The fastest way depends on where your money is now
If the money is already in your Chase checking account, you can move it to savings in seconds through the Chase mobile app or website. If it's at another bank, you'll use either an external transfer (which takes one to three business days) or a wire transfer (same day, but with a fee). If you're depositing a check or cash, you'll need to go to a branch or use mobile deposit if you have a checking account linked to the savings account.
Chase offers several savings account types — regular savings, high-yield savings, and money market accounts — and the transfer method is the same regardless of which one you have. The account number matters, but the process itself is straightforward once you know which method fits your situation.
Key Takeaways
- Transfers between your own Chase checking and savings accounts happen when ready through the app or website with no fee.
- Moving money from another bank takes one to three business days and requires you to add that bank as an external account in Chase first.
- Wire transfers arrive the same day but cost between $15 and $30 depending on whether the receiving bank is domestic or international.
- Mobile deposit works only if you're depositing a check and have a Chase checking account; you cannot deposit directly into savings.
- Chase limits how many transfers you can make out of a savings account to six per month under federal rules, though this applies differently depending on the transfer type.
Moving money between your own Chase accounts
This is the simplest route and costs nothing. Open the Chase mobile app or log into chase.com, go to Transfers, and select "Transfer between my accounts." Choose your checking account as the source and your savings account as the destination, enter the amount, and confirm. The money appears in your savings account within seconds.
You can also call Chase customer service at the number on the back of your card and ask them to move the money for you, though this takes longer and requires you to verify your identity. The app or website is faster and available 24/7.
There is no limit on how many times you can transfer between your own accounts, and there is no fee. This method works whether you're moving $10 or $10,000.
Transferring from another bank using external transfer
If your money is at Bank of America, Wells Fargo, a credit union, or any other financial institution, you can pull it into Chase using an external transfer. Log into chase.com or the app, go to Transfers, and select "Transfer from another bank." Chase will ask you for the other bank's routing number and your account number there.
You'll need to verify that you own the account at the other bank. Chase does this by depositing two small amounts (usually between $0.01 and $0.99) into that account, then asking you to tell them the exact amounts. This verification takes one to two business days. Once verified, you can transfer money, and it will arrive in your Chase savings account in one to three business days.
There is no fee for external transfers. You can set up recurring transfers this way — for example, moving $500 from your other bank to Chase every payday — and Chase will handle it automatically. The federal six-transfer limit per month applies to outgoing transfers from your savings account, not incoming ones, so you can receive as many transfers as you want.
Wire transfers for same-day delivery
If you need the money in your Chase savings account today, a wire transfer is the only option. You'll need to go to a Chase branch or call their wire transfer line. Have your savings account number ready, and tell them the amount you want to wire in.
Domestic wire transfers (from another U.S. bank) cost $15. International wire transfers cost $30. The money arrives the same business day if you initiate the wire before the bank's cutoff time, usually 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. local time. Wires sent after that arrive the next business day.
The sending bank (wherever your money is now) may also charge a fee on their end, so ask them before you initiate the wire. Some banks charge $10 to $25 to send a wire, which means you could pay $25 to $55 total depending on both banks' fees.
Depositing checks and cash
You can deposit a check into your Chase savings account by visiting a branch in person. Bring the check and your savings account number or debit card. The teller will process it, and the funds will be available according to Chase's deposit schedule — usually the next business day for checks, same day for cash.
If you have a Chase checking account, you can also use mobile deposit: take a photo of the front and back of the check through the Chase app, and it will be deposited into your checking account. You can then transfer that money to savings using the method described above. Mobile deposit does not work directly into a savings account; it only deposits into checking.
Cash deposits must be made in person at a branch. There is no way to deposit cash remotely into a Chase savings account.
Understanding the six-transfer limit
Federal Regulation D limits how many times you can transfer money out of a savings account to six per month. This rule applies to transfers to other accounts (yours or someone else's) and to withdrawals. It does not explore to transfers into your savings account, so you can receive as many deposits as you want.
The limit resets on the first day of each calendar month. If you hit six transfers in January, you can make six more starting February 1st. If you exceed six, Chase may charge a fee (usually $10 per excess transfer) or convert your account to a checking account.
Transfers between your own Chase checking and savings accounts sometimes count toward this limit and sometimes do not, depending on how Chase classifies them. To be safe, assume they do count. Wire transfers and in-person withdrawals at a branch also count.
Timing and what to expect
Between-account transfers: when ready. External transfers from another bank: one to three business days, sometimes longer if the other bank is slow to process. Wire transfers: same business day if sent before cutoff, next business day if sent after. Check deposits: next business day. Cash deposits: same day if deposited before branch closing time.
Business days are Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays. A transfer initiated on Friday evening will not arrive until Monday at the earliest. If you're moving money for a bill due on a specific date, initiate the transfer at least two business days before that date to be safe.
You can check the status of a transfer in the Chase app or on the website under Transfers. It will show you whether the transfer is pending, in progress, or complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer money from my Chase savings account to another bank?
Yes, using the same external transfer method in reverse. Go to Transfers, select "Transfer to another bank," and provide that bank's routing number and your account number there. It takes one to three business days and counts toward your six-transfer limit.
What if I don't know my Chase savings account number?
Log into the Chase app or website and go to Accounts. Your savings account number is listed there. You can also find it on statements, on the back of your debit card (if you have one), or by calling customer service.
Is there a minimum amount I have to transfer?
Chase does not publish a minimum transfer amount. Most transfers of $1 or more will go through, but some banks may have their own minimums. If a transfer fails, Chase will tell you why and you can try again.
What happens if I exceed the six-transfer limit?
Chase may charge $10 per transfer over the limit, or they may convert your account to a checking account without the transfer restriction. Check your account agreement or call customer service to confirm Chase's policy on excess transfers.
Can I set up automatic transfers into my savings account?
Yes, if the money is coming from another bank. Once you've verified the external account, you can set up recurring transfers on a schedule you choose — weekly, biweekly, monthly, or custom dates. Transfers between your own Chase accounts can also be automated through the app.