How to change your linked bank account on Venmo
Open the Venmo app and tap the three horizontal lines (menu) in the bottom right corner. Select Settings, then tap Payment Methods. Find the bank account you want to remove and swipe left on it (or tap the three dots if you're on a web browser), then select Remove. After you remove the old account, tap Add a Bank Account and enter your new bank's routing number, your account number, and your account type (checking or savings). Venmo will send two small deposits to verify the account — usually within one to two business days — and you'll need to confirm those amounts in the app to finish linking it.
The entire process takes about five minutes to start, but you cannot use the new account for transfers until Venmo verifies it. During that waiting period, you can still send and receive money using your Venmo balance or any other linked payment method.
Key Takeaways
- You remove your old bank account through Settings > Payment Methods, then add a new one by entering your routing number and account number.
- Venmo sends two small test deposits to your new account to verify it works, and you must confirm the amounts in the app within a set timeframe.
- Verification usually takes one to two business days, but the exact timing depends on your bank's processing speed.
- You can keep using Venmo during verification by sending money from your Venmo balance or another linked payment method.
- If verification fails, check that your routing number and account number are correct, and contact your bank to confirm the account is set up to receive transfers.
Why you might need to change your bank account
You may need to update your linked bank account if you switched banks, closed an old account, or want transfers to go to a different account at the same bank. Some people also change accounts to separate personal and business spending, or because they opened a new account that offers better rewards or lower fees.
Venmo allows you to link multiple bank accounts at once, so you do not have to remove the old one before adding a new one — though removing unused accounts keeps your payment methods list clean and reduces the risk if your Venmo account is compromised.
Step-by-step: removing your old bank account
In the Venmo app, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) at the bottom right and select Settings. Scroll down and tap Payment Methods. You will see a list of all linked accounts — bank accounts, debit cards, and credit cards.
Find the bank account you want to remove. On the app, swipe left across it; on the web version, tap the three dots next to it. Select Remove and confirm. Venmo will ask if you are sure — tap Remove again. The account is now unlinked and Venmo will no longer store your account details.
If you have set that bank account as your default transfer destination, Venmo will prompt you to choose a new default before you can remove it. Pick another linked account or add a new one first.
Step-by-step: adding your new bank account
From the Payment Methods screen, tap Add a Bank Account. Venmo will ask whether you want to link via your bank's website (faster, if your bank is supported) or manually enter your details. If your bank appears in the list, select it and you will be taken to your bank's login page. Sign in, and your account will link automatically.
If your bank is not listed or you prefer to enter details manually, select Enter Account Details. You will need your routing number (a nine-digit code that identifies your bank) and your account number (usually 10 to 12 digits). You can find both on a check, or call your bank's customer service line. Select whether the account is checking or savings, then tap Continue.
Venmo will confirm your information and tell you that verification is in progress. You do not need to do anything else right now — Venmo will send two small deposits (usually under $1 each) to your new account within one to two business days.
Verifying your new account with test deposits
Venmo sends two tiny deposits to your new bank account to confirm you own it and that the account details are correct. These deposits appear in your bank account as transfers from Venmo, usually labeled something like "VENMO TEST" or "VENMO VERIFICATION." Check your bank account online or in your bank's app to see the amounts.
Once you see both deposits, return to the Venmo app. Go back to Settings > Payment Methods and find your new account — it should show a prompt to verify. Tap it and enter the two deposit amounts exactly as they appear in your bank account (for example, $0.23 and $0.17). Tap Verify. If the amounts match, your account is now fully linked and you can transfer money to it immediately.
If you do not see the deposits after two business days, check that you entered your routing number and account number correctly. Contact your bank to confirm the account is active and set up to receive transfers. Some banks block transfers from payment apps until you enable them in your account settings.
What to do if verification fails
If you enter the wrong deposit amounts or if the amounts do not match what appears in your bank account, Venmo will show an error. Tap Try Again and re-enter the amounts. Make sure you are looking at the exact cents — a deposit of $0.23 is different from $0.32.
If you entered your account details incorrectly, you may need to remove the account and add it again. Go back to Payment Methods, remove the unverified account, and start over with the correct routing number and account number. Call your bank if you are unsure of either number.
In rare cases, your bank may reject the test deposits if the account is new, flagged for fraud, or not set up to receive transfers from third-party apps. Contact your bank's customer service and ask them to confirm the account is active and can receive transfers from payment apps. Some banks require you to enable this in your account settings or call to authorize it.
Using your Venmo account while verification is pending
You do not have to wait for verification to complete before using Venmo. While your new bank account is being verified, you can still send money using your Venmo balance (money already in your Venmo account) or any other linked payment method — a debit card, credit card, or another bank account that is already verified.
Once verification is complete, you can transfer money directly from your new bank account to other Venmo users, or withdraw your Venmo balance to that account. If you set the new account as your default transfer destination, all future withdrawals will go there unless you change it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to verify a new bank account on Venmo?
Venmo usually sends the test deposits within one to two business days. Once you see them in your bank account and enter the amounts in the app, verification is instant. The entire process typically takes three to five business days from start to finish, but it depends on how quickly your bank processes the deposits.
Can I use Venmo while my new bank account is being verified?
Yes. You can send and receive money using your Venmo balance or any other linked payment method. You just cannot transfer money directly from the new bank account until it is verified. Once verification is complete, you can use that account for transfers and withdrawals.
What if I do not see the test deposits in my bank account?
Wait two business days — some banks are slower than others. If you still do not see them, check that your routing number and account number are correct. Contact your bank to confirm the account is active and can receive transfers from third-party payment apps. Some banks block these transfers by default and require you to enable them.
Do I have to remove my old bank account before adding a new one?
No. You can link multiple bank accounts to Venmo at the same time. Remove the old one only if you want to clean up your payment methods or if you closed that account. If the account is still open, you can leave it linked and just stop using it.
What happens to money in my Venmo balance if I change my bank account?
Your Venmo balance stays in your Venmo account and is not affected by changing your linked bank account. You can transfer that balance to your new bank account once it is verified, or keep it in Venmo and use it to send money to other users.