I just had to have a comment here. I'm really surprised this is so much hassle for you guys in the US. In Australia we can easily transfer money electronically with just a BSB (Bank State Branch) and Account Number. All the banks have online banking facilities and regular transfers can be easily set up.

The money makes it there overnight (at worst - sometimes even same day). About the only quicker way is walking into a bank and depositing cash with the teller (ie no ATM)

The transaction is essentially free. It counts as a withdrawal on one account and then a deposit on the other. Deposits are almost always free although some accounts have a limited number of free withdrawals per month (usually 10 or 20 or so).

You can even put your own description which appears on the receiver's statement. Even though it's a credit friends and I have often put dubious text comments in to embarrass each other.

And we're always whinging about bank fees and the banks making huge profits here...