The basic information you'll need before your first ACH transfer

An ACH payment requires just a few pieces of information, and most of it comes from a standard check. You need the routing number and account number from the bank account you're sending money from or to, the name on that account, and the account type (checking or savings). That's the core of it. The receiving bank also needs to know who is sending the money and why, though the "why" is often just a note in your own records rather than something the bank requires.

The reason ACH payments ask for so little is that they move through a clearing system run by the Federal Reserve, not directly between banks. Your bank doesn't need to verify the receiving account exists before sending the request — the receiving bank will reject it if something is wrong, and the money comes back to you. This makes ACH safer than a wire transfer, where mistakes can be harder to reverse.

Key Takeaways

  • You need the routing number and account number from the account receiving the money, which you can find on a check or by calling the bank.
  • The account holder's name must match the name on the account at the receiving bank, or the transfer may be rejected or delayed.
  • ACH payments work from checking or savings accounts, but some accounts (like money market accounts) may have limits on how many you can make per month.
  • Your own bank may ask for additional details like a phone number or email, but the ACH system itself only needs routing and account numbers.

Where to find the routing and account numbers

The easiest place to find both numbers is on a check from the account you're sending to or receiving from. The routing number is the first set of nine digits on the bottom left of the check. The account number is the second set of digits, usually longer, right after the routing number. If you don't have a check, you can call the bank's customer service line — they'll give you both numbers in under a minute.

Online banking also shows these numbers. Log into your account, look for a section called "Account Details," "Account Information," or "Routing and Account Numbers," and both will be listed there. Some banks hide this behind a security question or require you to verify your identity first, but it's always available to account holders.

Be careful not to confuse the routing number with the bank's main phone number or branch code — they're different things. The routing number is specific to the Federal Reserve region where your bank processes ACH transfers. If you're unsure, ask the bank directly rather than guessing.

The account holder's name and what it has to match

The name on the receiving account must match the name on the account at the receiving bank. If you're sending money to "John Smith" but the account is registered under "John Michael Smith," the receiving bank may reject the transfer or hold it while they verify. This is one of the most common reasons ACH transfers get delayed.

If you're not sure what name is on the account, ask the person or business receiving the money. If you're sending to a business, use the legal business name on file with the bank, not a nickname or shortened version. For example, if a business is registered as "ABC Plumbing LLC," use that exact name, not just "ABC Plumbing."

Account type: checking versus savings

ACH transfers work from both checking and savings accounts. The difference matters mainly for how many transfers you can make. Federal rules limit savings accounts to six outgoing ACH transfers per month, though some banks enforce this more strictly than others. Checking accounts usually have no limit.

Money market accounts and some other account types may also have transfer limits. If you're not sure whether your account has a limit, check your account agreement or call your bank. If you hit the limit, your bank will reject the transfer, and you'll have to wait until the next month or move the money to a checking account first.

What your own bank may ask for

Your bank may ask for information beyond the routing and account numbers. Common requests include the receiving bank's name, a phone number, an email address, or a description of what the payment is for. These details help your bank's fraud prevention system and make it easier to track the transfer if something goes wrong.

Your bank will never ask for the receiving account holder's password, PIN, or Social Security number. If someone claiming to represent your bank asks for these, it's a scam. Your bank already has your information and doesn't need it again to process a transfer.

Documents and verification

For a one-time ACH transfer between your own accounts or to a trusted recipient, you usually don't need any documents. You just enter the information and authorize the transfer.

If you're setting up recurring ACH payments — for example, automatic bill pay or payroll deposits — your bank may ask you to sign an authorization form. This form gives the receiving business permission to pull money from your account on a schedule. Some banks do this electronically through your online account; others mail a paper form. Keep a copy for your records.

If you're receiving ACH payments as a business, you may need to provide your bank with a voided check or a letter from your accountant confirming your account details. This is less common now, but some banks still ask for it.

Common mistakes that slow down transfers

Mismatched names are the biggest cause of delays. The second is transposing a digit in the routing or account number — even one wrong digit will cause the receiving bank to reject the transfer. Always double-check both numbers before you submit.

Another frequent mistake is sending money to the wrong account type. If you're trying to send to a business account but enter a personal account number by accident, the transfer may go through but to the wrong place. Confirm the account type (checking or savings) with the receiving party before you send.

Timing also matters. ACH transfers typically take one to two business days. If you submit a transfer on a Friday evening, it won't process until Monday. If Monday is a holiday, it won't process until Tuesday. Plan ahead if you have a important date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a special form to make an ACH payment?

No. You can set up an ACH transfer through your bank's website or mobile app, or by calling customer service. For one-time transfers, no form is needed. For recurring payments, your bank may ask you to sign an authorization, either online or on paper.

What happens if I give the wrong routing number?

The transfer will go to a different bank. The receiving bank will reject it because the account number won't match anything in their system, and the money will come back to you within a few business days. Always verify the routing number before you send.

Can I cancel an ACH transfer after I've sent it?

It depends on timing. If you cancel within one business day of sending, your bank can usually stop it. After that, the money has likely left your account, and you'll need to contact the receiving bank to ask them to return it. Act fast if you need to cancel.

Is it safe to give someone my routing and account number?

Your routing number is public — it's printed on every check. Your account number is semi-private. Together, they let someone send money to your account, but not take money out without your authorization. Never give both numbers to someone you don't trust, and never give them to anyone claiming to represent your bank unsolicited.

What if the receiving bank says the account doesn't exist?

Double-check the routing number and account number with the person or business you're sending to. If both are correct, the account may have been closed. Ask them to confirm the account is still active and provide the information again.