Yes, you can transfer money from Apple Pay to your bank account, but the method depends on where the money came from
If someone sent you money through Apple Pay, you can move it to your bank account. If you loaded your own money into Apple Pay to spend, that money stays in Apple Pay until you use it — you cannot pull it back out. The difference matters because the steps are completely different.
Apple Pay itself is not a bank account. It is a digital wallet that holds payment information and, in some cases, actual money. When someone sends you cash through Apple Pay, that money lands in a separate holding space called Apple Cash. That is the only money you can transfer out to a bank account.
Key Takeaways
- Money sent to you by another person through Apple Pay goes into Apple Cash, which you can transfer to your bank account in one to three business days.
- Money you loaded into Apple Pay yourself to make purchases cannot be transferred back out — you can only spend it.
- To transfer Apple Cash to your bank account, you need your bank's routing number and account number, which you can find on a check or by calling your bank.
- Apple Cash transfers are free and happen through your Wallet app on your iPhone or iPad, not through your bank's website.
- If your bank account is not linked to Apple Pay yet, you will need to add it first before you can transfer money out.
How to transfer Apple Cash to your bank account
Open the Wallet app on your iPhone or iPad. Tap the Apple Cash card (it usually shows your name and a balance). Tap the three dots in the upper right corner, then tap "Transfer to Bank." Choose how much you want to transfer — you can move the full balance or a partial amount. Tap "Next."
The app will ask you to confirm your bank account information. If you have already linked a bank account to Apple Pay, it will show that account as an option. If not, you will need to enter your bank's routing number and your account number. You can find both on a check from your account, or call your bank and ask for them.
After you confirm the amount and account, Apple will show you an estimated arrival date. Most transfers land in one to three business days. You will see the transfer in your Wallet app as "pending" until it completes. Once it arrives at your bank, it will show up in your bank account like any other deposit.
What you need before you can transfer
You need a bank account in your own name, linked to your Apple ID. The account can be a checking account, savings account, or money market account — most banks work with Apple Pay. You cannot transfer Apple Cash to someone else's bank account.
You also need your bank's routing number and your account number. If you have a checkbook, both numbers are printed on the bottom left of any check. The routing number is the first nine digits, and your account number follows. If you do not have checks, call your bank's customer service line and ask for both numbers — they can give them to you in seconds.
Your Apple ID must be set up with two-factor authentication turned on. This is a security step that most people have already completed, but if you have not, you will need to do that first. Go to Settings, tap your name at the top, then tap "Password & Security" to check.
How long transfers take and what to expect
Apple says transfers take one to three business days. This means weekdays only — transfers sent on a Friday afternoon might not arrive until Tuesday. Weekends and bank holidays do not count as business days.
While the transfer is pending, the money stays in your Apple Cash balance. You cannot spend it or transfer it again until the first transfer completes. Once it arrives at your bank, you can use it like any other money in that account.
If a transfer does not arrive within three business days, contact Apple Support through the Wallet app. They can look up the transfer and tell you where it is. In rare cases, a transfer can fail if your bank account information was entered incorrectly or if your bank rejected it for a technical reason.
The difference between Apple Cash and money you loaded yourself
Apple Cash is money that other people sent to you, or money you added to Apple Cash specifically to hold it there. This is the only money you can transfer back to your bank account.
When you use Apple Pay to make a purchase — like paying at a store or online — that money comes directly from your linked bank account or credit card. It never sits in Apple Pay. You cannot transfer it back because it was never stored there in the first place. The transaction is complete the moment you pay.
This is why some people get confused: Apple Pay feels like a place where money lives, but for most transactions, it is just a faster way to send money from your bank or card to a merchant. Apple Cash is the actual storage space, and it only fills up when someone sends you money or when you deliberately add funds to it.
What happens if your bank account information changes
If you close the bank account where you received Apple Cash transfers, you will need to add a new account before you can transfer money again. Go to Wallet, tap your Apple Cash card, tap the three dots, then "Transfer to Bank." You can select a different linked account or add a new one.
If you try to transfer to a closed account, the transfer will fail and the money will return to your Apple Cash balance. Apple will notify you through the Wallet app that the transfer did not go through. You can then try again with a different account.
If you move to a different bank, you do not need to do anything special. Just make sure your new bank account is linked to your Apple ID before you transfer. You can link multiple bank accounts to Apple Pay, so you can keep old accounts linked even after you stop using them.
Fees and limits
Apple does not charge a fee to transfer Apple Cash to your bank account. The transfer is free. Your bank also will not charge you — it is treated like a normal deposit.
There is no daily limit on how much you can transfer, but there are limits on how much Apple Cash you can hold at once. The maximum balance in Apple Cash is $20,000. If you receive money that would push you over that limit, the excess will not be added to your account, and the sender will be notified that the transfer failed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer Apple Cash to someone else's bank account?
No. You can only transfer Apple Cash to a bank account in your own name. If you want to send money to someone else, you can use Apple Pay to send them Apple Cash directly, or you can withdraw the cash at an ATM if your bank offers that option.
What if I enter the wrong bank account number?
The transfer will fail and the money will return to your Apple Cash balance. Apple will notify you through the Wallet app. Double-check your routing number and account number before you confirm the transfer — you can find both on a check or by calling your bank.
Can I cancel a transfer after I start it?
If the transfer is still pending, you can cancel it through the Wallet app. Tap your Apple Cash card, tap the three dots, then look for the pending transfer and select "Cancel." Once the transfer completes and the money arrives at your bank, you cannot cancel it — you would need to contact your bank instead.
Do I need to do anything on my bank's website to receive the transfer?
No. The transfer goes directly into your account like any other deposit. You do not need to log into your bank's website or do anything on their end. Just make sure your account information is correct before you transfer.
What if my bank is not showing up as an option to link?
Most banks work with Apple Pay, but a few smaller or regional banks do not. If your bank does not appear in the list, call your bank's customer service and ask if they support Apple Pay transfers. If they do not, you may need to transfer to a different account at a bank that does support it.