How to transfer money between banks
The free way to move money between your own banks is an ACH transfer started from the receiving bank, which pulls the money in 1 to 3 business days at no cost. Pay for a wire only when the money must land the same day.
Moving your own cash between banks is free in almost every case. The trap is timing, not fees. If a bonus requires a balance on a specific date, start the transfer at least four business days early, because ACH does not move on weekends or federal holidays.
Step by step
1.Start the transfer from the bank receiving the money
Log in to the bank that should end up holding the cash and look for external transfers or link external account. Pulling is usually faster and free, while pushing from the sending bank sometimes costs a fee.
2.Link the other account with your routing and account numbers
You will need the routing number and account number of the other bank. Most banks verify with two small test deposits that arrive in 1 to 2 business days, so do this step before you need the money.
3.Check the limits before you schedule anything
External transfer limits are commonly $2,000 to $25,000 per day and can be lower for the first 30 days after linking. If your amount is larger, split it across days or use a wire.
4.Pick the right speed
Standard ACH is free and takes 1 to 3 business days. Many banks now offer instant push to a debit card for a percentage fee. Wires land the same business day and usually cost $15 to $35 outbound.
5.Confirm the money posted and is available
Posted is not the same as available. Some banks hold incoming external transfers for a day or two, which matters if you are timing a minimum balance requirement.
Quick facts
- Standard ACH transfer
- Free, 1 to 3 business days
- Same-day ACH
- Free to low fee, cutoff usually early afternoon
- Domestic wire
- $15 to $35 outbound, same business day
- Instant debit push
- Roughly 1% to 2% of the amount
- Zelle between your own banks
- Usually free, minutes, lower limits
Common questions
What is the cheapest way to transfer money between banks?
A standard ACH transfer started from the receiving bank. It is free at nearly every American bank and credit union and settles in 1 to 3 business days.
How long does a bank to bank transfer take?
Standard ACH takes 1 to 3 business days. Same-day ACH can land the same afternoon if you beat the cutoff. Wires land the same business day. Weekends and federal holidays do not count as business days.
Is there a limit on transfers between my own accounts?
Yes. Most banks cap external transfers somewhere between $2,000 and $25,000 per day, and the cap is often tighter during the first month after you link the accounts.
Will a transfer between my own banks count as a direct deposit?
Usually not. Most bonus terms look for a payroll or government ACH credit with a specific transaction code, so an ordinary transfer from your other bank often fails the test.
Keep going
- Money transfer bonuses
- Checking account bonuses
- Savings account bonuses
- Best bonus lists by situation
- Learn how bonuses pay out
Last reviewed 2026-09-19.