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.

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 and easy 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.

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, also known as an ACH transfer, for sending smaller amounts of money to someone you send to regularly; for larger amounts, a wire transfer is another option. These are great ways to transfer money between your own accounts at different banks.

For sending a large amount of money or for sending money internationally, 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 information. 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.