The basic steps to link a bank account
To add a bank account to Coinbase, go to your account settings, select Payment Methods, then choose Add a Payment Method and select Bank Account. Coinbase will ask for your bank's routing number, your account number, and the account type (checking or savings). You'll enter these details directly into Coinbase's form.
After you submit your bank information, Coinbase sends two small deposits to your account—usually within one to two business days. These deposits appear in your bank statement with reference codes. You then return to Coinbase and enter those two amounts to confirm you own the account. Once verified, your bank account is linked and ready to use.
The entire process from start to finish typically takes three to five business days, depending on how quickly your bank processes the verification deposits and how soon you enter the amounts back into Coinbase.
Key Takeaways
- You need your bank's routing number and your account number to link a bank account, which you can find on a check or by logging into your bank's website.
- Coinbase sends two small test deposits to your account; you must enter the amounts shown in your bank statement to complete verification.
- The verification process takes three to five business days total, not counting time you spend waiting to see the deposits in your bank account.
- Once linked, you can use the bank account to move money into and out of Coinbase, though some transaction types may have limits or fees.
Where to find your routing and account numbers
Your bank's routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your specific bank branch. Your account number is unique to your account at 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 don't have checks, log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for account details or account information. Most banks display both numbers in the account summary section. You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask for your routing and account numbers; they will provide them over the phone.
Make sure you're entering the numbers for the correct account. If you have multiple accounts at the same bank, each one has the same routing number but a different account number. Coinbase will reject the link if the numbers don't match a real account.
What happens during the verification deposits
After you enter your bank details into Coinbase, the company initiates two small deposits—usually between $0.01 and $0.99 each—to your bank account. These are real money transfers, not holds or pending charges. They will show up in your bank statement just like any other deposit.
The deposits typically arrive within one to two business days, though this depends on your bank's processing speed. Some banks show deposits the same day; others take longer. Once you see both deposits in your account, note the exact amounts (including cents) and return to Coinbase to enter them.
Coinbase gives you a limited window to enter the amounts—usually 30 days. If you miss the window, you'll need to start the linking process over. After you enter both amounts correctly, Coinbase confirms the link is valid and removes the test deposits from your account within a few business days.
Limits and fees for bank transfers
Once your bank account is linked, you can move money between your bank and Coinbase, but the amount you can transfer depends on your account history and verification level. Coinbase typically allows larger transfers for accounts that have been verified longer and have a clean transaction history.
Bank transfers themselves are usually free, but Coinbase may charge fees for certain types of transactions or withdrawals. Your bank may also charge fees for outgoing transfers, depending on your account type and bank policies. Check your bank's fee schedule and Coinbase's fee page before you transfer large amounts.
Transfers from your bank to Coinbase usually take three to five business days. Transfers from Coinbase back to your bank also take three to five business days. Weekend and holiday transfers may take longer because banks don't process transactions on those days.
Troubleshooting a failed link
If Coinbase rejects your bank account, the most common reason is a mismatch between the numbers you entered and the actual account. Double-check that you entered the routing number and account number exactly as they appear on your check or in your bank's system—even a single digit wrong will cause the link to fail.
If the numbers are correct but the link still fails, your bank may not support ACH transfers (the method Coinbase uses to move money). Some banks, particularly smaller regional or credit unions, have restrictions on third-party transfers. Contact your bank to ask whether they allow ACH transfers to and from cryptocurrency exchanges.
If you entered the wrong amounts during verification, Coinbase will tell you immediately. You can try again, but if you enter incorrect amounts three times, you'll need to restart the linking process. Wait a few days for the test deposits to clear, then begin again from the Payment Methods page.
Removing a linked bank account
To remove a bank account from Coinbase, go to Settings, select Payment Methods, find the bank account you want to remove, and click the trash icon or Remove button next to it. Coinbase will ask you to confirm the removal.
You can remove a bank account at any time, even if you have pending transfers. However, if you remove an account while a transfer is in progress, that transfer may fail or be reversed. Wait for any active transfers to complete before removing the account.
After you remove the account, Coinbase stops showing it in your payment methods, but your bank will still have a record of the link for its own security purposes. If you want to re-link the same account later, you'll go through the verification process again.
Adding multiple bank accounts
Coinbase allows you to link more than one bank account to the same Coinbase profile. Each account must be verified separately with the two test deposits. You can link accounts from different banks or multiple accounts from the same bank, as long as each account is in your own name.
Once multiple accounts are linked, you can choose which one to use when you transfer money. This is useful if you have a checking account for everyday transfers and a savings account for larger amounts, or if you want to keep crypto activity separate from other banking.
Each linked account appears in your Payment Methods list with its last four digits displayed. Make sure you're selecting the correct account before you confirm a transfer, because moving money to the wrong account can delay your transaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to link a bank account to Coinbase?
The full process takes three to five business days. The two test deposits usually arrive within one to two business days, and you enter the amounts immediately. Coinbase then confirms the link within a few hours, though some banks may take longer to process the verification deposits.
Can I use a joint bank account?
Coinbase requires that the bank account be in your name. If the account is jointly owned, you may be able to link it if your name appears on the account, but Coinbase's verification process may flag it for review. Contact Coinbase support if you're unsure whether your joint account will work.
What if I don't see the test deposits in my bank account?
Wait one to two business days—some banks process deposits slowly. If two business days have passed and you still don't see them, log into your bank's website and search your recent transactions for small deposits from Coinbase. If they're not there, contact your bank to ask whether they're blocking transfers from cryptocurrency exchanges.
Can I link a bank account from another country?
Coinbase currently supports bank accounts in the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union, depending on your location and account type. If you're outside these regions or have a bank account in another country, you may not be able to link it directly. Check Coinbase's payment methods page for your region.
What happens if I enter the wrong verification amounts?
Coinbase will tell you the amounts are incorrect and let you try again. You get three attempts. If all three fail, you'll need to wait for the test deposits to clear your account, then start the linking process over from the beginning.