How to change your linked bank account on Apple Cash
You can change the bank account connected to Apple Cash through the Wallet app on your iPhone or iPad. The process takes about two minutes and doesn't require you to delete your Apple Cash account or start over. Apple Cash itself stays the same — you're just pointing it at a different bank for deposits and withdrawals.
The steps differ slightly depending on whether you're updating an existing account or removing one entirely. Either way, your current Apple Cash balance stays in your account and remains usable for payments and transfers.
Key Takeaways
- Open the Wallet app, tap your Apple Cash card, then select the account settings icon to change your linked bank account.
- You can update your bank details without closing your Apple Cash account or losing your current balance.
- If your bank account is declined during a transfer, check that your account number and routing number are correct, and confirm your bank hasn't blocked Apple's access.
- Transfers to a new bank account typically take one to three business days, depending on your bank's processing speed.
- If you remove a bank account entirely, you can still receive money on Apple Cash but cannot transfer funds out until you link a new account.
Step-by-step: updating your bank account in Wallet
Start by opening the Wallet app on your iPhone or iPad. Locate your Apple Cash card in the list of cards and tap it once to select it.
In the top right corner of the card details screen, you'll see three dots or a settings icon. Tap that icon to open the card menu. From the menu, select "Bank Account" or "Linked Bank Account" — the exact wording varies by iOS version.
You'll see your current bank account listed. Tap "Edit" or the pencil icon next to it. You can now change the account number, routing number, or both. Enter your new bank's routing number (a nine-digit code your bank provides) and your new account number. Double-check both before saving, because a single digit wrong will cause transfers to fail.
Tap "Save" or "Done." Apple will verify the new account by sending two small test deposits to your bank, usually within one business day. You'll receive a notification when those deposits arrive. Once you confirm the amounts in the Wallet app, your new account is active.
What happens during the verification period
After you enter a new bank account, Apple doesn't let you transfer money out when ready. Instead, it sends two deposits of less than $1 each to your new account. These are real deposits — your bank will show them in your account.
Check your bank account online or through your bank's app for these deposits. The amounts will be random (for example, $0.23 and $0.17). Return to the Wallet app, tap your Apple Cash card, open settings, and select "Bank Account." You'll see a prompt asking you to confirm the two deposit amounts. Enter them exactly as they appear in your bank account.
Once you confirm, your new bank account is verified and ready to use. You can then transfer money from Apple Cash to that account. The entire verification process usually takes one to three business days, depending on how quickly your bank processes incoming transfers.
Removing a bank account without adding a new one
If you want to disconnect your current bank account but aren't ready to link a new one, you can remove it. Open Wallet, select your Apple Cash card, tap the settings icon, and choose "Bank Account." Select "Remove Bank Account" or "Delete."
After removal, you can still receive money sent to you through Apple Cash, and your current balance stays in your account. However, you won't be able to transfer money out to a bank until you link a new account. You can add a new account at any time by following the steps above.
Troubleshooting a failed bank account update
If Apple rejects your bank account information, the most common cause is a typo in your routing number or account number. Routing numbers are nine digits; account numbers vary in length but are usually between 8 and 17 digits. Check both against your bank statement or your bank's website.
Some banks block third-party transfers by default as a fraud prevention measure. Contact your bank directly and ask whether they allow transfers from Apple Cash or digital wallet services. If they've blocked it, ask them to whitelist Apple's transfer service. Your bank can tell you the exact name to reference.
If your bank account is very new (less than 30 days old), some banks won't allow external transfers until the account has aged. Wait a few weeks and try again, or contact your bank to ask whether they have a waiting period.
If the problem persists after you've verified your account details and checked with your bank, contact Apple Support through the Wallet app. Tap your Apple Cash card, open settings, scroll down, and select "Contact Us" or "Get Help."
How long transfers take to your new bank account
Once your new bank account is verified, transfers from Apple Cash to that account take one to three business days. The exact timeline depends on your bank, not on Apple. Weekends and bank holidays don't count as business days, so a transfer initiated on Friday may not arrive until Tuesday.
Some banks process transfers faster than others. If you need money urgently, contact your bank and ask about their transfer processing speed. A few banks offer same-day or next-day transfers, but most use the standard one- to three-day window.
You can check the status of a transfer by opening Wallet, tapping your Apple Cash card, and selecting "Activity" or "Recent Transactions." Completed transfers show a checkmark; pending transfers show a clock icon.
Changing your account if you switch banks
When you close an old bank account and open a new one, update your Apple Cash information as soon as your new account is active. Don't wait until you need to make a transfer, because the verification process takes a few days.
If you try to transfer money to a closed bank account, Apple will reject the transfer and return the funds to your Apple Cash balance. The money stays in your Apple Cash account and you can try again with your new account details once verification is complete.
If your old bank account is still linked when you attempt a transfer, Apple may try to use it first. To avoid confusion, remove the old account as soon as you've verified the new one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have more than one bank account linked to Apple Cash?
No. Apple Cash allows only one linked bank account at a time. If you want to switch banks, you must remove the old account and add the new one. You can have multiple payment methods in Wallet (credit cards, debit cards, etc.), but only one bank account for Apple Cash transfers.
What if I enter the wrong bank account and already transferred money?
Contact your bank when ready and explain that you sent money to the wrong account. Your bank may be able to recall the transfer if it hasn't been processed yet. If the money has already been deposited into someone else's account, your bank can file a dispute, but recovery isn't may provide. This is why double-checking your account number and routing number before confirming a transfer is critical.
Do I lose my Apple Cash balance if I change my bank account?
No. Your Apple Cash balance is separate from your linked bank account. Changing, removing, or updating your bank account does not affect the money in your Apple Cash account. You keep your balance and can continue to send and receive money through Apple Cash regardless of which bank account is linked.
Why is Apple asking me to verify my new bank account with two deposits?
The two small deposits are a security measure to confirm you own the bank account you're linking. This prevents someone from linking another person's bank account to your Apple Cash without permission. Once you confirm the deposit amounts, Apple knows the account is yours and the link is find.
Can I change my bank account on Apple Cash through a computer?
No. You must use the Wallet app on your iPhone or iPad to change your linked bank account. Apple Cash management is not available through iCloud.com or any web interface. If you don't have access to an Apple device, you can ask someone with an iPhone or iPad to help you make the change, but you'll need to provide your bank details and verify the test deposits yourself.