How to Transfer Money Between Your Own Bank Accounts

The fastest way to move money between accounts

The quickest method depends on whether you're moving money between accounts at the same bank or different banks. If both accounts are at the same institution, you can transfer money through your bank's website or app in minutes — sometimes when ready. If the accounts are at different banks, the transfer takes one to three business days because the banks have to process it through the Federal Reserve's system.

Same-bank transfers are usually free and appear in your account within hours or when ready. Different-bank transfers are also free at most institutions, though some banks charge a small fee (typically $10 to $15) if you exceed a certain number of transfers per month. The receiving account gets the money after the banks confirm the routing numbers and account details match.

Key Takeaways

• Same-bank transfers happen within minutes or hours through your bank's website or mobile app and are almost always free.
• Transfers between different banks take one to three business days and move through the Federal Reserve's automated clearing house system.
• You need the receiving account's routing number and account number, which you can find on a check or by calling the other bank.
• Most banks allow you to set up recurring transfers if you move money on a regular schedule, like monthly savings transfers.
• Wire transfers are faster (same day) but cost $15 to $50 and are meant for urgent or large transfers, not routine moves between your own accounts.

How to transfer money through your bank's website

Log into your bank's website and look for a link labeled "Transfer Money," "Move Money," or "Payments" — the exact name varies by bank. Select the account you want to transfer from, then choose the receiving account. If the receiving account is at the same bank, you'll see it listed. If it's at a different bank, you'll need to add it first by entering the routing number and account number.

Enter the amount you want to transfer and review the details before confirming. The bank will show you when the money will arrive — usually "today" or "tomorrow" for same-bank transfers, or a specific date one to three business days out for different-bank transfers. Once you confirm, the transfer is submitted and you'll receive a confirmation number.

Keep that confirmation number in case you need to track the transfer later. If the money doesn't arrive by the date shown, contact your bank with the confirmation number and they can investigate.

How to transfer money through your bank's mobile app

Open your bank's app and tap the "Transfer" or "Move Money" section, usually visible on the home screen. Select the account to transfer from and the account to transfer to. If you're sending to a different bank, you may need to add that account first by providing its routing and account numbers.

Enter the amount, review the transfer details, and confirm. The app will show you the expected arrival date. You can usually take a screenshot of the confirmation screen or the app will email you a receipt. Mobile transfers work the same way as website transfers — same-bank moves are when ready or same-day, and different-bank transfers take one to three business days.

Finding the routing number and account number you need

The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies the bank where the receiving account is held. The account number is the unique number for that specific account. You can find both on a check from that account — the routing number is the first set of numbers on the bottom left, and the account number is the second set in the middle.

If you don't have a check, call the bank directly and ask for the routing number and account number. You can also log into that bank's website or app and look for account details or statements, which usually display both numbers. Some banks print this information on their website under "Account Information" or "Bank Details."

Double-check the numbers before you submit the transfer. If you enter them incorrectly, the money may go to the wrong account or be rejected by the receiving bank, which can delay your transfer by several days while the banks sort it out.

Setting up recurring transfers for regular payments

If you move money on a regular schedule — like transferring $200 to savings every payday — you can set up a recurring transfer instead of doing it manually each time. In your bank's website or app, look for an option like "Set Up Recurring Transfer" or "Schedule Transfer." Enter the amount, frequency (weekly, biweekly, monthly), and the date you want it to happen.

The bank will confirm the setup and show you when the first transfer will occur. You can edit or cancel a recurring transfer anytime through the same menu. This is useful for automating savings goals or moving money to cover a regular bill from a different account.

When to use a wire transfer instead

A wire transfer is faster than a standard transfer — the money usually arrives the same business day — but it costs more and is harder to reverse. Wire transfers typically cost $15 to $50 depending on your bank and whether you're sending domestically or internationally. Use a wire transfer only when you need money to arrive urgently or when you're sending a large amount and the speed matters.

To send a wire transfer, call your bank or visit a branch in person. You'll need to provide the receiving account's routing number, account number, and the name on that account. The bank will confirm the details, charge the fee, and submit the wire. Once submitted, a wire transfer cannot be reversed, so make sure the account information is correct before you authorize it.

For moving money between your own accounts on a regular basis, standard transfers are the right choice — they're free and the one to three day wait is normal and expected.

What to do if a transfer goes wrong

If money doesn't arrive by the date your bank promised, log back into your account and check the transfer status. Many banks show whether a transfer is "pending," "processing," or "completed." If it shows completed but the money isn't in the receiving account, contact the receiving bank — sometimes there's a delay on their end.

If the transfer shows pending after the promised date, contact your bank with the confirmation number. They can trace the transfer through the Federal Reserve system and find out where it's stuck. If you sent money to the wrong account by mistake, call your bank when ready — they may be able to recall the transfer if it hasn't been processed yet, though this isn't always possible.

If the receiving bank rejected the transfer because of incorrect account information, your bank will usually send the money back to your original account within a few business days. You can then correct the account details and try again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer money on a weekend or holiday?

You can submit a transfer anytime through your bank's website or app, but the bank won't process it until the next business day. If you submit a transfer on Friday evening, it won't move until Monday. The receiving bank also needs to be open to receive it, so transfers submitted on weekends or holidays will be delayed until the next business day.

Is there a limit to how much I can transfer?

Most banks allow transfers up to your account balance, but some have daily or monthly limits for security reasons. Check your bank's transfer limits in the settings section of your website or app, or call and ask. You can usually request a higher limit if you need to move a large amount.

Do I need the other person's permission to transfer money to their account?

If it's your own account at a different bank, no permission is needed — you just need the account and routing numbers. If you're sending money to someone else's account, you don't need their permission to send it, but they'll see the deposit in their account. Make sure you have the correct account number so the money goes to the right person.

What's the difference between a transfer and a payment?

A transfer moves money between accounts you control or accounts you're sending to. A payment is usually a bill payment, where money goes to a company or service provider. Most banks treat them similarly — you enter the amount and confirm — but bill payments sometimes take longer because they go through a different processing system.

Can I cancel a transfer after I submit it?

If the transfer is still pending, you can usually cancel it through your bank's website or app or by calling the bank. Once the transfer shows as completed, it's too late to cancel — the money has left your account. For same-bank transfers, this happens within minutes, so you need to act fast.