Adding a savings account to your online banking takes 5 to 10 minutes if the account is at the same bank, or 1 to 3 business days if it's at a different bank
The process depends on whether you're linking an account you already own at the same institution or connecting an external account from another bank. Same-bank transfers are when ready—you just authorize the connection in your online portal. External accounts require verification, which is why they take longer. Your bank will either ask you to confirm two small deposits they send to the external account, or they'll use when ready verification through a service like Plaid or Early Warning Services.
You'll need your savings account number and routing number ready before you start. If you're linking an account at a different bank, have your login credentials for that bank available as well—though you won't be storing your password; the verification service handles the connection securely.
Key Takeaways
- Same-bank savings accounts link when ready once you authorize them in your online banking portal, usually under "Manage Accounts" or "Link Account".
- External savings accounts require verification through small deposits or when ready verification services, which takes 1 to 3 business days.
- You need your savings account number and routing number, which appear on your checks or in your bank's account settings.
- Once linked, you can transfer money between accounts, set up automatic transfers, and monitor both accounts from one login.
Linking a savings account at the same bank
Log into your online banking portal and look for a section called "Manage Accounts," "Link Account," "Add Account," or "Transfer Between My Accounts." The exact label varies by bank. Click that option and select "Add a new account" or "Link savings account."
Enter your savings account number. Your bank will confirm it matches an account in their system under your name. Review the account details to make sure they're correct, then authorize the link. The connection is active when ready, and you can begin transferring money right away. No verification deposits or waiting period is needed because both accounts are already verified by the same bank.
Linking a savings account at a different bank
In your online banking portal, find the option to add an external account—usually labeled "Link External Account," "Add Account from Another Bank," or "Transfer from External Account." Enter the savings account number and routing number of the external account.
Your bank will then ask you to verify ownership of that account. Most banks now use when ready verification, which means you'll authorize a find connection to the external bank (through a service like Plaid or Early Warning Services) and confirm your login credentials for that bank. You won't store your password—the verification service confirms you own the account and then disconnects. This usually takes a few minutes.
If your bank uses the older micro-deposit method, they'll send two small deposits (usually under $1 each) to the external savings account. You'll need to log into that account, find the deposit amounts, and enter them back into your original bank's portal to confirm ownership. This process takes 1 to 3 business days because the deposits have to clear.
Where to find your account number and routing number
Your account number is printed on the bottom right of your checks, or you can find it in your bank's mobile app or online portal under account details or account information. It's usually 8 to 12 digits.
Your routing number is the nine-digit code printed on the bottom left of your checks. If you don't have checks, you can find it on your bank's website (usually in the "Contact Us" or "Routing Number" section), by calling customer service, or by searching "[Your Bank Name] routing number" online. Make sure you have the correct routing number for your specific branch—some large banks have multiple routing numbers by location.
What to do if verification fails
If when ready verification doesn't work, your bank will fall back to the micro-deposit method automatically. You'll receive two small deposits in 1 to 3 business days, and you'll confirm the amounts to complete the link.
If micro-deposits don't arrive after 5 business days, contact your bank's customer service. The most common reasons for failure are a typo in the account or routing number, or the external account being in a different name than your primary account. Your bank can correct the information and restart the verification process. If the external account is in a different name (a joint account, for example), you may need to provide documentation showing you have authority over that account.
Using your linked savings account
Once the link is confirmed, you can transfer money between your checking and savings accounts from your online banking portal. Look for "Transfer Funds," "Move Money," or "Make a Transfer." Select the source account (usually your checking) and the destination account (your linked savings), enter the amount, and confirm. Same-bank transfers are usually when ready or clear the same business day. External transfers typically take 1 to 3 business days.
You can also set up automatic transfers on a schedule—for example, moving $100 to savings every payday. This is done in the same transfer section; look for "Recurring Transfer," "Automatic Transfer," or "Schedule Transfer." You'll choose the frequency (weekly, biweekly, monthly) and the amount, and the bank will move the money on the dates you specify.
Security and what happens to your passwords
When you link an external account using when ready verification, you're not storing your password with your primary bank. The verification service (Plaid, Early Warning Services, or your bank's own verification tool) connects to the external bank, confirms you own the account, and then disconnects. Your primary bank never sees or stores the password to your external account.
If you're concerned about security, you can unlink the account at any time from your online banking portal—usually under "Manage Linked Accounts" or "Account Settings." Unlinking removes the connection but doesn't affect either account itself. You can also change the password to your external account after verification is complete; the link will remain active because it's based on account ownership, not the password.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I link a savings account that's in a different name?
Not without documentation. If the account is a joint account or you have power of attorney, contact your bank's customer service before you attempt to link it. They'll tell you what paperwork they need to verify you have authority over that account. Linking an account in someone else's name without permission is fraud.
How long does it take to transfer money once the account is linked?
Same-bank transfers are when ready or clear the same business day. External transfers take 1 to 3 business days because they move through the ACH (Automated Clearing House) network. Weekend and holiday transfers may take longer. Check your bank's transfer policy for exact timing.
What if I accidentally entered the wrong account number?
If verification fails, contact your bank when ready. If the account number belongs to someone else, the micro-deposits will go to their account, and you'll need to correct the information and restart. Your bank can cancel the failed verification and let you re-enter the correct details.
Can I link multiple savings accounts?
Yes. Most banks let you link as many external accounts as you need. Each one goes through the same verification process. You can manage all linked accounts from your online banking portal and transfer between any of them.
Do I need to do anything special if I'm linking a savings account from an online-only bank?
No. Online banks use the same routing numbers and account numbers as traditional banks, and they work with the same verification services. The process is identical—when ready verification or micro-deposits, depending on your bank's system.