Yes, you can link another bank account to Wells Fargo checking
You can connect a bank account from another institution to your Wells Fargo checking account. This lets you move money between accounts without visiting two different banks or waiting for a check to clear. Wells Fargo calls this external account linking, and you can set it up through Wells Fargo's online banking or mobile app.
The account you link can be at any U.S. bank — a savings account, money market account, or checking account at another institution. You'll need the routing number and account number from that bank, which you can find on a check, your bank statement, or by calling the other bank directly.
Key Takeaways
- You link external accounts through Wells Fargo's online banking portal or mobile app by entering the other bank's routing and account numbers.
- Wells Fargo will verify the account by depositing two small amounts (usually under one dollar each) and asking you to confirm those amounts.
- Transfers between linked accounts typically take one to three business days, depending on the other bank's processing speed.
- You can link multiple external accounts, but each one must be verified separately before you can transfer money.
How to link an account through online banking
Log into your Wells Fargo online banking account and look for a section labeled "Transfer Money" or "Manage Accounts." From there, select the option to add an external account. You'll be asked for the name of the bank, the account holder's name, the account type (checking or savings), the routing number, and the account number.
After you enter this information, Wells Fargo will send two small test deposits to the external account — usually between 1 and 99 cents each. These deposits arrive within one to two business days. Once they appear in the external account, you'll log back into Wells Fargo and confirm the exact amounts of those deposits. This confirms that you own the account and have access to it.
Once verified, the account is linked and ready to use. You can then transfer money from your Wells Fargo checking to that account, or request transfers from that account into Wells Fargo.
Linking an account through the mobile app
The process is nearly identical in the Wells Fargo mobile app. Open the app, tap "Transfer Money," and select "Add External Account." Enter the same information — bank name, account holder name, account type, routing number, and account number.
Wells Fargo will again send two test deposits. Check the external account after one to two business days, then return to the app and confirm the deposit amounts. After confirmation, the account is linked and you can transfer between them from the app.
What information you need from the other bank
Before you start linking, gather two pieces of information from the external account: the routing number and the account number. The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies the bank itself. The account number is unique to your specific account at that bank.
You can find both on a check from that account — the routing number is the first set of numbers on the bottom left, and the account number follows it. You can also find this information on your bank statement or by logging into that bank's online banking. If you're unsure, call the other bank's customer service line and they can provide both numbers.
How long transfers take between linked accounts
Once an account is linked and verified, transfers between Wells Fargo and the external account typically take one to three business days. The exact timing depends on the other bank's processing speed — some banks process transfers faster than others.
Transfers initiated on a weekend or holiday may not begin processing until the next business day. If you need money urgently, check with the external bank about their processing times before you initiate a transfer.
Linking multiple external accounts
You can link more than one external account to your Wells Fargo checking. Each account must go through the same verification process with the two test deposits. Once verified, all linked accounts appear in your transfer options, and you can move money between any of them and your Wells Fargo checking account.
There is no stated limit on how many external accounts you can link, but Wells Fargo may restrict the number for security reasons. If you're linking many accounts, contact Wells Fargo directly to confirm there are no restrictions on your account.
What happens if the verification deposits don't arrive
If you don't see the two test deposits in the external account after two business days, the account information you entered may be incorrect. Double-check the routing number and account number — even a single digit wrong will cause the deposits to fail.
If the information is correct, contact the external bank to confirm the account is active and can receive transfers. Some accounts, particularly older ones or those with restrictions, may not accept incoming transfers. Once you've confirmed the account is active, you can try linking again in Wells Fargo's system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I link a savings account from another bank?
Yes. You can link any type of account — checking, savings, money market, or other deposit accounts — as long as it's at a U.S. bank and can receive electronic transfers. The process is the same regardless of account type.
What if I don't have a check from the external account?
Call the other bank's customer service number and ask for the routing number and account number. You can also log into that bank's online banking and find both numbers on your account details or statement. You do not need a physical check to link the account.
Can I transfer money out of the external account without linking it?
No. To move money from another bank into Wells Fargo, that account must be linked and verified first. The verification process protects both you and the other bank by confirming you own the account.
Is there a fee to link an external account?
Wells Fargo does not charge a fee to link an external account. However, the other bank may charge a fee for incoming or outgoing transfers — check with that bank about their transfer policies.
Can I unlink an account after it's been verified?
Yes. In your Wells Fargo online banking or app, go to the account management section and select the option to remove or unlink the external account. Once removed, you cannot transfer to or from that account until you link it again.