What you need to link a bank account to Uphold
Linking a bank account to Uphold requires your bank's routing number, your account number, and a way to verify you own the account. Uphold uses microdeposits — two small deposits under $1 that appear in your account within one to two business days — to confirm ownership. You'll need to log into your bank and report back the exact amounts of those deposits to complete the link.
You'll also need an active Uphold account. If you don't have one, you can create it on Uphold's website or app with an email address and password. Uphold will ask for your full name, date of birth, and address during signup. The bank linking process itself takes place inside your Uphold account settings, not through your bank's website.
Have your bank's website or app open while you do this, because you'll need to check your account balance to find those microdeposit amounts. The whole process usually takes five to ten minutes of active work, spread across two to three days while you wait for the deposits to land.
Key Takeaways
- You need your bank's routing number and your account number to start the link, which you can find on a check or in your bank's app.
- Uphold sends two small deposits (under $1 each) to your account to verify you own it, and you must report the exact amounts back to Uphold.
- The microdeposits usually arrive within one to two business days, but the timeline depends on your bank's processing speed.
- Once verified, your bank account stays linked to Uphold and you can use it to move money in and out without relinking.
Finding your routing number and account number
Your routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your specific bank branch. Your account number is unique to your account at that bank. Both appear on the bottom left of any check you have — the routing number comes first, then your account number. If you don't have checks, log into your bank's website or app and look for account details, account information, or account settings. Most banks display both numbers there.
Some banks label the routing number as "ABA number" or "transit number." If you can't find it in your account details, call your bank's customer service line — they can give you the routing number over the phone in under a minute. Write both numbers down before you open Uphold, because you'll need to enter them correctly.
The microdeposit verification process
After you enter your routing and account numbers into Uphold, the system sends two small deposits to your bank account. These deposits are real money — they'll show up in your account just like any other deposit. They usually arrive within one to two business days, though some banks take longer. Weekend and holiday delays are common, so don't expect them on a Saturday or Sunday.
Once the deposits land, log into your bank account and look at your recent transactions. You'll see two deposits from Uphold, each under $1. Write down the exact amounts — for example, $0.23 and $0.17. Go back to Uphold, find the verification screen (usually in settings or account linking), and enter those two amounts. Uphold checks them against what it sent, and if they match, your bank account is linked.
If you enter the amounts wrong, Uphold usually lets you try again. If you wait too long (typically more than ten days) without verifying, the deposits may be reversed and you'll have to start over. Once you verify successfully, Uphold leaves those deposits in your account — you don't need to return them.
What happens after your bank account is linked
Once verified, your bank account stays linked to your Uphold account. You can use it to transfer money from your bank into Uphold, or from Uphold back to your bank. Uphold calls these transfers "ACH transfers" — they move money through the banking system rather than instantly. Most ACH transfers take one to three business days, depending on your bank and the direction of the transfer.
You can link multiple bank accounts to the same Uphold account if you want to. Each one goes through the same microdeposit verification. If you change banks or close the linked account, you'll need to link a new one before you can move money again.
Troubleshooting a failed or delayed link
If the microdeposits don't arrive after three business days, check that you entered the routing and account numbers correctly. A single wrong digit will cause the deposits to fail. Log back into Uphold and double-check what you entered against your bank account details. If there's a mismatch, you may need to unlink and start over.
If you entered the numbers correctly but the deposits still haven't arrived, contact your bank's customer service. Some banks block small deposits from unfamiliar sources, or they may be delayed due to a processing error on the bank's end. Your bank can tell you whether the deposits were received and where they are in the system.
If you've verified the amounts but Uphold says they don't match, make sure you're entering the exact amounts — including the cents. $0.23 is different from $0.32. If you're certain you entered them correctly and Uphold still rejects them, contact Uphold support through the app or website. They can manually verify the link if there's a technical issue on their end.
Security and what to watch for
Uphold uses microdeposits specifically because they prove you own the account — a scammer can't link your bank account without access to your actual bank login. The deposits are small enough that they don't cost you money, and they're reversible if something goes wrong.
Never share your bank password with Uphold or anyone claiming to represent Uphold. Uphold will never ask for your password. If someone contacts you claiming to help you link your bank account and asks for your password, that's a scam. Uphold only needs your routing number and account number, which are safe to share because they're printed on checks and visible to anyone who sees a payment from you.
Once your account is linked, review your Uphold transaction history regularly to make sure all transfers are ones you authorized. If you see a transfer you didn't make, report it to Uphold immediately through the app or website.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to link a bank account to Uphold?
The active work takes about five to ten minutes, but the full process takes two to three days because you have to wait for the microdeposits to arrive. Once they land and you verify the amounts, the link is complete and ready to use immediately.
Can I link a savings account instead of a checking account?
Yes, Uphold accepts both checking and savings accounts. The process is the same — you enter the routing and account number, wait for the microdeposits, and verify the amounts. Some savings accounts take slightly longer to process deposits, so you may wait an extra day.
What if I don't have a bank account yet?
You'll need to open a bank account first. Once you have one and know your routing and account numbers, you can link it to Uphold. If you're looking for a bank account, check with your current bank or search for banks that offer accounts with no minimum balance or monthly fees.
Do I have to pay a fee to link my bank account?
Linking itself is free. Uphold may charge fees when you transfer money in or out, depending on your account type and the transfer method. Check Uphold's fee schedule in the app or on their website to see what you'll pay for ACH transfers.
Can I unlink my bank account later?
Yes, you can remove a linked bank account from your Uphold settings at any time. Once unlinked, you won't be able to transfer money to or from that account until you link it again. If you link it again later, you'll have to go through the microdeposit verification process a second time.