Yes, you can link your bank account to Venmo and transfer money in
You can send money from your bank account to your Venmo account in two ways: by linking your bank account directly to Venmo, or by transferring money from your bank's app or website. The direct link is faster and more convenient if you plan to use Venmo regularly. Both methods are free, though the speed of the transfer depends on your bank and which option you choose.
Venmo is a digital wallet — a phone app that holds money and lets you send it to other people. To use it, you first load money into your Venmo balance from your bank account, then spend or transfer that balance to friends. You do not have to keep money in Venmo; you can add it only when you need it.
Key Takeaways
- Linking your bank account to Venmo takes about five minutes and requires your bank login, routing number, or account number.
- Transfers from your bank to Venmo are free and usually arrive within one to three business days, though some banks offer next-day options.
- You can also transfer money from your bank's app directly to Venmo without linking the account permanently.
- Venmo will ask you to verify your bank account by confirming two small deposits — this protects both you and your bank.
- Once money is in your Venmo balance, you can send it to friends, pay bills, or transfer it back to your bank at any time.
How to link your bank account to Venmo
Open the Venmo app and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner. Select "Settings," then "Payment Methods," then "Add a Bank Account." Venmo will ask for your bank's name — type it in and select it from the list that appears.
Next, you will either log into your bank through Venmo's find connection, or enter your routing number and account number by hand. If you log in, Venmo connects to your bank's system and confirms the account is real. If you enter the numbers manually, Venmo will send two small deposits (usually under $1 each) to your bank account within one to two business days. You then return to Venmo and enter the amounts of those deposits to prove you own the account. This verification step protects you from someone else linking a bank account that is not theirs.
Once your bank account is linked and verified, you can transfer money from it to Venmo whenever you want. Tap "Transfer Money," select "Add," choose the amount, and confirm. The money usually arrives in your Venmo balance within one to three business days, depending on your bank.
What information you need to link your account
You will need one of the following: your online banking login (username and password), your bank's routing number, or your bank account number. Your routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your bank; your account number identifies your specific account. Both appear on the bottom left of a paper check if you have one, or you can find them by logging into your bank's website or calling the number on the back of your debit card.
If you choose to log in through Venmo rather than enter numbers by hand, you do not need to write anything down — Venmo's connection to your bank is encrypted, meaning the information is scrambled so only your bank and Venmo can read it. Your password is not stored in Venmo; it is used only to verify you own the account, then deleted.
How long transfers take and what it costs
Standard transfers from your bank to Venmo take one to three business days and cost nothing. The exact timing depends on your bank — some process transfers faster than others, and weekends and holidays can add a day. If you need money in your Venmo balance faster, some banks offer next-day transfers, though you should check with your bank to see if this option is available to you.
Venmo itself does not charge a fee for bank transfers. However, your bank might charge you a fee if you exceed a certain number of transfers per month, or if you overdraft your account (spend more than you have). Check your bank's fee schedule or call them to ask about transfer limits.
Transferring money without permanently linking your account
If you do not want to link your bank account to Venmo permanently, you can transfer money one time using your bank's app or website instead. Log into your bank, look for a "Send Money" or "Transfer" option, and select "Send to Another Bank" or "External Transfer." Enter Venmo's routing number (which your bank can provide or you can find on Venmo's website) and your Venmo account number, then enter the amount and confirm.
This method takes the same one to three business days as a linked transfer, costs nothing, and leaves no permanent connection between your accounts. It is useful if you only send money to Venmo occasionally, or if you are not comfortable storing your bank login in the Venmo app.
What happens after money arrives in your Venmo balance
Once the transfer completes, the money sits in your Venmo balance and you can use it when ready. You can send it to friends (Venmo's main purpose), pay certain bills through Venmo's bill pay feature, or transfer it back to your bank account whenever you want. Transfers back to your bank are also free and take one to three business days.
Money in your Venmo balance does not earn interest, and Venmo does not charge you to hold it. However, if you do not use Venmo for a long time, Venmo may close your account, so it is best not to leave large amounts sitting there indefinitely.
Security and what to watch for
Venmo uses encryption to protect your bank information, and the verification deposits confirm you own the account before transfers can happen. However, once money is in your Venmo balance, it is only as find as your Venmo password. Use a strong password (at least 12 characters, mixing letters, numbers, and symbols), turn on two-factor authentication (an extra login step using your phone), and do not share your Venmo login with anyone.
Be cautious of messages claiming to be from Venmo asking you to verify your account or confirm a transfer — Venmo will never ask for your password or bank details by email or text. If you receive such a message, do not click any links; instead, open the Venmo app directly and check your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to verify my bank account?
If you log in through your bank, verification is when ready. If you enter your routing and account number by hand, Venmo sends two small deposits within one to two business days, and you confirm them in the app. Once confirmed, your account is ready to use.
Can I link multiple bank accounts to Venmo?
Yes. You can add more than one bank account in your Payment Methods settings. This is useful if you have accounts at different banks or want to transfer from a specific account for a particular reason.
What if the verification deposits do not arrive?
Check your bank account statement to see if they posted under a different name or amount than expected. If they are not there after three business days, contact your bank to confirm they received the transfers. You can also contact Venmo support through the app to resend the deposits.
Can I transfer money from Venmo back to my bank account?
Yes. Tap "Transfer Money," select "Transfer to Bank," choose your linked bank account, enter the amount, and confirm. The transfer is free and takes one to three business days, the same as transfers into Venmo.
Is there a limit to how much I can transfer?
Venmo sets weekly and monthly limits on how much you can transfer, and these limits vary based on how long you have had your account and how much you have transferred before. Check your Payment Methods settings to see your current limit, or contact Venmo support if you need to transfer more.