The basic steps to connect your bank account
To link a checking account to TD Ameritrade, you log into your account, go to the Transfer & Pay section, select Link Bank Account, and enter your bank's routing number and your account number. Ameritrade then sends two small deposits (usually $0.01 and $0.02) to that account within one to two business days. You return to Ameritrade, confirm the exact amounts of those deposits, and the link is complete.
The whole process takes three to five business days from start to finish. Once linked, you can move money between your checking account and your Ameritrade account without having to re-enter your bank details each time.
You can link up to 10 different bank accounts to a single Ameritrade account, though most people link only one or two. Each account you add goes through the same verification step.
Key Takeaways
- Ameritrade sends two small test deposits to your checking account to verify you own it; you confirm the amounts to complete the link.
- The verification process takes one to two business days, so plan ahead if you need to move money on a specific date.
- You enter your bank's routing number and your account number in the Transfer & Pay section of your Ameritrade account.
- Once linked, you can transfer money between your checking account and Ameritrade without re-entering bank details each time.
Where to find the link bank account option
Log into your TD Ameritrade account on the website or mobile app. On the website, look for the menu in the upper left corner and select "Transfer & Pay." On the mobile app, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) and scroll to "Transfer & Pay."
Inside Transfer & Pay, you will see a section called "Link Bank Account" or "Add Bank Account." Click or tap that option. Ameritrade will ask you to choose whether you are linking an account for the first time or adding an additional account.
If you have never linked a bank account before, Ameritrade may ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions or confirming recent transactions. This is a separate step from the bank account verification and usually takes less than a minute.
What information you need to have ready
Before you start, gather your checking account details. You will need your bank's routing number (a nine-digit code that identifies your bank) and your account number (the number printed on your checks or visible in your online banking). Both appear on a check: the routing number is the first set of digits on the bottom left, and the account number follows it.
If you do not have a check, log into your bank's website or app and look for account details or account information. Most banks display both numbers there. You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask for your routing number and account number.
You do not need to know your bank's address, phone number, or any other details. Ameritrade only asks for the routing number and account number.
How the verification deposits work
After you enter your routing and account numbers, Ameritrade sends two small deposits to your checking account. These are real deposits, not holds or pending transactions. The amounts are random and usually between $0.01 and $0.99 each, totaling less than $1.00.
These deposits arrive within one to two business days. Once they land in your checking account, you will see them when you log into your bank's website or app. Write down or screenshot the exact amounts.
Return to Ameritrade, go back to Transfer & Pay, and select the option to confirm the deposit amounts. Enter the two amounts you saw in your checking account. If the amounts match, Ameritrade confirms the link is valid and removes those small deposits from your account within a few days.
What happens if the deposits do not arrive
If you do not see the two deposits in your checking account after three business days, the routing number or account number you entered may be incorrect. Log back into Ameritrade and check what you entered against your bank statement or check.
If the numbers are wrong, Ameritrade will let you try again. You can delete the incomplete link and start over with the correct information. The second attempt usually completes faster because Ameritrade does not need to re-verify your identity.
If the numbers are correct but the deposits still have not arrived, contact your bank's customer service. Ask whether they have blocked transfers from Ameritrade or whether there is a delay on their end. Some banks flag transfers from investment firms as unusual and hold them for review. Once your bank clears the transfer, the deposits will appear.
Transferring money after the link is active
Once your checking account is linked and verified, you can move money between your bank and Ameritrade. In the Transfer & Pay section, select "Transfer Funds" and choose whether you are moving money into Ameritrade (a deposit) or out to your checking account (a withdrawal).
Enter the amount and select your linked checking account as the source or destination. Ameritrade will show you how long the transfer will take. Deposits from your checking account to Ameritrade usually take one to two business days. Withdrawals from Ameritrade to your checking account also usually take one to two business days, though some banks process them faster.
You can set up recurring transfers if you want to move money on a regular schedule—for example, $500 every month on the 15th. This saves you from having to enter the details each time.
Unlinking or removing a bank account
If you want to stop using a linked checking account, go to Transfer & Pay and find the account in your list of linked banks. Select the option to remove or unlink it. Ameritrade will ask you to confirm, and the link will be deleted immediately.
You can unlink an account at any time. If you unlink an account and then want to use it again later, you will have to go through the full verification process again—the two test deposits and all.
Unlinking an account does not affect any money already in your Ameritrade account or any pending transfers. It only stops you from being able to move money to or from that specific checking account going forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to link a checking account?
The full process takes three to five business days. The two verification deposits arrive within one to two business days, and you confirm the amounts immediately. Ameritrade then removes the deposits within a few days. You can start transferring money as soon as you confirm the deposit amounts.
Can I link a checking account that is not in my name?
No. Ameritrade requires that the checking account be registered to the same person whose name is on the Ameritrade account. If you want to move money from a joint account or an account in someone else's name, you will need to contact Ameritrade customer service to discuss other options.
What if I enter the wrong routing number?
The two test deposits will go to the wrong bank or will be rejected. If they do not arrive after three business days, check your routing number against your bank statement or call your bank. You can delete the incomplete link in Ameritrade and try again with the correct number.
Can I link accounts from multiple banks?
Yes. You can link up to 10 different checking accounts from different banks to your Ameritrade account. Each one goes through the same verification process with the two test deposits.
Do I have to keep the linked account open forever?
No. You can unlink an account whenever you want, and you can close the checking account at your bank without affecting Ameritrade. If you close a linked account and then try to transfer money to it, Ameritrade will reject the transfer and notify you that the account is no longer valid.