The three ways to transfer money to your Bank of America savings account
You can move money from your Bank of America checking account to savings in three ways: through the mobile app, through the online banking website, or by visiting a branch. The app and website both complete the transfer when ready during business hours, and the branch route works the same way if you're there in person. All three are free and don't require any setup beyond having both accounts open in your name.
If you're transferring from an account at a different bank, the process is different — Bank of America will need your other bank's routing number and your account number there, and the transfer takes one to three business days. That section appears below.
The fastest route for most people is the mobile app, because you can do it from anywhere and see the money move in real time. The website works identically if you prefer a larger screen.
Key Takeaways
- Transfers between your own Bank of America checking and savings accounts complete when ready through the app, website, or branch, with no fees.
- To transfer from another bank, you need that bank's routing number and your account number there, and the money takes one to three business days to arrive.
- The mobile app shows you the transfer status when ready and lets you set up recurring transfers if you want the same amount to move on a schedule.
- Bank of America savings accounts have a monthly limit on certain types of transfers, though transfers from your own checking account do not count against this limit.
Transferring from your Bank of America checking account through the app
Open the Bank of America mobile app and log in. Tap the account you want to transfer money from — this is usually your checking account. Look for a button labeled "Transfer" or "Move Money" (the exact wording varies slightly by phone type). Select the checking account as the source and your savings account as the destination.
Enter the dollar amount you want to move. Review the details to make sure the accounts are correct, then confirm the transfer. The money appears in your savings account within seconds if you're doing this during banking hours. If you transfer after hours or on a weekend, the money will be there when the bank's systems process it the next business day, usually by early morning.
You can set up a recurring transfer here too — for example, $200 every payday. Tap the option for "Recurring" or "Scheduled" transfer, pick the frequency and amount, and the app will move that money automatically on the date you choose.
Transferring through Bank of America's website
Go to bankofamerica.com and log into your account. Click "Transfer & Pay" or look for a "Transfers" section in the main menu. Select "Transfer between my accounts" (not "Pay a person" or "Send money"). Choose your checking account as the source and your savings account as the destination.
Type in the amount and review the transaction details. Click "Confirm" or "Complete Transfer". The money moves the same way as the app — when ready during business hours, or by the next business day if you initiate it outside banking hours.
The website also lets you schedule transfers in advance or set them to repeat. This is useful if you want to move money on a specific date each month but don't want to remember to do it manually.
Transferring at a Bank of America branch
Walk into any Bank of America branch with your ID. Tell the teller you want to transfer money from your checking account to your savings account. They'll ask which accounts and how much. The teller processes it on the spot, and the money is yours when ready.
This route takes longer in person than the app or website, but it's the only option if you don't have online access or prefer to handle it face-to-face. You can also ask the teller to set up a recurring transfer at the same time if you want.
Transferring from another bank to your Bank of America savings account
This process is slower because the money has to move through the banking system between two different institutions. You'll need your other bank's routing number (a nine-digit code that identifies that bank) and your account number at that bank. Both are on the bottom left of your checks, or you can call that bank's customer service to ask.
In the Bank of America app or website, go to "Transfer & Pay" and select "Transfer from another bank" or "External transfer". Enter the other bank's routing number and your account number there. Bank of America will verify the account by depositing two small test amounts (usually under $1 each) into that account. You'll see those deposits in your other bank's account within two to three business days, and you'll need to enter the exact amounts to confirm you own the account.
Once verified, you can transfer money from that account to your Bank of America savings account. The transfer takes one to three business days. Bank of America does not charge a fee for incoming transfers, but your other bank might charge a fee for sending money out — check with them first.
Understanding Bank of America's transfer limits
Bank of America savings accounts are subject to a federal rule that limits certain types of transfers to six per month. However, transfers from your own checking account do not count toward this limit, so you can move money between your checking and savings as many times as you want.
The limit applies to transfers initiated by phone, online, or automatic recurring transfer to accounts outside Bank of America. Transfers you make in person at a branch also do not count. If you hit the limit, you can still withdraw money from savings at an ATM or by visiting a branch — the limit only applies to transfers, not withdrawals.
This limit rarely affects people who are moving money between their own accounts, but it matters if you're regularly sending money from your savings to an external account or to someone else's account.
What to do if a transfer doesn't go through
If you initiated a transfer and the money didn't arrive, check the app or website first to see the status. Transfers between your own Bank of America accounts should show as "Complete" or "Pending" within a few minutes. If it shows "Failed" or "Declined", the app usually tells you why — common reasons are insufficient funds, a typo in the account number, or a temporary system issue.
For transfers from another bank, the money takes one to three business days, so don't assume it failed if it hasn't arrived within a few hours. Check your Bank of America account after three business days have passed. If the money still hasn't shown up, call Bank of America at the number on the back of your card and have your other bank's routing number and account number ready. They can trace the transfer and tell you where it is.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer money from my Bank of America savings account back to checking?
Yes, the process is identical — just select savings as the source and checking as the destination. The money moves when ready through the app or website, and there's no fee. The same six-transfer limit applies, but transfers between your own accounts don't count against it.
Does Bank of America charge a fee to transfer money between my own accounts?
No. Transfers between your own checking and savings accounts are free, whether you do them through the app, website, or branch. Bank of America does not charge for this service.
How long does it take to transfer money from another bank to Bank of America?
One to three business days. The exact timing depends on when your other bank sends the money and when Bank of America's system processes it. Weekends and holidays can add time, so a Friday transfer might not arrive until Tuesday.
What if I don't know my other bank's routing number?
Call your bank's customer service line — the number is on the back of your debit card or on their website. They can give you the routing number in seconds. You can also find it online by searching "[your bank name] routing number" plus your state, though calling is faster and guarantees you get the right one.
Can I set up automatic transfers to move money every month?
Yes, through both the app and website. Set up a recurring transfer, choose the frequency (weekly, biweekly, monthly, etc.), and the amount. The transfer will happen on the date you choose each cycle. You can edit or cancel a recurring transfer anytime through the same menu.