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 fundraiser. GoFundMe uses Stripe, a payment processor, to move funds from donors into your account. The process takes about five minutes and requires your routing number, account number, and basic identity information.
You can add your account during campaign setup or later, from your fundraiser dashboard. GoFundMe will verify the account by depositing two small amounts (usually under $1 each) into your bank account within one to two business days. You then confirm those amounts in your GoFundMe settings to prove you own the account.
Once verified, donations flow to your bank account automatically. GoFundMe holds funds for a short period before releasing them — typically three to five business days after a donation arrives, depending on your bank and the payment method the donor used.
Key Takeaways
- You will need your bank's routing number and your account number, which you can find on a check or by logging into your bank's website.
- GoFundMe verifies ownership by depositing two small test amounts and asking you to confirm them, a process that takes one to two business days.
- Funds do not arrive when ready — most donations take three to five business days to reach your account after the donor completes payment.
- If you change banks or close your account, you must update your bank details in your GoFundMe settings to keep receiving donations.
Where to find your routing and account numbers
Your routing number identifies your specific bank branch. Your account number identifies your account within that bank. Both appear on the bottom left of any check you have from that account — the routing number comes first, then the 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 settings. Most banks display both numbers there. You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask them to read you the routing and account numbers for the account you want to use.
Use only a checking or savings account in your own name. GoFundMe does not accept business accounts, joint accounts you do not own, or accounts held in someone else's name.
The verification process and why it takes time
After you enter your bank details, GoFundMe sends two deposits to your account — usually between $0.01 and $0.99 each. These arrive within one to two business days. You will see them listed in your bank account as small pending transactions.
Once both deposits appear, return to your GoFundMe account settings and enter the exact amounts you see. This confirms you have access to the account and own it. GoFundMe then withdraws those test amounts automatically.
This step exists because GoFundMe needs proof that you control the account before it sends real donor money there. It protects both you and donors from fraud. If you do not confirm the amounts within 30 days, GoFundMe will ask you to re-enter your bank details and start the verification over.
How long it takes for donations to reach your bank
The timeline depends on two things: when GoFundMe releases the funds and how fast your bank processes them. GoFundMe typically holds donations for three to five business days before sending them to your bank. Your bank then takes one to two business days to deposit the money into your account.
This means a donation made on a Monday might not appear in your account until the following Wednesday or Thursday. Donations made on Friday or over a weekend take longer because banks do not process transfers on weekends or holidays.
Credit card donations usually take the full five business days. Bank transfers and ACH payments sometimes move faster. GoFundMe shows you the expected arrival date for each donation in your fundraiser dashboard.
What to do if your bank account changes
If you close your bank account, switch banks, or want to use a different account, update your bank details in your GoFundMe settings before your current account closes. Go to your fundraiser dashboard, select settings or account information, and choose the option to update your bank account.
You will need to enter the new routing and account numbers and go through the verification process again with the test deposits. Until you complete verification, GoFundMe cannot send donations to the new account. If your old account closes before you update it, GoFundMe will hold donations and contact you to ask for new bank details.
If you have an active campaign and need to change accounts urgently, contact GoFundMe support through the help section of your fundraiser dashboard. They can sometimes speed up the verification process or temporarily hold funds while you update your information.
Security and what information GoFundMe stores
GoFundMe does not store your full bank account number. Instead, it stores a token — an encrypted reference that Stripe creates — which allows GoFundMe to send money to your account without keeping the actual number on file. This reduces the risk if GoFundMe's systems are breached.
Your routing number and the last four digits of your account number are visible in your GoFundMe settings so you can confirm which account is connected. You can view and change these details anytime from your account settings.
Never share your full account number or routing number with anyone outside of GoFundMe's official website or app. If someone claiming to be from GoFundMe asks for this information via email or text, it is a scam — GoFundMe already has your bank details if you set up a campaign.
Troubleshooting common problems
If the test deposits do not arrive within two business days, check that you entered the routing and account numbers correctly. A single digit wrong will cause the deposits to fail. Log back into your GoFundMe settings and verify each number against your check or your bank's website.
If you entered the numbers correctly but still do not see the deposits, your bank may have flagged them as suspicious. Call your bank and ask if there are any pending or rejected transfers to your account. Some banks block small test transfers from unfamiliar sources. Ask your bank to allow the deposits through, then wait another business day.
If you confirmed the test amounts but donations are not arriving, check that your account is still active and has not been closed or frozen. Log into your bank's website to confirm the account is in good standing. If it is, contact GoFundMe support — there may be a technical issue on their end.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a joint bank account?
No. GoFundMe requires the account to be in your name only. If you have a joint account, you will need to use a separate account in your sole name. If you do not have one, you can open a basic checking account at most banks with just an ID and a small deposit.
What happens if I close my bank account while a campaign is active?
Any donations that have not yet been sent to your bank will be held by GoFundMe. They will contact you and ask for new bank details. If you do not provide them within a certain period, GoFundMe may refund the donations to the original donors. Update your account information before closing any bank account.
Do I have to verify my bank account before I can start a campaign?
No. You can create and share a campaign before adding a bank account. However, you cannot receive donations until your account is verified. Most people add their bank account during setup so they are ready to receive money as soon as donations come in.
Can I use a bank account from a different country?
GoFundMe supports bank accounts in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, and several other countries. The process is the same, but you will need your country's equivalent of a routing number and account number. Check GoFundMe's help section for your specific country's requirements.
How much does GoFundMe charge to transfer money to my bank?
GoFundMe does not charge a fee to move money from your fundraiser to your bank account. However, GoFundMe does take a percentage of each donation (usually around 2.2% plus payment processing fees). This is separate from the bank transfer itself.