You can add a savings account to your online banking in a few minutes, usually right from your dashboard
Most banks let you connect a savings account to the same online login you already use, whether that account is at the same bank or a different one. The process is straightforward: you log in, find the option to add an account (often called "Link Account" or "Add Account"), enter the account number and routing number, and wait for the bank to verify it. Verification usually takes one to three business days, though some banks do it when ready.
Why do this? Once linked, you can see all your accounts in one place, transfer money between them without leaving the website, and sometimes set up automatic transfers. If your savings account is at a different bank, linking it means you do not have to log out and log back in to move money around.
Key Takeaways
- You will need your savings account number and routing number before you start — these are on your checks or bank statements.
- The "Add Account" or "Link Account" button is usually in your dashboard or settings, not buried in a menu.
- Banks verify linked accounts by depositing two small amounts (usually under one dollar each) and asking you to confirm the amounts — this takes one to three business days.
- Once verified, you can transfer money between accounts and see balances for both without logging in twice.
- If you link an account at a different bank, check whether your bank charges a fee for transfers — many do not, but some charge per transfer.
Finding the link account option in your online banking
Log into your online banking account. Look for a button or link that says "Add Account," "Link Account," "Connect Account," or sometimes "Manage Accounts." The exact wording varies by bank, but the button is almost always on your main dashboard or in a settings menu — not hidden several clicks deep.
If you cannot find it, look in the area where your accounts are listed. Many banks put the option right next to your existing account names, often as a small plus sign or a link that says "Add another account." If you are still stuck, your bank's website usually has a search box; type "link account" or "add account" and it will take you to the right page.
What information you need before you start
Have your savings account number and routing number ready. Your account number is unique to that specific account — it is usually on the bottom left of your checks or on your bank statements. Your routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your bank; it is also on your checks (bottom left, before the account number) or on your statement.
If you are linking an account at a different bank, you will need that bank's routing number, not your current bank's. If you do not have a check or statement handy, you can call the savings account's bank and ask for the routing number — they will give it to you in seconds. You can also find routing numbers on most banks' websites by searching "[Bank Name] routing number."
The verification process: how banks confirm the account is yours
After you enter the account number and routing number, your bank will verify that the account exists and that you own it. The most common method is the micro-deposit verification: your bank deposits two tiny amounts (usually between 1 and 99 cents each) into the savings account. This takes one to three business days.
Once the deposits appear in the savings account, you log back into your online banking and enter the two amounts. This proves you have access to that account. After you confirm the amounts, the account is linked and ready to use. Some banks skip this step and verify when ready using other methods, but micro-deposits are still the standard.
During the waiting period, the linked account will usually show as "pending" or "unverified" in your dashboard. You cannot transfer money yet, but you can see it listed. Once verified, it moves to "active" status.
Transferring money between your linked accounts
Once your savings account is verified, you can transfer money to and from it without leaving your online banking. Look for a "Transfer" button or link, usually on your dashboard or in a menu. Select the account you want to transfer from, the account you want to transfer to, and the amount.
Transfers between accounts at the same bank usually happen when ready or within one business day. Transfers to an account at a different bank (called an ACH transfer) typically take one to three business days. Some banks let you schedule transfers in advance — for example, you can set up an automatic transfer of $100 every payday.
Check whether your bank charges a fee for transfers. Many banks do not charge for transfers between your own accounts, but some charge a small fee (often $1 to $3) for each transfer to an account at a different bank. Your bank will tell you the fee before you complete the transfer.
What to do if verification fails or takes longer than expected
If the micro-deposits do not show up after five business days, contact your bank's customer service. Sometimes the deposits go to the wrong account if you entered the account number incorrectly, or the routing number does not match the account. Customer service can resend the deposits or verify the account manually.
If you entered the wrong account number or routing number, you will usually need to delete the pending account and start over. Your bank's website should have a way to remove unverified accounts from your dashboard. After you delete it, you can add it again with the correct information.
If the savings account is at a very small bank or credit union, verification might take longer because the deposits have to travel through the banking system. This is normal and does not mean anything is wrong.
Linking a savings account at a different bank
The process is the same whether the savings account is at your bank or somewhere else. You enter the account number and routing number for the other bank, and your bank verifies it using micro-deposits. The main difference is that transfers take longer (one to three business days instead of when ready) and your bank may charge a fee.
Before you link an account at another bank, check your current bank's website or call customer service to ask about transfer fees. Also ask whether there is a limit on how much you can transfer per day or per month — some banks cap ACH transfers at $10,000 per day, for example. Knowing these limits ahead of time prevents surprises.
Once linked, you can see both accounts' balances in one place and move money between them without logging into two different websites. This is especially useful if you keep your savings at a different bank because the interest rate is higher.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I link a savings account that is not in my name?
No. Banks only let you link accounts that you own or have legal authority over. If you are a joint owner on the account, you can usually link it. If you are trying to manage someone else's account (like a parent's), you would need power of attorney or to be listed as an authorized user, and even then, linking rules vary by bank.
What if I link the wrong account by mistake?
You can delete it from your dashboard before or after verification. Go to your account settings or the page where your linked accounts are listed, find the account you want to remove, and look for a "Delete," "Remove," or "Unlink" button. After you delete it, you can add the correct account. Deleting a linked account does not close the account itself — it just removes it from your online banking view.
Do I need to unlink my savings account if I close it?
You should unlink it, though it is not always required. If you leave a closed account linked, transfers to it will fail and you may see error messages in your dashboard. Unlinking takes 30 seconds and keeps your account list clean. Some banks automatically unlink closed accounts after a few months, but do not count on it.
Can I link multiple savings accounts?
Yes. Most banks let you link as many accounts as you want, whether they are at your bank or other banks. Each one goes through the same verification process. This is useful if you have savings accounts at different banks or multiple savings accounts at the same bank for different goals.
Is it safe to link my savings account online?
Linking through your bank's official website or app is safe. Your bank uses encryption to protect your account information, and you are not giving anyone access to your account — you are just telling your bank that the account is yours. Never link an account through a link in an email or text message; always go directly to your bank's website by typing the address yourself.