The fastest way to transfer money from Credit Karma Savings
Credit Karma Savings is held at Sutton Bank, and you can move money out through a few routes: a linked external bank account (the most common), a wire transfer, or an ACH transfer initiated from your own bank. The linked account method is free and usually takes one to three business days. If you need the money faster or your bank isn't set up to link, a wire transfer costs money but arrives the same day or next business day.
You'll need your Credit Karma login and either the routing and account number of the bank you're sending to, or the ability to log into that bank and initiate a pull from there instead. The second option—having your own bank pull the money—often clears faster because your bank controls the timeline.
Key Takeaways
- Linking an external bank account to Credit Karma Savings is free and takes one to three business days, making it the cheapest option for most transfers.
- Wire transfers from Credit Karma Savings cost money (the amount varies) but arrive same-day or next-business-day if submitted before the cutoff time.
- You can also have your own bank initiate an ACH pull from Credit Karma Savings using Sutton Bank's routing number, which sometimes clears faster than pushing from Credit Karma.
- Credit Karma Savings does not charge fees for incoming or outgoing transfers, but your receiving bank may charge a fee for incoming wire transfers.
- Transfers submitted after business hours or on weekends are processed the next business day.
Linking a bank account and pushing money out
To transfer money using a linked account, log into Credit Karma Savings on the mobile app or website. Go to the transfer or withdrawal section (the exact name varies by app version). Select "Add external account" or "Link bank account" and enter your bank's routing number and your account number. Credit Karma will verify the account by depositing two small amounts into it, usually within one to two business days.
Once verified, you can initiate a transfer from Credit Karma to that account. Enter the amount and confirm. The money leaves your Credit Karma account when ready, but it takes one to three business days to land in your linked bank account. This delay is normal and happens because the transfer goes through the ACH network, which batches payments and processes them on a set schedule.
If you're linking an account for the first time, plan for the verification step to take a few days before you can actually move money. You'll see the two test deposits in your bank account and may need to confirm the amounts in the Credit Karma app to complete the link.
Wire transfers for same-day or next-day delivery
If you need money faster than the ACH timeline allows, you can request a wire transfer. Log into Credit Karma Savings, find the wire transfer option, and enter the receiving bank's name, routing number, and your account number at that bank. You'll also need the receiving bank's address. Credit Karma will show you the wire fee before you confirm—this fee is deducted from the amount you're sending.
Wire transfers submitted before your bank's cutoff time (usually 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. Eastern) arrive the same business day. Requests after the cutoff are processed the next business day. Weekends and federal holidays delay processing to the next business day. The receiving bank may also charge a fee for incoming wires, so check with them first if the amount matters.
Wires are final once sent—you cannot cancel or reverse them. Double-check the routing number and account number before confirming, because sending money to the wrong account is difficult and sometimes impossible to recover.
Pulling money from your own bank instead
Instead of pushing money from Credit Karma, you can have your own bank pull it. Log into your bank's website or app and look for an option to transfer from an external account or add a payee. You'll need Sutton Bank's routing number (which Credit Karma provides in the app or on their website) and your Credit Karma Savings account number. Enter those details and set up the transfer.
This method works well because your bank controls when the money moves, and many banks process ACH pulls faster than ACH pushes. The transfer usually clears within one to two business days. This is also useful if you've had trouble linking your account through Credit Karma's interface—your bank's linking process is sometimes more reliable.
What happens if the transfer fails or takes longer than expected
If a transfer doesn't arrive within the stated timeframe, first check that you entered the correct routing and account numbers. A single digit wrong will send the money to the wrong account, and recovery is slow and uncertain. Contact your receiving bank to confirm they have no record of the transfer.
If the receiving bank has no record, contact Credit Karma Savings support with the transfer confirmation number (you'll have this from your transfer history). They can trace the transfer through the ACH or wire network. This process takes several business days. If the money was sent to the wrong account, Credit Karma can file a recall request, but the receiving bank is not required to honor it if the account holder has already withdrawn the funds.
For wire transfers, the process is faster but the outcome is the same: if the routing or account number was wrong, recovery is difficult. This is why wire transfers require you to double-check before confirming.
Fees and limits on Credit Karma Savings transfers
Credit Karma Savings does not charge you a fee for ACH transfers in either direction—into or out of the account. Wire transfers have a fee, which Credit Karma discloses before you confirm the transfer. The amount varies but is typically in the $15 to $25 range. Your receiving bank may also charge a fee for incoming wires, usually $10 to $15.
There is no daily or monthly limit on how much you can transfer out of Credit Karma Savings. You can move your entire balance if you want. The only constraint is the amount in your account—you cannot transfer more than you have.
If you're moving a very large amount, consider splitting it into multiple ACH transfers to avoid triggering fraud alerts at your receiving bank. Banks sometimes flag large incoming transfers as suspicious, which can delay the deposit or cause it to be rejected. Calling your receiving bank ahead of time to let them know a large transfer is coming can prevent this.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer money from Credit Karma Savings to a credit card?
No. Credit Karma Savings can only transfer to checking or savings accounts. You cannot send money directly to a credit card. If you need to pay a credit card, transfer the money to your checking account first, then use that account to pay the card through your credit card's payment portal.
What if I don't know my receiving bank's routing number?
Your bank's routing number is usually printed on the bottom left of your checks. You can also find it by logging into your bank's website or app—most banks display it in the account details section. You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask for the routing number.
How long does it take to verify a linked account?
Credit Karma deposits two small amounts (usually under $1 each) into your linked account within one to two business days. Once you see them, you'll confirm the amounts in the Credit Karma app, and the account is verified. After that, transfers take one to three business days.
Can I transfer money from Credit Karma Savings to another savings account at a different bank?
Yes. The transfer process is the same whether you're sending to a checking or savings account. You'll need the routing number and account number of the receiving savings account. The timeline and fees are identical.
What time of day should I submit a wire transfer to make sure it goes out the same day?
Submit wire transfer requests before your bank's cutoff time, which is usually 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. Eastern time on business days. Check Credit Karma's website or app for the exact cutoff, as it may vary. Requests submitted after the cutoff are processed the next business day.