The basic steps to connect your savings account
Most banking apps let you add a savings account in the settings or accounts menu, usually under a button labeled "Add Account" or "Link Account." The process takes 10 to 15 minutes and requires your account number, routing number, and online banking password. Some banks ask you to verify the connection by confirming two small deposits they send to the account within a few days—others verify when ready if both accounts are already at the same bank.
If you're adding a savings account from a different bank, the app will walk you through those verification steps. If it's from your own bank, the connection is usually when ready because the bank already knows both accounts belong to you. Either way, you won't be able to transfer money between them until the link is confirmed.
Key Takeaways
- You'll need your savings account number and routing number, which appear on checks or in your online banking portal at the other bank.
- Adding an account from your own bank usually confirms when ready, while accounts from other banks may require you to verify two small test deposits.
- The app will show you a step-by-step process—follow it exactly as written, because entering information in the wrong order can cause the link to fail.
- Once the account is linked and verified, you can transfer money between accounts, set up automatic transfers, or monitor the balance from your main app.
Where to find your account and routing numbers
Your savings account number is printed on the bottom left of any check from that account, or you can find it by logging into the bank's website or calling their customer service line. The routing number—a nine-digit code that identifies the bank itself—is printed on the bottom left of checks as well, right before your account number. If you don't have checks, the bank's website usually lists the routing number in the help section or account details page.
Write down both numbers before you start the app process. Entering them incorrectly is the most common reason a link fails, and you'll have to start over. Some apps let you photograph your check instead of typing the numbers in manually, which reduces errors.
What happens during the verification step
If you're linking a savings account from a different bank, your banking app will initiate a verification process. The other bank will send two small deposits (usually between $0.01 and $0.99 each) to a temporary account within 1 to 3 business days. You'll then return to your banking app and enter those exact amounts to confirm you have access to the savings account.
This step proves you own the account you're trying to link. Once you enter the amounts correctly, the link becomes active and you can transfer money. If you enter the amounts wrong, the app will ask you to try again—you get multiple attempts, so don't worry about one mistake locking you out.
Transfers and limits after linking
Once your savings account is linked and verified, you can move money between it and your main checking account through the app. Most banks let you transfer up to a certain amount per day or per month—common limits are $5,000 to $25,000 per transfer, though this varies by bank and account type. Check your bank's transfer limits in the app settings or by calling customer service before you plan a large move.
You can also set up automatic recurring transfers—for example, moving $200 to savings every payday. These show up in your transaction history and can be edited or cancelled anytime. Transfers between accounts at the same bank usually post the same day; transfers between different banks typically take 1 to 3 business days.
Troubleshooting a failed link
If the app says the account number or routing number is invalid, double-check both numbers against your check or the bank's website. A single digit wrong will cause the link to fail. If you're certain the numbers are correct, the problem may be that the app doesn't recognize the other bank's routing number—this sometimes happens with smaller regional banks or credit unions.
In that case, contact your bank's customer service and ask them to manually link the account for you. They can often do this on the phone or through their website, and it bypasses the app's verification process entirely. You may also ask whether the app supports external transfers at all; some older or smaller banking apps don't offer this feature.
Removing a linked savings account
If you no longer want the savings account connected to your app, go to the accounts or settings menu, find the linked account, and look for a "Remove" or "Unlink" button. The app will ask you to confirm—once you do, the link is deleted when ready and you won't see that account in your app anymore. The actual savings account remains open at the other bank; unlinking just removes it from your view in this app.
You can re-link the same account later if you change your mind. There's no penalty for removing and re-adding accounts, though you may have to go through the verification process again if enough time has passed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to give the app my password to link a savings account?
No. Legitimate banking apps never ask for your password to another bank. If an app asks for your password, do not enter it—contact your bank's customer service instead. The app only needs your account number and routing number to initiate the link.
Can I link a savings account from a credit union?
Yes, if your banking app supports external transfers. Credit unions use routing numbers just like banks do. If the app doesn't recognize your credit union's routing number, call the credit union and ask for the correct nine-digit code, or contact your bank's customer service to link it manually.
What if the verification deposits don't arrive?
Wait 3 to 5 business days—deposits sometimes take longer than expected. If they still haven't arrived, contact your bank's customer service. They can resend the deposits or manually verify the account for you. Do not attempt to link the account again, as this creates duplicate verification requests.
Can someone else add my savings account to their banking app?
No. They would need your account number, routing number, and access to your online banking to verify the link. If someone asks for this information to add your account to their app, do not provide it—this is how account takeover fraud happens. Only you should link your own accounts.