Yes, you can link your checking account to another bank, and most banks make it straightforward
You can connect your checking account at one bank to an account at another bank through a process called external account linking. This lets you move money between the two accounts without visiting either bank in person. The method you use depends on whether you want to transfer money once or set up recurring transfers, and which banks are involved.
Most banks offer linking through their online banking portal or mobile app. You provide the other bank's routing number and your account number there, and the receiving bank verifies the connection by depositing two small test amounts (usually under $1 each) into that account. You then confirm the amounts in your other bank's system to prove you own both accounts. The whole process typically takes three to five business days.
Key Takeaways
- External linking requires your routing number and account number from the other bank, and most banks verify the connection by depositing two test amounts you must confirm.
- ACH transfers between linked accounts usually take one to three business days and are free at most banks.
- Wire transfers move money the same day but cost $15 to $30 and require you to initiate the transfer at your sending bank.
- If your banks do not recognize each other during linking, you can use a third-party service like PayPal or Wise, though these may charge fees or take longer.
- Linking does not give either bank access to your other account — you control each transfer individually.
The two main ways to move money between your checking accounts
ACH transfers are the standard method. ACH stands for Automated Clearing House, a network that processes transfers between banks. You initiate the transfer from your sending bank's website or app, specify the amount, and the money arrives in one to three business days. ACH transfers are free at most banks, though some charge $1 to $3 for outgoing transfers. The receiving bank almost never charges.
Wire transfers move money the same business day, usually within hours. You initiate a wire at your sending bank, provide the receiving bank's routing number and your account number, and the bank deducts a wire fee (typically $15 to $30) from your account. Wires are useful when you need money fast, but the cost makes them impractical for routine transfers.
A third option, bill pay, lets you send money from your checking account to another account at a different bank by writing a digital check. This takes three to five business days and is free at most banks, but it works best for one-time payments rather than regular transfers.
How to link accounts at two different banks
Log into your checking account's online banking portal or mobile app and look for a section called "Transfer Money," "Link Account," "External Accounts," or "Add Account." The exact name varies by bank. Click that option and select "Add External Account" or similar.
Enter the other bank's routing number (a nine-digit code that identifies the bank) and your account number at that bank. You can find both on a check, or call the other bank's customer service line and ask for them. Some banks let you search for the other bank by name instead of typing the routing number.
After you submit this information, your bank will send two small deposits (usually $0.01 to $0.99 each) to the other account within one to two business days. Log into the other bank's account, find those two amounts, and return to your first bank's website to confirm them. Once you confirm, the link is active and you can transfer money.
If the two banks cannot communicate directly—which is rare but happens with very small banks or credit unions—you may see an error message during linking. In that case, you can use a third-party service like PayPal, Wise, or Square Cash to bridge the gap, though these services may charge fees or take longer.
What information you need from the other bank
| Information | Where to find it | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| Routing number | Bottom left of a check, or call the bank | Nine-digit code that identifies the bank in the ACH network |
| Account number | Bottom center of a check, or call the bank | Your individual account number at that bank |
| Account type | Your account statement or the bank's website | Checking, savings, or money market (needed for some banks) |
| Account holder name | Your account statement | The name on the account (must match the name on your sending account) |
How long transfers take and what can delay them
ACH transfers between linked accounts take one to three business days. The sending bank processes your request the same day you submit it, but the ACH network itself takes one to two business days to move the money, and the receiving bank takes up to one business day to deposit it into your account. Weekends and bank holidays add extra time—a transfer you submit on Friday afternoon may not arrive until Tuesday.
Transfers can be delayed if the account information is incorrect, if your sending bank suspects fraud, or if the receiving bank's system is down for maintenance. Some banks also hold transfers for review if the amount is unusually large or if you are transferring to a newly linked account for the first time. If a transfer does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact your sending bank's customer service line and provide the transfer confirmation number.
Security and what happens if something goes wrong
Linking your checking account to another bank does not give either bank access to your funds. You control each transfer individually—the other bank cannot pull money from your account without your permission. The verification process (confirming the two test deposits) proves you own both accounts, which protects against someone linking an account they do not control.
If you notice an unauthorized transfer, contact your sending bank immediately. Banks are required by federal law to investigate transfers within a certain timeframe and refund your money if the transfer was fraudulent. The sooner you report it, the faster the investigation moves. Keep your online banking password strong and do not share your routing number or account number with anyone except the bank you are linking to.
If you want to unlink an account, go back to the same section of your online banking portal where you added it and select "Remove" or "Delete." The link is severed immediately, though any transfers already in progress will still complete.
When you cannot link accounts directly
Some smaller banks and credit unions do not participate in the ACH network or have limited connections to other banks. If you try to link and see an error message saying the routing number is not recognized, your banks may not be able to communicate directly.
In this case, you have a few options. Call the smaller bank's customer service line and ask if they can manually process an ACH transfer for you—many will do this for free or a small fee. Alternatively, use a third-party money transfer service like PayPal, Wise, or Square Cash. These services connect to most banks and can move money between accounts, though they may charge a fee ($1 to $5 for domestic transfers) or take longer (one to three business days).
Another option is to withdraw cash from one bank and deposit it at the other, though this only works for small amounts and requires you to visit a branch in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do both banks have to be the same type, like both checking or both savings?
No. You can link a checking account at one bank to a savings account at another, or any combination. The account type does not matter for linking—only that both accounts are in your name and the routing and account numbers are correct.
Can I link more than two accounts?
Yes. Most banks let you link multiple external accounts. You can have your checking account linked to three or four other accounts at different banks and transfer between any of them. Each link requires the same verification process.
What if the account name does not match exactly?
The account holder name must match the name on your sending account. If you go by a nickname or middle initial on one account but not the other, the linking may fail. Contact the bank with the mismatched name and ask them to update it, or call your sending bank's customer service to see if they can override the mismatch.
Is there a limit to how much I can transfer?
Most banks set daily and monthly transfer limits for ACH transfers, typically $10,000 to $25,000 per day. Wire transfers usually have higher limits. Check your bank's transfer limits in the online banking portal or call customer service to find out what applies to your account.
Can I set up automatic recurring transfers between linked accounts?
Yes. Most banks let you schedule recurring ACH transfers—for example, $500 every Friday or $1,000 on the first of each month. Set this up in the same section where you initiate one-time transfers, and the bank will process each transfer automatically on the date you choose.