Connect your bank account through the GasBuddy Pay feature

To add a checking account to GasBuddy, open the app and go to the account menu (usually a profile icon or three horizontal lines). Select Payment Methods or GasBuddy Pay, then choose Add Payment Method. You'll be asked to enter your bank's routing number and your account number—both appear on the bottom left of your checks. GasBuddy will verify the account by depositing two small amounts (usually under $1 each) into your checking account within one to two business days.

Once those deposits arrive, return to the app and confirm the two amounts. This verification step proves you own the account and prevents fraud. After confirmation, your checking account is linked and ready to use for fuel purchases or GasBuddy Pay transactions.

Key Takeaways

  • You need your bank's routing number and your account number from the bottom of a check to link your checking account.
  • GasBuddy sends two small test deposits to verify ownership, which takes one to two business days to arrive.
  • You must confirm those deposit amounts in the app before the account becomes active for payments.
  • Once linked, your checking account can be used for fuel purchases through GasBuddy Pay at participating stations.

Where to find your routing and account numbers

Your routing number and account number both print on the bottom of your checks. The routing number is the first nine digits on the left, followed by your account number (usually 10 to 12 digits), then your check number on the right. If you don't have checks, call your bank's customer service line—they can give you both numbers over the phone in under a minute.

Some banks also display these numbers in their mobile app or online banking portal. Log in to your bank's website, look for account details or account information, and you'll find both numbers listed there. Never share these numbers with anyone except GasBuddy during this linking process.

What happens during the verification step

After you enter your routing and account numbers, GasBuddy sends two small deposits (typically $0.01 to $0.99 each) to your checking account. These deposits appear as pending transactions within 24 hours and usually clear within one to two business days. The amounts are random and different each time, which is why you need to confirm the exact figures in the app.

Go back to the app's payment method settings and select the option to verify the deposits. Enter the two amounts you see in your bank account, and the system will confirm they match. Once verified, GasBuddy removes those test deposits, and your account is fully connected.

Troubleshooting if deposits don't arrive

If you don't see the test deposits after two business days, first check that you entered the routing and account numbers correctly. A single digit wrong will send the deposits to the wrong account. Return to the app and look for an option to re-enter your information or start the linking process over.

If the numbers were correct, contact your bank's customer service. Occasionally a bank's fraud filter blocks small deposits from unfamiliar sources. Your bank can release the deposits or whitelist GasBuddy. You can also contact GasBuddy support through the app—they can resend the deposits or troubleshoot the connection on their end.

Removing or changing a linked checking account

To remove a checking account from GasBuddy, go to Payment Methods in your account settings, find the linked account, and select Remove or Delete. The account is disconnected immediately. Any pending transactions using that account will fail, so make sure you've switched to a different payment method first if you plan to use GasBuddy Pay.

To change to a different checking account, add the new account using the same routing and account number process. Once the new account is verified, you can remove the old one. GasBuddy allows multiple payment methods at once, so you don't have to delete the old account before adding a new one.

Security and what GasBuddy can access

Linking your checking account to GasBuddy gives the app permission to withdraw money for fuel purchases you authorize, but it does not give GasBuddy access to your full account history or balance. The connection uses the same banking standard (ACH, or Automated Clearing House) that utilities and employers use to move money between accounts.

Your bank handles the actual transfer of funds, not GasBuddy directly. If you're concerned about security, you can set up a separate checking account with a low balance just for GasBuddy transactions, or you can use a prepaid debit card instead of your primary checking account. Both options work with the app.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Most banks allow ACH transfers from savings accounts, but GasBuddy's app is designed for checking accounts. Try entering your savings account routing and account number—it may work depending on your bank. If the test deposits fail, contact your bank to ask if they allow ACH transfers from savings, or link your checking account instead.

What if I don't have a checking account?

You can use a prepaid debit card, credit card, or digital wallet like Apple Pay or Google Pay with GasBuddy instead. These payment methods don't require bank account linking and work at most GasBuddy Pay stations. Prepaid cards are available at grocery stores and pharmacies if you need one quickly.

How long does it take to use my account after I link it?

After you confirm the two test deposits, your account is active immediately. You can use it for fuel purchases right away. The entire process from entering your account number to making your first purchase usually takes one to three business days, depending on how fast your bank processes the test deposits.

Will linking my account hurt my credit score?

No. GasBuddy does not perform a credit check when you link a checking account, and the connection does not appear on your credit report. It's a simple bank account verification, similar to setting up direct deposit with an employer.