What you need to do to connect Apple Cash to a bank account
To link Apple Cash to your bank account, open the Wallet app on your iPhone, tap the Apple Cash card, then tap the three dots in the top right corner and select "Link Bank Account." You'll enter your bank's routing number and account number, and Apple will verify the connection by depositing two small test amounts into your account within one to two business days. Once you confirm those amounts in the Wallet app, the link is active and you can transfer money between Apple Cash and your bank account.
The process takes about five minutes to start, but the verification step means you can't move money until those test deposits clear. You'll need your bank account number, routing number, and access to your bank's website or app to confirm the test amounts. If your bank doesn't appear in Apple's list when you search for it, you can enter the routing and account numbers manually.
Key Takeaways
- Open Wallet, tap Apple Cash, tap the menu button, and select "Link Bank Account" to begin the connection process.
- Apple sends two small test deposits to verify your account ownership; you must confirm the amounts in the Wallet app before transfers work.
- The verification step takes one to two business days, so plan ahead if you need to move money on a specific date.
- Once linked, you can transfer money from Apple Cash to your bank account at any time with no fee.
- If your bank doesn't appear in the search list, you can manually enter your routing and account numbers instead.
Step-by-step: linking your bank account in Wallet
Start on your iPhone home screen and open the Wallet app (the one with the white wallet icon). Tap the Apple Cash card—it's the one that says "Apple Cash" at the top. If you don't see it, tap the plus sign in the top right corner and select "Apple Cash" to create an account first.
Once you're on the Apple Cash card, tap the three dots (or three lines, depending on your iOS version) in the top right corner. A menu will appear. Select "Link Bank Account" from the options. Apple will ask you to search for your bank by name. Type your bank's name and tap it when it appears in the list. If your bank doesn't show up, select "Enter Account Information Manually" and type in your routing number and account number instead.
After you enter your bank details, Apple will tell you it will send two test deposits within one to two business days. You don't need to do anything yet—just wait. Check your bank account (through your bank's app or website) for the two small deposits, usually between $0.01 and $0.99 each. They'll come from Apple or a company name like "Apple Inc."
Confirming the test deposits to complete the link
Once the test deposits appear in your bank account, go back to the Wallet app and tap the Apple Cash card again. Tap the menu button and look for an option like "Verify Bank Account" or "Confirm Deposits." Apple will ask you to enter the two amounts you saw in your bank account. Type them in exactly as they appear—for example, if you saw $0.23 and $0.17, enter those numbers in the order Apple asks for them.
After you confirm the amounts correctly, Apple will verify the link immediately. Your bank account is now connected to Apple Cash. You'll see a confirmation message in the Wallet app, and you can now transfer money between Apple Cash and your bank account whenever you want.
Moving money from Apple Cash to your bank account
Once your bank account is linked, transferring money out of Apple Cash is straightforward. Open the Wallet app, tap the Apple Cash card, tap the menu button, and select "Transfer to Bank" or "Send Money." Enter the amount you want to move and confirm. The money will leave your Apple Cash balance immediately, but it takes one to three business days to appear in your bank account, depending on your bank.
There is no fee to transfer money from Apple Cash to a linked bank account. The transfer happens on weekdays and weekends, but your bank may process it only on business days, which is why timing varies. If you need the money by a specific date, transfer it at least three business days before you need it.
What to do if your bank doesn't appear in the search
If you search for your bank's name and it doesn't show up in Apple's list, you can still link it manually. Select "Enter Account Information Manually" and type in your bank's routing number and your account number. You can find both of these on a check, or by logging into your bank's website or app and looking at your account details.
The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your bank. The account number is unique to your specific account and is usually 10 to 12 digits long. Enter both carefully—if you make a mistake, the test deposits will go to the wrong account and you'll need to start over. Once you enter the numbers, Apple will send the test deposits just as it does for banks in the search list.
Troubleshooting: test deposits didn't arrive
If more than two business days have passed and you haven't seen the test deposits in your bank account, check a few things first. Log into your bank's website or app and search for deposits from "Apple" or "Apple Inc." They may have arrived but be labeled in a way you didn't expect. Also check your spam or junk folder if your bank sends email notifications—sometimes the deposit alerts end up there.
If you still can't find them, the routing or account number you entered may be wrong. Go back to the Wallet app, tap the menu on the Apple Cash card, and look for an option to edit or remove the bank account. Delete the link and start over, double-checking your routing and account numbers against your check or your bank's website. If the second attempt also fails after two business days, contact your bank's customer service line to confirm your account number and routing number are correct.
Security and what happens if your phone is lost
Your bank account link is stored on your iPhone and encrypted by Apple. If you lose your phone, the link stays with that device—it doesn't automatically transfer to a new phone. When you set up a new iPhone and sign in with the same Apple ID, you'll need to re-link your bank account by going through the verification process again with the test deposits.
If your phone is stolen, you can remotely erase it using Find My iPhone (on iCloud.com or through another Apple device). This removes all your Apple Cash data and bank account link from the stolen phone. Your actual bank account is not affected—the link only works through the Wallet app on your iPhone, so someone with your phone can't access your bank account directly without your Apple ID password.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I link more than one bank account to Apple Cash?
No, Apple Cash allows only one linked bank account at a time. If you want to change which bank account is linked, you'll need to remove the current link and add a new one. The new link will require the test deposit verification process again.
How long does it take to transfer money from Apple Cash to my bank?
The transfer leaves your Apple Cash balance right away, but it takes one to three business days to show up in your bank account. Weekends and holidays don't count as business days, so a transfer on Friday may not arrive until Tuesday.
What if I enter the wrong test deposit amounts when confirming?
If you enter the amounts incorrectly, Apple will tell you they don't match and ask you to try again. You get multiple attempts, so you can check your bank account again and re-enter the correct amounts. There's no penalty for getting it wrong the first time.
Do I need a minimum balance in Apple Cash to link a bank account?
No, you can link a bank account to Apple Cash even if your Apple Cash balance is zero. The test deposits are sent by Apple to verify your bank account, not pulled from your Apple Cash balance.
Can I unlink my bank account after I've linked it?
Yes, you can remove the bank account link at any time. Open the Wallet app, tap the Apple Cash card, tap the menu, and select the option to remove or unlink the bank account. Once removed, you'll need to go through the verification process again if you want to link it back later.