You can add a savings account to the Discover app in about five minutes through the app's settings menu
Open the Discover mobile app and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner. Select "Settings," then look for "Linked Accounts" or "Add Account." The app will ask you to choose whether you're adding an account held at Discover Bank or at another bank. If the account is at Discover, you'll straightforward enter your account number. If it's at another bank, you'll enter that bank's routing number and your account number there.
The app will then verify the account by depositing two small test amounts — usually between one and five cents each — into that outside account. You'll see these deposits appear in your other bank's app or online portal within one to three business days. Once you see them, return to the Discover app and enter both amounts to confirm you own the account. After verification, the linked account appears in your Discover app and you can view its balance without logging into a separate app.
Key Takeaways
- Linking takes place entirely within the Discover app through the Settings menu under Linked Accounts.
- For accounts at other banks, you will need your routing number and account number, both found on a check or your bank's website.
- Discover verifies ownership by depositing two small test amounts that you must confirm by entering their exact values back into the Discover app.
- Verification usually completes within one to three business days once you confirm the test deposit amounts.
- Once linked, you can see the account balance in the Discover app without logging into your other bank separately.
What information you need before you start
Gather your account details before opening the app. If you're linking a savings account at another bank, you'll need the routing number (a nine-digit code that identifies your bank) and your account number (usually 10 to 12 digits). Both appear on the bottom left of any check from that account. If you don't have checks, log into your other bank's website or app — the account number typically appears on the main dashboard, and the routing number is usually in the "Account Details" or "Transfer Information" section.
If you're adding another Discover savings account that you already own, you only need the account number. You won't need a routing number because both accounts are within the Discover system.
The verification process step by step
After you enter the account details, Discover deposits two test amounts into the linked account. These are real deposits — small amounts like $0.01 and $0.03 — that will show up in your other bank's records. Check your other bank's app or website after one to three business days. You're looking for two separate deposits from Discover Bank, each with a small dollar amount.
Once you see both deposits, return to the Discover app and enter the exact amounts in the order the app requests. This confirms that you have access to the account and own it. After you enter the amounts correctly, the account becomes fully linked and you can view its balance in the Discover app going forward.
If you don't see the test deposits after three business days, check that you entered the routing and account numbers correctly. A single digit wrong will cause the deposits to fail. Return to Settings and delete the account, then try adding it again with the correct information.
Why you might want to link accounts
Linking accounts lets you see balances across multiple banks in one place without logging into separate apps. This is especially useful if you keep savings at Discover and checking at another bank — you can monitor both without switching between apps. Some people link accounts to track progress toward savings goals or to keep an eye on multiple savings buckets for different purposes.
Linking does not give Discover the ability to move money from your other bank's account. It is read-only, meaning you can see the balance but cannot transfer funds or make changes to that account through the Discover app. If you want to move money between accounts, you'll need to set up a separate transfer through your other bank or through Discover's transfer feature, which is a different process.
What to do if linking fails
The most common reason linking fails is a typo in the routing or account number. Routing numbers are nine digits and account numbers vary by bank but are usually 10 to 12 digits. If you entered a number incorrectly, the test deposits will not arrive. Delete the account from your Discover app and try again, double-checking each digit against your check or your bank's website.
If you've confirmed the numbers are correct and still don't see the test deposits after three business days, contact Discover's customer service through the app. Tap the menu icon, select "Help," and choose "Contact Us." A representative can investigate whether there's a technical issue preventing the deposits from going through. They may also be able to verify the account through an alternative method if the standard process isn't working.
Removing a linked account
If you no longer want to see a linked account in your Discover app, you can remove it at any time. Go to Settings, select "Linked Accounts," find the account you want to remove, and tap the delete or remove option. Removing a linked account from the Discover app does not affect the actual account at your other bank — it only stops the Discover app from displaying its balance.
You can re-link the same account later if you change your mind. The process is the same as the first time, though if Discover recognizes the account, it may skip the test deposit step and link it when ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I link a savings account at a credit union?
Yes. You'll need the credit union's routing number and your account number, which you can find on a check or by logging into your credit union's online banking. The verification process is the same as with any other bank.
Do I need to link accounts to transfer money between them?
No. Linking is only for viewing balances. To move money between a Discover account and another bank, you set up an external transfer through Discover's transfer feature or through your other bank's system. These are separate from linking.
What if I enter the wrong test deposit amounts?
The app will tell you the amounts are incorrect and let you try again. You have multiple attempts to enter the correct amounts. If you can't remember them, wait for the next deposits to arrive or contact Discover support for help.
Can someone else link my account without my permission?
No. They would need access to your Discover app and the routing and account numbers of the account they want to link. Even then, they cannot complete the verification without seeing the test deposits in the other account, which requires access to that account as well.
How long does it take to see the linked account balance update?
Once the account is linked and verified, the balance updates whenever you open the Discover app. The app pulls the current balance from your other bank's system, so it reflects what you would see if you logged into that bank directly.