How to Send Money to Someone Else's Bank Account: Which Method Suits You Best?

Need to move funds to another person’s bank account but unsure where to start? The good news is you’ve got plenty of options — from instant digital transfers to traditional wire services. The challenge? Each method has its own speed, cost, and requirements. Let’s break down what actually works and what you should avoid based on your specific situation.

The Speed Comparison: Which Transfer Method Gets Money There Fastest?

When time matters, not all solutions are created equal. Moving money between your own accounts at the same bank? That’s instantaneous and usually free. But sending to someone else’s account elsewhere? That’s where things get interesting.

Digital transfer apps win the speed race. Services like Zelle can deliver funds to another person’s bank account within minutes, and certainly within two business days if both banks are on board. The best part: most are free for standard transfers. However, if you want next-day delivery, expect to pay a premium.

Wire transfers technically move money quickly — typically arriving within one business day or faster — but they come with a hefty price tag. Most banks charge between $30 and $75 per outgoing wire transfer, with international transfers costing significantly more. Plus, cutoff times vary by institution, so you need to check with your bank before initiating.

On the slower end of the spectrum, check deposits typically take one to five business days, though you might access part of the funds immediately with mobile deposit features.

The Low-Cost Route: Free Ways to Transfer Money to Someone Else’s Account

If you’re watching your budget, peer-to-peer apps are your best friends. Zelle, Venmo, PayPal, and CashApp all offer free bank-to-bank transfers, provided both parties are account holders with the app set up. You just need the recipient’s phone number or email address — no complex routing numbers required.

The catch? The person receiving the money needs to have their own account registered with the same P2P service and verify their contact information. Once that’s done, sending additional funds is straightforward.

Traditional wire transfers and check writing don’t cost anything unless you opt for expedited services or cashier’s checks, but they take longer and involve more manual steps.

How to Actually Transfer Money: Step-by-Step for Different Scenarios

Transferring between your own accounts at different banks takes a bit more setup. Log into your first bank’s portal, find the option to link an external account, and enter the routing number, account number, and account type for your second bank. Your first bank will typically verify ownership by depositing two small amounts into the second account — this takes one to two business days. Once you confirm those deposit amounts back in the first bank, you’re linked and ready to send funds whenever you want.

Using a P2P app to send to someone else is simpler. Just open Venmo (or your preferred app), select the person by phone number or email, enter the amount, and send. If the recipient already has the app, the money could arrive instantly or within a couple of business days depending on how their bank processes deposits.

A wire transfer requires calling your bank or visiting in person. You’ll provide the recipient’s banking details and the amount. Banks handle the rest, typically completing the transfer within 24 hours for domestic transfers.

Writing a check remains viable if you’re in no rush. Mail it to the recipient, and they deposit it into their account — the funds clear after their bank processes it, usually within five business days.

Cash withdrawal and deposit is worth mentioning, though it has limitations. You withdraw cash from your account and deposit it into someone else’s account at their bank. However, some major banks (including Wells Fargo) won’t accept cash deposits from non-account holders, so verify this is an option before attempting it.

When to Use Each Method: Matching Transfer to Your Needs

Sending $20 to split dinner? P2P apps are perfect — free and instant.

Moving $5,000 across the country? Wire transfers ensure it arrives next business day, but budget for that $30-75 fee.

Paying rent to a landlord who doesn’t use apps? A check still makes sense, though you’ll wait longer.

Transferring between your own accounts? Use your bank’s online portal for immediate, fee-free transfers.

The reality is this: there’s no universally “best” way to transfer money to someone else’s bank account. Speed, cost, and convenience depend on what matters most to your situation.

The Bottom Line

Bank transfers have become genuinely accessible. Whether you prioritize speed (wire transfers, P2P apps), cost (P2P apps, checks), or simplicity (linked accounts, P2P apps), options exist. The key is checking your specific bank’s policies, confirming cutoff times, and ensuring both parties have the necessary accounts or app setup. Most people find that combining different methods for different situations — apps for casual transfers, wires for urgent moves, linked accounts for personal finances — works best over time.