You don't need a personal checking account to create a GoFundMe, but you do need one to receive the money
GoFundMe lets you start a campaign with just an email address and a phone number. You can set up the fundraiser itself, write your story, upload photos, and share the link with people right away — none of that requires a bank account. But when donations come in, GoFundMe needs somewhere to send that money, and they only transfer funds to a U.S. bank account in your name.
If you don't have a checking account yet, you have two paths: open one before you launch (takes a few days to a week), or open one after your campaign is live and donations are waiting (takes the same time, but your money sits in GoFundMe's system until the account is ready). Most people find it simpler to open the account first.
Key Takeaways
- You can create and launch a GoFundMe campaign without a bank account, but GoFundMe will only send donations to a checking or savings account in your name.
- Opening a checking account at a bank or credit union takes three to seven business days from application to receiving your debit card and account number.
- If you start fundraising before your account is open, your donations will stay in GoFundMe's system until you add banking details, which can take weeks.
- GoFundMe accepts both checking and savings accounts, so you can use whichever type you open.
- Some banks offer same-day or next-day account opening online, which can speed up the process if you're in a hurry.
What GoFundMe needs from you to transfer money
When you set up a GoFundMe campaign, the platform asks for your legal name, email, and phone number to create the account. That's enough to launch. But to withdraw donations, GoFundMe requires your bank account number, routing number, and the name on the account — and that name must match the name on your GoFundMe profile.
GoFundMe transfers money using ACH (Automated Clearing House), which is the same system banks use to move money between accounts. ACH transfers are free for GoFundMe to process, so they don't charge you a withdrawal fee. The transfer itself usually takes one to three business days once you've added your banking details.
If you're fundraising for someone else — a family member, a friend, a community cause — you can still use your own bank account to receive the money. GoFundMe doesn't require the account to be in the name of the person the campaign is for, only in the name of whoever is managing the fundraiser.
Timeline for opening a checking account before you launch
If you don't have a checking account, the fastest route is to open one online at a bank or credit union. Most banks let you start the application on their website or app, answer questions about your identity and income, and get approved within minutes to a few hours. After approval, they mail you a debit card and checks, which usually arrive within five to seven business days.
Some banks offer expedited options: a few large banks (Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo) can issue a temporary debit card number immediately after approval, which you can use to receive ACH transfers right away. You'll get the physical card later. Credit unions sometimes offer same-day account opening if you visit a branch in person with an ID and proof of address.
If you're opening an account specifically to receive GoFundMe donations, you don't need a minimum balance or direct deposit set up. Any basic checking or savings account works. Some banks waive monthly fees for accounts under a certain balance, which can save you money if you're only using it temporarily.
What happens if you launch before your account is open
You can start your GoFundMe campaign and begin sharing it with people before your bank account is ready. Donations will come in and sit in your GoFundMe balance. You'll see the money in your campaign dashboard, but you won't be able to withdraw it until you add valid banking details.
Once your checking account is open and you've added the account number and routing number to GoFundMe, the platform will transfer your balance to your bank account. This transfer is not automatic — you have to request it, usually by clicking a "Withdraw" button in your GoFundMe dashboard. After you request it, the money typically arrives in one to three business days.
The downside of this approach is that your money is stuck in GoFundMe's system for however long it takes you to open an account. If you're fundraising for an urgent need — medical bills, emergency housing, disaster recovery — waiting an extra week or two can be stressful. Opening the account first removes that delay.
Banks and credit unions that open accounts quickly
Most national banks and credit unions can open a checking account online in under an hour. Here's what to expect: you'll need a government-issued ID (driver's license or passport), your Social Security number, and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).
Online-only banks like Chime, Ally, and SoFi often approve accounts within minutes and issue temporary account numbers immediately, so you can receive transfers right away. Traditional banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo take a few hours to approve but also offer online account opening. Credit unions vary — some approve online in minutes, others require a phone call or in-person visit.
If you already have a savings account somewhere, you can often open a checking account at the same bank in minutes, sometimes without leaving your house. Call your bank's customer service line or log into your online banking portal to ask about opening a linked checking account.
Alternative: using a savings account instead of checking
GoFundMe accepts both checking and savings accounts for withdrawals. If you already have a savings account but no checking account, you can use the savings account to receive your donations. The process is identical — you provide your account number and routing number, and GoFundMe transfers money via ACH.
The only practical difference is that some savings accounts have limits on how many withdrawals you can make per month (often six), though this limit applies to your own withdrawals, not to deposits coming in. Since you're only receiving money from GoFundMe, not withdrawing from the savings account itself, this limit won't affect you.
If you're opening a new account just to receive GoFundMe donations, a basic savings account is simpler than a checking account — no checks to order, no debit card to wait for. But most banks make checking accounts just as easy to open, so the choice is mostly personal preference.
What to do if you don't have an ID or proof of address
Banks require government-issued ID and proof of address to open an account, and these requirements are federal law, not bank policy. If you don't have a driver's license or passport, you can use a state ID card, tribal ID, or military ID. If you don't have proof of address, a utility bill, lease agreement, or recent bank statement works — they just need to show your name and current address.
If you have neither ID nor proof of address, some credit unions and community banks will open an account with alternative documents — a birth certificate plus a utility bill, or a letter from a social service agency confirming your address. Call ahead to ask what they accept. Some banks also allow you to bring a trusted person who has ID and proof of address to vouch for you, though this varies by institution.
If you're experiencing homelessness or housing instability, many nonprofits and community action agencies can help you open a bank account. They often partner with local banks to waive the proof-of-address requirement or accept alternative documents. Search "[your city] nonprofit banking assistance" or call 211 to find programs near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use someone else's bank account to receive my GoFundMe donations?
No. GoFundMe requires the bank account to be in your legal name, and the name must match your GoFundMe profile. If you're fundraising for someone else and want them to receive the money directly, they need to set up the GoFundMe campaign themselves and connect their own bank account.
How long does it take for money to show up in my bank account after I request a withdrawal?
GoFundMe processes withdrawals via ACH, which typically takes one to three business days. Weekends and bank holidays can add time. Some banks post ACH transfers faster than others — check with your bank if you're waiting longer than three business days.
What if my bank account gets closed after I've connected it to GoFundMe?
If your account closes, GoFundMe won't be able to transfer money to it. You'll need to add a new bank account to your GoFundMe profile and request a withdrawal again. Any money that was pending transfer will stay in your GoFundMe balance until you provide new banking details.
Do I need a minimum balance in my checking account to receive GoFundMe donations?
No. GoFundMe can transfer money to any open checking or savings account, regardless of balance. You don't need to keep a minimum amount in the account, and you don't need direct deposit set up. A basic account with zero balance works fine.
Can I set up GoFundMe on my phone if I don't have a computer?
Yes. GoFundMe has a mobile app for iOS and Android, and you can create a campaign, manage donations, and add your bank account details entirely through the app. You'll still need the same ID and banking information, but you don't need a computer to do it.