How to link another bank account to Chase Secure Checking
You can link an external bank account to your Chase Secure Checking account through the Chase mobile app or online banking portal. The process takes a few minutes and requires your routing number and account number from the bank you want to link. Once linked, you can transfer money between the accounts, set up automatic transfers, or use the external account as a backup funding source.
Chase offers two methods to link an account: instant verification (which confirms the account immediately) and microdeposit verification (which takes one to two business days). Most accounts can be verified instantly if you have the correct routing and account numbers on hand.
Key Takeaways
- You need your external bank's routing number and your account number to link an account through the Chase app or website.
- Instant verification confirms the account right away if you provide correct information; microdeposit verification takes one to two business days.
- Once linked, you can transfer money between accounts, schedule recurring transfers, or use the external account to fund your Chase Secure Checking balance.
- Chase allows you to link multiple external accounts, but each one must be verified separately.
Linking through the Chase mobile app
Open the Chase app and go to your Secure Checking account. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) and select "Transfer money" or "Transfers & payments." Look for the option to add an external account or link a new account.
Enter the name of the bank you want to link and select it from the list. If your bank does not appear, you can still link it by entering the routing number manually. Provide your account number and confirm the account type (checking or savings). Chase will then ask you to choose your verification method: instant or microdeposit.
If you choose instant verification, Chase will confirm the account immediately and you can start transferring money right away. If you choose microdeposit verification, Chase will send two small deposits (usually under $1 each) to the external account within one to two business days. You will then need to log into that account, find the deposit amounts, and enter them back into the Chase app to complete verification.
Linking through Chase online banking
Log into your Chase account on a computer or tablet and navigate to "Transfers & payments." Select "Link external account" or "Add account." Enter your bank's name or routing number, then provide your account number and account type.
Follow the same verification steps as the mobile app. Chase will display your choice between instant and microdeposit verification. Instant verification is faster and works if your bank's information is correct; microdeposit verification is a backup option if instant verification fails or if your bank requires it.
After verification is complete, the account will appear in your transfer list and you can move money between it and your Chase Secure Checking account whenever you need to.
What information you need before you start
Gather these details from the bank account you want to link: the bank or credit union name, your account number, and the routing number. Your account number is usually printed on the bottom left of your checks or visible in your online banking portal. The routing number is a nine-digit code specific to your bank's location and is also printed on checks or available through your bank's website or customer service.
If you cannot find your routing number, call your bank's customer service line or visit their website. Many banks display it in the "account information" or "wire transfer" section of their online banking site. Having this information ready before you start linking will speed up the process.
Transfer limits and timing after linking
Once your external account is verified, you can transfer money between it and your Chase Secure Checking account. Transfers initiated before 2 p.m. ET on a business day typically arrive the next business day. Transfers initiated after 2 p.m. ET or on weekends and holidays may take an additional day.
Chase does not publish a specific daily or monthly transfer limit for linked accounts, but your bank or credit union may have limits on how much money can leave the external account in a single day. Check with your other bank if you plan to move large amounts. Some banks also limit the number of transfers you can make per month, though this is less common for checking accounts.
Troubleshooting instant verification failures
If instant verification fails, Chase will offer microdeposit verification as an alternative. This usually means the routing number or account number you entered does not match what the bank has on file, or your bank does not support instant verification.
Double-check the routing and account numbers you entered. A single digit wrong will cause verification to fail. If you are certain the numbers are correct, try the microdeposit method instead. If microdeposits arrive but you cannot see the amounts, log into your external bank account directly and look for two small deposits from Chase in your transaction history. Some banks delay showing deposits for a few hours.
If microdeposits do not arrive after three business days, contact Chase customer service. They can cancel the microdeposit attempt and help you troubleshoot or try a different verification method.
Removing or unlinking an account
You can remove a linked external account at any time through the Chase app or online banking. Go to "Transfers & payments," find the account you want to remove, and select the delete or remove option. Chase will ask you to confirm the removal. Once removed, you cannot transfer money to or from that account unless you link it again.
Removing an account does not affect the external bank account itself — it only disconnects it from Chase. Your account at the other bank will remain open and unchanged.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I link a savings account instead of a checking account?
Yes. When you enter your account information, you will be asked to specify whether it is a checking or savings account. Select the correct type and proceed with verification. The linking and transfer process works the same way for both account types.
How long does it take to verify an account with microdeposits?
Microdeposits usually arrive within one to two business days. Once they arrive, you need to log into your external bank account, find the two deposit amounts, and enter them into the Chase app to complete verification. The entire process typically takes two to three business days from start to finish.
Can I link accounts at multiple banks?
Yes. Chase allows you to link multiple external accounts from different banks. Each account must be verified separately, but once verified, all of them will appear in your transfer list and you can move money between any of them and your Chase Secure Checking account.
What happens if I enter the wrong account number?
If you enter an incorrect account number, instant verification will fail and Chase will offer microdeposit verification instead. If you proceed with microdeposits, they will be sent to the wrong account and you will not be able to verify. Contact Chase to cancel the attempt and start over with the correct account number.
Do I need to link my account to receive transfers from someone else?
No. Other people can send you money using your Chase account number and routing number without linking anything. Linking is only necessary if you want to initiate transfers from your Chase Secure Checking account to another bank.