Yes, you can link Cash App to your bank account in a few minutes
Cash App lets you connect a checking or savings account so you can move money in and out. Once linked, you can transfer money from your bank into Cash App, or send Cash App balance back to your bank. The connection is encrypted, meaning your account information is scrambled so only Cash App and your bank can read it.
You will need your bank's routing number and your account number to complete the link. Both appear on the bottom left of any check you have, or you can call your bank's customer service line and ask for them. The whole process takes about five minutes.
Key Takeaways
- You need your bank's routing number and your account number to link Cash App to your bank account.
- Cash App transfers to your bank usually take one to three business days, though some banks offer next-day transfers for a small fee.
- You can link a checking account or savings account, but not a money market account or credit card.
- Once linked, you can set up direct deposit so your employer or benefits payments go straight into Cash App.
What information you need before you start
Gather these details before you open Cash App. You will need your bank's routing number — a nine-digit code that identifies your specific bank branch — and your account number, which is unique to your account. Both appear on the bottom left of any check, printed in order: routing number first, then account number.
If you do not have checks, call your bank's customer service number (on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website) and ask for both numbers. Have your account number or debit card ready when you call. The bank will give you the numbers over the phone in about a minute.
You will also need the login information for your Cash App account — your phone number or email and your password. If you do not have a Cash App account yet, you can create one free through the Cash App mobile app or website using your phone number or email.
The step-by-step process to link your account
Open the Cash App on your phone and tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner. Scroll down and tap "Linked Bank Accounts." Tap the plus sign to add a new account.
Enter your bank's routing number and your account number in the fields that appear. Cash App will ask you to confirm the account type — checking or savings — so select the one that matches your account. Tap "Confirm" when you have entered both numbers correctly.
Cash App will send two small test deposits to your bank account, usually within one business day. These deposits are typically less than one dollar each and have a code in the description. Once you see them in your bank account, return to Cash App and enter those two amounts to verify ownership. After you confirm the amounts, your bank account is fully linked.
How long transfers take and what they cost
Transfers from Cash App to your bank account normally take one to three business days. This is called a standard transfer. Cash App does not charge a fee for standard transfers, but your bank may charge a small fee depending on your account type — check your bank's fee schedule or call to ask.
Cash App also offers when ready transfers to your debit card, which arrive within minutes. when ready transfers cost between 50 cents and $2 depending on the amount you are sending, and the fee is deducted from the money you transfer. You can only use when ready transfer if you have linked a debit card, not just a bank account.
Transfers from your bank into Cash App (called direct deposit or bank transfer in) also take one to three business days and have no fee. Some employers and government agencies let you set up direct deposit straight to Cash App, which means your paycheck or benefits payment goes directly into your Cash App balance instead of your bank account.
What you can and cannot link
Cash App accepts checking accounts and savings accounts from most U.S. banks, credit unions, and online banks. You cannot link a money market account, a certificate of deposit (CD), or a credit card to Cash App. If your bank is very small or very new, Cash App may not recognize it — in that case, you can try entering your information manually, but the verification process may fail.
You can link multiple bank accounts to the same Cash App account. This is useful if you have accounts at different banks or want to keep personal and business money separate. To add another account, follow the same steps: tap "Linked Bank Accounts," tap the plus sign, and enter the new routing and account numbers.
What to do if the link fails
If Cash App rejects your routing number or account number, double-check both numbers against a check or your bank statement. A single digit wrong will cause the link to fail. If the numbers are correct, your bank may not be in Cash App's system yet — this happens occasionally with very new banks or credit unions.
Call your bank's customer service line and confirm that your account is set up to receive ACH transfers, which is the standard electronic transfer method Cash App uses. Some accounts, particularly business accounts or accounts flagged for fraud concerns, may have ACH transfers blocked. If your bank has blocked them, ask the bank to turn them back on.
If you still cannot link after checking the numbers and confirming ACH is enabled, contact Cash App support through the app. Tap the profile icon, scroll to the bottom, and tap "Support." Describe the error message you are seeing, and Cash App's support team can investigate whether your bank is having a technical issue with their system.
Security and what happens to your information
When you link a bank account, Cash App encrypts your routing number and account number so they cannot be read in transit. However, you are trusting Cash App to store this information securely on their servers. Cash App is owned by Block, Inc., a publicly traded company that is regulated by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) and state money transmitter regulators.
You should use a strong, unique password for your Cash App account — one you do not use anywhere else. Enable two-factor authentication (also called 2FA) by going to your profile, tapping "Security," and turning on "Security Key" or "Text Message Code." This means anyone trying to log in to your account will need both your password and a code sent to your phone.
Never share your routing number, account number, or Cash App password with anyone, even if they say they are from Cash App or your bank. Cash App employees will never ask for your password. If someone contacts you claiming to be from Cash App and asking for account details, it is a scam — hang up or delete the message and report it to Cash App support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I link a credit card to Cash App instead of a bank account?
No, Cash App only accepts bank accounts — checking, savings, or money market accounts. You cannot link a credit card, debit card, or prepaid card as your primary funding source. You can add a debit card separately for when ready transfers, but that is different from linking a bank account.
What if my bank is not showing up when I try to link?
Some smaller banks and credit unions are not in Cash App's system. Try entering your routing number and account number manually instead of searching for your bank by name. If that does not work, contact your bank and ask if they support ACH transfers — if they do not, you cannot link to Cash App.
Do I have to verify with the two test deposits?
Yes, Cash App requires you to confirm the two small deposits before your account is fully linked. This is a security step to prove you own the bank account. Once you enter the amounts, the verification is complete and you can transfer money when ready.
Can someone else link my bank account to their Cash App?
No, Cash App requires verification of the account through the two test deposits, so the account owner must complete the link. If someone tries to link your account without your permission, the deposits will go to your bank account and you will see them. Report this to Cash App support when ready if it happens.
What happens if I unlink my bank account?
Unlinking removes the connection between Cash App and your bank, but it does not affect any money already in your Cash App balance or any transfers already in progress. You can relink the same account anytime by following the same steps, though you will need to verify with the test deposits again.