You don't need a checking account to create a GoFundMe, but you will need one to receive the money

GoFundMe lets you set up a campaign without a bank account — the platform doesn't check your banking status when you create one. However, when people donate and the money collects, GoFundMe has to send it somewhere. That somewhere is a bank account in your name. If you don't have one, you'll have to open one before you can withdraw or use the funds.

The timing matters. You can start your campaign when ready, but you should open a checking account before you launch it publicly or tell people about it. That way, when donations come in, you're ready to receive them without delay. If you wait until after people have donated, the money sits in GoFundMe's system while you scramble to open an account — and donors may lose confidence if they see their money isn't moving.

Key Takeaways

  • GoFundMe does not require a checking account to create a campaign, but you must have one to withdraw money that people donate.
  • Opening a checking account before you launch your campaign prevents delays and shows donors that you're organized and ready to use their contributions.
  • You can open a checking account at a traditional bank, credit union, or online bank, and most have no minimum balance requirement for basic accounts.
  • GoFundMe will ask for your bank routing number and account number when you set up payouts, so have those details ready once donations arrive.
  • If you don't have an ID or Social Security number, some banks and credit unions offer accounts for people new to the formal banking system.

What GoFundMe needs from you to send money

When your campaign receives donations, GoFundMe transfers the funds to your bank account using your routing number and account number. These are the nine-digit code and the unique identifier that tell the banking system exactly which account is yours. GoFundMe asks for these details in your account settings under "Payouts" or "Withdrawals" — the exact name varies depending on when your account was created.

You provide this information once, and GoFundMe deposits money automatically on a schedule (usually weekly or every few days, depending on your account type). You don't have to do anything each time a donation arrives. The bank handles the deposit on its end, and you see the money appear in your account.

If you try to withdraw funds before you've linked a bank account, GoFundMe will stop you and ask you to add one. At that point, you have to pause your campaign, open an account, wait for it to be set up, and then come back to complete the withdrawal. This is why opening the account first is simpler.

Which type of checking account works with GoFundMe

GoFundMe works with any U.S. checking account — traditional banks, credit unions, and online banks all work the same way. The platform doesn't care which bank you choose. What matters is that the account is in your name, that you have the routing and account numbers, and that the account is active.

If you're new to banking, a basic checking account is all you need. You don't need overdraft protection, savings features, or anything fancy. Many banks offer accounts with no monthly fee and no minimum balance, especially if you set up direct deposit (which GoFundMe deposits count as). Online banks like Chime, Ally, or Capital One 360 often have the simplest setup and lowest barriers to entry.

If you don't have an ID or Social Security number, some credit unions and community banks have accounts designed for people new to the formal banking system. You may need to bring additional documents — like a passport, an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), or a letter from a community organization — but these accounts exist and work with GoFundMe just like any other.

Opening a checking account before your campaign goes live

The process takes one to three business days if you open online, or a few minutes if you go in person at a branch. You'll need a form of ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security number or ITIN, and a small deposit to open the account — often $0 to $25, depending on the bank.

Once the account is open, write down your routing number and account number. You'll find these on the bottom left of your checks, or you can ask the bank or log into your online account to see them. Keep these numbers somewhere safe — you'll enter them into GoFundMe when you're ready to set up payouts.

If you open the account online, it may take a day or two for the account to be fully active before you can use it. Some banks send a debit card in the mail, which takes longer. For GoFundMe purposes, you don't need the debit card — you just need the account to exist and the routing and account numbers to be available.

What happens if you don't have a checking account yet

If your campaign is already live and receiving donations, but you don't have a checking account, the money doesn't disappear. GoFundMe holds it in your campaign until you link a bank account. You can take your time opening one — there's no important date — but donors may wonder why their money isn't being used, and you can't access the funds to help with whatever the campaign is for.

Some people in this situation open a temporary account just to receive the GoFundMe transfer, then move the money to a different account later. That works, but it's an extra step. It's easier to open the account you actually want to use before you launch the campaign.

If you're fundraising for someone else

If you're running a GoFundMe for another person — a family member, a friend, or someone in your community — the account still has to be in your name, not theirs. GoFundMe requires the person who created the campaign to be the one who receives the money. You can then transfer it to the other person using your own bank's transfer tools, or withdraw it as cash and give it to them.

This is important to know upfront because it affects how you set up the campaign and how you explain it to donors. Be clear in your campaign description that you're collecting on behalf of someone else, and explain how the money will reach them. Donors want to know their contribution is going where they think it is.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a savings account instead of a checking account?

GoFundMe technically works with savings accounts, but checking accounts are simpler because they're designed for regular deposits and withdrawals. If you only have a savings account, you can link it, but you may face limits on how many times per month you can withdraw. A checking account avoids this problem.

What if I don't have a Social Security number?

You can open a checking account with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Some banks and credit unions specialize in accounts for people without a Social Security number. Bring your ITIN, a passport or other government ID, and proof of address (like a utility bill or lease). Call ahead to confirm the bank offers ITIN accounts.

How long does it take for donations to show up in my bank account?

GoFundMe usually deposits funds every few days to a week, depending on your account type and the payment method donors used. Once GoFundMe initiates the deposit, it typically takes one to two business days for your bank to process it and show it in your account. You'll see a pending deposit before the money fully clears.

Do I need to tell GoFundMe my bank information before I launch the campaign?

No — you can create the campaign and share it without linking a bank account. But you should have the account open and the information ready before donations start arriving. You can add your bank details to GoFundMe at any time, even after the campaign is live.

What if I want to change banks after I've set up GoFundMe payouts?

You can update your bank information in your GoFundMe account settings at any time. Future deposits will go to the new account. Any money that was already deposited to your old account stays there — you'll need to transfer it yourself if you want to move it to the new bank.