You're at dinner. Suddenly you're stuck with the check as everyone promises to pay you back later. Sure, they can hand you cash the next time you see them, but maybe you'd rather just have the money go directly to where it came from -- your bank account.

To request an electronic transfer from your indebted friends, you'll have to pick a money transfer method. There are plenty of apps available now, but they're not all the same. For instance, some take days to complete a transfer, while other promise money in your pocket within 24 hours. Some require you to set up a new account, while other options get the job done with a few clicks.

As you sort through the options, pay attention to the delivery time, as well as any transfer limits. If you plan to use a money transfer app to pay the rent or get reimbursed for a vacation you spent thousands on, make sure there's plenty of wiggle room for the total transfer amount.

And finally, consider the person on the other end. If the person you're requesting money from already uses one of these services, it's worth finding out.