Yes, you can add an external account to Bank of America, and it takes about one to three business days
Bank of America lets you connect accounts you hold at other banks so you can transfer money between them without leaving the BofA platform. The process is called adding an external account, and it requires you to verify that you own the account at the other bank. BofA uses two main verification methods: instant verification (if the other bank supports it) or a manual process where BofA deposits two small amounts into the external account and you report the exact dollar amounts back.
Once verified, the external account appears in your BofA transfer options. You can then move money from your BofA account to the external account, or in some cases receive transfers into your BofA account from it. The speed of the transfer depends on the receiving bank—most take one to two business days, though some may take longer.
Key Takeaways
- You add an external account through BofA's online banking or mobile app by selecting "Transfer" and choosing "Add External Account."
- Instant verification works immediately if the other bank participates in BofA's verification network; if not, you wait for two small deposits and enter their amounts.
- Manual verification typically takes three to five business days from the time you report the deposit amounts.
- Once verified, you can transfer money to the external account, though the receiving bank controls how long the money takes to arrive.
How to add an external account through online banking
Log into your Bank of America account on the website or mobile app. Navigate to the "Transfers" section, usually found in the main menu. Select "Add External Account" or "Link Account." You will be asked for the account holder's name, the routing number of the bank where the account is held, and the account number itself.
Enter the account type (checking or savings) and confirm the information. BofA will then attempt instant verification by connecting to the other bank's system. If the other bank is in BofA's network, the account will be verified immediately and you can begin transferring money right away. If instant verification is not available, BofA will move to the manual verification process.
What happens during manual verification
If instant verification fails, BofA deposits two small amounts (usually between $0.01 and $0.99 each) into the external account over the next one to three business days. You will receive a notification when both deposits have been made. You then log back into your BofA account and enter the exact dollar amounts of those two deposits.
Once you report the amounts correctly, the account is verified and ready to use. This process protects both you and BofA by confirming you have access to the external account. The entire manual verification process usually takes three to five business days from start to finish.
Limits on how much you can transfer
Bank of America sets daily and monthly transfer limits for external accounts. These limits vary depending on your account type and your history with BofA. New external accounts may have lower limits initially, which increase after a period of time and successful transfers.
You can check your specific limits by viewing the external account details in your transfer settings. If you need to transfer more than your limit allows, contact BofA customer service to request a temporary or permanent increase. Some requests are approved immediately; others may require additional verification.
Why a transfer to an external account might be delayed
Even after your external account is verified, the actual transfer can take longer than expected. Bank of America typically processes outgoing transfers within one business day, but the receiving bank controls when the money arrives in the external account. Some banks post transfers the same day; others take two to three business days.
Transfers sent on weekends or holidays may not begin processing until the next business day. If you initiated a transfer and it has not arrived after three business days, contact BofA to confirm the transfer was sent and get the receiving bank's reference number. You can then contact the other bank to track the money on their end.
Removing or updating an external account
If you no longer need an external account linked to BofA, you can remove it from your transfer settings at any time. Go to the external account details and select "Remove Account" or "Delete." The account is immediately unlinked, and you cannot transfer to it anymore. Removing an account does not affect any transfers that are already in progress.
To update account information—such as if the account holder's name changed or the account number changed—remove the old account and add the new one as a separate external account. You will need to go through verification again if the routing number or account number is different.
What to do if verification fails
If you enter the deposit amounts incorrectly during manual verification, BofA will reject the verification and you can try again. You typically have a limited number of attempts before BofA cancels the verification process. If this happens, you will need to start over by adding the external account again.
If you cannot locate the two deposit amounts in the external account, check that you are looking at the correct account and the correct time period. The deposits may appear under a different description or may take longer to show up depending on the receiving bank. If you still cannot find them after several days, contact the other bank to confirm the deposits were received, then contact BofA to request a manual override or to restart the verification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer money from an external account into my Bank of America account?
Not directly through BofA's external account feature. The external account link is designed for outgoing transfers only. To receive money from another bank, you would provide that bank with your BofA account and routing number, and they would initiate the transfer on their end using ACH or another method.
How long does instant verification actually take?
Instant verification happens within seconds if the other bank is in BofA's network. You will see the account marked as verified immediately after you enter the account details. If it does not verify instantly, the system will automatically switch to manual verification with the two small deposits.
What if the external account is in someone else's name?
Bank of America requires the account holder's name to match the name on your BofA account. If you are trying to add an account held by someone else, you cannot do it through the external account feature. You would need to set up a separate arrangement with that person, such as having them transfer money to you directly.
Can I add an international bank account?
Bank of America's external account feature works only with U.S. bank accounts. International transfers require a different process, usually involving wire transfers or international ACH, which have higher fees and longer processing times. Contact BofA to discuss options for moving money to an international account.
What happens to an external account if I close my Bank of America account?
When you close your BofA account, all linked external accounts are automatically removed. Any pending transfers to those accounts will be cancelled. If you reopen a BofA account later, you will need to re-add any external accounts and go through verification again.