ways to send money

An ACH transfer is slower than a wire transfer but cheaper and safer. A wire transfer arrives the same day or next day but costs $15 to $50 and cannot be reversed once sent. An ACH transfer takes several days but is free or very cheap and can be reversed if something goes wrong.

If you are sending money to someone you know and trust, and you have time to wait a few days, an ACH transfer is usually the best choice. If you need the money to arrive urgently or you are sending to someone you do not know well, a wire transfer may be worth the cost. Some people also use payment apps like Venmo or PayPal for smaller amounts, though these have their own fees and limits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel an ACH transfer after I send it?

It depends on timing. If you contact your bank before the transfer leaves their system — usually within a few hours — they may be able to cancel it. Once the transfer reaches the recipient's bank, cancellation becomes much harder and requires a reversal request, which can take weeks and is not may provide.

What happens if I send money to the wrong account number?

The money will go to whatever account that number belongs to, even if the name does not match. Contact your bank right away and file a reversal request. Your bank will ask the other bank to return the funds, but this requires cooperation and can take several weeks. The other bank is not required to reverse it if the account holder refuses.

Do I need the recipient's permission before sending them an ACH transfer?

You do not need formal permission, but it is a good idea to confirm with them first that they want the money and that their account information is correct. Sending money to the wrong person by mistake can create problems and delays.

Is an ACH transfer safe?

ACH transfers are generally safe if you are sending to someone you know and trust. The main risk is sending to the wrong account by mistake. Unlike credit cards, ACH transfers do not have the same fraud protections, so be careful about giving your account information to people you do not know.

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

Yes. ACH transfers work between any banks in the United States that participate in the ACH network, which includes nearly all banks and credit unions. The routing number tells your bank which bank to send the money to.