Banks are catching up with online technology and creating more ways to connect to your cash. Between peer-to-peer transfer apps and money transfer services, you have more access to your finances than ever. Make a money transfer to a bank account from anywhere — even from the comfort of your own home.
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Nearly all of these methods are free, with two possibly costing a small fee depending on the service or bank you use.
1. ACH transfer
ACH stands for “automated clearing house,” referring to the ability to send electronic money transfers to bank accounts. ACH transfers are used for many purposes, such as paying bills, sending money to bank accounts and much more. ACH transfers usually take one to three business days to clear.
If you want to transfer money to a bank account, you’ll need the recipient’s account information, the bank’s routing number and the amount you want to send. If you’re sending money to a bank account you don’t own, you might need to pay a small fee, often around $0.20 to $2 per transaction.
2. Transfers via banking app
Most banking apps let you transfer money between your accounts within the same bank. For example, you can usually move money between your checking and savings almost instantly with most institutions at no cost.
Your bank app may also be able to link external accounts for ACH transfers. Most bank apps use a service called Plaid to connect external bank accounts for transferring money and may also allow you to set up recurring transfers into or out of your account.
Just want to send money to a friend or family member? Apps like Cash App, Venmo and Zelle can allow for quick and easy transfers to other bank accounts or debit cards.
Most P2P apps don’t cost anything to sign up, and standard transfers are usually free, typically taking one to three business days to complete. If you want an instant transfer to your bank account, plan on paying an instant transfer fee, typically around 0.5% to 3% of the amount.
Zelle is a great option for sending money to other accounts. Money transfers with Zelle are typically received within seconds, and it’s integrated with over 2,200 banks and credit unions, including Capital One, SoFi® and U.S. Bank.
Direct deposit is a type of ACH transfer that’s sent directly to the intended account, removing the need to cash a check or deposit money manually. Direct deposits are commonly set up for recurring payments like paychecks or Social Security. For example, you can set up direct deposit with your employer so your paychecks are directly deposited into your bank account on payday.
Since direct deposit is a form of ACH transfer, it doesn’t cost anything. Many banks offer early paycheck arrival, often clearing direct deposits up two days early.
5. Wire transfer
A classic money transfer option, wire transfers send money from one bank account to another and can be used domestically or internationally. Wire transfers are often the top choice for large transactions and move through the Federal Reserve Wire Network.
Unfortunately, most wire transfers charge per transfer. Receiving a domestic wire transfer is typically free at most banks, but sending a domestic wire may cost around $10 to $25, and international wire costs vary widely, sometimes costing $50 or more.
Traditionally, you need to go to your bank’s branch and initiate a wire transfer. You’ll need the recipient’s information, such as their name, bank’s routing number, account number and the amount you’re wiring.
6. Check or money order
A classic way for deposits, you can write a check to deposit into the account you want, buy a cashier’s check from your institution or buy a money order from a third party to deposit.
Checkbooks may be offered for free at your institution, or around $20 to $40 per box if they’re not complimentary. Most banks and credit unions also offer mobile check deposits, allowing you to deposit personal checks with your phone.
If you don’t have a bank account yourself, money orders are a great option since they’re like a single check. Money orders can often be bought at stores like Walmart, money transfer services like Western Union or you can simply head to your local post office. The fee to buy one depends on where you go, often around $1 to $5 per money order, depending on the amount.
How long does it take to transfer money to a bank account?
Depending on the method and when you initiate the transfer, speeds for transferring money to another bank account vary quite a bit.
ACH transfer: 1 to 3 business days
Domestic wire transfer: 1 to 3 business days
International wire transfer: 1 to 5 business days
Zelle transfer: Typically within minutes
Check deposit or money order: 1 to 3 business days
From P2P app balance to account: 1 to 3 business days for standard transfer
What do you need to put money in someone’s bank account?
To transfer money to someone else’s bank account directly via ACH or wire transfer, you typically need their full name, their bank account number and their institution’s routing number.
Are peer-to-peer apps safe?
P2P money apps typically use bank-level security and encryption. However, the danger with P2P money apps has less to do with your personal information being leaked and more to do with being careful with who you’re sending money to.
In most cases, if you accidentally send funds to the wrong person or someone tricks you into sending them money, it’s very hard to get those funds back. You should also know that balances in P2P transfer apps, like Venmo or Cash App, typically don’t have FDIC insurance because they’re not true deposit accounts.
Bottom line
There are a lot of methods to transfer money from one bank account to another, and most take a few business days to go through and may not cost a dime.
Using your bank’s mobile app or a P2P money transfer service are two of the fastest options, but they are better suited for small transfers. If you’re transferring a large amount, a check, money order or wire transfer might be the way to go.
Frequently asked questions
A routing number is a unique nine-digit number that identifies a bank or credit union. Routing numbers are used for electronic money transfers, such as direct deposit, wire transfers and ACH transfers.
Large institutions can use multiple routing numbers if they operate in multiple states. For example, Chase Bank's New York upstate routing number is 022300173, while its downstate New York routing number is 021000021.
You can find your bank account number in multiple places, such as on your personal checks, bank statements or in your mobile bank app. Bank account numbers are typically 10 digits long. If you're unsure, you can call your institution, verify your identity and request that information.
Not all accounts accept wire transfers, but the good news is that most do. Large banks and credit unions are more likely to send and accept wire transfers, while smaller online banks or fintechs may not be able to.
Yes. Send money overseas from your bank account, but transfer fees and exchange rates apply to the transaction. Compare specialist online money-transfer companies to see if you can find a better deal.
In most cases, you won't be able to cancel or change a transfer once it has been sent. Some transfer service providers and banks may have a small window of time during which you can cancel or change your request, so it's important to check the policy before you make your transfer.
Bethany Hickey is the banking editor and personal finance expert at Finder, specializing in banking, lending, insurance, and crypto.
Bethany’s expertise in personal finance has garnered recognition from esteemed media outlets, such as Nasdaq, MSN, Yahoo Finance, GOBankingRates, SuperMoney, AOL and Newsweek. Her articles offer practical financial strategies to Americans, empowering them to make decisions that meet their financial goals. Her past work includes articles on generational spending and saving habits, lending, budgeting and managing debt.
Before joining Finder, she was a content manager where she wrote hundreds of articles and news pieces on auto financing and credit repair for CarsDirect, Auto Credit Express and The Car Connection, among others.
Bethany holds a BA in English from the University of Michigan-Flint, and was poetry editor for the university’s Qua Literary and Fine Arts Magazine.
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