What you need to do to add a bank account

To receive money from a GoFundMe campaign, you connect your bank account directly to your GoFundMe account. GoFundMe uses a service called Stripe to verify your bank details and transfer funds to you. The process takes a few minutes and requires your routing number and account number — the same information you would give to set up direct deposit at an employer.

You can add your bank account either when you first create a campaign or later, once donations have started coming in. Most people add it before they share their campaign publicly, so funds can transfer automatically as soon as someone donates.

GoFundMe will hold funds for a short period while Stripe verifies your bank account is real and belongs to you. This verification usually takes one to two business days. After that, donations transfer to your account on a regular schedule — typically every few days, depending on your bank.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need your bank's routing number and your account number to connect your account to GoFundMe.
  • Bank verification through Stripe usually takes one to two business days before your first transfer can happen.
  • Once verified, GoFundMe transfers donations to your bank account automatically on a regular schedule.
  • You can add or change your bank account information at any time from your GoFundMe account settings.
  • GoFundMe does not charge you to receive donations, but your bank may charge fees for receiving transfers.

Where to find your routing and account numbers

Your routing number and account number appear on the bottom left of any check from your account. The routing number is the first set of nine digits, and your account number follows it. If you do not have a check, you can find both numbers by logging into your bank's website or mobile app — they are usually listed in the account details or settings section.

You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask for your routing number and account number. Have your account number or card ready when you call. Some banks print this information on statements as well, though online is usually faster.

Make sure you are using the correct routing number for your specific bank branch. Large banks sometimes have different routing numbers for different regions. If you enter the wrong number, the verification will fail and you will need to try again with the correct one.

The step-by-step process for adding your account

Log into your GoFundMe account and go to your account settings or profile page. Look for a section labeled "Payouts," "Bank Account," or "Payment Method" — the exact name varies depending on whether you are on a computer or phone. Click the option to add or connect a bank account.

Enter your full legal name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. This is how Stripe verifies that you are the person who owns the bank account. GoFundMe does not store your full Social Security number — Stripe uses it only to confirm your identity.

Next, enter your bank's routing number and your account number. Double-check both numbers before you submit, because an error will cause the verification to fail. Select whether the account is a checking or savings account, then submit the form.

Stripe will send two small deposits (usually less than one dollar each) to your bank account within one to two business days. Once you see these deposits in your account, you will need to return to GoFundMe and enter the exact amounts of both deposits to confirm you own the account. After you do this, your account is verified and donations can transfer to you.

What happens if verification fails

If the two test deposits do not arrive after three business days, check that you entered the routing number and account number correctly. Log back into GoFundMe, go to your bank account settings, and look for an option to edit or re-enter your information. Correct any mistakes and submit again.

If you entered a wrong routing number, Stripe may have sent the deposits to a different bank. Contact that bank to ask if deposits arrived in your name, and if they did, ask them to return the money. Then re-enter the correct routing number in GoFundMe.

If your bank account is very new (less than a few weeks old), some banks may block incoming transfers from third parties like Stripe. Call your bank and ask if they have restrictions on transfers from payment processors. If they do, ask what you need to do to remove the restriction, or consider opening an account at a different bank that does not have this policy.

Moving money from GoFundMe to your account

Once your bank account is verified, GoFundMe automatically transfers donations to you on a set schedule. The exact timing depends on your bank and the day of the week the donation came in, but most transfers happen within a few business days. You will see the money appear in your account as a deposit from "Stripe" or "GoFundMe," depending on your bank's display.

GoFundMe does not charge you a fee to receive donations. However, some banks charge a small fee for receiving transfers from outside sources, or they may charge if you receive many transfers in a short time. Check with your bank about their transfer policies so you are not surprised by unexpected fees.

If you need to change which bank account receives your donations, you can update your bank information at any time in your GoFundMe settings. The new account will need to go through the same verification process with the two test deposits before transfers can begin.

Security and protecting your information

GoFundMe and Stripe use encryption to protect your banking information, which means your data is scrambled so that only authorized people can read it. Your full Social Security number is never stored on GoFundMe's servers — Stripe uses it only to verify your identity and then discards it.

Never share your GoFundMe password with anyone, and do not enter your banking information on a public or shared computer. If you are using a public computer, log out completely when you are done and clear your browser history.

If you suspect someone has accessed your GoFundMe account without permission, change your password when ready and contact GoFundMe's support team. If you think your bank account information has been compromised, contact your bank right away so they can monitor your account for unauthorized activity.

What to do if you do not have a bank account yet

If you do not have a bank account, you will need to open one before you can receive money from GoFundMe. Most banks and credit unions offer basic checking accounts with no monthly fee. You can open an account online, by phone, or in person at a branch.

When you open an account, bring a government-issued photo ID (like a driver's license or passport) and proof of your address (like a utility bill or lease). Some banks also accept a Social Security card or letter from a government agency as proof of address. The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.

If you are new to banking or have had trouble with banks in the past, look for a community bank or credit union in your area. They often have staff who can walk you through the process and answer questions about how accounts work. Once your account is open and you have your routing number and account number, you can follow the steps above to connect it to GoFundMe.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for money to show up in my bank account after someone donates?

After your bank account is verified, donations usually transfer within a few business days. The exact timing depends on your bank and when the donation was made. Weekends and bank holidays can add extra time. GoFundMe will show you the transfer date in your account dashboard.

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

Yes, you can connect a savings account to GoFundMe. When you enter your account information, just select "savings" instead of "checking." The verification process is the same, and transfers work the same way.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

GoFundMe requires a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to verify your identity. If you do not have either, contact GoFundMe support to ask about other ways to verify your account. Some people may be able to use a passport number or other government ID instead.

Can someone else's bank account be connected to my GoFundMe campaign?

No. The bank account must be in your name, and you must be the person who owns it. GoFundMe verifies this by checking your name, date of birth, and Social Security number against the bank account holder's information. Using someone else's account is fraud and can result in your campaign being closed and funds being held.

What happens to my donations if I delete my GoFundMe account?

If you delete your account before your donations transfer to your bank, GoFundMe will hold the funds for a period of time. Contact GoFundMe support when ready if you delete your account by mistake, as they may be able to restore it. Once funds transfer to your bank account, they are yours regardless of what happens to your GoFundMe account later.