The core information your bank needs from you

To send money through ACH, your bank needs five pieces of information about the person or business receiving the payment: their name, their bank account number, their bank's routing number, the amount you want to send, and what the payment is for. You also need to decide when you want the money to leave your account — usually within one to two business days, though you can schedule it further ahead.

The receiving person or business should give you most of this information. If they don't, you can find the routing number yourself using your bank's website or by calling them. The account number usually appears on a check or a bank statement, or the recipient can tell you directly.

Key Takeaways

  • You need the recipient's full name, account number, routing number, the dollar amount, and a description of what the payment is for.
  • The routing number identifies which bank holds the account; you can find it on a check, on your bank's website, or by calling the bank.
  • ACH payments typically take one to two business days to arrive, though you can schedule them in advance.
  • Double-check the account number and routing number before you send, because ACH payments are difficult to reverse once they leave your account.

The recipient's name and account number

The name should match the name on the account at the receiving bank. If you're paying a business, use the exact legal name — not a nickname or shortened version. If the names don't match, the receiving bank may reject the payment or hold it while they investigate.

The account number is usually 8 to 12 digits long. You'll find it on a check (the second set of numbers at the bottom), on a bank statement, or you can ask the person or business directly. Write it down carefully — a single wrong digit will send the money to the wrong account.

The routing number and how to find it

The routing number is a nine-digit code that tells the ACH system which bank holds the account. Every bank has its own routing number, and some large banks have more than one depending on which branch or region the account is in.

If the recipient gives you a check, the routing number is the first set of nine digits at the bottom left. If you don't have a check, you can find the routing number on the bank's website — most banks list it under "banking information" or "wire transfer details." You can also call the bank's customer service line and ask for the routing number for ACH payments.

Some people use a routing number lookup tool online, but verify the number with the bank directly or with a check if you can. A wrong routing number sends your money to the wrong bank, and getting it back takes time.

The amount and the payment description

Enter the dollar amount as a whole number — for example, $150.00, not $150. Your bank will show you the amount before you confirm, so you can catch mistakes.

The description (sometimes called a "memo" or "reference") is a short note about why you're sending the money. Write something the recipient will recognize: "Rent for March," "Invoice 2024-156," or "Utility bill payment." This helps the recipient match the incoming money to what they're expecting. The description usually appears on the recipient's bank statement, so keep it professional if you're paying a business.

When the money will arrive

ACH payments are not when ready. Your bank will remove the money from your account right away, but it typically takes one to two business days for the money to reach the recipient's bank. Weekends and bank holidays add extra time — a payment sent on Friday afternoon might not arrive until Tuesday.

Most banks let you schedule an ACH payment for a future date. If you know you'll have the money on the 15th but need to pay on the 10th, you can schedule it in advance. The bank will hold the payment and send it on the date you choose.

Information you should verify before sending

Before you confirm the payment, check three things: the recipient's name matches their account, the account number is correct, and the routing number belongs to the right bank. These details are hard to change after the payment leaves your account.

If the recipient is a business, confirm the payment address or account information on their invoice or website. Scammers sometimes send fake invoices with different bank details. If something feels off, call the business directly using a phone number from their official website — not from the invoice.

What happens if you make a mistake

If you send money to the wrong account, contact your bank when ready. They can try to recall the payment, but success depends on whether the receiving bank has already processed it. The sooner you report it, the better your chances.

If the money reaches the wrong person, you'll likely need to contact that person directly and ask them to return it. Your bank can provide their name and bank, but they cannot force the return. This is why checking the details before you send is so important.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need the recipient's address?

No. ACH payments only need the name, account number, and routing number. The address is not part of the ACH system. Some banks ask for it anyway for their own records, but it won't affect whether the payment goes through.

What if I don't have a routing number and can't find one?

Call the recipient's bank directly and ask for the routing number for ACH payments. Have the account number ready when you call. The bank can give you the number in minutes, and you can then send the payment.

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

Yes. ACH works between any two banks in the United States. The routing number tells the system which bank to send the money to, regardless of where your account is.

Is there a limit to how much I can send with ACH?

Most banks set their own limits, usually between $10,000 and $25,000 per day for online transfers. Business accounts may have higher limits. Check with your bank about their specific rules.

What if the recipient's bank rejects the payment?

The money returns to your account, usually within one to three business days. The rejection typically means the account number or routing number was wrong, or the account is closed. Contact the recipient and ask for the correct information.