How to Link Your Checking Account to Another Bank

Yes, you can link your checking account to another bank, and it's a standard feature most banks support

Linking a checking account at one bank to an account at another bank means setting up a connection that lets you move money between them. The most common reason is to transfer funds from your primary checking account to a savings account elsewhere, or to consolidate accounts you hold at different institutions. Banks call this external account linking, and the process is straightforward—but the method and timeline depend on which bank you're using and how much verification they require.

The two main ways to link accounts are when ready verification (usually takes minutes to a few hours) and manual verification (takes three to five business days). Which one you get depends on your bank's security setup and whether the two banks can communicate directly with each other. You'll need the account number and routing number of the account you want to link, and you may need to prove you own it by confirming small deposits or answering security questions.

Key Takeaways

Most banks let you link external accounts through their website or mobile app by entering the account number and routing number of the other account.
when ready verification happens when your bank can confirm ownership when ready; manual verification requires you to confirm two small deposits your bank sends to the other account.
The entire process usually takes between a few hours and five business days, depending on your bank's method and how quickly you confirm the deposits.
Once linked, you can transfer money between accounts, but the speed of the actual transfer depends on whether you use ACH (one to three business days) or same-day options like wire transfer.
Linking an account does not give the other bank access to your funds—it only creates a pathway for transfers you initiate yourself.

How to link an account through your bank's website or app

Log into your checking account at your primary bank and look for a section labeled "Transfer Money," "Link Account," "External Accounts," or "Add Bank Account." The exact name varies by bank. You'll be asked to enter the routing number and account number of the account you want to link. The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies the bank; the account number identifies your specific account at that bank. Both are printed on the bottom left of your checks, or you can find them by logging into the other bank's website.

After you enter these numbers, your bank will attempt to verify that you own the account. If your bank uses when ready verification (sometimes called "microdeposit-free verification"), the system will confirm ownership in real time by checking with the other bank's system. This usually takes a few minutes to a few hours. If when ready verification isn't available, your bank will send two small deposits (typically between $0.01 and $0.99 each) to the account you're linking. You'll then need to log into that account, find the deposit amounts, and enter them back into your primary bank's system to confirm you have access. This manual process takes three to five business days for the deposits to arrive.

What information you'll need to have ready

Before you start, gather the account number and routing number of the account you want to link. If you have checks from that account, both numbers are printed on the bottom. If you don't have checks, log into the other bank's website or app—most banks display these numbers in the account details or settings section. Some banks also print them on statements.

You may also need to provide the account holder's name as it appears on the account. If you're linking an account in someone else's name, some banks will ask for additional verification or may not allow the link at all. Banks have different rules about whether you can link accounts held by other people; some allow it only if you're a joint owner or authorized user, while others require you to be the sole account holder. Check your bank's policy before you start.

The difference between linking and actual transfer speed

Linking an account and transferring money are two separate things. Linking just creates the connection; the actual transfer of funds follows its own timeline. Once your account is linked, you can initiate a transfer, but how fast the money moves depends on the transfer method you choose.

ACH transfers (Automated Clearing House) are the standard method and usually take one to three business days. This is the slowest option but also the most common. Same-day ACH is available at many banks now and moves money the same business day you request it, though there are usually limits on how much you can transfer (often $10,000 to $25,000 per day). Wire transfers are faster—usually within hours—but they cost money (typically $15 to $30 per transfer) and are harder to reverse if you make a mistake. Some banks also offer real-time payments through systems like FedNow, which move money in seconds, though this is still rolling out and not all banks support it yet.

Security and what happens after you link

Linking an account does not give the other bank access to your funds or your primary account. It only creates a one-way pathway for transfers you initiate yourself. You remain in control of when and how much money moves. The other bank cannot pull money from your account without your permission, and you cannot accidentally authorize a transfer just by linking.

Your primary bank will store the account information you provide, and it will be encrypted. If you ever want to remove the link, you can do so through the same menu where you added it—usually a "Manage Linked Accounts" or "Remove Account" option. Removing the link is when ready and does not affect any transfers already in progress.

What to do if when ready verification fails

If your bank cannot verify the account when ready, you'll be told to wait for the two small deposits. Check the account you're linking every few business days starting on day two. When the deposits arrive, note their exact amounts (they may be something like $0.23 and $0.17). Go back to your primary bank's linking page and enter these amounts. Once you confirm them correctly, the link will be activated when ready.

If the deposits don't arrive after five business days, contact the bank that holds the account you're trying to link. There may be a hold on the account, or the routing number you entered may be incorrect. Double-check the routing number against your checks or the bank's website. If the number is wrong, you'll need to start the linking process over with the correct number.

Linking accounts at the same bank versus different banks

If both accounts are at the same bank, linking is usually when ready and requires no verification. You straightforward select the account from a list of your own accounts. Transfers between your own accounts at the same bank usually post the same day or next business day, and many banks don't charge a fee.

Linking accounts at different banks takes longer because the banks have to communicate through the ACH network or other payment systems. This is why manual verification (the two small deposits) exists—it's a way for your primary bank to confirm you actually control an account at another institution. Once linked, transfers still follow ACH timelines unless you choose a faster method like same-day ACH or wire transfer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I link a savings account at another bank to my checking account?

Yes. The process is the same whether the account you're linking is a checking, savings, money market, or other type of account. You'll need the account number and routing number, and your bank will verify ownership the same way.

What if I enter the wrong account number?

If you enter an incorrect account number, the verification will fail or the deposits will go to the wrong account. If deposits go to someone else's account, contact your bank when ready—they can usually retrieve the funds. Always double-check the account number and routing number before confirming the link.

Do I need permission from the other bank to link my account there?

No. You don't need to contact the other bank. The linking process is between you and your primary bank. However, if you're linking an account you don't own, the other bank may block the verification or flag the account for security reasons.

Can I link more than one account from the same bank?

Yes. Most banks let you link multiple external accounts, whether they're at the same institution or different ones. There's usually no limit, though some banks may have policies about how many you can link at once.

What happens if I close the account I linked?

If you close the account at the other bank, the link will become inactive. Your primary bank will usually notify you, or you'll see an error the next time you try to transfer. You can remove the inactive link from your account settings at any time.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.