How to transfer money from a brokerage account to Chase checking
The process depends on which brokerage you use, but the basic path is the same: you link your Chase checking account to your brokerage, then request a withdrawal from the brokerage to that Chase account. Most brokerages let you do this online in their account settings, and the money usually arrives within one to three business days. You'll need your Chase account number and routing number (which you can find on a check or in the Chase mobile app) before you start.
The reason this takes a few days instead of being when ready is that the money moves through the banking system, not directly from one company to another. Your brokerage sends an electronic instruction to move funds, which passes through clearing houses, and then lands in your Chase account. During this time, the money is in transit and you cannot spend it.
If you've never linked these accounts before, your brokerage may require you to verify the Chase account first — usually by making two small test deposits to confirm you own it. Once that's done, future transfers are faster.
Key Takeaways
- You must link your Chase checking account to your brokerage account before you can transfer money, which usually requires your Chase routing number and account number.
- Most brokerages process withdrawal requests within one to three business days, though some may take longer during market closures or high-volume periods.
- Your brokerage may require you to verify the Chase account with two small test deposits the first time you link it.
- You can only transfer cash that is already in your brokerage account; you must sell any stocks or funds first if you want to move that money to Chase.
- Some brokerages charge fees for transfers, though many do not — check your brokerage's fee schedule before you request the withdrawal.
Finding your Chase account and routing numbers
Your Chase account number is the long number printed on the bottom left of any check you have. If you don't have checks, open the Chase mobile app, tap the checking account, and look for "Account Details" or a similar option — the account number will be listed there. You can also call Chase at the number on the back of your debit card and ask them to read it to you.
Your routing number is the same for all Chase checking accounts in your state (it varies by state, not by individual account). The easiest way to find it is to look at a check — it's the first set of numbers at the bottom, usually nine digits. You can also search "Chase routing number [your state]" online, or call Chase and ask. The routing number is public information and safe to share.
Write both numbers down before you log into your brokerage, so you have them ready when the system asks for them.
Steps to link your brokerage account to Chase
Log into your brokerage account online or in the mobile app. Look for a section called "Transfers," "Linked Accounts," "Bank Accounts," or "Funding" — the exact name varies by brokerage. Once you find it, select the option to add a new bank account or link an external account.
Enter your Chase account number and routing number when prompted. Double-check both numbers before you submit, because a mistake will cause the transfer to fail or go to the wrong place. The brokerage will then ask you to confirm that you own the account.
If this is your first time linking the account, the brokerage will make two small deposits to your Chase account (usually less than $1 each) within a few business days. You'll need to log into Chase, find those deposits, and enter the amounts back into the brokerage to verify you own the account. Once you do, the account is linked and you can transfer money.
Requesting a withdrawal from your brokerage to Chase
After your Chase account is linked, go back to the "Transfers" or "Withdrawals" section of your brokerage. Select "Withdraw to Bank Account" or similar, then choose your Chase account from the list of linked accounts. Enter the amount you want to transfer — make sure it's in cash and not in stocks or funds, or the transfer will fail.
Review the amount one more time, then submit the request. The brokerage will show you a confirmation number. Write it down or take a screenshot, because you'll need it if something goes wrong and you have to contact the brokerage.
The money will leave your brokerage account when ready (or within one business day), but it won't appear in your Chase account right away. Most transfers take one to three business days, though some brokerages take longer. If it's been more than five business days, contact your brokerage with your confirmation number and ask them to check the status.
What to do if the transfer fails
If the money doesn't arrive after five business days, or if you see an error message, the most common reason is a mismatch between the account number or routing number you entered. Log back into your brokerage and check that both numbers match exactly what's on your Chase account. Even one wrong digit will cause the transfer to fail.
If the numbers are correct, contact your brokerage's customer service with your confirmation number. They can see where the money went and whether it's stuck in the clearing system. If the transfer was sent to the wrong account by mistake, the brokerage may be able to recover it, but this can take weeks.
In the meantime, check your Chase account to see if the money arrived under a different date or with a different description than you expected. Sometimes transfers show up as pending before they settle.
Fees and timing to know about
Most major brokerages (Fidelity, Vanguard, Charles Schwab, E-Trade) do not charge a fee to transfer money to a bank account. However, some smaller brokerages or certain account types may charge $10 to $25 per transfer. Check your brokerage's fee schedule or contact them before you request the withdrawal, so you know what to expect.
Timing also depends on the day of the week and whether the markets are open. A transfer requested on a Friday may not leave your brokerage until Monday, and then take another one to three days to reach Chase. Transfers requested during market holidays (like Thanksgiving or Christmas) may take longer because the banking system moves more slowly.
If you need the money urgently, ask your brokerage how long their typical transfer takes before you submit the request. Some brokerages offer faster transfers for a fee, though this is rare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer money directly from stocks or mutual funds to Chase, or do I have to sell them first?
You must sell the stocks or funds first and convert them to cash in your brokerage account. Once the sale settles (usually one to two business days), the cash is available to transfer. You cannot move securities directly to a bank account — only cash can move between a brokerage and a checking account.
How long does it take for the test deposits to show up in my Chase account?
The two small test deposits usually arrive within three to five business days of when you link the account. Once they appear in Chase, you'll have a few days to enter the amounts back into your brokerage to complete the verification. If they don't arrive after a week, contact your brokerage.
What if I entered the wrong Chase account number and the money went somewhere else?
Contact your brokerage when ready with your confirmation number. They can sometimes recall the transfer if it hasn't settled yet, but if it has already reached another bank account, recovery is much harder and may take weeks. This is why it's important to double-check the account number before you submit.
Can I set up automatic transfers from my brokerage to Chase?
Some brokerages allow recurring transfers, but most require you to request each transfer manually. Check your brokerage's transfer settings to see if this option is available. If it is, you can usually set it to happen on a specific day each month.
Do I need to tell Chase that I'm receiving money from my brokerage?
No, you don't need to notify Chase. The transfer will appear in your account like any other deposit. However, if you're transferring a very large amount, Chase may flag it for review as part of their fraud prevention process — this is normal and doesn't delay the deposit.