What a bank transfer is and which TD option you need

A bank transfer is moving money from your TD Bank account to another account — either at TD Bank or at a different bank. TD Bank offers three main ways to do this: online banking, mobile app, and in person at a branch. The method you choose depends on where the money is going and how fast you need it to arrive.

If you are sending money to another person's account at a different bank, you will use either a wire transfer (fastest, costs money) or an ACH transfer (slower, usually free). If you are moving money between your own TD Bank accounts, that happens when ready. If you are paying a bill, you will use bill pay instead of a transfer.

Key Takeaways

  • TD Bank transfers between your own accounts happen when ready and cost nothing.
  • Transfers to accounts at other banks take one to three business days using ACH and cost nothing, or arrive the same day using wire transfer and cost a fee.
  • You can start a transfer online, through the TD Bank mobile app, or by visiting a branch in person.
  • You will need the recipient's bank name, account number, and routing number to send money outside TD Bank.
  • Wire transfers are irreversible once sent, so double-check the account details before confirming.

How to transfer money between your own TD Bank accounts

Log into TD Bank online banking or open the TD Bank mobile app. Look for a section labeled "Transfers" or "Move Money" — the exact name varies by app version. Select "Transfer Between My Accounts" or similar wording.

Choose the account you want to send money from (the "from" account) and the account you want to send it to (the "to" account). Both must be registered in your name. Enter the dollar amount and confirm. The money appears in both accounts when ready — you do not have to wait for processing.

How to transfer money to someone else's account at another bank

Log into TD Bank online banking or the mobile app and select "Transfers" or "Move Money." Choose "Transfer to Another Bank" or "External Transfer." You will be asked whether you want the money to arrive in one to three business days (ACH transfer, free) or the same business day (wire transfer, fee applies).

For an ACH transfer, enter the recipient's name, bank name, account number, and routing number. TD Bank will verify the account before you send the money. For a wire transfer, you will need the same information plus the recipient's bank's wire routing number, which is sometimes different from the ACH routing number. Enter the amount and review all details carefully — wire transfers cannot be reversed once sent.

Confirm the transfer. ACH transfers typically arrive within one to three business days. Wire transfers usually arrive the same business day if sent before the bank's cutoff time, which is typically 2 p.m. Eastern Time on weekdays.

How to transfer money at a TD Bank branch

Visit any TD Bank branch during business hours with your account information and the recipient's details. Tell a teller you want to send a transfer. If you are sending to another TD Bank account, bring your account number and the recipient's account number. If you are sending to another bank, bring the recipient's bank name, account number, and routing number.

The teller will enter the information into the system, show you a confirmation screen, and ask you to approve it. You can choose ACH (free, one to three days) or wire transfer (fee, same day). Sign any required paperwork and keep your receipt. The teller will tell you when to expect the money to arrive.

What information you need to send a transfer outside TD Bank

Before you start a transfer to another bank, gather these details about the recipient:

  • The recipient's full name as it appears on their account
  • The name of the bank where the recipient's account is held
  • The recipient's account number
  • The bank's routing number (a nine-digit code that identifies the bank)

If you are sending a wire transfer, you may also need the bank's wire routing number, which can differ from the ACH routing number. Ask the recipient or their bank if you are unsure. Entering the wrong account number or routing number means the money goes to the wrong place, and recovering it can take weeks.

Wire transfers versus ACH transfers: speed and cost

An ACH transfer is the standard way to move money between banks. It is free, but it takes one to three business days because the banks process these transfers in batches. ACH transfers are reversible if there is an error — you can contact TD Bank and ask them to recall the transfer before it settles.

A wire transfer is faster and more direct. The money leaves your account the same day and usually arrives at the recipient's bank the same day, though it may take until the next business day to appear in their account. Wire transfers cost a fee — the amount varies by whether you are sending domestically or internationally. Wire transfers are final once sent and cannot be reversed, so you must verify the account details before confirming.

Use ACH for routine transfers where a few days does not matter. Use wire transfer when the recipient needs the money urgently and you are willing to pay the fee.

Limits on how much you can transfer

TD Bank sets daily and monthly transfer limits that vary by account type and how long you have been a customer. New accounts often have lower limits than established ones. You can see your current limits in online banking under account settings or by calling TD Bank customer service.

If you need to transfer more than your limit, you can request a temporary increase by calling customer service or visiting a branch. Some increases are approved when ready; others take a business day. Wire transfers sometimes have different limits than ACH transfers, so check both if you are planning a large transfer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a TD Bank transfer take?

Transfers between your own TD Bank accounts are when ready. ACH transfers to other banks take one to three business days. Wire transfers typically arrive the same business day if sent before 2 p.m. Eastern Time, though the recipient may not see the money until the next business day.

Can I cancel a transfer after I send it?

ACH transfers can sometimes be recalled if you contact TD Bank before the transfer settles, which is usually within one business day. Wire transfers cannot be cancelled once sent. If you made a mistake on a wire transfer, contact TD Bank when ready — they may be able to contact the receiving bank, but recovery is not may provide.

What does a routing number do?

A routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies which bank holds the recipient's account. It tells the banking system where to send the money. Every bank has a routing number, and some banks have multiple routing numbers for different regions or services. Using the wrong routing number sends the money to the wrong bank.

Is there a fee for transfers at TD Bank?

Transfers between your own TD Bank accounts and ACH transfers to other banks are free. Wire transfers cost a fee that varies by whether you are sending money domestically or internationally — ask TD Bank for the current fee before you send.

What if the transfer goes to the wrong account?

Contact TD Bank when ready. For ACH transfers, they may be able to recall the transfer if it has not settled. For wire transfers, TD Bank can contact the receiving bank and ask them to return the funds, but the receiving bank is not required to comply. Recovery can take weeks or may not be possible. This is why verifying account details before sending is critical.