Why you need a bank account linked to Venmo

Venmo holds money in a digital wallet, but that wallet is not a bank account — it is a holding space. To move money out of Venmo and into actual savings, or to fund Venmo payments from your real bank balance instead of a credit card, you need to connect a bank account. Without that link, you can receive money from friends but cannot easily get it out, and you cannot pay from your checking account.

The process takes about five minutes and requires your bank's routing number and your account number. Venmo will verify the account by making two small test deposits — usually within one to two business days — and you confirm the amounts to prove you own the account.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need your bank's routing number and your own account number, both found on a check or through your bank's website or app.
  • Venmo verifies new bank accounts by depositing two small amounts (usually under $1 each) and asking you to confirm those amounts.
  • The verification process takes one to two business days after you enter your account information.
  • Once verified, you can transfer money out of Venmo to your bank account, though transfers take one to three business days to arrive.
  • You can link multiple bank accounts to the same Venmo profile, but only one can be your default for transfers.

Finding your routing and account numbers

Your routing number identifies your specific bank branch, and your account number identifies your account at that branch. Both appear on the bottom left of any check you have — the routing number comes first, then your account number. If you do not have checks, log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for account details, account information, or account summary. Most banks display both numbers there.

If you cannot find them online, call your bank's customer service number (on the back of your debit card) and ask for your routing number and account number. Have your account number or card ready when you call. Do not use a number from a screenshot or email — always pull it directly from a check, your bank's official website, or by calling the bank yourself.

The steps to add your bank account

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." Enter your bank's name — Venmo will search and show matching results. Select your bank from the list.

Enter your account holder name (the name on the account), your account number, and your routing number. Double-check all three before tapping "Next." Venmo will confirm the information and tell you that two small test deposits are on the way. This usually happens within one business day, but can take up to two.

Confirming the test deposits

Once the two small deposits land in your account (usually $0.01 and $0.02, though amounts vary), go back to the Venmo app. Return to Settings > Payment Methods and find the bank account you just added. Tap it and select "Confirm Deposits." Enter the two amounts exactly as they appear in your bank account.

If you do not see the deposits after two business days, check your bank account carefully — they may be labeled as "Venmo" or "Venmo Inc." and might appear in a different section of your transaction history. If they still do not appear, contact Venmo support through the app by tapping the menu icon, selecting "Help," and choosing "Contact Us."

What happens after verification

Once you confirm the deposits, your bank account is verified and linked. You can now transfer money from Venmo to your bank account. Open the app, tap the menu icon, select "Transfer to Bank," choose the amount, and confirm. Venmo will show you an estimated arrival date — usually one to three business days depending on your bank.

You can also use this bank account to fund Venmo payments to friends instead of using a credit card. When you send money, Venmo will ask which payment method you want to use. Select your bank account, and the money comes directly from your checking account rather than being charged to a card.

Linking multiple bank accounts

You can add more than one bank account to Venmo. Follow the same process for each account — search for the bank, enter the account details, and confirm the test deposits. This is useful if you have accounts at different banks or want to keep business and personal accounts separate.

However, only one account can be your default for transfers. When you transfer money to your bank, Venmo will use the default account unless you manually select a different one. To change your default, go to Settings > Payment Methods, tap the account you want to make default, and select "Make Default."

Removing a bank account

If you want to stop using a linked bank account, go to Settings > Payment Methods, tap the account, and select "Remove." You can remove an account at any time, even if it is your default. If you remove your only linked account, you will not be able to transfer money out of Venmo until you add a new one.

Removing an account does not affect money already in your Venmo wallet — it only stops you from transferring out or using that account to fund new payments. If you want to move money out before removing the account, transfer it to a different linked account first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a savings account instead of a checking account?

Yes. Venmo accepts both checking and savings accounts. Enter the account number and routing number the same way. Transfers to savings accounts work the same as transfers to checking, though your bank may have limits on how many transfers you can make per month.

What if I enter the wrong routing or account number?

Venmo will not let you confirm the test deposits if the numbers are wrong, so the account will stay unverified. Go back to Settings > Payment Methods, tap the account, and select "Edit" to correct the information. You can then confirm the deposits once the corrected account receives them.

How long does money take to arrive after I transfer it?

Most transfers take one to three business days. Weekends and bank holidays add time. Venmo shows an estimated arrival date when you request the transfer. Some banks process faster than others, so the actual time depends partly on your specific bank.

Do I have to use the same bank account I use for my debit card?

No. You can link any bank account you own, regardless of whether you have a debit card for it. As long as you know the account number and routing number, you can add it to Venmo.

What if the test deposits never show up?

Check your bank account carefully — they may take up to two business days and might be labeled as "Venmo Inc." If they do not arrive after two business days, contact Venmo support through the app. You may need to remove the account and try adding it again with corrected information.