Connect your bank account through the Wallet app on your iPhone
To add a bank account to Apple Cash, open the Wallet app on your iPhone, tap the plus sign in the upper right corner, and select "Apple Cash". Follow the prompts to enter your bank details—routing number and account number—which you can find on a check or by logging into your bank's website. Apple will verify the account by depositing two small amounts (usually under $1 each) into your bank account within one to two business days. Once those deposits arrive, return to the Wallet app and enter the amounts to confirm ownership.
The verification step protects both you and Apple by proving you control the account. Without it, someone could link a bank account that isn't theirs. After you confirm the deposit amounts, your bank account is connected and you can transfer money between Apple Cash and your bank.
Key Takeaways
- You need your bank's routing number and your account number to start the connection process in the Wallet app.
- Apple deposits two small test amounts into your bank account to verify you own it, which takes one to two business days.
- You must return to the Wallet app and enter those deposit amounts to complete the link.
- Once verified, you can move money between Apple Cash and your bank account at any time.
- If verification fails, check that your routing and account numbers are correct, or contact your bank to confirm the account is active.
Where to find your routing and account numbers
Your routing number and account number appear on the bottom left of any check you have from that account. The routing number is the first nine digits, and your account number follows. If you don't have checks, log into your bank's website or mobile app—most banks display both numbers in the account details or settings section. You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask them to read the numbers to you.
Make sure you're entering the numbers for the correct account. If you have multiple accounts at the same bank, using the wrong account number will cause verification to fail. Double-check before you submit.
What happens during the verification step
After you enter your bank details, Apple sends two deposits to your account. These are real money—usually between 1 cent and 99 cents each—and they'll show up in your bank account within one to two business days. The amounts are random and different each time, so you can't predict them in advance.
Once the deposits appear, go back to the Wallet app and tap on Apple Cash. You'll see a prompt asking you to enter the two deposit amounts. Type them in exactly as they appear in your bank account. If you enter them correctly, the verification is complete and your account is linked. If you enter them wrong, you can try again, but you have a limited number of attempts before the system locks you out temporarily.
Transferring money between Apple Cash and your bank
Once your bank account is verified, you can move money in both directions. To add money from your bank to Apple Cash, open the Wallet app, tap Apple Cash, tap the three dots in the upper right, select "Add Money", choose your bank account, and enter the amount. The transfer usually completes within one to three business days, though some banks process faster.
To send money from Apple Cash back to your bank, tap the three dots again, select "Transfer to Bank", choose your bank account, and enter the amount. This also takes one to three business days. Neither direction charges a fee when you transfer to or from your own bank account.
Why verification fails and how to fix it
The most common reason verification fails is entering the wrong routing or account number. If you see an error message, go back and check both numbers against your check or your bank's website. Make sure there are no extra spaces or digits.
Sometimes verification fails because your bank account is new, closed, or flagged by your bank's fraud system. If you've entered the numbers correctly and verification still doesn't work, contact your bank directly. Ask them to confirm the account is active and that they haven't blocked transfers to third-party services like Apple. Some banks require you to call and authorize the connection before it will go through.
If you've tried multiple times and still can't verify, remove the account from Wallet and try again from the beginning. Wait a few hours before your next attempt—the system sometimes needs time to reset.
Security and what Apple can see
Apple does not store your full bank account number. During verification, Apple receives only enough information to confirm you own the account. After that, your bank and Apple communicate directly when you transfer money, but Apple never holds your account credentials.
If your iPhone is lost or stolen, someone with access to your phone can transfer money from Apple Cash if they can unlock it. To protect yourself, use Face ID or a strong passcode. You can also remove your bank account from Wallet at any time by opening the app, tapping Apple Cash, tapping the three dots, and selecting "Remove Bank Account".
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add more than one bank account to Apple Cash?
Yes. You can link multiple bank accounts from the same bank or different banks. Each account must go through the same verification process with the two test deposits. This is useful if you have separate checking and savings accounts and want to transfer from either one.
How long does verification actually take?
The two test deposits usually arrive within one to two business days, depending on your bank's processing speed. Weekends and holidays can add time. Once the deposits show up in your account, you can complete verification immediately by entering the amounts in the Wallet app.
What if I entered the deposit amounts wrong?
You can try again. The Wallet app allows multiple attempts, though if you fail too many times in a row, it may lock you out temporarily. If that happens, wait a few hours and try again. If you genuinely can't remember the amounts, you can remove the account and start over with a new verification.
Does Apple Cash work with all banks?
Apple Cash works with most U.S. banks, but some smaller regional banks or credit unions may not be compatible. If your bank doesn't appear in the list when you try to add it, contact your bank to ask if they support third-party wallet connections. You can also try adding the account manually using your routing and account numbers instead of selecting your bank from the list.
Can I transfer money to someone else's bank account using Apple Cash?
No. Apple Cash transfers to a bank account only work with your own account. To send money to another person, you use the peer-to-peer feature in Apple Cash or Messages, which transfers directly to their Apple Cash balance or linked bank account. That's a separate process from adding your bank account to your wallet.