5 Convenient Ways to Send Money

Key insights:

• There are several ways to transfer money to another bank account or person, including wire transfers, person-to-person (P2P) payment apps, bank mobile apps, cashier’s checks and money orders
• Electronic transfers, such as ACH transfers and P2P payment apps, are generally the most convenient ways to send money online
• Cashier’s checks may offer additional protection compared to other paper-based methods, as they’re guaranteed by the issuing bank
• Money orders may be a useful option for sending money internationally, particularly to areas with limited banking access

Say your child is studying abroad and you want to send them money to help with groceries and other daily expenses. What’s the most convenient way to do so? That answer depends on several factors, including how quickly they need the funds to arrive and how much you’re sending.

Transferring money means moving funds from one bank account or person to another. There are quite a few ways to send money, each with its own advantages and potential considerations.

Here are 5 of the most common ways to send money, so you can compare and decide which method works for your situation.

Wire transfers

A wire transfer is a direct, electronic transfer of funds from one bank to another. You can send wire transfers locally and internationally, typically immediately or within the next business day. You’ll generally need to provide the recipient’s name and bank account number to complete the transfer. Keep in mind that wire transfers may incur fees, which vary depending on the bank and the amount you’re sending.

An ACH transfer is a type of wire transfer that moves funds between bank accounts, but it’s processed domestically through the ACH network (short for “Automated Clearing House”). Common examples include direct deposits from your employer and sending money from 1 of your bank accounts to another. ACH transfers can take between a few hours and a few business days, and fees tend to be lower than for wire transfers.

Most bank websites, including Citi® Online, allow customers to initiate both types of transfers.

Person-to-person (P2P) payment apps

P2P payment apps are a popular way to send and receive money instantly. These apps function as digital wallets — they store your payment information, such as your bank account or debit card details, to make sending money to another person quick and straightforward.

With P2P payment apps, you can send money to a friend or pay a service provider all from your phone in a matter of taps. Some payment apps let users send and receive money for free, while others charge fees, especially for instant transfers. It’s worth noting that these apps can be targeted by scammers, so it’s a good idea to only send money to people you know and trust.

Citi offers Zelle^® — a P2P payment service built directly into the Citi Mobile^® App — so eligible customers can send money to friends and family even if they bank somewhere different.¹

Bank mobile app

Many banks, including Citi, offer their own mobile apps that allow you to manage your accounts and transfer money on the go. A bank’s mobile app works similarly to a P2P payment app, but with the added convenience of having all your banking services in one place.

With the Citi Mobile^® App, for example, you could initiate fund transfers, pay bills, deposit checks and send money — all without visiting a branch².

One advantage of using your bank’s own app for transfers is that it’s connected directly to your account and banking services. This could make it easier to track your activity, especially if you’re regularly moving money between accounts or sending payments to others.

Cashier’s checks

A cashier’s check is a check that’s issued and guaranteed by your bank. Unlike a regular personal check, which draws from your own account balance, a cashier’s check draws directly from a bank’s funds. Since the bank guarantees the funds on a cashier’s check, you can have more confidence that it won’t bounce.

Cashier’s checks are often used for larger transactions, such as a down payment on a home or a security deposit, when the payee requires assurance that the funds are available. They may also be accepted in situations where personal checks are not.

To get a cashier’s check, visit your bank and request it for the amount you need. You’ll pay that amount, plus any associated fee the bank may charge. It’s worth checking with your bank about any applicable fees before requesting one, such as if the recipient needs to pay a check-cashing fee.

Money orders

A money order is another way to transfer money and can be a practical option for sending money internationally, particularly to places with limited banking access. Unlike personal checks, money orders are prepaid — you pay the value of the money order upfront, along with any associated service fees. You can purchase them using cash or a debit card.

Money orders are often performed by money transfer services, though banks and other financial institutions may also offer them. When sending a money order, you’ll indicate the payee and the amount before you send it. Keep in mind that money orders may take longer to clear than electronic transfers.

Send money locally and internationally with Citi^®

From electronic transfers and P2P payment apps to cashier’s checks, there are several ways to send money quickly and hassle-free. The right method depends on your situation, such as how quickly the funds need to arrive, where they’re going and how much you’re sending.

If you’re looking for a convenient way to manage your transfers alongside the rest of your banking, Citi^® gives you access to tools like Zelle^®, the Citi Mobile^® App and online banking — all in one place. Explore bank account options with Citi to learn more.

Money transfer FAQs

What is a secure way to send money to someone?

The level of protection can vary by method, and no single transfer method is entirely risk-free. That said, bank-initiated transfers, like wire transfers, are conducted through regulated financial institutions. Cashier’s checks can also offer additional assurance for the recipient, since the funds are guaranteed by the issuing bank.

Whichever method you choose, it’s a good idea to only send money to people or businesses you know and trust.

How can I transfer money to someone quickly?

Some of the fastest ways to transfer money include wire transfers, which may be completed the same day, and P2P payment apps that offer instant transfer options (fees may apply). Citi banking customers with a checking account can send money quickly via Zelle^® in the Citi Mobile^® App.

Can I send money to someone without a bank account?

Yes, in some cases. Money orders are an option that doesn’t require the recipient to have a bank account. You can cash money orders at a variety of locations, including banks and money transfer services. It’s worth checking the specific terms of the money transfer service you plan to use.

Disclosure: This article is for general educational purposes. It is not intended to provide financial advice. It also is not intended to completely describe any Citi product or service. You should refer to the terms and conditions financial institutions provide for various products.

¹ To send or receive money with Zelle^® both parties must have an eligible checking or savings account. Transactions between enrolled users typically occur in minutes. Terms, conditions, and restrictions apply. For the protection of your account, Zelle^® should only be used to send money to those you know and trust. Neither Citibank nor Zelle^® offers purchase protection for payments made with Zelle^® – for example, if you do not receive the item you paid for or the item is not as described or as you expected.

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

² Regular account charges apply. Citibank does not charge you a fee for using the Citi Mobile^® App or the Mobile Check Deposit service. You must have Internet access through your mobile device and charges from your wireless carrier may apply. The Mobile Check Deposit service is subject to eligibility. Deposit limits and other restrictions apply. The Citi Mobile^® App is available for use with compatible mobile devices.