Whether you’re chasing a higher savings rate, consolidating accounts, or just moving money to where you need it, transferring funds between banks is a routine task — but the method you choose affects speed, cost, and limits. Here are all your options, ranked by what fits best.
Method 1: ACH Transfer Between Linked Accounts (Best for Most People)
Linking your external bank accounts enables free electronic transfers in both directions.
How to Link Accounts
- Log in to the bank where you want to initiate transfers
- Find “External Accounts,” “Linked Accounts,” or “Transfers” in the menu
- Enter the other bank’s routing number and your account number
- Verify ownership via micro-deposits (the bank sends two tiny deposits, e.g., $0.12 and $0.37, which you confirm) — takes 1–2 business days
- Some banks offer instant verification by logging in to the other bank through a secure portal
Sending the Transfer
- Choose the linked account as source or destination
- Push (send from the initiating bank) is slightly faster than pull (request from the receiving bank)
- Standard timing: 1–3 business days — see our full breakdown of ACH transfer timing rules from Nacha
- Limits are typically $2,000–$10,000 per day for standard online banking; higher limits often available by phone or in branch
Method 2: Wire Transfer (Fastest for Large Amounts)
- Speed: Same business day (domestic), often within hours
- Cost: $15–$30 outgoing domestic; incoming often $0–$15
- Best for: Large, time-sensitive transfers — house down payments, how much are closing costs on a home deadlines
- How: Initiate online, by phone, or in branch with the recipient’s name, account number, and routing number
- Note: Wires are irreversible — triple-check details before sending
Method 3: Zelle and Real-Time Payments (Fastest for Small Amounts)
- Speed: Minutes between enrolled users
- Cost: Free at most banks
- Limits: Typically $2,500–$5,000/day, varying by bank
- Best for: Quick transfers to people (including yourself at another bank if both accounts are Zelle-enrolled)
- Caution: Zelle payments can’t be reversed — only send to people you trust
Method 4: Write a Check to Yourself
Old-fashioned but effective: write a check from Bank A, deposit it at Bank B via mobile app. Funds typically available in 1–2 business days. Useful when online linking isn’t cooperating.
Method 5: Cash Withdrawal and Deposit
For smaller amounts, withdrawing cash from one bank’s ATM and depositing at the other works — but daily ATM limits ($500–$1,000) and the hassle make this a last resort.
Comparison Table
- ACH: Free · 1–3 business days · high limits · best for routine moves
- Wire: $15–$30 · same day · very high limits · best for urgent/large
- Zelle: Free · minutes · low limits · best for small/quick
- Check: Free · 1–2 days · check limits · good backup method
Tips for Smooth Transfers
- Plan around weekends: Initiate Monday–Thursday mornings to avoid weekend delays
- Keep both accounts funded until the transfer fully clears to avoid overdrafts
- Verify account and routing numbers digit by digit — one wrong digit sends money to a stranger
- Watch for holds on first-time transfers between newly linked accounts
- Consider keeping both accounts: Multiple accounts across banks is a legitimate strategy — see our guide on how to start multiple savings accounts
Moving money for a home purchase? Read how to save for a down payment on a house and check the CFPB’s explainer on wire transfers.
International Bank-to-Bank Transfers
Moving money across borders works differently from domestic transfers:
- SWIFT wire transfers: The standard for international wires — 1–5 business days, $35–$50+ in fees, plus possible intermediary bank charges and exchange-rate markups
- Specialist services (Wise, OFX, XE): Often 50–70% cheaper than bank wires for international transfers, with transparent mid-market exchange rates and delivery in hours to 2 days
- Information needed: Recipient’s full name, IBAN or account number, SWIFT/BIC code, and bank address — requirements vary by country
- Always compare the total cost: Fee + exchange rate markup. A “$0 fee” transfer with a 3% worse exchange rate costs more than a $25 wire at the real rate
Security Best Practices
- Never send money based on an email request alone — wire fraud via spoofed emails (including fake “bank” messages) is rampant; verify by phone using a known number
- Enable two-factor authentication on both bank accounts
- Start with a small test transfer ($1–$10) when sending to a new recipient, then confirm receipt before sending the full amount
- Monitor both accounts until the transfer fully clears — don’t assume completion from the “sent” confirmation alone
- Keep transfer confirmations until the funds are confirmed received and settled
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to transfer money from one bank to another?
ACH transfers take 1–3 business days; wire transfers arrive the same business day; Zelle and real-time payments take minutes. Weekends and federal holidays add delays to ACH and wires.
Is there a fee to transfer money between my own bank accounts?
ACH transfers between your own accounts are almost always free. Wire transfers cost $15–$30. Zelle is free at most banks.
Can I transfer money between banks instantly?
Yes, for smaller amounts — Zelle, FedNow, and Real-Time Payments (RTP) move money in minutes between participating banks, though daily limits (typically a few thousand dollars) apply.
What’s the maximum I can transfer between banks?
Online ACH limits are commonly $2,000–$25,000 per day depending on the bank; wires have much higher limits (often $100,000+ online, unlimited in branch). Call your bank to raise limits for large transfers.
Why is my bank-to-bank transfer pending?
Common reasons: first transfer between newly linked accounts (verification hold), large amount triggering review, initiated after the daily cutoff time, or weekend/holiday timing. Most clear within 3 business days.
