What you need to do to add an external account

To add an external bank account to Bank of America, you log into your account online or through the mobile app, go to the Transfer & Pay section, and select "Add External Account." Bank of America will ask for the routing number and account number of the bank you want to link, plus the account holder's name. The bank then sends two small deposits (usually between $0.01 and $0.99) to that external account within one to two business days. You return to Bank of America, confirm the exact amounts of those deposits, and the account is linked.

The whole process typically takes three to five business days from start to finish, though the timing depends on how quickly the external bank processes the deposits. Once the account is verified, you can transfer money between it and your Bank of America account, set up recurring transfers, or use it as a destination for direct deposits.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America verifies external accounts by sending two small test deposits that you must confirm the amounts of before the link is active.
  • You need the routing number and account number of the external bank, plus the name of the account holder, to start the process.
  • Verification usually takes three to five business days because the external bank must process the test deposits.
  • Once linked, you can transfer money to or from that account and set it as a destination for direct deposits or payroll.

Where to find the external account option in Bank of America

Log into your Bank of America account at bankofamerica.com or open the mobile app. On the website, look for the "Transfer & Pay" tab in the main navigation menu. On the mobile app, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) and select "Transfer & Pay." From there, select "Add External Account" or "Link Account"—the exact wording varies slightly depending on whether you are using the website or app.

If you cannot find the option, make sure you are logged into a checking or savings account that has transfer privileges. Some account types, such as certain investment or credit card accounts, do not allow external transfers. If you have multiple accounts with Bank of America, you may need to switch to the account you want to transfer from before the option appears.

Information you need to have ready

Gather the following before you start: the routing number of the external bank, the account number of the external account, and the name of the person or business that owns the external account. The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies the bank or credit union. You can find it on a check from that account (it is the first nine digits on the bottom left), or you can call the bank and ask.

The account number is usually printed on checks as well, or you can log into the external bank's website to find it. Make sure the account holder name matches exactly what the external bank has on file—if it does not, the verification may fail. If you are adding a business account, use the business name as it appears on the account.

How the verification deposits work

After you submit the external account information, Bank of America sends two small deposits to that account. These deposits arrive within one to two business days, though the timing depends on the external bank's processing speed. The amounts are random and typically between $0.01 and $0.99 each—for example, $0.37 and $0.82.

Once the deposits appear in the external account, you return to Bank of America and confirm the exact amounts. You do this by logging back into your Bank of America account, going to the external account you added, and entering the two deposit amounts. After you confirm them correctly, the account is fully linked and ready to use. If you enter the amounts incorrectly, Bank of America will ask you to try again.

What to do if verification deposits do not arrive

If the deposits do not show up after three business days, check the external bank's account to make sure they landed there. Sometimes they appear under a different name or description—look for entries from "Bank of America" or "BOFA" in the transaction history. If you still cannot find them, log back into Bank of America and cancel the pending link, then start over with a new request.

If you repeatedly have trouble with the verification deposits, contact Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000 (for Bank of America customers) or through the mobile app's chat feature. They can investigate whether the external bank is blocking the deposits or whether there is an issue with the account information you provided. Have your routing number and account number ready when you call.

Transferring money once the account is linked

Once the external account is verified, you can transfer money to it from your Bank of America account. Go to "Transfer & Pay," select the external account, enter the amount, and choose the date you want the transfer to happen. Bank of America processes most transfers within one to two business days, though some external banks take longer to receive the funds on their end.

You can also set up recurring transfers if you want to move money on a regular schedule—for example, every payday or the first of the month. To do this, select "Set Up Recurring Transfer" instead of a one-time transfer, and choose how often you want it to happen. You can pause or cancel recurring transfers at any time through the same menu.

Security and fraud protection when linking accounts

Bank of America requires the verification deposits as a security measure to confirm you own the external account. This prevents someone else from linking your Bank of America account to an account they control and transferring your money out. The two-deposit verification is the standard method used by most banks for this reason.

Once an account is linked, monitor your Bank of America account for unauthorized transfers. If you see a transfer you did not make, contact Bank of America immediately. You can dispute unauthorized transfers through the mobile app or by calling customer service. Bank of America's fraud protection covers unauthorized transfers, though the speed of resolution depends on how quickly you report it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add an account from a different bank or credit union?

Yes. Bank of America accepts external accounts from any U.S. bank or credit union as long as you have the routing number and account number. You can also link accounts from online banks like Ally or Charles Schwab using the same process.

How many external accounts can I link?

Bank of America does not publish a specific limit on the number of external accounts you can link, but most customers can link multiple accounts without issue. If you are trying to link more than ten accounts, contact customer service to confirm there are no restrictions on your specific account.

What if the account holder name does not match exactly?

The name must match what the external bank has on file. If there is a mismatch—for example, you use a nickname or middle initial differently—the verification deposits may fail. Contact the external bank to confirm the exact name on the account, then start the linking process again with the correct name.

Can I transfer money from an external account into Bank of America?

Yes, once the account is linked, you can transfer money in both directions. You can pull money from the external account into Bank of America, or push money from Bank of America to the external account. The process is the same either way.

What happens if I close the external account after linking it?

If you close the external account, any future transfers to it will fail. Bank of America will notify you that the transfer could not be completed. You should remove the account from your linked accounts list to avoid confusion. Log into Bank of America, find the account in your external accounts list, and select "Remove" or "Delete."