The basic steps to add a savings account
Most banking apps let you add a savings account in two ways: link an account at the same bank, or connect an account from a different bank. If both accounts are at the same institution, the process is usually faster—often just a few taps in the app's settings. If you're linking an account from another bank, you'll typically need your account number and routing number, and the app will verify the account by depositing two small test amounts (usually under $1 each) that you'll confirm in the app within a few days.
The exact steps depend on which app you're using, but the general path is: open the app, find the "Add Account" or "Link Account" option (usually in settings or the accounts menu), choose whether the account is at your current bank or elsewhere, enter the account details, and wait for verification. Some apps complete this in minutes; others take three to five business days.
Key Takeaways
- Accounts at the same bank usually link instantly through your app's settings menu, while accounts at other banks require a routing number and account number plus a two-step verification process.
- The verification step for outside accounts involves the bank depositing two small test amounts that you'll see and confirm in your app within three to five business days.
- You'll need your savings account number, routing number, and sometimes your online banking password for the other bank to complete the link.
- Once linked, you can transfer money between accounts, set up automatic transfers, and monitor both accounts from one app.
Adding a savings account from your same bank
If your savings account is at the same bank as your checking account, the process is the quickest. Open your banking app and look for a menu option labeled "Accounts," "Add Account," "Manage Accounts," or "Settings"—the exact wording varies by bank. Tap that option and select "Link Account" or "Add Savings Account."
The app will usually show you a list of accounts already registered under your name at that bank. Select your savings account from the list. Some apps ask you to confirm your identity with a PIN, password, or biometric (fingerprint or face recognition). Once confirmed, the account appears in your app immediately, and you can start moving money between them or setting up automatic transfers.
A few banks require you to verify the account by logging into your online banking portal separately, but most skip this step if you're already logged into the app on the same device.
Adding a savings account from a different bank
Linking a savings account from another bank takes longer because the banks need to verify you own the account. Start by opening your banking app and selecting "Add Account" or "Link External Account." The app will ask whether the account is at the same bank (it's not) and then prompt you to enter details about the other bank.
You'll need your savings account number and the routing number for that bank. The routing number is a nine-digit code specific to each bank's location; you can find it on a check from that account, on the bank's website, or by calling the bank directly. Enter both numbers into your app. Some apps also ask for your online banking username or password for the other bank, though this is becoming less common for security reasons.
After you submit this information, the bank will initiate a verification process. Within one to three business days, two small deposits (typically $0.01 to $0.99 each) will appear in your savings account at the other bank. You'll see these deposits listed in that bank's app or online portal. Return to your original banking app and enter the exact amounts of both deposits when prompted. Once you confirm the amounts correctly, the account is verified and linked.
What to do if verification deposits don't arrive
If you don't see the two test deposits after five business days, the link may have failed. Check the savings account at the other bank directly—sometimes deposits appear there before showing in the app. If they're genuinely not there, return to your banking app and look for an option to "Resend Verification" or "Try Again." This will trigger a new round of test deposits.
If deposits still don't arrive after a second attempt, contact your bank's customer service. Provide them with the date you initiated the link and the account number you were trying to connect. They can check whether the verification deposits were sent and troubleshoot why they didn't arrive. This sometimes happens if there's a typo in the routing number or account number, or if the other bank's system rejected the deposits for a technical reason.
Transferring money between linked accounts
Once your savings account is linked and verified, you can move money between it and your primary account. In your banking app, find the "Transfer" or "Move Money" option—this is usually on the home screen or in a main menu. Select the account you want to transfer from and the account you want to transfer to, enter the amount, and confirm.
Transfers between accounts at the same bank usually complete within minutes or hours. Transfers to an account at a different bank typically take one to three business days, depending on the banks involved. Some apps let you schedule transfers for a future date, which is useful if you want to move money on payday or before a bill is due.
Removing a linked savings account
If you no longer want to see a savings account in your app, you can unlink it without closing the account itself. Go to your app's settings or account management menu, find the linked account, and select "Remove," "Unlink," or "Delete." The account will disappear from your app, but it will still exist at the bank and you can link it again later if you want.
Unlinking an account does not affect any automatic transfers you've set up—you'll need to cancel those separately before unlinking. Check your app's transfer or bill pay section to see if any recurring transfers involve that account, and turn them off first.
Security and permissions when linking accounts
When you link a savings account from another bank, you're giving your primary bank permission to verify ownership by depositing small amounts. This is a standard, secure process and does not give either bank access to withdraw money without your consent. The verification deposits are one-way only—they go into your account, and you confirm the amounts to prove you can access it.
Some older apps ask for your username and password for the other bank. Modern apps use a more secure method called OAuth, which lets you log in through the other bank's website without sharing your password. If your app asks for a password, check whether there's an option to authenticate through the bank's website instead. If not, consider changing your password at the other bank after the link is complete, as a precaution.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to link a savings account from another bank?
Accounts at the same bank link instantly. Accounts at different banks take three to five business days because the bank needs to deposit and verify two small test amounts. Once you confirm those amounts in your app, the link is complete.
Do I need my savings account password to link it?
Most modern apps do not ask for your password. They use a secure login method through the other bank's website instead. If your app does ask for a password, you can usually change it afterward for security. Check your app's help section to see which method it uses.
Can I link the same savings account to multiple apps?
Yes. You can link the same savings account to your primary bank's app, a budgeting app, or any other app that supports account linking. Each link is separate, so you may need to complete the verification process more than once.
What if I enter the wrong account number?
The verification deposits will go to the wrong account, and you won't be able to confirm them in your app. The deposits will sit in that other account. Contact your bank's customer service to report the error, and they can help you start over with the correct account number.
Will linking a savings account affect my credit score?
No. Linking an account is not a credit inquiry and does not appear on your credit report. It's a simple verification process between your bank and another financial institution.