The fastest ways to fund your Chase savings account
You can move money into a Chase savings account through your Chase checking account, another bank's account, a wire transfer, or a mobile deposit. The method you choose depends on where the money is now and how quickly you need it there. Transfers between your own Chase accounts are instant; transfers from outside banks take one to three business days; wire transfers arrive the same day but cost money; mobile deposit of checks clears in one to two business days.
Chase offers these routes through its mobile app, online banking portal, and in-branch. Each has different speed and cost trade-offs. The most common choice—moving money from your Chase checking account—is free and takes seconds. If the money is at another bank, you have two main paths: an ACH transfer (free, slower) or a wire transfer (fast, costs $15 to $30).
Key Takeaways
- Transfers between your own Chase accounts happen instantly through the Chase app or online banking and cost nothing.
- Moving money from another bank's account takes one to three business days and is free if you set up an ACH transfer through Chase's "Add External Account" feature.
- Wire transfers from another bank arrive the same day but typically cost $15 to $30 and require you to provide Chase's routing number and your account number to the sending bank.
- Mobile deposit of a check clears within one to two business days and requires only your phone camera and the Chase app.
- In-branch deposits are instant if you hand cash or a check to a teller during business hours.
Transferring from your own Chase checking account
This is the fastest and cheapest option if you already have money in a Chase checking account. Log into the Chase mobile app or visit chase.com, go to "Transfers," and select the checking account as the source and your savings account as the destination. Enter the amount and confirm. The money appears in your savings account immediately.
You can also call Chase customer service at the number on the back of your card and request a transfer over the phone. There is no fee, no waiting period, and no limit on how many times you can transfer (though your savings account may have a federal limit on the number of withdrawals per month—currently six, though this rule is not always enforced).
Linking an external bank account and using ACH transfer
If your money is at another bank, you can set up a free ACH transfer. In the Chase app or online, go to "Transfers" and select "Add External Account." Enter your other bank's routing number, your account number there, and confirm the account type. Chase will send two small test deposits to that account (usually within one business day) to verify you own it.
Once verified, you can transfer money from that external account into your Chase savings account. The transfer takes one to three business days and costs nothing. The speed depends on both banks' processing times; some banks move money faster than others. If you need the money sooner, use a wire transfer instead.
You can also initiate an ACH transfer from your other bank's website or app by sending money to your Chase account. You will need your Chase routing number (varies by region but is typically 021000021 for most Chase branches) and your Chase savings account number. This method works the same way and takes the same one to three business days.
Wire transfers for same-day funding
A wire transfer moves money the same business day it is sent, but it costs money and cannot be reversed once it leaves your other bank. Most banks charge $15 to $30 to send a wire. Contact your other bank and ask to wire money to your Chase savings account. You will need to provide them with Chase's routing number for your region and your full Chase account number.
The receiving bank (Chase) does not charge you to receive a wire. The money typically arrives within hours during business days, though it may take until the next business day if sent after 2 p.m. or on a weekend. Once a wire is sent, you cannot cancel it or get the money back if you made a mistake, so double-check the account number and routing number before authorizing the transfer.
Mobile check deposit through the Chase app
If you have a paper check, you can deposit it directly into your Chase savings account using your phone. Open the Chase app, tap "Deposit," select your savings account, take a photo of the front and back of the check, and confirm the amount. The check is deposited immediately, but the funds typically become available within one to two business days.
There is no fee for mobile deposit. The check must be endorsed (signed on the back) and made out to you. Do not deposit the same check twice—Chase's system flags duplicates, and depositing the same check to multiple accounts is considered fraud and can result in account closure and legal action.
In-branch deposit with cash or check
Walk into any Chase branch during business hours with cash or a check and hand it to a teller. Tell them you want to deposit it into your savings account. Cash deposits are credited immediately; check deposits are credited the same day but funds become available within one to two business days. There is no fee.
You will need to provide your account number or the debit card linked to your savings account. If you do not have your account number memorized, bring your debit card or a recent statement. Deposits made after the branch closes or on weekends are processed the next business day.
What to do if a transfer is delayed or fails
ACH transfers that do not arrive within three business days should be reported to Chase. Log into your account, go to "Transfers," find the transfer in your history, and select "Report an Issue." Chase will investigate and typically resolve the problem within five to ten business days. Common causes are incorrect routing numbers, mismatched account names, or a freeze on your account.
If a wire transfer fails, contact the sending bank immediately—they can sometimes recall it if it has not been claimed. If a mobile deposit does not clear after two business days, check your Chase app to see if the deposit was rejected (usually because the check image was blurry or the amount did not match). You can resubmit the image or deposit the check in person at a branch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer money from a credit card to my Chase savings account?
No. You cannot transfer directly from a credit card to a savings account. You would need to pay off the credit card from your checking account first, then transfer from checking to savings. Paying a credit card with a savings account transfer is not possible through Chase's system.
Is there a limit on how much I can transfer into my savings account?
Chase does not set a daily or monthly limit on transfers into a savings account. However, federal rules previously limited withdrawals from savings accounts to six per month, though this rule is no longer enforced by most banks. Check your account agreement or contact Chase to confirm any limits on your specific account.
How long does it take to add an external bank account for ACH transfers?
Adding an external account takes one to two business days. Chase sends two small test deposits to verify you own the account, and you must confirm the amounts in your other bank's account. Once confirmed, you can transfer money immediately, though the actual transfer takes one to three business days to complete.
What happens if I transfer money to the wrong account by mistake?
If you transferred to the wrong Chase account, contact Chase immediately and ask to reverse the transfer—this can usually be done the same day. If you transferred to another bank's account, contact that bank and ask them to reverse it; they may be able to if the transfer has not been claimed. Wire transfers cannot be reversed once sent, so contact the receiving bank to request they return the funds voluntarily.
Can I set up automatic recurring transfers into my savings account?
Yes. In the Chase app or online, go to "Transfers," set up your transfer, and select "Recurring." You can choose weekly, biweekly, or monthly transfers from your checking account or a linked external account. Automatic transfers are free and happen on the schedule you set.