What adding an external account means and why you'd do it
Adding an external account to Bank of America means telling Bank of America about a checking or savings account you hold at another bank, so you can move money between them without leaving the Bank of America website or app. Once linked, you can transfer funds from your Bank of America account to the external account, or set up automatic transfers on a schedule.
People do this for several reasons: to consolidate money from multiple banks into one place, to move funds to a savings account at a credit union that offers higher interest rates, or to pay bills from a different bank account without switching banks entirely.
Bank of America calls this process "adding a transfer account" or "linking an external account". The external account stays at its own bank — you're not moving the account itself, just creating a connection between the two.
Key Takeaways
- You can add an external account through the Bank of America website or mobile app by going to Transfers and selecting the option to add a new transfer account.
- Bank of America will ask you to verify the account by depositing two small amounts (usually under $1 each) and then confirming those amounts in your Bank of America account.
- The verification process takes three to five business days, and you cannot transfer money until verification is complete.
- Once verified, you can transfer money when ready, though the actual movement of funds takes one to three business days depending on the other bank.
- You will need the routing number and account number of the external account, which you can find on a check, a bank statement, or by calling the other bank.
Finding the routing number and account number you'll need
Before you start, gather two pieces of information about the external account: the routing number (a nine-digit code that identifies the bank) and the account number (the number specific to your account at that bank).
The easiest place to find both is on a check from that account. The routing number is the first set of numbers on the bottom left, and the account number is the second set, in the middle. If you don't have a check, log into the other bank's website or app — most banks display both numbers in the account details or settings section. You can also call the other bank's customer service line and ask them to read you both numbers.
Make sure you have the correct account number for the specific account you want to link. If you have multiple accounts at the same bank, each one has its own account number.
Adding the account through the Bank of America website
Log into your Bank of America account online. From the main menu, look for "Transfers" or "Move Money" — the exact wording varies depending on your account type, but it will be in the main navigation. Click on it.
You should see an option that says "Add a transfer account" or "Link external account". Click that option. Bank of America will ask you to enter the routing number and account number of the external account, plus the name of the bank where that account is held.
Enter the information carefully — a single wrong digit will cause the verification to fail. Bank of America will then show you a summary of what you entered. Review it, and if everything is correct, click to confirm. Bank of America will tell you that verification is pending and explain the next step.
Verifying the account with micro-deposits
To confirm that you actually own the external account, Bank of America deposits two very small amounts — usually between 1 and 99 cents each — into that account. This process takes three to five business days. You will see these deposits appear in the external account at the other bank.
Once the deposits show up, you go back to your Bank of America account and tell Bank of America the two amounts. You can do this through the website or app by going back to Transfers and finding the account you're verifying. Enter the two amounts exactly as they appear in the external account.
If you enter the amounts correctly, Bank of America will mark the account as verified when ready. If you enter them wrong, you can try again, but after a certain number of failed attempts (usually three), you may have to start the process over. Take a screenshot or write down the amounts before you enter them.
Adding the account through the Bank of America mobile app
The process is nearly identical in the mobile app. Open the Bank of America app, tap the menu icon (usually three horizontal lines), and look for "Transfers" or "Move Money". Tap "Add a transfer account" or the equivalent option.
Enter the routing number, account number, and bank name the same way you would on the website. The app will walk you through the micro-deposit verification process once you've submitted the information. You'll receive a notification when the two small deposits appear in the external account, and you can verify them directly in the app.
Some people find the app easier because notifications remind you when the deposits have arrived, so you don't have to remember to check the other bank's account yourself.
What happens after verification is complete
Once you've verified the amounts, the external account is fully linked and ready to use. You can now transfer money from your Bank of America account to the external account at any time through the Transfers section.
The money itself takes one to three business days to actually arrive at the other bank — this is called the settlement time, and it depends on how the other bank processes incoming transfers. Bank of America will show you an estimated arrival date when you initiate the transfer. The transfer is not reversible once it leaves Bank of America, so double-check the account number before you confirm.
You can also set up a recurring transfer if you want to move money on a regular schedule — for example, $200 every two weeks. This is useful if you're saving toward a goal or splitting income between accounts.
Troubleshooting common problems
If the micro-deposit verification fails, the most common reason is that you entered the routing number or account number incorrectly when you first added the account. Bank of America will usually let you try entering the verification amounts again, but if you keep getting it wrong, you may need to delete the account and start over with the correct numbers.
If the two small deposits never appear in the external account after five business days, the account information may be wrong, or the other bank may be blocking the deposits for security reasons. Contact Bank of America customer service and explain that the deposits didn't arrive. They can investigate or allow you to verify using a different method.
If you see a message saying the account cannot be added, it may be because the external account is in a different name than your Bank of America account, or because the other bank doesn't accept transfers from Bank of America for some reason. Bank of America customer service can tell you whether the account is may be able to access to link.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add an account from a credit union or online bank?
Yes. As long as the credit union or online bank has a routing number and accepts ACH transfers (the standard method Bank of America uses), you can link it. Most do, but if you're unsure, call the other institution and ask whether they accept incoming ACH transfers from other banks.
How many external accounts can I add?
Bank of America does not publish a specific limit, but most customers can add multiple accounts without issue. If you're trying to add more than ten, contact Bank of America to confirm there's no restriction on your account type.
Do I have to verify every account I add?
Yes. Every new external account requires the micro-deposit verification process, even if you've already verified other accounts. This is a security measure to prevent unauthorized transfers.
What if I accidentally entered the wrong account number?
If you haven't verified it yet, delete the account and add it again with the correct number. If you've already verified it and realized the number was wrong, delete it and start over. Do not attempt to transfer money to an account you're unsure about.
Can someone else see the external accounts I've linked?
Only if they have access to your Bank of America account login. The linked accounts are visible in the Transfers section, so treat your login credentials as carefully as you would your account number.