How to Move Money From E*TRADE to Your Checking Account

The fastest way is E*TRADE's electronic transfer to a linked bank account, which usually takes one to three business days

E*TRADE lets you move cash from your brokerage account to a checking account at another bank through their online platform. You link your checking account once, then initiate transfers whenever you need them. The money arrives in your checking account within one to three business days, depending on your bank's processing speed.

You can also request a check by mail, which takes seven to ten business days, or use an ACH transfer if you prefer to push money from your checking account instead of pulling it from E*TRADE. The electronic transfer method is the most common because it's the fastest and requires no paperwork.

Key Takeaways

Link your checking account to E*TRADE once through their account settings, and you can transfer money whenever you need it without re-entering bank details.
Electronic transfers from E*TRADE to a linked checking account take one to three business days and have no fee on E*TRADE's side.
Your checking account bank may charge a fee for receiving an ACH transfer, so check your account terms before you transfer.
If you need the money faster than three business days, request a check by mail or call E*TRADE to ask about same-day options for large transfers.

How to link your checking account to E*TRADE

Log into your E*TRADE account online or through the mobile app. Go to Accounts, then Transfer Funds, and select Link Bank Account. Enter your checking account number, routing number, and the bank name. E*TRADE will send two small deposits (usually under $1 each) to your checking account within one to two business days.

Once those deposits arrive, go back to E*TRADE and confirm the amounts. This verification step proves you own the checking account and prevents someone else from linking an account in your name. After confirmation, your checking account is linked and you can transfer money when ready.

Starting an electronic transfer from E*TRADE

In your E*TRADE account, go to Accounts and select Transfer Funds. Choose Transfer to Bank, then select your linked checking account from the dropdown. Enter the amount you want to move and confirm the transfer date. E*TRADE processes the request the same business day if you submit it before their cutoff time (usually 4 p.m. Eastern), or the next business day if you submit it after.

The money leaves your E*TRADE account when ready, but it takes one to three business days to appear in your checking account. The delay depends on how quickly your bank processes incoming ACH transfers. You can check the status of your transfer in E*TRADE under Transfer History.

What happens if your transfer is delayed or rejected

A transfer can be delayed if your bank is processing it slowly, if a holiday falls during the transfer window, or if E*TRADE's systems are down for maintenance. Check your E*TRADE transfer history first to confirm E*TRADE sent the money. If E*TRADE shows the transfer as complete, contact your checking account bank to ask where the money is.

A transfer can be rejected if the account number or routing number is wrong, if the account has been closed, or if your bank flags the transfer as suspicious. E*TRADE will notify you if a transfer fails and will return the money to your E*TRADE account. Correct the account information and try again, or call E*TRADE customer service at 1-800-387-2331 to troubleshoot.

Requesting a check instead of an electronic transfer

If you prefer a physical check, go to Accounts and Transfer Funds, then select Request Check. Enter the amount and confirm. E*TRADE will mail the check to the address on file, which takes seven to ten business days. You then deposit the check into your checking account, which adds another one to three business days depending on your bank's mobile deposit or in-person processing time.

Use this method only if you need a paper record or if your checking account bank will not accept ACH transfers. For most people, electronic transfer is faster and more reliable.

Pushing money from your checking account using ACH

Instead of pulling money from E*TRADE, you can push money from your checking account to E*TRADE using ACH. Log into your checking account's online banking, go to Transfer Funds or Bill Pay, and add E*TRADE as a payee. Enter E*TRADE's ACH routing number (varies by region; your bank will provide it or you can find it on E*TRADE's website under Bank Transfer Information) and your E*TRADE account number.

This method works if you want to move money into E*TRADE rather than out of it, or if you prefer to initiate transfers from your checking account. The timeline is the same: one to three business days. Your checking account bank may charge a fee for outgoing ACH transfers, so check your account agreement first.

Fees and limits on E*TRADE transfers

E*TRADE does not charge a fee to transfer money out of your brokerage account to a linked checking account. However, your checking account bank may charge a fee for receiving an ACH transfer, depending on your account type and bank. Check your bank's fee schedule or account terms before you transfer.

E*TRADE does not publish a daily or monthly limit on how much you can transfer, but your checking account bank may have limits on how much you can receive in a single day or rolling period. If you need to move a very large amount, call E*TRADE at 1-800-387-2331 to ask whether they can process it as a single transfer or whether you need to split it across multiple days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer money from E*TRADE on weekends or holidays?

You can request a transfer on weekends or holidays through E*TRADE's website or app, but E*TRADE will not process it until the next business day. The one-to-three-business-day timeline starts from the day E*TRADE actually processes the request, not from the day you submit it. Plan ahead if you need the money by a specific date.

What if I don't know my checking account's routing number?

Call your checking account bank or log into your bank's website and look for Account Details or Routing Number. The routing number is usually nine digits. You can also find it at the bottom left of a check you have written. Do not guess or use a number from the internet; entering the wrong routing number will cause the transfer to fail or go to the wrong account.

Can I transfer money from E*TRADE to a savings account instead of checking?

Yes. The process is the same: link your savings account in E*TRADE's transfer settings and initiate a transfer to that account. The timeline and fees are identical. Make sure you enter the correct account number for your savings account, or the money will go to the wrong place.

What if I need the money faster than three business days?

Call E*TRADE customer service at 1-800-387-2331 and ask about same-day or next-day transfer options. E*TRADE may offer expedited transfers for large amounts or in certain situations, though this may come with a fee. A check request is not faster, so electronic transfer is your best option for speed.

Can I cancel a transfer after I've submitted it?

If you cancel before E*TRADE processes the transfer, the money stays in your E*TRADE account. If E*TRADE has already sent the money to your bank, you cannot cancel it through E*TRADE. Contact your checking account bank when ready and ask them to reverse the incoming ACH transfer. Your bank may or may not be able to do this depending on how far the transfer has progressed.

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.