Add a savings account through the Chase app in three steps
Open the Chase mobile app and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner. Select "Accounts" or "Add Account," then choose "Link External Account." Enter your savings account number, routing number, and the bank name. Chase will verify the account by depositing two small amounts into it—usually within one to two business days. Once you see those deposits in your savings account, return to the app and confirm the amounts to complete the link.
The account will then appear in your Chase app dashboard alongside your existing Chase accounts. You can view balances, transfer money between accounts, and monitor activity without leaving the app. The entire process typically takes two to three business days from start to finish, though the verification step is where most of the time is spent.
Key Takeaways
- You need your savings account number and routing number before you start linking; both appear on a blank check or your bank's website.
- Chase verifies the account by sending two small deposits, which you must confirm by entering the amounts back into the app.
- The verification step takes one to two business days, so plan ahead if you need to transfer money on a specific date.
- Once linked, the account shows up in your Chase app and you can transfer money between it and your Chase accounts instantly.
What information you need before you start
Gather your savings account details before opening the Chase app. You will need the account number and routing number for the savings account you want to link. Both appear on a blank check from that bank—the routing number is the first set of nine digits on the left, and the account number follows it. If you do not have a check, log into your savings bank's website or call their customer service line to find these numbers.
You will also need the name of the bank that holds the savings account. Chase uses this to route the verification deposits correctly. Have this information ready before you open the app so you do not have to stop midway through the process.
How the verification deposits work
After you enter your account details, Chase sends two small deposits—usually between $0.01 and $0.99 each—to your savings account. These deposits appear within one to two business days. They are not real money you keep; they are a security check to confirm you own the account. You must log back into the Chase app and enter the exact amounts of both deposits to prove you have access to that account.
This step prevents someone else from linking your savings account without your knowledge. Once you confirm the amounts, the account is fully linked and you can start using it. If you do not confirm within 30 days, the deposits are reversed and you will need to start the linking process over.
Transferring money between linked accounts
Once your savings account is linked, you can move money between it and any of your Chase checking or savings accounts. Tap "Transfer" in the app, select the account you want to send money from, choose the linked savings account as the destination, and enter the amount. Transfers between Chase accounts happen instantly. Transfers to or from external accounts (like a savings account at another bank) usually take one to three business days.
You can set up recurring transfers if you want to move money on a regular schedule—for example, $100 every Friday to build savings. The app will remind you before each transfer goes through, so you can cancel if your balance is too low.
What to do if verification deposits do not arrive
If you do not see the two verification deposits in your savings account after three business days, check that you entered the routing number and account number correctly. A single wrong digit will send the deposits to the wrong account. Return to the Chase app, delete the account link, and try again with the correct numbers.
If the numbers are correct and the deposits still do not appear, contact your savings bank's customer service. Occasionally a bank's system flags incoming transfers as suspicious and blocks them temporarily. Your bank can release the deposits so they show up in your account. Once they arrive, you can complete the verification in the Chase app.
Removing a linked savings account
To unlink a savings account, open the Chase app, go to the account details page for that account, and select "Remove Account" or "Unlink Account." The option is usually at the bottom of the screen. Chase will ask you to confirm the removal. Once you do, the account disappears from your app and you can no longer transfer money to or from it through Chase.
Removing a linked account does not affect the savings account itself—your money stays there and the account remains open at its original bank. You are only disconnecting it from the Chase app.
Security and fraud protection
Chase monitors linked accounts for unusual activity. If you transfer a large amount or send money to a new account for the first time, Chase may flag the transaction and ask you to confirm it before it goes through. This is a security measure to catch fraud. Respond to any prompts from the app quickly so your transfer does not get delayed.
Never share your account number, routing number, or the verification deposit amounts with anyone. Chase employees will never ask for this information via email or text. If someone contacts you claiming to be from Chase and asks for these details, do not respond—it is a scam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I link a savings account from a different bank?
Yes. You can link savings accounts from any U.S. bank as long as the account is in your name. The linking process is the same regardless of which bank holds the savings account. Chase sends verification deposits to confirm you own it.
How long does it take to transfer money to a linked savings account?
Transfers between Chase accounts are instant. Transfers to a savings account at another bank take one to three business days. Weekends and bank holidays can add extra time. Plan ahead if you need the money by a specific date.
What if I enter the wrong verification deposit amounts?
You can try again. If you enter the wrong amounts three times, Chase will lock you out of the verification process for 24 hours. After that, you can try again. If you still cannot remember the amounts, delete the account link and start over—Chase will send new verification deposits.
Can I link multiple savings accounts?
Yes. You can link as many external accounts as you need. Each one goes through the same verification process with two small deposits. They all appear in your Chase app dashboard once verified.
Does linking a savings account affect my credit score?
No. Linking an account is not a credit inquiry and does not show up on your credit report. It is purely a data connection between two accounts you own.