You can add an external savings account to Discover through the app's transfer settings in about five minutes
Open the Discover mobile app or log into your online account. Go to Transfers, then select Add External Account. You'll enter the routing number and account number from the savings account you want to link — these appear on the bottom left of a check or in your other bank's app. Discover will verify the account by depositing two small amounts (usually under a dollar each) into that account within one to two business days. Once those deposits land, you return to the app, confirm the amounts, and the account is active for transfers.
The whole process takes longer than it looks because of the verification step. You can't move money until Discover confirms the account is real and belongs to you. Plan for two to three business days from when you enter the account number to when you can actually transfer funds.
Key Takeaways
- You need the routing number and account number from your external savings account, which you can find on a check or in that bank's app.
- Discover sends two small test deposits to verify the account is real, which takes one to two business days.
- You must confirm those deposit amounts in the Discover app before transfers become available.
- Once verified, you can transfer money between your Discover account and the linked savings account at any time.
- Transfers between accounts typically complete within one business day, though timing depends on the other bank.
Where to find your account numbers
The routing number and account number are easiest to find in your other bank's mobile app. Look for an option labeled Account Details, Account Information, or Transfer Settings. Most banks display both numbers clearly on that screen.
If you don't have the app or prefer not to use it, look at a physical check from that account. The routing number is the first nine digits at the bottom left, followed by your account number. If you have neither a check nor access to the app, call the bank's customer service line — the number is usually on the back of your debit card — and ask them to read you both numbers.
What happens during the verification step
After you enter the account information, Discover deposits two amounts under one dollar into the savings account you're linking. These are real deposits that stay in the account; Discover doesn't take them back. The amounts are random and different each time someone links an account.
Check the savings account one to two business days later. When you see the deposits, return to the Discover app, go back to Transfers, and select the account you're verifying. Enter the two amounts exactly as they appear. Once you confirm them correctly, the account is verified and ready to use.
If you don't see the deposits after two business days, the account information may be wrong. Delete the account from Discover and try again, double-checking the routing and account numbers.
How to transfer money once the account is linked
Go to Transfers in the Discover app. Choose whether you're sending money from Discover to the external account or from the external account to Discover. Enter the amount and confirm. The transfer usually completes within one business day, though the receiving bank may take an extra day to post it to the account.
Transfers are free. There's no limit on how many you can make or how much you can move at once, though your Discover account balance can't go negative.
Removing or replacing a linked account
If you want to stop using a linked account, go to Transfers, find the account in your list, and select Remove or Delete. The account is disconnected immediately. Any transfers already in progress will still complete.
To switch to a different savings account, add the new account using the same process — enter the routing and account numbers, wait for the verification deposits, and confirm the amounts. You can have multiple external accounts linked at the same time.
What to do if verification fails
If you enter the wrong routing or account number, the verification deposits won't land in the account you intended. Discover will eventually cancel the pending verification, and you'll need to start over with the correct numbers.
If you're certain the numbers are correct but the deposits don't appear after three business days, contact Discover's customer service. They can see whether the deposits were sent and help troubleshoot why they didn't arrive. Have your account number and the date you initiated the link ready when you call.
Security and fraud protection
Discover verifies the account belongs to you by sending those test deposits. This two-step process — entering the numbers and confirming the deposit amounts — prevents someone else from linking your account to their Discover profile without your knowledge.
Once an account is linked, only you can initiate transfers from the Discover app. If your Discover login is compromised, someone could transfer money out of your Discover account to the linked external account. Use a strong, unique password for Discover and enable two-factor authentication if it's available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I link a savings account from a different bank?
Yes. You can link a savings account from any U.S. bank that has a routing number. The account must be in your name, and you must have access to it to confirm the verification deposits.
How long do the verification deposits stay in my account?
They stay permanently. The deposits are yours to keep — Discover doesn't withdraw them after verification. They're typically less than a dollar each.
What if I link the wrong account by mistake?
Remove it from the Discover app immediately. The verification deposits will have gone to the wrong account, but they're small amounts and yours to keep. Add the correct account and start the verification process again.
Can I transfer money on weekends or holidays?
You can initiate transfers anytime through the app, but they only process on business days. A transfer started on Friday evening won't move until Monday, and transfers initiated on a holiday won't process until the next business day.
Is there a maximum amount I can transfer?
Discover doesn't set a limit on individual transfers or daily totals, but your Discover account balance can't go negative. Some external banks may have their own limits on incoming transfers — check with that bank if you're moving a large amount.