Add a savings account in three steps

Open the U.S. Bank mobile app, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right, and select "Add Account." Choose "Link External Account" if the savings account is at another bank, or "Open New Account" if you want U.S. Bank to create one for you. If you're linking an existing account elsewhere, enter the routing number and account number from that bank, then verify ownership by confirming two small deposits U.S. Bank will send within one to two business days.

If you're opening a new U.S. Bank savings account through the app, you'll answer questions about account type, funding source, and initial deposit. The app will walk you through each screen in order. Once submitted, U.S. Bank typically confirms the account within one business day, though funding may take longer depending on how you transfer money in.

After the account appears in your app, you can transfer money between it and your checking account, set up automatic transfers, or use it to receive direct deposits. The account shows up in your account list on the home screen once it's fully active.

Key Takeaways

  • You can link a savings account from another bank or open a new U.S. Bank savings account directly in the app using "Add Account" from the menu.
  • Linking an external account requires the routing number and account number, plus verification through two small test deposits that arrive in one to two business days.
  • A newly opened U.S. Bank savings account typically activates within one business day, though transfers into it may take longer depending on the funding method.
  • Once added, the savings account appears in your account list and you can transfer money, set up automatic transfers, or receive direct deposits into it.

Linking a savings account from another bank

When you choose "Link External Account," the app asks for the routing number and account number of the savings account you want to connect. You can find both on a check from that account, or log into the other bank's website or app to locate them. The routing number is a nine-digit code specific to the bank and branch; the account number is unique to your account at that bank.

After you enter both numbers, U.S. Bank sends two small deposits (usually between $0.01 and $0.99 each) to the external account within one to two business days. You then return to the U.S. Bank app, go back to "Add Account," and enter the exact amounts of those two deposits to confirm you own the account. Once verified, the account links permanently and you can move money between it and your U.S. Bank accounts.

This verification step protects both banks: it proves you control the external account and prevents someone from linking accounts they don't own. The deposits themselves stay in the external account—U.S. Bank does not withdraw them after verification.

Opening a new U.S. Bank savings account in the app

Select "Open New Account" to create a savings account directly through the app without visiting a branch. The app shows you available savings account types—such as regular savings, money market, or youth savings—along with current interest rates and minimum balance requirements. Read the details for each type, because rates and fees vary.

Once you choose an account type, you'll provide personal information: your full name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, and employment status. U.S. Bank uses this to verify your identity and check for fraud. The app then asks how you want to fund the account—by transferring from an existing U.S. Bank account, by ACH transfer from another bank, or by check deposit.

After submission, U.S. Bank reviews your information and typically confirms the account within one business day. You'll receive an email or notification in the app when it's ready. The account then appears in your app's account list, and you can start using it to receive transfers or direct deposits.

Transferring money into your new savings account

Once the savings account is active, you can move money into it from your U.S. Bank checking account using the app's transfer feature. Tap "Transfer," select the checking account as the source and the savings account as the destination, enter the amount, and confirm. Transfers between U.S. Bank accounts usually complete the same day or next business day.

If you're funding the account from another bank, use ACH transfer. Go to the savings account details, select "Add Funds," and choose "ACH Transfer from External Account." Enter the routing and account number of the external bank, the amount, and the date you want the transfer to occur. ACH transfers typically take three to five business days, though some banks process them faster.

You can also set up automatic recurring transfers—for example, $100 from checking to savings every payday. This helps build savings without having to remember to transfer manually each time. Set the frequency (weekly, biweekly, monthly) and the amount, and the app handles it on schedule.

What to do if the account doesn't appear in your app

If you've completed the steps but the account still isn't showing, first check that you're logged into the correct U.S. Bank profile. Some customers have multiple profiles if they've opened accounts at different times or branches. Log out completely, then log back in with the username and password you used when opening the account.

If it's a newly opened account, wait at least one business day after submission. U.S. Bank needs time to process and verify the account before it displays in the app. Check your email for a confirmation message that includes the account number and activation date.

If the account still doesn't appear after one business day, or if you see an error message during the linking process, contact U.S. Bank customer service through the app. Tap the menu, select "Help & Support," and choose "Contact Us." You can call, chat, or email—have your account number and the routing number ready. U.S. Bank can tell you whether the account is pending, if there's a verification issue, or if something went wrong during submission.

Removing or managing linked accounts

To remove a linked savings account from your app, go to the account details page, scroll to the bottom, and select "Remove Account" or "Unlink Account." The app asks you to confirm—removing the account from the app does not close it at the bank, it only stops it from showing in your U.S. Bank app. The account remains open at its original bank and you can still access it there.

To change settings on a linked account—such as the nickname it displays under in your app, or alerts for low balance—tap the account, select "Settings" or "Manage," and adjust what you need. You cannot change the account type or interest rate through the app; those changes require contacting U.S. Bank or the external bank directly.

If you want to close a savings account entirely, you must do that through the bank where the account is held. For a U.S. Bank savings account, call customer service or visit a branch. For an external bank's account, log into that bank's app or website to close it. Closing an account is permanent and cannot be undone through the U.S. Bank app alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to link a savings account from another bank?

The linking process itself is instant, but verification takes one to two business days. U.S. Bank sends two small test deposits to the external account, and you must confirm the amounts in the U.S. Bank app to complete the link. Once you verify, the account is ready to use immediately.

Can I link a savings account that's not in my name?

No. U.S. Bank requires that you own the account you're linking. The verification deposits go to the account holder's bank, and you must confirm them, which proves ownership. If you need to manage someone else's account, that person must link it themselves or grant you power of attorney through their bank.

What if I forget the routing number for my external savings account?

You can find it on a check from that account (it's the first nine-digit number on the bottom left), or log into the other bank's website or app and look in account settings or help. You can also call that bank's customer service line and ask for the routing number. Do not guess—entering the wrong routing number will cause the verification deposits to go to the wrong place.

Does adding a savings account to the U.S. Bank app cost money?

No. Linking an account or opening a new U.S. Bank savings account through the app is free. However, some U.S. Bank savings account types may have monthly maintenance fees if you don't meet minimum balance requirements. Check the account details before opening to see if fees apply.

Can I transfer money from my U.S. Bank savings account to a different bank?

Yes. Use the transfer feature in the app to move money from savings to an external account, but you must have already linked that external account first. Follow the same linking process, then select it as the destination for your transfer. The transfer typically takes three to five business days.