How to Send Money to Someone Else's Bank Account

The basic steps for sending money online

To transfer money online, you log into your bank's website or app, select a transfer option, enter the recipient's bank details, choose the amount and date, and confirm the transaction. Most transfers between accounts at the same bank complete within hours. Transfers to a different bank usually take one to three business days, though some banks now offer same-day options.

The exact steps depend on which bank you use and whether you are sending money to someone at your bank or at a different one. Your bank's website or mobile app will walk you through each screen. The key information you need before you start is the recipient's name, account number, and routing number (if sending to a different bank).

Online transfers are safer than mailing a check or giving cash, because the money goes directly into the recipient's account and you have a record of the transaction. You can also cancel or dispute a transfer if something goes wrong, though the window to do so is usually narrow.

Key Takeaways

• Transfers within the same bank usually complete in a few hours; transfers to a different bank take one to three business days unless you pay for expedited service.
• You will need the recipient's full name, account number, and routing number (the nine-digit code that identifies their bank) to send money to a different bank.
• Most banks let you set up a transfer through their website or mobile app without calling customer service.
• Transfers sent on a weekend or holiday will not process until the next business day, even if the bank's website does not say so.

Transfers within your own bank

If you and the recipient both have accounts at the same bank, the transfer is the fastest and simplest option. Log into your bank's website or app, look for a link labeled "Transfer Money," "Send Money," or "Payments," and select the option to transfer between your own accounts or to another person at your bank.

You will need the recipient's account number and full name as it appears on their account. Some banks also ask for the account type (checking or savings). Enter the amount, choose the date you want the transfer to happen, and review the details before you confirm. The money usually moves within a few hours, and you will see it reflected in both accounts the same day.

If you have never sent money to this person before, your bank may require you to verify their identity first. This might mean they receive a code via text or email that they send back to you, or your bank may call them directly. This step protects both of you from fraud.

Transfers to a different bank

Sending money to someone at a different bank takes longer because the two banks have to coordinate through the Federal Reserve or a private clearing network. The standard timeline is one to three business days, though the exact speed depends on both banks' processing schedules.

To set up this transfer, you will need the recipient's routing number, which is a nine-digit code that identifies their bank. You can find it on a check, on the bank's website, or by calling the bank directly. You will also need their account number and full name exactly as it appears on their account.

Log into your bank's website or app and select the option to send money to an external account or a different bank. Enter the recipient's routing number, account number, name, and the amount. Your bank will usually verify the account before the transfer goes through. Once confirmed, the money will leave your account within one business day, though it may take another one to two days to appear in the recipient's account.

Same-day and expedited transfer options

If you need the money to arrive faster, some banks offer same-day transfers through a service called the RTP network (Real-Time Payments) or through their own expedited transfer programs. These transfers can move money in minutes to hours instead of days, but not all banks participate, and there may be a fee.

Check your bank's website or call customer service to see whether same-day transfers are available to the recipient's bank. If both banks are on the RTP network, you may be able to send money in real time at no extra cost. If not, your bank may offer an expedited option for a flat fee (often $10 to $25) or a percentage of the transfer amount.

Same-day transfers are most useful when you are paying a bill at the last minute or sending money in an emergency. For routine transfers, the standard one- to three-day timeline is usually sufficient and costs nothing.

Information you need before you start

Information	Where to find it	Why you need it
Recipient's full name	Ask them directly or check a check they gave you	Must match the name on their account exactly, or the transfer may be rejected
Recipient's account number	On a check, their bank statement, or by asking them	Identifies which account at their bank receives the money
Recipient's routing number	On a check (bottom left), their bank's website, or by calling their bank	Identifies which bank holds their account; only needed for transfers to a different bank
Transfer amount	You decide this	The dollar amount you want to send
Transfer date	You choose this when you set up the transfer	When you want the money to leave your account; can be today or a future date

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

The most common error is entering the recipient's account number or routing number incorrectly. A single wrong digit will cause the transfer to be rejected or sent to the wrong account. Before you confirm the transfer, read the account number and routing number aloud to yourself or have someone else check them. If you are copying from a check, look at the numbers twice.

Another frequent mistake is assuming a transfer will process on a weekend or holiday. Banks do not process transfers on Saturdays, Sundays, or federal holidays, even if your bank's website lets you schedule a transfer for those dates. The transfer will sit in a queue and process on the next business day. If you need money to arrive by a specific date, schedule it for the business day before that date.

Do not assume the recipient's name on their account matches what they go by in everyday life. If their legal name is "Robert" but they go by "Bob," you must enter "Robert" on the transfer form. Mismatched names can trigger fraud checks and delay the transfer.

What to do if a transfer goes wrong

If you sent money to the wrong account or the transfer did not arrive after the expected time, contact your bank when ready. Most banks have a window of 24 to 48 hours to investigate and reverse a transfer, though this varies by bank and by the type of transfer.

Have your confirmation number ready (your bank sends this when you complete the transfer) and be able to describe exactly what happened. If you sent money to the wrong account number, your bank may be able to recall the transfer before it settles. If the transfer arrived in the recipient's account but they will not return it, you may need to pursue the matter through your bank's dispute process or with legal help.

If a transfer is delayed, check your bank's website first to see whether it is still pending. Transfers scheduled for a weekend will not move until Monday. If it has been more than three business days and the transfer still shows as pending, call your bank's customer service line.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel a transfer after I send it?

Yes, but only if you act quickly. Most banks give you a window of a few hours to cancel a transfer before it leaves your account. Once the money has been sent to the other bank, cancellation becomes much harder. Log into your bank's app or website when ready and look for a cancel or recall option next to the pending transfer.

What is the difference between a wire transfer and an online transfer?

A wire transfer is faster and more expensive, and it is usually irreversible once sent. An online transfer (also called an ACH transfer) is slower but cheaper and can sometimes be reversed. For most everyday transfers, an online transfer is the right choice. Wire transfers are typically used for large amounts or time-sensitive payments like down payments on a house.

Do I need the recipient's bank account password?

No. You only need their account number, routing number, and name. You should never ask for or enter someone else's password. If a website or person asks for a password to complete a transfer, it is a scam.

Is there a limit to how much I can transfer online?

Yes, but the limit varies by bank and by account type. Most banks allow transfers of $10,000 to $25,000 per day, though some allow more. Check your bank's website or call customer service to find out your specific limit. You can often request a higher limit if you need to send a larger amount.

What happens if I enter the wrong routing number?

The transfer will either be rejected before it is sent, or it will be sent to the wrong bank and eventually returned to you. If it is rejected, you will see an error message and can correct the number and try again. If it is sent to the wrong bank, it may take several days to come back to your account. Always double-check the routing number before you confirm.