To transfer money between banks is already common in the lives of millions of Americans. This is because money moves, from sending amounts to family members, paying bills, or simply moving it between accounts, but this can generate an expense. Therefore, knowing how to avoid high fees can represent significant savings throughout the year.
The good side of all this is that there are ways to make these savings quickly, easily, and safely. With that, you will discover the best ways to transfer money between banks in the United States without having to spend a lot of money, practical tips, and modern solutions.
How does transfer money between banks in the United States work?
Bank transfers between financial institutions work in different ways in the United States. Options vary from speed, cost, and practicality. While transfers made within the same bank are almost always free, those made between different banks can generate extra fees.
With the growth of digital services, in addition to digital wallets, it is possible to avoid a good part of these fees. For this, you need planning and a little knowledge of the tools that are available in the market. Thus, knowing each method, you will know the best way to transfer money between banks.
Main forms to transfer money between banks and what to consider in each
Today, in the United States, there are several ways to transfer money between banks, each with its characteristics, cost, and deadlines. Therefore, knowing each one of them is essential when making your choices. Since the ideal is for you to meet your needs.
There is no right or wrong way to make a transfer, it goes according to each person’s needs. Therefore, analyzing your finances and knowing the urgency of your transfer is important when making a decision. Of course, many opt for the free service, but does the time compensate?
ACH (Automated Clearing House) Transfers
The ACH system is widely used to transfer money between banks in the United States. It works electronically and is very safe, being perfect for scheduled and routine transactions. In most cases, banks do not charge for this transfer, and when they do, it is only something symbolic. However, its processing time can take up to three business days. If you are not in a hurry, this is your most advantageous option.
Wire Transfers
Wire is a fast method, with amounts that can arrive on the same day. However, everything has a price. To use this method to transfer money between banks, you will have to pay between US$15 and US$30 for each send. Therefore, this method is only recommended when there is urgency in a transfer.
Zelle
This may be the most popular tool among Americans. It is integrated with large banks, such as Chase, Wells Fargo, and Bank of America. It transfers using only the recipient’s phone number or email. This method attracts so much attention for having no fees, but there is a limitation. For the money to be transferred, both must have accounts at participating banks.
Venmo
Venmo is also popular for its free nature, but it takes up to three business days for processing to be completed. But be aware, it is only free when transfers are made from Venmo balance, the linked bank account, or debit card. If transfers are instant to your bank account, they are subject to a 1.75% fee, with a minimum of US$0.25 and a maximum of US$25.
PayPal
Widely used in online purchases, PayPal sends money from your balance or linked bank account, being free in this action. However, if you use a credit card, there is a 2.90% fee plus a fixed fee based on the currency. Therefore, despite being very popular among sellers, it may not be the best option.
Banks with good transfer conditions
Therefore, when transferring money between banks, you need to know which method is most effective for you and what your financial institution offers. Some institutions in the United States are already standing out for offering affordable solutions without hidden fees for their customers. See below how they compare:
| Bank | Zelle Integrated | Free ACH Transfers | Domestic Wire Transfer Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Bank | Yes | Yes | $25 |
| Wells Fargo | Yes | Yes | $30 |
| Bank of America | Yes | Yes | $30 |
| Capital One | Yes | Yes | $25 |
| Ally Bank | No | Yes | $20 |
How to choose the best method for each situation
Before transferring money between banks, you need to start assessing the urgency. If the money does not need to arrive on the same day, do not use methods like wire transfers or instant options. Therefore, always plan ahead to guarantee savings. In your daily life, opt for transactions carried out through ACH or Zelle, they are the most advantageous.
If you make transfers very frequently, you need to consider the fees in the long term. Even if the charges are small, in large quantities, over time, they can be significant in your budget. Therefore, the ideal is to choose free transaction platforms.
When is it worth paying the fee to transfer money between banks?
As we have already said throughout the text, everyone knows their budget and their needs, but the ideal would always be to opt for transferring money between banks for free. However, there are moments when paying a fee can be the best option of the moment, such as closing a real estate contract, paying off a debt with a tight deadline, or resolving an emergency.
In these situations, the best option would be to choose the institution with the lowest fee in the wire transfer method. Furthermore, nowadays, many applications also have alternatives with lower costs for transactions than those offered by traditional banks.
Final considerations: Move your money intelligently
Avoiding fees when transferring money between banks in the United States is entirely possible and is becoming easier. With knowledge, planning, and strategy, you can maintain total control of your money without losing with unnecessary charges. Therefore, you need to be attentive to the financial market.
Now that you know the main options available in your market and how to use them in the best way, just choose the one that fits your reality. After all, transferring money does not have to be expensive, and with the right solutions, it does not have to be complicated either.
