You can withdraw money from Credit Karma Savings through a linked external bank account, ACH transfer, or by closing the account entirely
Credit Karma Savings is a high-yield savings account offered through Credit Karma Money, a service run by Credit Karma in partnership with banks like Sutton Bank and Pathward. Money moves out of the account through the same banking channels it came in: you initiate an ACH transfer to an external bank account you've already linked, or you request a withdrawal through the Credit Karma app or website. The process typically takes one to three business days, depending on your receiving bank.
You don't need to close the account to withdraw money. Most people move funds out while keeping the account open and active. However, if you want to close the account entirely, you must withdraw or transfer your full balance first — Credit Karma will not let you close an account with money still in it.
Key Takeaways
- ACH transfers from Credit Karma Savings to a linked external bank account take one to three business days and are the standard withdrawal method.
- You must link an external bank account before you can withdraw; Credit Karma will not send money to an account you haven't verified.
- Withdrawals are free and unlimited, with no monthly transfer caps or penalties for moving money out.
- If your withdrawal doesn't arrive within three business days, check your linked bank account's incoming transfer status before contacting Credit Karma support.
How to set up a linked bank account for withdrawals
Before you can withdraw money, you need to link an external bank account — typically a checking account at your primary bank. Open the Credit Karma app or website, go to your account settings, and select the option to add a linked bank account. You'll enter your bank's routing number, your account number, and the account type (checking or savings).
Credit Karma will then send two small test deposits to that account, usually within one to two business days. Check your external bank account for these deposits (they appear as small amounts, often under $1). You'll then return to Credit Karma and confirm the exact amounts of those deposits. This verification step confirms you own the account and prevents fraud. Once verified, that account is linked and ready for withdrawals.
You can link multiple external accounts if you want to split withdrawals or move money to different banks. Each account goes through the same verification process.
Initiating an ACH transfer out of your savings account
Once your external bank account is linked and verified, withdrawing money is straightforward. In the Credit Karma app or website, navigate to your savings account and look for a "Transfer" or "Withdraw" button. Select the linked account you want to send money to, enter the amount you want to move, and confirm the transfer.
Credit Karma will show you the expected arrival date — typically one to three business days from the date you initiate the transfer. The money leaves your Credit Karma account immediately, but it won't appear in your external bank account until the ACH transfer clears. Weekends and federal holidays can extend the timeline; a transfer initiated on Friday afternoon may not arrive until Tuesday or Wednesday.
There is no limit on how much you can withdraw or how often you can transfer money out. Unlike some savings accounts, Credit Karma does not charge fees for outgoing transfers or cap the number of withdrawals per month.
What to do if your withdrawal is delayed or missing
If three business days have passed and the money hasn't arrived, first check your external bank account's transaction history or pending transfers section. Sometimes a transfer shows as pending on the receiving bank's side even if Credit Karma shows it as complete. If you see it pending, wait another day or two — it will clear automatically.
If the transfer doesn't appear anywhere, log into Credit Karma and check your transaction history to confirm the transfer was actually sent. Look for the exact date, time, and amount. If Credit Karma shows the transfer as completed but your bank shows nothing, contact your external bank's customer service first; they can trace the ACH transfer using the reference number from Credit Karma. If your bank finds no record of the transfer, then contact Credit Karma support with the transfer details and ask them to investigate.
Reversals are rare but can happen if you provided an incorrect account number or if there was a system error. Credit Karma can usually reissue the transfer once the issue is identified.
Closing your Credit Karma Savings account
If you want to close the account entirely, you must first move all money out. Withdraw your full balance to a linked external account using the standard ACH transfer process. Once the balance reaches zero, go to your account settings and look for a "Close Account" or "Deactivate Account" option. Credit Karma will ask you to confirm that you want to close it permanently.
After you close the account, you can no longer deposit money into it or earn interest. If you change your mind later, you can open a new Credit Karma Savings account, but it will be treated as a new account with a new account number. Any linked external accounts from your previous account will not automatically transfer over.
Differences between Credit Karma Savings and other linked accounts
Credit Karma Savings is a separate account from any checking or savings accounts you link to it. Money in Credit Karma Savings earns interest at the rate Credit Karma advertises (rates change over time and vary by market conditions). Money in your linked external bank account earns whatever rate your bank offers, which is often much lower.
When you withdraw from Credit Karma Savings, you're moving money out of the interest-bearing account into your external account. This means you stop earning Credit Karma's rate on that money once it leaves. If you're moving money out temporarily and plan to move it back in later, keep in mind that you'll need to go through the linking and verification process again if you're using a new external account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I withdraw money the same day I transfer it in?
No. Money takes one to three business days to arrive when you transfer it into Credit Karma Savings, and the same timeline applies when you withdraw. You cannot withdraw money faster than the ACH system allows. If you need same-day access to funds, keep money in your primary checking account instead.
What happens if I enter the wrong account number when linking?
Credit Karma's verification process catches most errors before money is sent. If you link an account with an incorrect number, the test deposits may fail or go to the wrong account. You'll see an error message and can delete that linked account and try again with the correct information. If a transfer was already sent to a wrong account, contact your bank to attempt a reversal.
Do I lose interest if I withdraw money mid-month?
Interest accrual depends on Credit Karma's specific terms, which can vary. Most high-yield savings accounts calculate interest daily and pay it monthly, so withdrawing mid-month typically means you lose interest only on the amount you withdrew for the days after withdrawal. Check your account terms or contact Credit Karma support for their exact interest calculation method.
Can I set up automatic withdrawals from Credit Karma Savings?
Credit Karma does not currently offer automatic recurring withdrawals or scheduled transfers. You must manually initiate each withdrawal through the app or website. If you want regular transfers, you'll need to repeat the process each time.
Is there a minimum or maximum withdrawal amount?
Credit Karma does not publish a stated minimum withdrawal amount, though most ACH transfers require at least $0.01. There is no maximum withdrawal amount — you can withdraw your entire balance in one transfer if you choose. Check your external bank's limits, as some banks cap the size of incoming ACH transfers.