You can add a savings account to Chase through the mobile app, website, or by visiting a branch
The fastest way is through the Chase mobile app or website: log in, go to Accounts, select the account you want to link to, and choose "Add account" or "Link account." Chase will ask for the routing number and account number of the savings account you want to add. If the account is already at Chase, the system usually finds it automatically. If it's at another bank, you'll enter those numbers manually, and Chase will verify the account with two small deposits (usually $0.01 and $0.02) that appear in 1 to 2 business days. Once verified, the accounts are linked and you can transfer money between them.
If you prefer to do this in person, visit your local Chase branch with your ID and the account information for the savings account you want to link. A banker can set up the link on the spot, though verification may still take a day or two if the account is external.
Key Takeaways
- The Chase app and website let you link accounts in minutes by entering the routing and account number of the savings account.
- If both accounts are at Chase, the system finds the savings account automatically; if it's elsewhere, you enter the numbers manually.
- External accounts require verification through two small test deposits that arrive within 1 to 2 business days.
- Once linked, you can transfer money between the accounts instantly during business hours or schedule transfers in advance.
- You can link multiple savings accounts to the same checking account, and remove a link at any time through the app or website.
Linking a Chase savings account to Chase checking
If both accounts are at Chase, the process is the simplest. Open the Chase app or go to chase.com, log in, and tap or click on your checking account. Look for an option labeled "Linked accounts," "Transfer money," or "Add account"—the exact wording varies by device and whether you're on mobile or desktop. The system will show you a list of your other Chase accounts. Select the savings account you want to link, confirm, and you're done. The link is active immediately.
You can now transfer money between the two accounts without entering account numbers again. Transfers during business hours (typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern) post the same day. Transfers scheduled for nights, weekends, or holidays will post the next business day.
Linking a savings account from another bank
To link a savings account held at a different bank, you'll need the routing number and account number. You can find both on a check from that account, or by logging into that bank's website or app. Open Chase, go to your checking account, and select "Add account" or "Link external account." Enter the routing number and account number, then confirm.
Chase will send two small test deposits to the external account—usually $0.01 and $0.02—within 1 to 2 business days. Log into the external bank's account and look for these deposits. You'll then return to Chase and enter the exact amounts to verify ownership. Once verified, the accounts are linked and you can transfer between them. The first transfer may take 1 to 3 business days; after that, transfers typically take 1 business day.
What happens after you link the accounts
Once linked, you can move money between your Chase checking and the linked savings account (whether at Chase or elsewhere) through the Chase app or website. Go to "Transfer money," select the accounts, enter the amount, and choose when the transfer should happen. You can transfer immediately or schedule it for a future date.
Linked accounts also make it easier to manage overdrafts. If you have overdraft protection enabled, Chase can automatically transfer money from the linked savings account to your checking account if your checking balance drops below zero. This prevents overdraft fees, though the transfer itself may carry a small fee depending on your account type.
Removing or unlinking an account
If you no longer want an account linked, you can remove it at any time. In the Chase app or website, go to the linked account, find the option to "Unlink" or "Remove," and confirm. The account itself remains open at Chase or the other bank—unlinking only removes the connection between the two accounts. You can re-link them later if you change your mind.
Removing a link does not affect any transfers you've already made. It only stops future transfers and overdraft protection between those two accounts.
Troubleshooting common linking problems
If the system won't find your external account after you enter the routing and account number, double-check both numbers for typos. The routing number is a nine-digit code specific to the bank; the account number is unique to your account. If you're still stuck, log into the external bank's website or app to confirm the numbers, or call that bank's customer service line.
If the verification deposits don't arrive within 2 business days, wait one more day—they sometimes take longer during weekends or holidays. If they still haven't shown up after 3 business days, contact Chase customer service. They can resend the deposits or use an alternative verification method.
If you're trying to link a savings account at the same Chase branch and it's not showing up automatically, the account may be registered under a different name or Social Security number. You'll need to verify ownership before linking. Visit a branch with your ID, or call Chase to confirm the account is in your name.
Limits on linked accounts
Chase allows you to link multiple savings accounts to a single checking account. There is no set limit on how many you can link, though the app may display them differently depending on whether they're at Chase or external. Each linked account can be used for transfers and overdraft protection independently.
Transfer limits vary by account type. Most Chase checking and savings accounts allow unlimited transfers between linked accounts. However, some savings accounts (particularly those with promotional rates) may have limits on the number of transfers per month. Check your account terms or ask a banker if you're unsure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to link a savings account at another bank?
If both accounts are at Chase, linking is instant. For external accounts, the link itself takes minutes, but verification through test deposits takes 1 to 2 business days. You can't transfer money until verification is complete.
Do I need to go to a branch to link accounts?
No. You can link accounts entirely through the Chase app or website. Visiting a branch is optional and mainly useful if you run into problems or prefer in-person help.
Can I link a savings account that's not in my name?
No. Chase requires that you own or have authorized access to any account you link. If you're a joint owner or authorized user, you may be able to link it, but you'll need to verify ownership with the bank.
What if I accidentally enter the wrong account number?
If you enter the wrong number for an external account, the test deposits will go to the wrong account. Contact Chase to cancel the verification and start over with the correct number. If the deposits went to someone else's account, that person's bank will eventually return them to Chase.
Can I transfer money between linked accounts on weekends?
You can schedule a transfer on weekends, but it won't post until the next business day. Transfers initiated during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern) post the same day.