Yes, you can transfer money to a US bank account in several ways
You can move money into a US bank account from another country, from another US bank, or from a non-bank money service. The method you choose depends on where the money is coming from, how fast you need it, and how much it will cost. Some routes take a few minutes and cost nothing. Others take several business days and charge a fee.
The most common routes are wire transfers (fastest but often pricey), ACH transfers (slower but usually free between US banks), international money transfer services (good for moving money from abroad), and in-person deposits at a branch or ATM (when ready if you have cash or a check).
Key Takeaways
- Wire transfers move money the fastest — usually within hours — but typically cost $15 to $30 per transfer.
- ACH transfers between US bank accounts are usually free and take one to three business days.
- International money transfer services like Wise, OFX, and MoneyGram let you send money from abroad and often charge less than banks do.
- You will need the receiving account's routing number and account number, or the account holder's name and address, depending on the transfer method.
- Transfers from outside the US may require proof that the money is not connected to illegal activity, especially for larger amounts.
Wire transfers: fastest but with a cost
A wire transfer moves money directly from one bank to another through the Federal Reserve or a private network. It is the fastest way to move money into a US bank account, usually completing within a few hours on the same business day.
Wire transfers cost money. Most US banks charge between $15 and $30 to send a wire, and some charge an additional fee to receive one. International wire transfers cost more — often $30 to $50 — because they pass through multiple banks in different countries, and each one may take a cut.
To send a wire, you will need the receiving bank's name, the account holder's name, the account number, and the routing number (a nine-digit code that identifies the bank). If you are sending from abroad, you may also need the bank's SWIFT code, which is the international version of a routing number. Ask your bank for the exact information they need before you initiate the transfer.
ACH transfers: free but slower between US banks
ACH stands for Automated Clearing House. An ACH transfer moves money between US bank accounts through a batch processing system run by the Federal Reserve. It is slower than a wire but costs nothing when you send it from your own bank account to another US bank account.
ACH transfers typically take one to three business days. Your bank will deduct the money from your account right away, but the receiving bank may not deposit it for a few days while the transfer clears. Weekends and bank holidays add extra time.
You set up an ACH transfer through your bank's website or app, or by calling the bank. You will need the receiving account number and routing number. Some banks also let you schedule recurring ACH transfers — for example, to send money to a family member on the same day each month.
International money transfer services for sending from abroad
If you are sending money from outside the US, your bank's wire transfer fees may be steep. International money transfer services like Wise, OFX, Remitly, and MoneyGram often charge less and offer better exchange rates if you are converting currency.
These services work by taking your money in your home country's currency, converting it, and depositing it into the US bank account you specify. The process usually takes one to three business days, though some services offer faster options for an extra fee. Costs vary widely — some charge a flat fee, others charge a percentage of the amount you send, and some charge both.
To use one of these services, you will create an account online, provide the receiving US bank account details, and send your money through their system. They will ask for proof of your identity and may ask where the money is coming from. Larger transfers sometimes trigger additional questions to prevent money laundering.
Depositing cash or checks in person
If you have cash or a check, you can deposit it directly at a bank branch or at an ATM that belongs to your bank. Cash deposits are when ready — the money appears in your account right away. Check deposits usually take one to two business days to clear.
To deposit at a branch, bring your ID and the cash or check to any location of your bank. To deposit at an ATM, insert the cash or check into the machine and follow the on-screen instructions. Some ATMs accept both; others accept only checks. Your bank's app or website will tell you which ATMs near you accept deposits.
If you are depositing a check that is written to someone else's name, that person will need to sign the back and write "Pay to the order of [your name]" above their signature. This is called a third-party check, and some banks no longer accept them, so call ahead if you are unsure.
What information you will need to provide
The information required depends on the transfer method. For a domestic ACH or wire transfer, you need the receiving account number and the nine-digit routing number. For an international wire, you also need the bank's SWIFT code. For a check deposit, you need only the check itself.
Money transfer services may ask for more detail: the account holder's full name, address, phone number, and sometimes their date of birth. They will also ask where the money is coming from — whether it is your own savings, a salary, a gift, or something else. This is not a trick question; they are required by law to ask, and your answer helps them prevent fraud.
Transfers from outside the US and compliance questions
Banks and money transfer services are required by US law to check that money entering the country is not connected to illegal activity. For small transfers, this check usually happens in the background and you will not notice it. For larger transfers — the threshold varies by bank and service, but often $10,000 or more — the bank or service may ask you to provide documents.
You might be asked for a bank statement showing where the money came from, a letter from your employer, proof of a gift, or documentation of a business transaction. This is normal and not a sign that anything is wrong. Answer honestly and provide what they ask for. The process usually takes a few extra days.
If you are moving your own money from a bank account you own in another country, bring a statement from that bank showing your name and account number. If someone is sending you money as a gift, ask them to include a note saying it is a gift and not a loan. If the money is from a business or freelance work, a contract or invoice helps explain where it came from.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a wire transfer actually take?
A domestic wire usually arrives within a few hours on the same business day, often by early afternoon if you send it before 2 p.m. International wires take longer — usually one to three business days — because they pass through multiple banks and time zones. Weekends and holidays add extra time to any transfer.
Can I transfer money if I do not have a US bank account yet?
No, you need a US bank account to receive a transfer. If you are new to the US banking system, open an account first. Many banks let you open online with a passport or state ID, and some offer accounts specifically for people new to the country. Once your account is open, you can receive transfers.
What happens if I give the wrong account number?
If the account number does not match any account at that bank, the transfer will usually bounce back to you within a few business days. If the number matches a different account at the same bank, the money may go to the wrong person. Always double-check the account number and routing number before you send.
Do I have to pay a fee to receive money?
Most US banks do not charge you to receive an ACH transfer or a wire. Some banks charge a small fee to receive a wire — usually $5 to $15 — but this is less common. Check with your bank about their policy. International money transfer services do not charge the receiver; the sender pays the fee.
Can I transfer money to someone else's account?
Yes. You can send money to any US bank account as long as you have the account number and routing number. You do not need permission from the account holder, though it is good practice to tell them you are sending money so they are not surprised. The money will go to whoever owns that account.