Which checking account gives free external bank transfers?

[lhcole77]

---

@user5387 wrote:

Alliant CU and USAA support this.

But I'd be cautious about using either of these as a "flow through" account, where lots of money is transferred externally out of the account.

---

USAA all the way!

[Blackbeauty212]

Neither PNC or Citi, Charges for ACH transfers, or Popmoney transfers. 

[milkshakes]

I have Schwab and Bank of America. If I try to initiate the transfer through BofA, there's a $3 charge. If I go on Schwab and pull the transfer through their end, they place a 5 day hold but no charge. that might be the same case for Ally, so that's another option for you to try if youre tied to BofA for one reason or another.

[RecoveredDebtaholic]

Hi all, first post but have lurked on and off for a while, thanks for everyone's insight and experience on all matters credit.  On this topic I'd just like to point out that transfers mentioned above as free are ACH versus wire transfers. I'd love to hear if anyone is getting free same day wire transfers (outgoing) I bank with BOA, USAA, Chase and would love to find an account with free same day wire transfers.

Thanks

[user5387]

---

@RecoveredDebtaholic wrote:

Hi all, first post but have lurked on and off for a while, thanks for everyone's insight and experience on all matters credit.  On this topic I'd just like to point out that transfers mentioned above as free are ACH versus wire transfers. I'd love to hear if anyone is getting free same day wire transfers (outgoing) I bank with BOA, USAA, Chase and would love to find an account with free same day wire transfers.

Thanks

---

Welcome to the forums!

I don't know the answer to the question.

However, it's worth noting that ACH and wires are based on different Federal Reserve systems, and because the wire system is real-time, it's presumably more expensive to maintain the underlying network.

What I've found with good ACH hubs (Alliant CU, USAA) is that they complete transactions in one business day, without any of the holds or other delays some banks impose.

[Anonymous]

Confirm user5387's findings!

[RecoveredDebtaholic]

I confirm also, not to overly derail from the OP subject but I was indicating that wire transfers which I believe were more accurate to the OP based on the statement that he pays $3 which is the 3 day wire transfer charge for BOA are not free like ACH, there are many instances that ACH wont do, for instance buying from Apmex or putting money directly into someone account within minutes or various auctions I've been involved with that only accept cash or wire transfer.

[RecoveredDebtaholic]

Additional info: And this will only help a very narrow group of people sadly but it's better than nothing which is what you'll find when searching for free wire transfers (not referring to ACH) I recently opened a checking account with Chase which they upgraded from Total Checking to Premiere Checking due to military service (qualifying ID required) which I posted about here http://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/SmorgasBoard/Props-to-Chase-Bank/td-p/3265626 In reading further into the documentation another great benefit I've found is that they offer free incoming and outgoing wire transfers if you direct deposit your military pay. Again, just a small group that can take advantage of this but there it is.