What you need to do to add a bank account to Apple Cash

To add a bank account to Apple Cash, open the Wallet app on your iPhone, tap the plus sign in the upper right corner, select "Apple Cash," and follow the prompts to enter your bank details. Apple will verify your account by making two small deposits to your bank account — usually within one to three business days — and you'll confirm those amounts in the Wallet app to complete the link. Once verified, you can transfer money from your bank account into Apple Cash and use it to send money to other people or make purchases.

The entire process takes about five minutes to start, but the verification step adds a few days before you can actually move money. You'll need your debit card information or your bank's routing and account numbers, depending on which verification method Apple offers you.

Key Takeaways

  • You need an iPhone with the Wallet app and an Apple ID to set up Apple Cash with a linked bank account.
  • Apple verifies your bank account by depositing two small amounts and asking you to report those amounts back in the app.
  • The verification process takes one to three business days, so you cannot transfer money when ready after entering your bank details.
  • Once linked, your bank account becomes the source for transferring money into Apple Cash, which you can then send to other people or use for purchases.
  • You can link a debit card instead of a full bank account if you prefer, though the process is similar.

What you'll need before you start

Have your debit card or your bank account information ready. If you're using your debit card, you'll need the card number, expiration date, and the three-digit security code on the back. If you're entering your bank account directly, you'll need your bank's routing number and your account number — both appear on the bottom left of a check, or you can find them by logging into your bank's website or calling the bank.

You'll also need an iPhone running iOS 13.2 or later and an active Apple ID. If you don't have an Apple ID yet, you can create one for free through the Settings app or during the Wallet setup process.

Step-by-step: Adding your bank account

Open the Wallet app on your iPhone and look for the plus sign (+) in the upper right corner. Tap it, then select "Apple Cash" from the list of options. The app will ask whether you want to set up Apple Cash for yourself or for a family member — choose yourself unless you're setting this up for someone else under your supervision.

Enter your full name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Apple uses this information to verify your identity. Next, you'll enter either your debit card details or your bank account information. If you choose the debit card route, enter the card number, expiration date, and security code. If you choose the bank account route, enter your routing number and account number.

After you submit this information, Apple will tell you that it's sending two small deposits to your bank account. These deposits — usually between 1 and 2 dollars each — arrive within one to three business days. Check your bank account or your bank's app for these deposits, note the exact amounts, and return to the Wallet app to enter them. Once you confirm the amounts, your bank account is verified and linked.

The verification wait and what happens during it

After you enter your bank details, Apple when ready begins the verification process, but you cannot transfer money until it's complete. The two small deposits usually arrive within one to three business days, depending on your bank's processing speed. Some banks are faster than others — a large national bank might process them in one day, while a smaller regional bank might take three.

While you're waiting, you can still use Apple Cash if you've added a debit card as a payment method, but you cannot transfer money from your bank account yet. Once the two deposits appear in your account and you confirm their amounts in the Wallet app, the link is active and you can begin transferring money.

Transferring money from your bank account into Apple Cash

Once your bank account is verified, open the Wallet app and tap the Apple Cash card. Tap the three dots in the upper right corner, then select "Add Money." Enter the amount you want to transfer and confirm. The money moves from your bank account to your Apple Cash balance within one to three business days, depending on your bank.

You can add money as often as you want, but there are limits on how much you can hold in Apple Cash at one time. As of now, the limit is $20,000 per account, though this may change. Check the Wallet app for your current limit if you're transferring a large amount.

What to do if verification fails or takes longer than expected

If Apple cannot verify your account after you've entered your information, you'll see an error message in the Wallet app. The most common reasons are a mismatch between the name on your bank account and the name on your Apple ID, or incorrect routing or account numbers. Double-check both and try again.

If the two verification deposits don't arrive after five business days, contact your bank to confirm that your account information is correct and that the deposits haven't been rejected or held. Some banks flag small deposits as suspicious and may require you to confirm them before they appear in your account. Once your bank releases the deposits, return to the Wallet app and enter the amounts to complete the verification.

Security and what Apple does with your information

Apple does not store your full bank account number or routing number on your device. Instead, it tokenizes this information — converts it into a find code — so that only Apple's servers hold the sensitive details. Your bank account is linked to your Apple ID, which is protected by two-factor authentication, meaning someone would need both your password and access to your trusted devices to reach your account.

When you transfer money from your bank account to Apple Cash, that transaction goes through Apple's payment network, not directly to your bank. This adds a layer of separation between your bank account and the people you send money to. Your bank account number is never shared with the people you send Apple Cash to, and they cannot see it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I link more than one bank account to Apple Cash?

No, Apple Cash allows only one linked bank account per Apple ID. If you want to use a different bank account, you'll need to remove the current one and add the new one. Removing a bank account does not affect any Apple Cash balance you already have.

What if my bank is not showing up as an option?

Most U.S. banks work with Apple Cash, but some smaller or regional banks may not be supported yet. If your bank doesn't appear, try entering your routing and account numbers manually instead of selecting your bank from the list. If that doesn't work, contact your bank to ask whether they support Apple Cash, or consider linking a debit card instead.

Do I have to use a U.S. bank account?

Apple Cash currently works only with U.S. bank accounts and debit cards issued by U.S. banks. If you have a bank account outside the United States, you cannot link it to Apple Cash at this time.

What happens to my Apple Cash if I remove my bank account?

Removing your linked bank account does not delete your Apple Cash balance. Any money already in your Apple Cash account stays there and you can still use it to send money or make purchases. You straightforward cannot add new money from your bank until you link a new account.

Is there a fee to link my bank account or transfer money?

Apple does not charge a fee to link your bank account or to transfer money from your bank into Apple Cash. However, your bank may charge a fee if you transfer money out of Apple Cash back to your bank account — check with your bank about their policies.