The fastest way depends on which banks you use and how soon you need the money there
If both accounts are at the same bank, you can move money between them in minutes using online banking, a mobile app, or by calling the bank. If the accounts are at different banks, the method changes: a wire transfer takes a few hours and costs money, an ACH transfer takes one to three business days and is usually free, and a check or debit card withdrawal takes longer but costs nothing.
The choice comes down to three things: how fast you need it, whether you want to pay a fee, and what information you have about the receiving account. This guide walks through each method in the order you are most likely to use them.
Key Takeaways
- Same-bank transfers happen when ready through your online account or app, and cost nothing.
- Different-bank transfers can be free (ACH, one to three days) or fast but paid (wire transfer, a few hours).
- You will need the receiving account's routing number and account number for ACH and wire transfers, or the recipient's name and address for a check.
- Wire transfers cannot be reversed once sent, so confirm the receiving account details before you initiate.
- If you do not have the receiving account information, a check or cash withdrawal is often simpler than asking for banking details.
Transferring between accounts at the same bank
Log into your online banking portal or mobile app, find the transfer or move money section, and select both the account you are sending from and the account you are sending to. Enter the amount and confirm. The money appears in the receiving account within minutes, usually when ready.
If you do not use online banking, call the bank's customer service number on the back of your card. Give them your account numbers and the amount you want to move. They will process it over the phone, and it will post the same day.
Same-bank transfers are free and have no daily limits in most cases, though some banks cap how many free transfers you can make per month from a savings account. Check your account agreement or ask the bank if you plan to move money regularly.
ACH transfers to a different bank (free, takes one to three business days)
An ACH transfer is an electronic payment that moves through the banking system. It is free, but slower than a wire. To set one up, you need the receiving account's routing number (a nine-digit code that identifies the bank) and account number.
Log into your bank's website or app, select "send money" or "transfer," and choose the option for a different bank. Enter the receiving bank's routing number and the account number, the recipient's name, and the amount. Your bank will send the request through the ACH network, which processes it overnight. The money usually arrives within one to three business days.
If you do not know the receiving account's routing number, ask the person receiving the money or look it up on the bank's website. Most banks publish their routing number publicly. Some banks also let you add a payee by name and address instead of account number, which takes longer but avoids the need for banking details.
Wire transfers to a different bank (fast, costs money)
A wire transfer moves money directly from your bank to another bank in a few hours. It costs between $15 and $50 depending on your bank, and it cannot be reversed once sent. Use it only when you need money urgently and you are certain the receiving account details are correct.
Call your bank or log into your online account and select wire transfer. You will need the receiving bank's name, the receiving account number, the receiving account holder's name, and the receiving bank's routing number. Some banks also ask for a SWIFT code if the money is going to another country. Give your bank all this information, confirm the amount, and authorize the transfer. The money usually arrives the same business day, sometimes within hours.
Before you wire money, call the person receiving it and confirm the account details by phone. Scammers sometimes intercept email and change banking information. A quick phone call prevents sending money to the wrong place.
Checks and cash withdrawals (free, slower)
If you do not have the receiving account's banking details or you want to avoid fees, you can withdraw cash and deposit it yourself, or write a check. A check takes three to seven business days to clear, depending on the receiving bank. Cash is when ready but only works if you can hand it to the person in person.
To write a check, you need a checkbook from your account. Fill in the date, the recipient's name, the amount in numbers and words, and sign it. The recipient deposits it at their bank, and it clears within a few business days. Checks are free and do not require any banking information beyond the recipient's name.
What to do if you do not have the receiving account information
If the person receiving the money has not given you their account number and routing number, ask for it directly. Most people have this information in their online banking portal or on a blank check. If they are uncomfortable sharing it, offer to send a check instead, or ask them to set up a payment request through their bank's bill pay system, which lets them request money from you without sharing account details.
Some banks also offer Zelle, Venmo, or other peer-to-peer payment apps that move money between people using only a phone number or email address. These are free and when ready if both people use the same app or bank, but they have daily limits (usually $500 to $2,000 per day) and are meant for smaller amounts between people who know each other.
Timing and what to expect at each step
| Method | Speed | Cost | Information Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Same bank transfer | Minutes to when ready | Free | Account numbers only |
| ACH transfer | 1–3 business days | Free | Routing number, account number |
| Wire transfer | Same day, usually hours | $15–$50 | Routing number, account number, account holder name |
| Check | 3–7 business days | Free | Recipient name only |
| Cash withdrawal | when ready | Free | None |
Business days do not include weekends or federal holidays. If you initiate a transfer on Friday after 5 p.m., it will not process until Monday. If Monday is a holiday, it will not process until Tuesday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer money to someone else's account at a different bank?
Yes. You need their routing number and account number to set up an ACH or wire transfer. If you do not have those, you can write a check or withdraw cash. Never wire money based on instructions sent by email or text — call the person directly to confirm the account details first.
What is the difference between a routing number and an account number?
A routing number identifies the bank itself (nine digits). An account number identifies your specific account at that bank (usually 10–12 digits). You need both for ACH and wire transfers. Your checks have both printed on the bottom left.
Why did my ACH transfer take longer than one business day?
ACH transfers process overnight, but the receiving bank may take an extra day to post the money to the account. Weekends and holidays also pause processing. If it has been more than three business days, contact your bank to check the status.
Can I cancel a wire transfer after I send it?
Once a wire transfer is sent, it cannot be stopped. If you sent it to the wrong account, contact your bank when ready — they may be able to contact the receiving bank and ask them to return the money, but this is not may provide. This is why you should always confirm account details by phone before wiring.
Is there a limit to how much I can transfer?
Most banks set daily or monthly limits on ACH transfers (often $10,000 to $25,000 per day) and wire transfers (sometimes higher, sometimes lower). Your bank's limit depends on your account type and history. Check your account agreement or call the bank to find out your specific limit.