The main ways to move money into Chase savings

You can transfer money into a Chase savings account from another Chase account you own, from an external bank account, or by depositing cash or checks at a Chase branch or ATM. The method you choose depends on where the money is coming from and how quickly you need it there. Some routes are when ready; others take a few business days.

Chase offers five primary paths: transferring between your own Chase accounts (when ready), using Chase's external transfer tool to pull money from another bank (one to three business days), having another bank push money to your Chase account via ACH (one to three business days), depositing physical cash or checks in person (same day for cash, one to two business days for checks), and using mobile deposit to photograph a check (one to two business days).

Key Takeaways

  • Transfers between your own Chase accounts happen when ready and require only your account numbers.
  • Moving money from an external bank account takes one to three business days and requires your Chase routing number and account number.
  • Cash deposits at a Chase branch or ATM post to your savings account the same day.
  • Check deposits via mobile app or in person typically clear within one to two business days, depending on the check amount and your account history.
  • Chase's mobile app and online banking both let you initiate transfers without visiting a branch.

Transferring from another Chase account you own

If you have multiple accounts at Chase—a checking account, another savings account, or a money market account—you can move money between them when ready through Chase's online banking or mobile app. This is the fastest method and requires no waiting period.

Log into Chase online banking or the mobile app, select "Transfer Money," choose the account you want to transfer from, select your savings account as the destination, enter the amount, and confirm. The money appears in your savings account when ready. You will need to know your account numbers, which appear on your statements and in the app.

Pulling money from an external bank account

Chase's external transfer tool lets you initiate a transfer from a bank account at another institution. This is sometimes called an ACH pull, because Chase is pulling the money toward you rather than waiting for the other bank to push it.

In Chase online banking or the mobile app, select "Transfer Money," then "From another bank." You will need the routing number and account number of the external account. Chase will ask you to verify the account by making two small test deposits (usually under $1 each) to that account, then confirming the amounts. Once verified, transfers typically arrive within one to three business days. The exact timing depends on the other bank's processing speed and whether the transfer is initiated on a business day or weekend.

Receiving a transfer from another bank

If someone else is sending you money from their bank account, they can initiate an ACH transfer to your Chase savings account. You will need to provide them with your Chase routing number (typically 021000021 for most Chase accounts, though some business accounts differ) and your savings account number. Both appear on your statements and in the mobile app under account details.

The sending bank initiates the transfer on their end, and the money arrives at Chase within one to three business days. The timing depends on when the other bank processes the transfer and Chase's processing schedule. Transfers sent on a Friday may not arrive until Tuesday or Wednesday.

Depositing cash or checks in person

Cash deposits at a Chase branch or ATM post to your savings account the same day if you deposit before the branch's cutoff time (usually 2 p.m. for in-branch deposits, earlier for ATMs). Check deposits take longer because the bank must clear the check with the issuing bank before the funds are yours to use.

For checks, deposit them at a Chase branch or ATM, or use mobile deposit (see below). In-person check deposits typically clear within one to two business days for checks under $5,000, though larger checks or those from unfamiliar banks may take longer. Chase holds the funds during this period, meaning you cannot withdraw them until the check clears, even if the deposit appears in your account balance.

Using mobile deposit to photograph checks

Chase's mobile app lets you deposit a check by photographing the front and back. Open the app, select "Deposit a check," take clear photos of both sides of the check, enter the amount, and choose your savings account as the destination. The check must be endorsed (signed on the back) before you photograph it.

Mobile deposits typically clear within one to two business days, the same as in-person check deposits. Chase will hold the funds during this period. The app will tell you the expected deposit date when you submit the check. After the check clears, you can withdraw the money. If the check bounces or is fraudulent, Chase will reverse the deposit and debit your account.

Understanding hold times and when money is available

A deposit appearing in your account balance does not always mean you can withdraw it. Chase distinguishes between when money is posted (appears in your balance) and when it is available (you can withdraw or transfer it). For cash deposits, these happen at the same time. For checks, Chase typically posts the deposit within one business day but holds the funds for an additional one to two business days before they are available.

The hold period depends on the check amount, the issuing bank, your account history, and whether the check is from a local or out-of-state bank. Checks under $200 from established banks often clear faster. If you need the money when ready, ask the person sending it to you whether they can send an ACH transfer instead, which does not require a hold period once it arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to transfer money from another bank to Chase?

One to three business days is standard. The exact timing depends on when you initiate the transfer (weekends and holidays add delay) and how quickly the other bank processes outgoing transfers. Some banks process same-day, others take the full three days.

What if I do not know my Chase routing number?

Your routing number appears on the bottom left of your checks, in the Chase mobile app under account details, or on your account statements. For most personal Chase accounts, it is 021000021, but business accounts and some regional accounts differ. Confirm yours in the app before giving it to someone else.

Can I deposit a check written to someone else?

No. The check must be written to you or to you and another person. If it is written to someone else, that person must deposit it into their own account or endorse it to you in writing (though many banks no longer accept third-party checks). Ask the person who wrote the check to write a new one in your name instead.

Why is my check deposit on hold?

Chase holds checks to protect itself against fraud and insufficient funds at the issuing bank. During the hold period, the funds are posted to your account but not available for withdrawal. Holds typically last one to two business days. Larger checks, checks from unfamiliar banks, or deposits to new accounts may have longer holds.

Can I transfer money to my Chase savings account from a credit card?

No. You cannot transfer a credit card balance directly into a savings account. You would need to pay the credit card bill from a checking account or external bank account, then transfer money from that account to savings. Some credit cards offer balance transfer checks, which you can deposit, but these typically carry fees and interest.