How to Transfer Money Online to Friends and Family (2024)

Skip to main content
How to Transfer Money Online to Friends and Family (8)

How to Transfer Money Online to Friends and Family (9)

What are your financial priorities?

Answer a few simple questions, and we’ll direct you to the right resources for every stage of life.

How to Transfer Money Online to Friends and Family (10)

How to Transfer Money Online to Friends and Family (11)

What are your financial priorities?

Welcome back. Your personalized solutions are waiting.

Reset menu

Close 'last page visited' modal

Welcome back.

Here's where you left off.

Show related content (Don't show me this pop-up of the page I left off on again)

You might also be interested in:

  • Introduction
  • Use a money-transfer app
  • Consider a bank-to-bank transfer
  • Set up a wire transfer
  • Request your bank send a check

Save

Close save Save

Digital apps and services make it easier to send money to others

Read, 3minutes

Maybe you need to send money to a child in college, pay your son’s piano teacher or split the cost of dinner with a friend. Whatever the reason, most people need to send money to a family member, friend or someone else at one time or another. There are several ways to do that electronically, each with its own advantages.

Use a money-transfer app

If you have the email or U.S. mobile number of the recipient, you may be able to send money securely using an online service or app. The apps of most major banks, for example, include Zelle®, a fast way to send money to friends and family. If your bank doesn’t use Zelle®, there are many other digital payment options available. Keep in mind factors like cost, speed and international capabilities can vary.

How to Transfer Money Online to Friends and Family (14)

How to Transfer Money Online to Friends and Family (15)

The recipient’s email or U.S. mobile number.

How to Transfer Money Online to Friends and Family (16)

How to Transfer Money Online to Friends and Family (17)

Generally free to download but costs can vary depending on how you use them.

How to Transfer Money Online to Friends and Family (18)

How to Transfer Money Online to Friends and Family (19)

Typically within minutes with enrolled users.

Consider a bank-to-bank transfer

How to Transfer Money Online to Friends and Family (22)

How to Transfer Money Online to Friends and Family (23)

If you have the recipient’s account number and routing number, there is another way you can transfer money from your bank account into that account. A routing number—also known as a bank routing number or ABA number—is a nine-digit code that identifies where an account is located. You might use this method for sending smaller amounts of money to someone you send to regularly; for larger amounts, a wire transfer is another option. This is also a great way to transfer money between your own accounts at different banks.

How to Transfer Money Online to Friends and Family (24)

How to Transfer Money Online to Friends and Family (25)

The recipient’s account and routing numbers.

How to Transfer Money Online to Friends and Family (26)

How to Transfer Money Online to Friends and Family (27)

Vary by bank, amount and delivery time but it could be free.

How to Transfer Money Online to Friends and Family (28)

How to Transfer Money Online to Friends and Family (29)

Varies by bank but can happen immediately or within a few days.

Set up a wire transfer

For sending a large amount of money, wire transfers can be a solution. To make a wire transfer, you’ll need the recipient’s name and address and their bank account and routing numbers. Call, visit or go online with your bank or a trusted wire-transfer company. Keep in mind that companies may charge a fee for both sending and receiving wire transfers, and rates may increase if you’re sending the money to someone outside the U.S.

How to Transfer Money Online to Friends and Family (31)

How to Transfer Money Online to Friends and Family (32)

The recipient’s name and address, as well as bank account and routing numbers.

How to Transfer Money Online to Friends and Family (33)

How to Transfer Money Online to Friends and Family (34)

Vary by institution, though may be free with certain types of bank accounts.

How to Transfer Money Online to Friends and Family (35)

How to Transfer Money Online to Friends and Family (36)

Generally one business day or less.

Request your bank send a check

How to Transfer Money Online to Friends and Family (37)

How to Transfer Money Online to Friends and Family (38)

Not everyone is set up for, or wants to receive, electronic transfers. You may be able to use online or mobile banking to arrange for your bank to send a personal or cashier’s check. For regular checks, recipients may have to wait several days before accessing the money. For cashier’s checks, recipients may receive the money immediately after depositing it. And though it’s rare, checks do occasionally get lost in the mail. Ask your bank what you should do if that happens.

How to Transfer Money Online to Friends and Family (39)

How to Transfer Money Online to Friends and Family (40)

The recipient’s name and address.

How to Transfer Money Online to Friends and Family (41)

How to Transfer Money Online to Friends and Family (42)

Vary by bank but could be free.

How to Transfer Money Online to Friends and Family (43)

How to Transfer Money Online to Friends and Family (44)

Depends on mail service and how quickly the recipient deposits the check.

Disclaimer

Close Disclaimer

The material provided on this website is for informational use only and is not intended for financial, tax or investment advice. Bank of America and/or its affiliates, and Khan Academy, assume no liability for any loss or damage resulting from one’s reliance on the material provided. Please also note that such material is not updated regularly and that some of the information may not therefore be current. Consult with your own financial professional and tax advisor when making decisions regarding your financial situation.

What to read next

More from Bank of America

Contact Us

Zelle® should only be used to send money to friends, family or others you trust.
We recommend that you do not use Zelle® to send money to those you do not know. Transfers require enrollment in the service with a U.S.checking or savings account and must be made from an eligible Bank of America consumer or business deposit account. Transactions between enrolled users typically occur in minutes and transactions between enrolled consumers do not typically incur transaction fees. We will send you an email alert with transaction details after you send money using Zelle®. Dollar and frequency limits apply. See the Online Banking Service Agreement at bankofamerica.com/serviceagreement for further details. Data connection required. Message and data rates may apply. Neither Bank of America nor Zelle® offers a protection program for any authorized payments made with Zelle®. Regular account fees apply.

Zelle® and the Zelle® related marks are wholly owned by Early Warning Services, LLC and are used herein under license.

Continue Cancel

Continue Cancel

We strive to provide you with information about products and services you might find interesting and useful. Relationship-based ads and online behavioral advertising help us do that.

Here's how it works: We gather information about your online activities, such as the searches you conduct on our Sites and the pages you visit. This information may be used to deliver advertising on our Sites and offline (for example, by phone, email and direct mail) that's customized to meet specific interests you may have.

If you prefer that we do not use this information, you mayopt out of online behavioral advertising. If you opt out, though, you may still receive generic advertising. In addition, financial advisors/Client Managers may continue to use information collected online to provide product and service information in accordance with account agreements.

Also, if you opt out of online behavioral advertising, you may still see ads when you sign in to your account, for example through Online Banking or MyMerrill. These ads are based on your specific account relationships with us.

To learn more about relationship-based ads, online behavioral advertising and our privacy practices, please review theBank of America Online Privacy Noticeand ourOnline Privacy FAQs.

How to Transfer Money Online to Friends and Family (46)

How to Transfer Money Online to Friends and Family (47)

Connect with us

CA Opt-Out Preference Signals Honored

Some materials and online content may be available in English only.

Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender

© 2023 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.

Investment products:

Are Not
FDIC Insured

Are Not
Bank Guaranteed

May Lose Value

Bank of America and its affiliates do not provide legal, tax or accounting advice. You should consult your legal and/or tax advisors before making any financial decisions.

How to Transfer Money Online to Friends and Family (2024)

FAQs

How to Transfer Money Online to Friends and Family? ›

Use a money-transfer app

The apps of most major banks, for example, include Zelle®, a fast way to send money to friends and family. If your bank doesn't use Zelle®, there are many other digital payment options available. Keep in mind factors like cost, speed and international capabilities can vary.

How can I transfer money from friends and family online? ›

Use a money-transfer app

The apps of most major banks, for example, include Zelle®, a fast way to send money to friends and family. If your bank doesn't use Zelle®, there are many other digital payment options available. Keep in mind factors like cost, speed and international capabilities can vary.

How do I send money to friends and family? ›

Send money with the new Google Pay app
  1. Open the Google Pay app .
  2. To search by name, phone, email, or QR code, tap Send or request. Search.
  3. Tap the contact you want to pay. ...
  4. Tap Pay.
  5. Enter the amount. ...
  6. Choose a payment method. ...
  7. Tap Pay.

What is the best way to send money to someone online? ›

Best Money Transfer Methods
  1. Zelle. Zelle can be used online, through the Zelle mobile app or through participating banks' online banking platforms. ...
  2. PayPal. PayPal lets you send, request or collect money online or with the PayPal app. ...
  3. Venmo. ...
  4. Western Union. ...
  5. Walmart2Walmart.
Mar 8, 2023

What is the easiest way to transfer money to someone? ›

A wire transfer is one of the fastest ways to transfer money electronically from one person to another through a bank or a nonbank provider such as Wise, formerly TransferWise. For a domestic wire transfer, you'll need the routing number, account number, the name of the recipient and possibly the recipient's address.

How do I electronically transfer money to someone elses account? ›

You can easily transfer money into a friend or relative's account through a service such as Venmo, PayPal or Cash App. You can also move money to others through Zelle — and since most banks already include Zelle in their offerings, you won't likely need to sign up for this service separately.

How do I transfer money directly to someone's account? ›

  1. Deposit cash at the bank. The most basic way to move money into someone else's account is to walk into the bank and tell the teller you'd like to deposit cash. ...
  2. Transfer money electronically. ...
  3. Write a check. ...
  4. Send a money order. ...
  5. Send a cashier's check. ...
  6. Make a wire transfer.
May 10, 2022

Can you still send money to friends and family on PayPal? ›

You can make a personal payment to anyone in the US for free if you use your bank account or PayPal Balance. If you use a debit or credit card, there will be a small charge for your payment.

How much money can I send to friends and family? ›

PayPal Friends and Family limits

If your account on PayPal has been verified already, then you only have a limit per transaction, which can go up to $60,000 but may be limited to $10,000.

Is there a safe way to send money online? ›

The safest way to transfer money is to use a reputable, regulated money transfer provider or your bank account. Companies specialising in international payments, with robust security measures will help protect both parties involved in an international transaction.

Can I send $5000 through Zelle? ›

These two institutions tell us that the daily limit to send money through Zelle is $3,500, although if you usually send money monthly, the maximum you can transfer will be $20,000.

How much does PayPal friends and family cost? ›

How much does it cost to use? Friends and Family payments can be made to anyone in the U.S. for free (from your bank account or PayPal). If you are sending money internationally, you may be charged a transaction fee equal to 5% of the send amount (up to $4.99 USD).

How can I send money instantly without a bank account? ›

Best options for sending money without a bank account
  1. Cryptocurrency. Cryptocurrencies are volatile assets that some merchants accept as a form of payment. ...
  2. Mobile wallets. ...
  3. Credit cards. ...
  4. Prepaid debit cards. ...
  5. Cash. ...
  6. Money transfer services. ...
  7. Money orders. ...
  8. Peer-to-peer apps.
Dec 18, 2022

How can I pay online without a bank account? ›

Third-party payment services are entities that help you make or receive payments online without first setting up your own account with a bank.
  1. PayPal. PayPal is an online payment processing company. ...
  2. Amazon Pay. Amazon Pay is an online payment processing service. ...
  3. Google Pay. ...
  4. Apple Pay.

What is the safest way to send money? ›

The safest way to send money through the mail is with a money order. This offers more security than cash, as it's only payable to a specific person and can be cancelled and reordered if it is stolen or lost. It's also better protected than a check, as it isn't linked to a bank account.

What details do I need for bank transfer? ›

What do I need to make a bank transfer?
  • the amount you want to send.
  • the full name of the person you're sending money to.
  • their 6-digit sort code.
  • their 8-digit account number.
  • a payment reference (usually your name, so the person knows who sent them money)
  • whether you want the money to be sent right away.

Can someone who doesn't have cash App send me money? ›

You need an account to send money to another person's Cash App account, but the reverse is not true. You can send money to a person who doesn't have an account from the app if you have their email address or phone number. Cash App will send them a notification to download the app.

Why won t PayPal let me send friends and family? ›

This change was made for the following reasons: To ensure that all eligible purchases are protected for both buyers and sellers by PayPal's Purchase Protection, guarding against fraud and other things that can go wrong with purchases.

How long does PayPal friends and family take? ›

PayPal transfers typically take 3 to 5 business days to hit your bank account, but if you're a new seller on PayPal, they might be held for up to 21 days.

How do I send large amounts of money to a friend? ›

Here are a few of the most common:
  1. Automated clearing house (ACH) ...
  2. Bank-to-bank. ...
  3. Money transfer. ...
  4. Cash-to-cash. ...
  5. Prepaid debit cards. ...
  6. Foreign currency check. ...
  7. International money transfer service.
May 27, 2021

Is there a limit on how much money you can transfer to someone? ›

There isn't a law that limits the amount of money you can send or receive. However, financial institutions and money transfer providers often have daily transaction limits. This depends entirely on the establishment. Some might have a $3,000 limit per day, while others might have none at all.

Is sending money through friends and family safe? ›

However, PayPal Friends and Family is a generally safe platform to use for sending and receiving personal payments. PayPal includes the following security features: Hides important financial information from other users. Monitors transactions.

Can I use a credit card for PayPal friends and family? ›

Can you pay someone friends and family with a credit card? Yes, you can! You can pay friends and family with a credit card using Venmo, PayPal, and Cash App.

Can you send money from PayPal to a friends Cash App? ›

You can transfer money from PayPal to Cash App if you have a Cash App debit card linked to your PayPal account or both apps link to the same bank account. Unfortunately, you can't send money directly from PayPal to Cash App.

How can someone without Cash App send money to someone with Cash App? ›

Find the person you want to send money to

Your recipient isn't required to have a Cash App account; as long as you have their email address or phone number, you can use Cash App to transfer money to them. It's important to note that if your recipient doesn't accept the money within 14 days, the transfer will expire.

How can I send money online without getting scammed? ›

Follow a few simple guidelines to stay one-step ahead of the scammers.
  1. Avoid sending money to someone you've never met in person.
  2. If you feel you have to send money to someone you've never met, try to avoid sending large sums all at once.
  3. Consider paying late. ...
  4. Use a reputable and secure money transfer service.

What is the safest online transaction? ›

Debit cards offer secure online transactions, since issuers provide comprehensive fraud monitoring services and are quick to detect any fraudulent activity. A prepaid card is another safe option, wherein funds are loaded onto the card so there's no possibility of direct withdrawals from your current account.

What is the cheapest and safest way to send money? ›

  1. Your Bank.
  2. Zelle.
  3. PayPal and Venmo.
  4. Western Union or MoneyGram.
  5. Physical Cash.
  6. Personal Checks.
  7. Bank Drafts, Money Orders, and Cashier's Checks.
  8. Email Money Transfers.

How much can you send by Zelle in a day? ›

You can send up to $2,500 per day with Zelle®. There are no limits on how much you can request with Zelle®, but keep in mind that people sending you money may have limits set by their own financial institutions.

Does Zelle report to IRS? ›

Long story short: Zelle's setup, which uses direct bank-to-bank transactions, is not subject to the IRS's 1099-K reporting rules. Other peer-to-peer payment apps are considered “third-party settlement organizations” and are bound by stricter tax rules.

What bank has the highest Zelle limit? ›

Zelle Pay Limits at Top Banks
BankDaily limits
TD BankTransfer within minutes feature: up to $1,000/day Transfer within 3-day feature: up to $2,500/day
TruistUp to $2,000/day
U.S. BankBetween $1,500 and $2,500/day
Wells FargoUp to $3,500/day
10 more rows
Feb 9, 2023

How do I avoid PayPal fees friends and family? ›

How To Avoid PayPal Fees
  1. Setup A Business Account. By setting up a business account through PayPal you will have reduced fees. ...
  2. Request To Be Paid As “Friend or Family” ...
  3. Apply For Lower Fees. ...
  4. Deduct PayPal Fees From Your Tax Returns. ...
  5. Use a PayPal Alternative.
Mar 14, 2023

Why is PayPal charging me a fee to receive money? ›

PayPal fee structure

To stay in business, the company needs to make some form of income off of its services. To do this, PayPal charges a fee for most transactions that go through its system. And in most cases, these fees are charged to the person or company receiving the money.

Which is the fastest money transfer method? ›

Business owners can use RTGS when they need to transfer large amounts instantly. One advantage that RTGS has over the other methods is the transaction speed, since the entire amount is transferred in real time.

What is the best cheap transfer money? ›

Seven Cheapest Ways To Send Money Internationally
  • Best for bank transfers: Wise.
  • Best for cash transfers: Remitly.
  • Best for mobile money: WorldRemit.
  • Best for card transfers: Paysend.
  • Best for additional banking features: Revolut.
  • Best for coverage: XE Money Transfer.
  • Best for large transfers: OFX.

Does PayPal transfer instantly? ›

Pay for the unexpected

If you need money, you usually need it fast. So if dinner for two becomes dinner for 10, Instant Transfer can get money from your PayPal balance to your bank account in minutes.

What app can I use to transfer money from my bank account instantly? ›

Best for Bank to Bank Transfers: Zelle
  • Our Top Picks.
  • PayPal.
  • WorldRemit.
  • Cash App.
  • Venmo.
  • Facebook Pay.
  • Zelle.
  • See More (3)

What app can you send money without a bank account? ›

PayPal and Venmo are two notable names that allow you to open an account and receive funds without linking a bank account or credit card.

How can I send a bank transfer instantly? ›

One of the fastest ways to transfer money between bank accounts is with an ACH debit, provided both accounts are linked. To link accounts and set up a transfer, you'll need to know basic details including your routing number and account number.

Which online payment app can be used without debit card? ›

You can use UPI without debit cards. You will need your Aadhaar number. The only caveat is that you still need a bank account, and you should link the bank account intended for UPI transactions to the registered mobile number linked to your Aadhaar Card.

How can I transfer money online without a card? ›

Step 2: Sending money to an added Beneficiary
  1. Login to NetBanking.
  2. Select Fund Transfer >>> Cardless Cash Withdrawal.
  3. Select the Debit Bank Account.
  4. Select beneficiary from list of registered beneficiaries (Mobile number gets auto populated)
  5. Check the beneficiary details, enter the amount, click on continue and confirm.

How to transfer money from one account to another without debit card? ›

Cheque is one of the most traditional ways to transfer money from one bank account to another. The payee signs a cheque in the name of the receiver, mentioning the amount that needs to be paid. The receiver can further visit the bank and submit the cheque to the concerned official at the bank.

How do I send money to PayPal from family and friends? ›

How do I send money?
  1. Go to Send and Request.
  2. Enter the recipient's name, PayPal username, email address, or mobile number and click Next.
  3. Enter the amount, choose the currency, add an (optional) note and click Continue.
  4. If available, choose your payment type.
  5. Choose how you want to pay and click Next.

Why is PayPal not letting me send money? ›

There may be a limitation on your PayPal account that prevents the transfer. Remove the limitation to restore your full account functionality. Your debit card or bank account may not be eligible to process the instant transfer. Select a different bank or card that supports instant transfer from PayPal.

Why send money on PayPal as friends and family? ›

It allows close networks of people to send and receive funds for personal use, as opposed to using PayPal for payment by businesses or for business-related transactions. However, the Friends and Family method is attractive because of the benefits it offers for personal transfers.

How do I know if my PayPal account is friends and family? ›

The best way to tell how money was sent is to click on the transaction and check the fees. If you were charged no fees ($0.00) then it was sent via Gift/Family and Friends. If the money you were sent does have fees taken out then it was NOT sent as a Gift/Family and Friends but rather as Goods and Services.

Is there a friends and family option on Cash App? ›

When you receive a Cash App payment, it will be available instantly in your balance. You can then choose to send the money to friends or family, or Cash Out to your linked debit card.

Does Cash App have a friends and family option? ›

You can send gift cards to your friends and family directly through Cash App, which can be used for online or in-store purchases. All gift card balances live within Cash App and are available to use instantly with a Cash Card.

How can I send large amounts of money? ›

Here are a few of the most common:
  1. Automated clearing house (ACH) ...
  2. Bank-to-bank. ...
  3. Money transfer. ...
  4. Cash-to-cash. ...
  5. Prepaid debit cards. ...
  6. Foreign currency check. ...
  7. International money transfer service.
May 27, 2021

What is the highest amount I can send on Zelle? ›

What Is Zelle's Transfer Limit?
BankDaily LimitMonthly Limit
Chase Personal Checking$2,000$16,000
Chase Business Checking or Chase Private Client$5,000$40,000
Citibank Account, Basic Account and Access Account$2,000$10,000
Citibank Citi Priority, Citigold and Citi Private Bank$5,000$15,000
7 more rows
Apr 10, 2020

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Rubie Ullrich

Last Updated:

Views: 5523

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (52 voted)

Reviews: 83% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Rubie Ullrich

Birthday: 1998-02-02

Address: 743 Stoltenberg Center, Genovevaville, NJ 59925-3119

Phone: +2202978377583

Job: Administration Engineer

Hobby: Surfing, Sailing, Listening to music, Web surfing, Kitesurfing, Geocaching, Backpacking

Introduction: My name is Rubie Ullrich, I am a enthusiastic, perfect, tender, vivacious, talented, famous, delightful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.