The basic steps to transfer money from your bank to Venmo
To move money from your bank account into Venmo, you link your bank account to the Venmo app, then use the "Add Money" button to transfer funds. The money usually arrives within one to three business days, though some banks process it faster. You'll need your bank's routing number and your account number — both are on the bottom left of your checks, or you can find them by logging into your bank's website.
Venmo itself doesn't charge you a fee for bank transfers, but your bank might. Some banks charge a small fee (usually $1 to $3) when you move money to third-party apps. Check your bank's fee schedule or call them before you start, so you know what to expect.
Key Takeaways
- You need your bank's routing number and your account number to link your bank to Venmo — both appear on the bottom of your checks.
- Transfers from your bank to Venmo take one to three business days and are free from Venmo's side, though your bank may charge a small fee.
- Once your bank account is linked, you use the "Add Money" button in the Venmo app to start a transfer.
- If you want money faster, Venmo also lets you link a debit card, which transfers money when ready but may charge a small percentage fee.
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." Tap "Add Bank Account." Venmo will ask for your bank's name — type it in and select it from the list that appears.
Next, Venmo will ask for your online banking username and password. Enter them, and Venmo will log into your bank on your behalf to verify your account. This is safe — Venmo doesn't store your password. Once verified, your bank account shows up in your Payment Methods list.
If your bank isn't on Venmo's list, or if you don't want to give Venmo your online banking password, you can add your account manually. Select "Add Bank Account Manually" and enter your routing number and account number. Venmo will then send two small deposits (usually under $1 each) to your bank account. Once those deposits arrive, you go back into Venmo and confirm the amounts to prove you own the account.
The difference between bank transfers and debit card transfers
A bank transfer pulls money directly from your checking or savings account. It's free from Venmo and takes one to three business days. Use this method if you're not in a hurry and want to avoid fees.
A debit card transfer pulls money from your debit card instead. It's when ready — the money appears in your Venmo balance right away — but Venmo charges a small percentage fee, usually around 1.75% to 2%. So if you transfer $100, you'll pay roughly $1.75 to $2. Use this only when you need the money when ready.
You can link both a bank account and a debit card to the same Venmo account. When you tap "Add Money," Venmo will show you both options and let you choose which one to use for that transfer.
What happens after the money arrives in Venmo
Once the transfer completes, the money sits in your Venmo balance. You can now send it to other Venmo users, or you can leave it there until you need it. Venmo doesn't pay interest on the balance, so there's no advantage to keeping money in Venmo long-term.
If you want to move the money back out to your bank account, you can transfer it back the same way — tap the menu, go to "Transfer to Bank," and select the bank account you linked. That transfer also takes one to three business days and is free.
Troubleshooting a failed or slow transfer
If your transfer doesn't go through, the most common reason is that your bank account information is wrong. Double-check your routing number and account number — even one digit off will cause the transfer to fail. Your bank can confirm both numbers if you're unsure.
If the transfer went through but hasn't arrived after three business days, contact Venmo support through the app. Tap the menu, select "Help," then "Contact Us." Describe what happened and include the date you initiated the transfer. Venmo can usually track it down. In rare cases, the money gets stuck in your bank's system instead of Venmo's — if that happens, your bank can locate it and push it through.
If you see a pending transfer that you want to cancel, act quickly. You can cancel a pending transfer within a few hours of starting it. After that, the money is usually in transit and can't be stopped. Once it arrives in your Venmo balance, you can transfer it back to your bank if you change your mind.
Why your bank might decline the transfer
Some banks block transfers to Venmo and other payment apps as a fraud prevention measure. If your transfer is rejected, your bank may have flagged Venmo as a risky destination. Call your bank's customer service number on the back of your card and ask them to allow transfers to Venmo. They may ask you a few security questions, then remove the block.
Older accounts or accounts with limited history sometimes face blocks too. If you're new to the bank or haven't used online transfers before, the bank may be cautious. Calling to confirm the transfer is legitimate usually resolves this in minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer money to Venmo from someone else's bank account?
No. Venmo only accepts transfers from bank accounts in your own name. If you want to add money using someone else's account, they would need to transfer it to their own Venmo account first, then send it to you as a payment.
Is it safe to give Venmo my bank password?
Yes. When you log into your bank through Venmo, Venmo doesn't store your password. It uses a find connection to verify your account and then discards the password. Your bank account information stays between you and your bank.
How long does a bank transfer to Venmo take?
Usually one to three business days. Weekends and bank holidays don't count as business days, so a transfer started on Friday might not arrive until Tuesday. Some banks process transfers faster — check with yours if you need to know their specific timeline.
What's the maximum amount I can transfer to Venmo?
Venmo's limits vary based on how long you've had your account and how much you've transferred before. New accounts usually have lower limits, which increase over time. Check your limit by going to Settings and looking at your Payment Methods — Venmo shows your current limit there.
Can I transfer money to Venmo using a savings account instead of checking?
Yes. Venmo accepts transfers from both checking and savings accounts. When you link your bank account, you can choose which type of account to use. Some people link both and switch between them depending on where their money is.