The basic steps to link your bank account
To add a bank account to Coinbase, you log into your account, go to the Settings menu, select Payment Methods, and choose Add a Payment Method. From there, you pick Bank Account, enter your routing number and account number, and confirm two small deposits that Coinbase sends to your bank within one to two business days. Once you verify those amounts in your Coinbase account, the link is complete and you can buy, sell, or withdraw cryptocurrency using that account.
The whole process takes about five to ten minutes to set up, but the verification step adds one to three days before you can actually move money. Coinbase does not charge you to add a bank account, and the small test deposits are free.
Key Takeaways
- You need your bank's routing number and your account number to start the linking process, both of which appear on a check or in your online banking portal.
- Coinbase sends two small deposits (usually under $1 each) to verify ownership; you must log back in and confirm the exact amounts to complete the link.
- The verification step takes one to three business days, so plan ahead if you want to move money on a specific date.
- Once linked, your bank account can be used for purchases, sales, and withdrawals, though some transaction types may have daily or weekly limits depending on your account age and history.
Where to find your routing and account numbers
Your routing number and account number are printed on the bottom left of any check you have from that bank. The routing number is the first nine digits; your account number follows. If you do not have checks, log into your bank's website or mobile app—most banks display both numbers in the Account Details or Account Information section, sometimes labeled as "Bank and Account Information" or "Routing and Account Numbers."
If you cannot find them online, call your bank's customer service line and ask for your routing number and account number. Have your account number ready when you call, since the bank will ask you to verify your identity before giving out the routing number.
What happens during the verification step
After you enter your bank details, Coinbase sends two small test deposits to your account within one to two business days. These deposits are real money—usually between 1 and 99 cents each—and they appear in your bank account with a description that includes two numbers. You then return to Coinbase, go back to your Payment Methods, and enter those two numbers exactly as they appear.
This step confirms that you own the bank account and have access to it. Once you enter the correct amounts, the link is active. If you enter the wrong numbers, Coinbase will ask you to try again; you get multiple attempts, so do not worry about a single mistake.
Transaction limits and what you can do once linked
Once your bank account is verified, you can use it to buy cryptocurrency, sell cryptocurrency back to your bank account, or withdraw funds. Coinbase may set daily or weekly limits on how much you can move, especially if your account is new or has little transaction history. These limits typically range from a few hundred dollars per day to several thousand per week, though Coinbase does not publish exact thresholds publicly.
Your limits may increase over time as you use the account and build a history with Coinbase. If you hit a limit and need to move more money, you can wait until the limit resets (usually the next day or week) or contact Coinbase support to ask about raising your limit.
Timing: how long each step takes
The initial setup—entering your routing and account numbers—takes about five to ten minutes. The test deposits arrive within one to two business days, depending on your bank's processing speed. Verification (entering the deposit amounts) is instant once you see the deposits in your account. In total, plan for one to three business days from start to finish before you can move money.
Weekends and bank holidays can extend this timeline. If you submit your bank details on a Friday evening, the deposits may not arrive until Tuesday or Wednesday. Once the deposits land, verification is usually the same day.
What to do if verification fails or deposits do not arrive
If the test deposits do not show up after three business days, check that you entered your routing and account number correctly in Coinbase. Log back into your Payment Methods and review what you submitted. If the numbers are wrong, delete that payment method and add it again with the correct information.
If the numbers are correct but deposits still have not arrived, contact your bank and ask whether they have received any deposits from Coinbase. Some banks flag deposits from cryptocurrency exchanges as suspicious and hold or reject them. If your bank rejected the deposits, you may need to contact Coinbase support to request a new verification attempt or explore alternative payment methods like a debit card.
Using a debit card instead of a bank account
If linking your bank account is taking too long or your bank is blocking the deposits, you can add a debit card to Coinbase instead. Debit cards verify instantly—no test deposits required—and you can start buying cryptocurrency right away. However, debit card transactions often come with higher fees than bank account transfers, and daily purchase limits are typically lower.
To add a debit card, go to Payment Methods, select Add a Payment Method, choose Debit Card, and enter your card number, expiration date, and CVV. Coinbase will process a small temporary charge to verify the card, which is refunded within a few days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I link multiple bank accounts to one Coinbase account?
Yes. You can add as many bank accounts as you want, and each one goes through the same verification process. This is useful if you have accounts at different banks or want to keep your cryptocurrency activity separate by account.
What if I enter the wrong deposit amounts during verification?
Coinbase lets you try again. You have multiple attempts to enter the correct amounts, so a single mistake does not lock you out. If you are unsure of the exact numbers, log into your bank account and check the deposit descriptions again.
Do I have to verify my identity separately from linking my bank account?
Yes. Coinbase requires identity verification (uploading a photo ID and sometimes a selfie) before you can link a bank account or make any transactions. This is separate from the bank account verification process and happens earlier in your account setup.
Can I remove a bank account after I have linked it?
Yes. Go to Payment Methods, find the bank account you want to remove, and select Delete or Remove. Once deleted, you cannot use that account for transactions, but you can add it again later by going through the full verification process again.
Why is Coinbase asking for my account number if I already gave them my routing number?
The routing number identifies your bank; the account number identifies your specific account at that bank. Together, they ensure money goes to the correct account. Coinbase needs both to process transfers accurately.