As a bank account holder, you will often need to transfer money from one bank account to another. There could be many reasons to do this, but most often than not, it’s because you want to make an investment or pay for some kind of service.
Whatever the reason, there are several ways to transfer money from one bank account to another. Let’s take a look at some of the different methods you can use to make a quick and successful transfer.
Table of Contents
Four Ways to Transfer Money From one Bank Account to Another
Wire Transfers
With a wire transfer, you can transfer money between bank accounts electronically. An online wire transfer, a phone transfer, or a branch-based wire transfer are all possible methods.
Wire transfers require the following information:
- The name and address of the recipient’s bank
- The account number of the recipient’s bank account
- The routing number of the recipient’s bank
- The amount of money being sent
- The currency being used (unless it’s US dollars)
Once you have all the necessary information, you can initiate a wire transfer by logging into your online banking account and selecting the “Transfer Money” option. From there, you will enter the required information and confirm the transaction. The money should be transferred within one to three business days.
Wire transfers are a quick and easy way to send money from one bank account to another. However, there are some things to keep in mind before initiating a transfer.
First, wire transfers typically incur a fee, so be sure to check with your bank to see how much they charge. Second, because wire transfers are processed electronically, they can’t always be reversed if there’s been an error with the transaction. So if you are sending a large amount of money, it is important to verify that everything is correct before confirming the transfer.
Finally, keep in mind that although wire transfers are the fastest method, they’re not instant—it will take a maximum of 2 working days for the money to arrive in the recipient’s account.
Mobile Apps
In our increasingly mobile world, it’s no surprise that there are many apps available that allow you to transfer money from one bank account to another. This can be a great option if you need to transfer money quickly and easily, without having to go through the hassle of wiring money or writing a check.
There are many different apps online, so it’s important to choose one that is reputable and that will work well for your specific needs.
Some things you may want to consider include:
- The app’s ease of use
- The fees incurred by the app
- The time it takes for the app to process transfers
- Is the app available for both iOS and Android devices?
Once you’ve found an app that meets your needs, transferring money is usually as simple as entering in the amount you want to transfer and specifying which account you want the money to come from and go to. The funds should then be transferred almost instantly.
One popular option for mobile money transfers is Venmo. Venmo is a free app that allows users to send and receive money with friends and family, making it a great option for those who need to transfer small amounts of money on a regular basis.
Another popular option is Square Cash, which has similar features as Venmo but also allows users to make purchases with businesses that accept Square Cash payments.
Email Money Transfers
Email money transfers are a convenient way to send and receive money without having to visit a bank or use a credit card. With email money transfers, you can simply enter the recipient’s email address and the amount you want to transfer. The funds will then be sent instantly, with no fees charged.
There are a few things to keep in mind when using email money transfers:
- Make sure you have the recipient’s correct email address. Otherwise, the money could be sent to the wrong person.
- Be aware of any fees that may be charged by your bank or the recipient’s bank. These fees can vary depending on the banks involved and the amount being transferred.
- Remember that email money transfers are not necessarily secure. If you send sensitive information (such as your banking login details), make sure you use a secure website or service.
Writing a Check
Writing a check is one of the most common ways to send money from one bank account to another. It’s also one of the oldest methods – and just as effective today.
To write a check, you’ll need to have the following information:
The name of the person or business you’re sending the check to
- The amount of money you’re sending
- Your bank account number
- Your bank routing number
Once you have all of that information, simply follow these steps:
- Write the date in the top right corner of the check.
- Write the name of the recipient in the “Pay to” field.
- Enter the amount of money you’re sending in both numerical and word form in the appropriate fields.
- Sign your name at the bottom of the check.
- Include any additional instructions on the back of the check if needed.
- Mail or deliver the check to its intended recipient – and that’s it!
Assuming there are no issues with your check, it should clear within a few business days and your recipient will have access to those funds shortly thereafter.
International Bank Transfers
When you send or receive an international bank transfer, there are a few things you need to be aware of.
First, you’ll need the SWIFT code for the receiving bank. This is a unique code that identifies banks worldwide. You can usually find this on the bank’s website. Second, you’ll need to know the currency exchange rate. This will determine how much your international transfer will cost. You can check the current rate online or with your bank. Third, you’ll need to pay attention to any fees that may apply. These can vary depending on the banks involved and the amount of money being transferred.
Finally, it’s important to remember that international bank transfers can take several days to process, so be sure to plan accordingly!
Things to Consider Before Transferring Money
There are a few things you should take into consideration before you initiate a bank-to-bank transfer. Below are some examples:
The Amount of Money You Need to Transfer
This will help determine what method of transfer is best for you. If you only need to transfer a small amount of money, then an email money transfer or mobile app transfer may be the most convenient option. If you need to transfer a large money sum, a wire transfer may be your best bet.
Turnaround Time
Some bank-to-bank transfer methods can be instant while others may take several days to complete. Keep in mind that if you need the funds right away, you will have to choose a method with a quick turnaround time, such as a wire transfer.
Transfer Fees
Different banks and different transfer methods incur various fees. For example, some banks may charge a fee for incoming wire transfers, while others may not. It’s important to check this with your bank beforehand so that there are no surprises when it comes time to make the actual transfer.
Exchange Rates
This is particularly important if you are transferring funds from one currency to another. The exchange rate can fluctuate quite frequently, so it’s important to check what the current rate is before initiating the transaction. You don’t want to end up losing money due to an unfavorable exchange rate!
Savings Withdrawal Limits
When you’re transferring money from one bank account to another, you need to be aware of the savings withdrawal limits that may be in place. Depending on the bank, these limits can vary, but they typically range from $500 to $1,000 per day.
If you’re looking to transfer a larger sum of money, you’ll need to do so over multiple days or use a different method altogether. There are several reasons why banks have these limits in place:
- To prevent fraud and protect their customers’ money.
- Ensure there’s enough money in the account to cover any fees associated with the transfer.
- Prevent people from draining their accounts and leaving themselves without any funds.
If you’re unsure what your bank’s savings withdrawal limit is, give them a call or visit their website. They should be able to tell you right away. Once you know the limit, plan accordingly and make sure not to exceed it. Otherwise, you could be charged fees or have your transfer rejected altogether.
Conclusion
Transferring money from one bank account to another is something that most people will have to do at some point in their lives. The good news is that there are several ways that you can do this.
Whatever method you choose, you will have to follow the right protocol to ensure that the money gets transferred to the right account.

With some 40+ years’ experience in the International moving and relocation industry Warwick has held senior management roles and Directorships both in New Zealand and Asia. He was a trainer for the FIDI Academy over a number of years teaching the EiM course to many students all over the world. He has had considerable exposure to all facets of international transport including shipping, airfreight, marine insurance, logistics and global mobility.