How to Transfer Money to Someone: Methods, Costs, and Speed

The main ways to send money depend on how fast you need it and whether the person has a bank account

You can transfer money through your bank, a money transfer service, a payment app, or cash in person. Bank transfers are cheapest for large amounts but take one to three business days. Payment apps like Venmo or PayPal move money in minutes but work best between people with accounts. Money transfer services like Western Union or MoneyGram let you send cash that someone picks up without a bank account, but charge higher fees. The right choice depends on the amount, how quickly the person needs it, and what accounts or services both of you have.

Key Takeaways

• Bank transfers (ACH or wire) are free or low-cost but take one to three business days, while payment apps deliver money in minutes for small amounts.
• Money transfer services let you send cash to someone without a bank account, but fees typically run 3 to 10 percent of the amount.
• Wire transfers move money the same day or next day but cost $15 to $50 and are harder to reverse if you make a mistake.
• Payment apps work when ready between users of the same service, but both people need to set up an account first.
• International transfers require different services and take longer; bank transfers typically take five to ten business days.

Bank transfers: ACH and wire transfers

An ACH transfer (Automated Clearing House) is the standard way banks move money between accounts. You log into your bank's website or app, enter the recipient's routing number and account number, and the money arrives in one to three business days. Most banks charge nothing for ACH transfers, though some charge $1 to $3 for outgoing transfers. This method works only if the person you are sending to has a bank account.

A wire transfer moves money the same day or next business day and works between banks anywhere in the United States. You provide the recipient's bank name, routing number, account number, and full name. Wire transfers cost $15 to $50 depending on your bank, and you cannot reverse one after it is sent, so confirm the account details before you submit. Wire transfers are useful when someone needs money urgently and has a bank account, but the cost makes them expensive for small amounts.

To make either transfer, log into your bank's website or mobile app, find the "Send Money" or "Transfer" section, and follow the prompts. You will need the recipient's full name, bank name, routing number, and account number. Some banks let you save a recipient's details so you do not have to enter them each time.

Payment apps: Venmo, PayPal, Cash App, and others

Payment apps move money between users when ready or within minutes and charge no fee if both people use the same service. Venmo, PayPal, Cash App, and similar services let you send money to someone's phone number or username. Both of you must read the app, create an account, and link a bank account or debit card. Once set up, sending money takes seconds.

The catch is that both people need to use the same app. If you have Venmo and the recipient uses only PayPal, you cannot send directly through either app. Some apps let you send money to someone who does not have an account yet — they receive a link and can claim the money by signing up — but this adds a step and may take longer.

Payment apps work best for splitting rent, paying back a friend, or sending small amounts. They are not designed for large transfers, and some have daily or monthly limits on how much you can send. Check your app's limits before you try to send a large amount.

Money transfer services: Western Union, MoneyGram, and others

Money transfer services let you send cash to someone who does not have a bank account. You go to a location (a grocery store, pharmacy, or dedicated office), give the agent cash and the recipient's name, and they receive a code. The recipient goes to another location of the same service, gives the code, and picks up the cash. This works for domestic and international transfers.

Fees for money transfer services are high — typically 3 to 10 percent of the amount you send, depending on the service and how far the money is going. A $100 transfer might cost $3 to $10. The money is usually available for pickup within minutes to a few hours. These services are useful when the recipient does not have a bank account or when you need to send cash, but the fees make them expensive compared to bank transfers or payment apps.

To use a money transfer service, find a location near you on the company's website, bring cash and a photo ID, and tell the agent the recipient's full name and the amount. The agent will give you a reference number or code to share with the recipient.

International transfers and cross-border payments

Sending money across borders takes longer and costs more than domestic transfers. A bank wire transfer to another country typically takes five to ten business days and costs $25 to $50. The recipient's bank may also charge a fee to receive the money. You will need the recipient's full name, bank name, account number, and the bank's SWIFT code (a code that identifies banks internationally).

International money transfer services like Wise, OFX, or Remitly often offer better exchange rates and lower fees than banks for moving money to another country. These services may take two to five business days and charge 1 to 3 percent of the amount. Some payment apps like PayPal offer international transfers, though fees and exchange rates vary.

Before sending money internationally, confirm the recipient's bank details with them directly — a mistake in the account number can delay the transfer or send money to the wrong person. Ask your bank or transfer service what information you need and what the total cost will be, including any fees the recipient's bank charges.

Comparing costs and speed across methods

Method	Speed	Cost	Best for
ACH transfer	1–3 business days	Free to $3	Any amount between bank accounts
Wire transfer	Same day or next day	$15–$50	Urgent transfers between bank accounts
Payment app	Minutes to hours	Free (same app)	Small amounts between friends
Money transfer service	Minutes to hours	3–10% of amount	Cash pickup, no bank account needed
International bank transfer	5–10 business days	$25–$50 plus recipient fees	Large amounts to another country
International money transfer service	2–5 business days	1–3% of amount	International transfers with better rates

What information you need before you send

For a bank transfer, you need the recipient's full name, routing number, and account number. You can find routing numbers on checks, on your bank's website, or by calling the bank. The account number is also on checks or in your online banking portal.

For a payment app, you need the recipient's phone number, email, or username — whichever the app uses. For a wire transfer, you need the same bank information plus confirmation that the name on the account matches the name you provide.

For a money transfer service, you need only the recipient's full name and the amount. For an international transfer, you also need the recipient's bank name, account number, and SWIFT code.

Always confirm the recipient's details before you send, especially for wire transfers and international transfers. A typo in an account number or routing number can send money to the wrong person, and reversing the transfer is difficult or impossible.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for money to show up in someone's account?

ACH transfers take one to three business days. Wire transfers arrive the same day or next business day. Payment apps move money in minutes to a few hours. Money transfer services make cash available for pickup within minutes to a few hours. International transfers take five to ten business days through banks, or two to five days through specialized money transfer services.

What happens if I send money to the wrong account number?

The money goes to that account, and reversing it is difficult. For ACH transfers, contact your bank when ready and ask them to recall the transfer — they can try, but the receiving bank is not required to reverse it. For wire transfers, call your bank right away, but reversals are rarely possible. Always double-check the account number before you send.

Can I send money to someone without a bank account?

Yes, through money transfer services like Western Union or MoneyGram. The recipient picks up cash at a location near them using a code you provide. Some payment apps also let you send money to someone without an account — they receive a link and can claim the money by signing up.

Are there limits on how much I can send?

Yes. Payment apps typically limit daily or monthly transfers to $500 to $10,000 depending on the service. Banks may limit wire transfers to $10,000 or more per day. Money transfer services may limit cash pickups to $2,500 to $10,000 per transaction. Check your bank or app's limits before you send a large amount.

Do I need to tell the recipient anything before I send?

For bank transfers and wire transfers, confirm their account number and routing number with them first. For payment apps, make sure they have the app and their account is set up. For money transfer services, give them the reference code or tracking number so they know to expect the money and can pick it up.