The fastest way to send money from Chase depends on who you're sending it to
Chase offers several ways to move money out of your account, and the right method depends on whether you're sending to someone with a Chase account, another bank, or a person who needs cash. Chase QuickPay (for other Chase customers), Chase QuickPay with Zelle (for any U.S. bank account), wire transfers, and checks are your main options. Each has different speed, cost, and recipient requirements.
The person you're sending to matters most. If they bank at Chase, QuickPay is instant and free. If they bank elsewhere in the U.S., Zelle is usually free and takes one to three business days. Wire transfers cost money but move faster and work internationally. Checks are free but slowest.
Key Takeaways
- Chase QuickPay sends money instantly to other Chase customers at no cost, but only works between Chase accounts.
- Chase QuickPay with Zelle sends money to any U.S. bank account in one to three business days and is free, but has daily and monthly limits.
- Wire transfers cost between $15 and $30 per transfer and take one to two business days domestically, but work internationally and move larger amounts.
- You can initiate transfers through Chase's mobile app, online banking, or by visiting a branch in person.
Sending money to another Chase customer with QuickPay
QuickPay is Chase's internal transfer system for moving money between Chase accounts. The money arrives instantly, there is no fee, and you only need the recipient's phone number or email address. You do not need their account number or routing number.
To send money via QuickPay, log into Chase's mobile app or online banking, select "Send Money," choose "QuickPay," and enter the recipient's phone number or email. You'll enter the amount and confirm. The recipient will receive a notification and can accept the money into their Chase account immediately. If the recipient is not yet enrolled in QuickPay, they'll receive an invitation to sign up first.
Sending money to any U.S. bank account with Zelle
Zelle is a network that connects most U.S. banks, and Chase is part of it. You can send money to anyone with a U.S. bank account at any participating bank, and the transfer is free. Money typically arrives within one to three business days, though some banks offer faster delivery.
In Chase's app or online banking, select "Send Money" and then "Zelle." Enter the recipient's email address or phone number (the one they have registered with their bank), the amount, and a note if you want. Confirm and send. The recipient will get a notification and can accept the money into their account. Zelle has daily limits—typically $500 to $2,000 per day depending on your account history and Chase's settings—and monthly limits around $20,000.
Zelle works only between U.S. bank accounts. If your recipient banks outside the U.S., you'll need a wire transfer instead.
Wire transfers for larger amounts and international payments
A wire transfer moves money directly from your Chase account to another bank account, domestic or international. Wire transfers cost money—typically $15 to $30 for domestic transfers and $35 to $45 for international ones—but they move faster than Zelle and handle larger amounts without hitting transfer limits.
Domestic wire transfers usually arrive the same business day if you send before the bank's cutoff time (typically 2 p.m. local time). International wires take one to two business days. You'll need the recipient's full name, account number, and routing number (for U.S. accounts) or SWIFT code and IBAN (for international accounts).
To send a wire, log into Chase online banking or visit a branch. In online banking, select "Send Money" and then "Wire Transfer." Enter all recipient details carefully—wire transfers cannot be reversed once sent. You can also call Chase at the number on the back of your card or visit a branch to send a wire in person.
Sending checks through the mail
Writing a check is free and works anywhere, but it is the slowest method. The recipient must deposit or cash the check, and it typically takes five to seven business days to clear. Use checks when you're not in a hurry, the amount is large, or you need a paper record.
Order checks from Chase through your online banking account or by calling the number on your card. You can also pick up starter checks at a Chase branch. Write the check with the recipient's name, the amount, the date, and your signature. Mail it or hand it to the recipient.
Limits and fees for each transfer method
| Method | Cost | Speed | Daily Limit | Works Internationally |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QuickPay (Chase to Chase) | Free | Instant | Varies by account | No |
| Zelle (any U.S. bank) | Free | 1–3 business days | $500–$2,000 | No |
| Wire transfer (domestic) | $15–$30 | Same day | No set limit | No |
| Wire transfer (international) | $35–$45 | 1–2 business days | No set limit | Yes |
| Check | Free | 5–7 business days | No limit | No |
What to do if a transfer fails or takes too long
If a QuickPay or Zelle transfer doesn't go through, the money returns to your account within one to three business days. Check your transaction history in Chase's app or online banking to see the status. If it shows "failed" or "declined," the recipient's bank may have rejected it—contact them to ask why.
For wire transfers, once the money leaves your account, it is gone. If the recipient's bank rejects it (usually because of incorrect account information), the money returns to your Chase account, but this can take several days. Always double-check account numbers and routing numbers before sending a wire. If you believe a wire was sent in error, contact Chase immediately—they may be able to stop it if it hasn't been delivered yet.
If a transfer is taking longer than expected, log into your Chase account and check the transaction status. You can also call Chase at the number on your card or visit a branch. Keep your confirmation number handy when you call.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send money from Chase to PayPal or Venmo?
Yes, but not directly through Chase. You can link your Chase account to PayPal or Venmo as a funding source, then send money through those apps. The money moves from Chase to PayPal or Venmo, and then the recipient can transfer it to their bank. This usually takes one to three business days.
What's the maximum amount I can send with Zelle?
Zelle's daily limit is typically $500 to $2,000 per day, and monthly limits are around $20,000, but these vary by bank and your account history. Chase may set different limits for new customers or accounts with less history. Check your limit in the Zelle section of Chase's app or call Chase to ask.
Do I need the recipient's account number to send money through Zelle?
No. Zelle only needs the recipient's email address or phone number—the one they registered with their bank. You do not need their account number, routing number, or any other banking details.
How do I know if a wire transfer was successful?
Chase will give you a confirmation number when you send the wire. Check your transaction history in the app or online banking to see the status. For domestic wires, the money should arrive the same business day if sent before the cutoff time. For international wires, allow one to two business days. If you don't see it in the recipient's account by then, contact Chase with your confirmation number.
Can I cancel a transfer after I send it?
QuickPay and Zelle transfers can sometimes be canceled if the recipient hasn't accepted them yet—check your transaction history and look for a "cancel" option. Wire transfers cannot be canceled once sent. If you made a mistake on a wire, contact Chase immediately, but they may not be able to stop it if it has already been delivered to the recipient's bank.