You can link accounts in Chase's mobile app or online banking in about five minutes
To link a Chase savings account to a Chase checking account, open the Chase mobile app or log into Chase.com, go to the Transfers section, and select "Link an account." Enter your savings account number, confirm the account ownership, and Chase will verify the link by depositing two small test amounts into the savings account—usually within one to two business days. Once you confirm those deposits, the accounts are linked and ready to use for transfers.
Linking accounts lets you move money between them instantly for free, set up automatic transfers to build savings, and access both accounts from a single login. The process works the same whether both accounts are in your name or you're linking an account you own to one you co-own.
Key Takeaways
- Chase verifies a new linked account by depositing two small test amounts; you confirm the exact dollar amounts to prove ownership.
- Transfers between linked Chase accounts are free and usually complete within minutes, even on weekends.
- You can link accounts through the mobile app or Chase.com under the Transfers or Move Money section.
- If you're linking an account at a different bank, Chase uses a different verification method and the transfer may take one to three business days.
How to link accounts through the Chase mobile app
Open the Chase mobile app and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner. Select "Transfers" or "Move Money," then tap "Link an account" or "Add a new account to transfer to." Choose the account you want to link—if it's another Chase account in your name, select it from the list. If it's a new account, enter the account number and routing number.
Chase will send two test deposits to the account you're linking, usually within one to two business days. You'll receive a notification when they arrive. Go back to the app, select the account, and enter the exact dollar amounts of both deposits to confirm you own the account. Once confirmed, the link is active and you can transfer money immediately.
How to link accounts through Chase.com
Log into Chase.com and click "Transfers" in the main menu. Select "Link an account" or "Add a transfer recipient." If you're linking another Chase account, enter the account number or select it from your list of Chase accounts. If the account is at a different bank, enter the routing number and account number.
For Chase-to-Chase links, the verification is the same: two test deposits arrive within one to two business days, and you confirm the amounts in your account settings. For accounts at other banks, Chase may ask you to verify through your other bank's website or by answering security questions instead.
What happens after accounts are linked
Once linked, you can transfer money between the accounts anytime without fees. Transfers between two Chase accounts usually complete within minutes, even if you initiate the transfer on a weekend or holiday. The money will show as pending immediately and post to both accounts by the next business day at the latest.
Linked accounts also let you set up automatic recurring transfers—for example, moving $200 from checking to savings every payday. You can edit or cancel automatic transfers anytime through the Transfers section of your account.
Linking an account at a different bank
If you want to link a savings account from another bank to your Chase checking account, the process is similar but verification takes longer. Enter the other bank's routing number and your account number in the Link an account section. Chase will either send two test deposits (which you confirm) or ask you to verify through your other bank's website by logging in to prove ownership.
Transfers to accounts at other banks take one to three business days because they move through the ACH (Automated Clearing House) network. Chase charges no fee for these transfers, but your other bank may charge a fee on their end—check with them first. Transfers from your other bank's account to Chase checking also take one to three business days.
Troubleshooting a failed link
If the test deposits don't arrive within two business days, check that you entered the account number and routing number correctly. A single digit wrong will cause the deposits to fail. Go back to the Link an account section and verify the numbers match your account statements exactly.
If you entered the wrong account number and the test deposits went to someone else's account, contact Chase immediately at the number on the back of your debit card. Chase can attempt to recover the deposits, but the process may take several days. To avoid this, always copy the account and routing numbers directly from your bank statements rather than typing them from memory.
Removing a linked account
You can unlink an account anytime through the Transfers section of your Chase account. Select the linked account and choose "Remove" or "Unlink." The account will no longer appear as a transfer option, but any pending transfers will still complete. Unlinking an account does not affect the account itself—it only removes the connection from your Chase account.
If you want to link the same account again later, you'll need to go through the verification process a second time, including the test deposits.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to link a Chase savings account to checking?
The link is created immediately, but you can't transfer money until Chase verifies ownership through the test deposits. Verification usually takes one to two business days. Once you confirm the deposit amounts, transfers are available right away.
Can I link a savings account I don't own?
No. Chase requires you to prove ownership of the account you're linking by confirming the test deposit amounts. You can link accounts you co-own, but you cannot link an account that belongs entirely to someone else.
Do I pay a fee to link accounts or transfer between them?
No. Linking accounts and transferring money between two Chase accounts are both free. If you transfer to an account at another bank, that bank may charge a fee, but Chase does not.
What if I link the wrong account by mistake?
Unlink it immediately through the Transfers section. If you already transferred money to the wrong account, contact Chase right away. The sooner you report it, the better chance Chase has of recovering the funds.
Can I transfer money between linked accounts on weekends?
Yes. Transfers between Chase accounts process 24/7, including weekends and holidays. The money shows as pending immediately and posts to both accounts by the next business day.