You can link a savings account to Cash App, but only as a way to move money in and out—not to earn interest or use savings features through the app itself.
Cash App lets you connect an external savings account from any U.S. bank so you can transfer money between that account and your Cash App balance. The connection works in both directions: you can move money from your savings account into Cash App to send to someone else, or move money from Cash App back into savings. However, Cash App itself does not hold your savings or offer interest-bearing accounts. It is a spending and transfer tool, not a savings platform.
The process takes a few minutes and requires your bank account number and routing number. Cash App will verify the account by depositing two small amounts (usually under $1 each) into your savings account, which you then confirm in the app to prove you own it.
Key Takeaways
- You link a savings account to Cash App by entering your bank account and routing number, then confirming two small test deposits Cash App sends to that account.
- Once linked, you can transfer money from your savings account into Cash App and back out again, but Cash App does not hold the money as savings or pay interest.
- The verification process usually takes one to three business days, and transfers between your linked account and Cash App typically complete within one to three business days.
- You can link only one savings account at a time, though you can unlink it and connect a different one whenever you need to.
Steps to Link Your Savings Account
Open Cash App and tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner. Select "Linked Bank Accounts" or "Bank Accounts" (the exact wording varies by app version). Tap the plus sign or "Add Bank Account" button.
Enter your bank account number and routing number. You can find both on a check, or call your bank's customer service line to ask. Cash App will then send two small deposits to your savings account—usually between $0.01 and $0.99 each. These deposits arrive within one to three business days.
Once the deposits land in your savings account, return to Cash App and enter the exact amounts of both deposits. Cash App verifies these amounts to confirm you own the account. After confirmation, your savings account is linked and ready to use.
How to Transfer Money Between Accounts
To move money from your savings account into Cash App, tap the balance or the dollar sign icon, then select "Add Cash." Choose the amount and confirm. The money pulls from your linked savings account and appears in your Cash App balance within one to three business days, though some banks process faster.
To send money back to your savings account, tap the balance, select "Cash Out," and choose "Transfer to Bank." Pick the amount and confirm. The money leaves your Cash App balance and returns to your savings account on the next business day or within three business days, depending on your bank.
Cash App charges no fee to link an account or to transfer money between your Cash App balance and a linked savings account. However, if you use a debit card to add cash to Cash App instead of linking a savings account, Cash App charges a small fee (usually 1.5% of the amount).
What Happens If Verification Fails
If the two test deposits do not arrive within three business days, your bank may have blocked them or Cash App may not have the correct routing number. Check your bank's website or call customer service to confirm the routing number is correct, then try linking again.
If you enter the deposit amounts incorrectly three times, Cash App will lock you out of that linking attempt. You can unlink the account and start over, or wait 24 hours and try again with the same account.
Some banks flag small deposits as suspicious and hold them temporarily. If this happens, contact your bank and ask them to release the deposits, then confirm the amounts in Cash App.
Unlinking or Changing Your Savings Account
To unlink your current savings account, go to your profile, select "Linked Bank Accounts," find the account, and tap "Remove" or the trash icon. The account disconnects when ready, and any pending transfers will fail.
You can link a different savings account right away by following the same steps as the initial link. Cash App will send new test deposits to the new account. You cannot link multiple savings accounts at the same time—only one active link per Cash App account.
Security and What Cash App Needs From You
Cash App only needs your account number and routing number to link a savings account. It does not need your PIN, password, or online banking login. Never enter those into Cash App, and be cautious of anyone asking you to share them.
Once linked, Cash App can only pull money out of your savings account when you initiate a transfer. The link does not give Cash App standing permission to withdraw money on its own. If your Cash App account is hacked, the attacker can transfer money from your linked savings account into the Cash App balance and then send it elsewhere, so keep your Cash App password strong and enable two-factor authentication if available.
When Linking a Savings Account Makes Sense
Linking a savings account is useful if you want to fund Cash App transfers without keeping a large balance in the app itself. You can keep most of your money in savings (where it may earn interest, depending on your bank) and pull only what you need into Cash App when you are about to send it.
It is less useful if you are trying to earn interest on money you hold in Cash App—Cash App does not offer that. If you want your money to earn interest, keep it in your savings account and transfer it to Cash App only when you need to spend or send it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to link a savings account to Cash App?
The entire process usually takes three to five business days. The two test deposits take one to three days to arrive, and once you confirm them, the link activates when ready. Some banks process faster, so you might see deposits within 24 hours.
Can I link a savings account from a credit union instead of a bank?
Yes. As long as your credit union has a routing number and you have a checking or savings account there, you can link it to Cash App the same way. Enter your account number and routing number, confirm the test deposits, and you are done.
What if I accidentally enter the wrong routing number?
The test deposits will go to the wrong account or fail to process. Cash App will not let you confirm the link. Unlink the account, double-check your routing number with your bank, and try again. You can attempt to link as many times as you need.
Can someone else link their savings account to my Cash App?
No. Cash App requires whoever is linking the account to confirm the test deposits, which means they need access to that savings account. You cannot link someone else's account without their knowledge and cooperation.
Does Cash App report transfers to my savings account to the IRS?
Transfers between your own Cash App account and your own savings account are not reported. However, if someone sends you money through Cash App and you transfer it to your savings account, Cash App may report the transaction to the IRS if it exceeds certain thresholds. This is a tax reporting requirement, not a Cash App policy.