How to Move Money Between Your Bank Accounts

The main ways to transfer money between banks

You can move money from one bank to another using a wire transfer, an ACH transfer, a debit card, or by writing a check. Wire transfers arrive the fastest — usually the same day or next business day — but cost $15 to $50 per transfer. ACH transfers are free or cost $1 to $3, but take three to five business days. Debit card transfers and checks are free but slower or require the receiving bank to process a physical item.

Which method you choose depends on how fast you need the money, whether you're moving it to a bank account you own or someone else's, and how much you're sending. If you're moving your own money between accounts at different banks, ACH is usually the cheapest option. If you need the money when ready or you're sending it to someone else, a wire transfer is faster but costs more.

Key Takeaways

ACH transfers are free or low-cost and work between most U.S. banks, but take three to five business days to complete.
Wire transfers move money the same day or next business day but typically cost $15 to $50 and cannot be reversed once sent.
You can initiate most transfers through your bank's website or mobile app without visiting a branch.
The receiving bank's routing number and account number are required for any transfer between different banks.

ACH transfers: free, slow, and safe for your own accounts

An ACH transfer (Automated Clearing House) is a free or nearly free electronic transfer between bank accounts. It takes three to five business days because the transfer goes through a clearing house that processes thousands of transfers in batches. Most banks offer ACH transfers at no charge to customers, though some charge $1 to $3 if you exceed a monthly limit.

To set up an ACH transfer, log into your bank's website or app, select "transfer money" or "send money," and enter the receiving bank's routing number and the account number where you want the money to go. Your bank will ask you to verify the account with small test deposits (usually 25 cents to $1) before allowing large transfers. This verification step protects you from sending money to the wrong account by mistake.

ACH transfers work best when you're moving money between accounts you own, when you have time to wait several days, or when you're sending money to someone you trust and have verified with them first. They are reversible if something goes wrong, which makes them safer than wire transfers.

Wire transfers: fast but expensive and final

A wire transfer moves money the same business day or the next business day. Banks charge $15 to $50 per wire, depending on whether you're sending money domestically (within the U.S.) or internationally. Once a wire leaves your bank, it cannot be stopped or reversed, so you must be certain of the receiving account number before you send.

To send a wire, call your bank or visit a branch — most banks do not allow wire transfers through their website or app for security reasons. You will need to provide the receiving bank's name, routing number, the recipient's account number, and the recipient's name. The bank will verify this information with you before processing the transfer.

Wire transfers are useful when you need money to arrive quickly, when you're paying for something time-sensitive like a down payment on a house, or when the receiving bank is outside the U.S. Because they cannot be reversed, they carry more risk if you enter the wrong account number or if you are being scammed. Verify the account details with the recipient by phone or in person before sending a wire.

Debit card transfers and checks

If you have a debit card from your sending bank, you can use it to deposit money directly into another bank's account at an ATM that accepts deposits. This is free and takes one to three business days, depending on the receiving bank. Not all ATMs accept deposits, so check whether the receiving bank's ATM network accepts outside debit cards.

Writing a check is also free but requires the receiving bank to process a physical item, which typically takes five to ten business days. The receiving bank may place a hold on the check for several days before crediting the funds to the account. Checks are useful for large transfers or when you want a paper record, but they are the slowest method.

What information you need to provide

For any transfer between banks, you will need the receiving bank's routing number and the recipient's account number. The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies the bank. The account number is unique to the individual account at that bank.

You can find the routing number on your bank's website, by calling the bank, or by looking at the bottom left corner of a check from that bank. The account number appears on the check as well, usually to the right of the routing number. If you are transferring to someone else's account, ask them for both numbers and verify them before you send the transfer.

For wire transfers, you may also need the recipient's full name, the bank's address, and a SWIFT code if the transfer is international. Ask your bank what information is required before you initiate the transfer.

How long transfers take and when they process

ACH transfers take three to five business days because banks process them in batches at set times. If you send an ACH transfer on a Friday evening, it will not begin processing until Monday morning, and the receiving bank will not credit the funds until Wednesday or Thursday. Weekends and bank holidays do not count as business days.

Wire transfers process the same business day if you send them before your bank's cutoff time — usually 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. — or the next business day if you send them after the cutoff. International wire transfers may take one to three business days depending on the receiving country and bank.

Debit card deposits at ATMs and checks both depend on the receiving bank's processing schedule. Some banks credit debit card deposits when ready; others hold them for one business day. Checks typically have a five to ten business day hold.

Fees and limits

ACH transfers are free at most banks, though some charge $1 to $3 per transfer or limit you to a certain number of free transfers per month. Wire transfers cost $15 to $50 domestically and $25 to $75 internationally. Debit card deposits and checks are free.

Banks may also set limits on how much you can transfer in a single transaction or per day. These limits vary by bank and account type. If you need to transfer more than your daily limit, contact your bank to ask whether they can increase it temporarily or whether you can split the transfer into multiple transactions over several days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer money between banks on a weekend?

You can initiate the transfer through your bank's app or website on a weekend, but the transfer will not process until the next business day. If you send an ACH transfer on Saturday, it will begin processing on Monday and arrive by Wednesday or Thursday. Wire transfers sent on weekends will process on Monday morning.

What happens if I enter the wrong account number?

For ACH transfers, your bank verifies the account with test deposits before allowing large transfers, which catches most mistakes. If you send a wire transfer to the wrong account, the money is gone and cannot be recovered unless the receiving bank agrees to reverse it. Always verify the account number with the recipient before sending a wire.

Do I need to go to a bank branch to transfer money?

Most ACH transfers can be done through your bank's website or app without visiting a branch. Wire transfers usually require a phone call or in-person visit to the branch for security reasons. Check your bank's website to see which transfers you can do online.

Can I transfer money to a bank account in another country?

Yes, but you will need to use a wire transfer or an international ACH transfer, which is slower and more expensive than a domestic transfer. International wire transfers typically cost $25 to $75 and take one to three business days. You will need the recipient's SWIFT code and the bank's address in addition to the account number.

Is it safe to give someone my bank account number for a transfer?

It is safe to give your account number and routing number to someone who is sending you money — they cannot withdraw money from your account with just these two pieces of information. However, do not give your account number to someone you do not trust, and never share your PIN or online banking password.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.