The fastest way out is a linked bank transfer, which takes one to three business days
Credit Karma Money Savings is a high-yield savings account run by WebBank. To move money out, you link an external bank account (yours at another bank) and initiate a transfer from the Credit Karma app or website. The money lands in your linked account within one to three business days. This is the standard path and works whether you're moving $50 or $5,000.
You can also request a check by mail, though this is slower and less common. Some people use it when they don't want to link another account or need a physical record of the withdrawal.
Credit Karma does not charge a fee to withdraw your own money. WebBank (the actual bank behind Credit Karma Money) does not charge outgoing transfer fees either. You pay nothing to move the money out.
Key Takeaways
- Link your external bank account in the Credit Karma app under settings, then initiate an outgoing transfer to that account.
- Transfers take one to three business days; the exact timing depends on your receiving bank, not Credit Karma.
- You can withdraw any amount up to your full balance with no fees or withdrawal limits.
- If you request a check instead, allow two to three weeks for delivery and clearing.
How to link an external bank account
Open the Credit Karma Money app or go to creditkarma.com and sign in. Navigate to the Savings account section and look for a settings or account management option. Select "Link Bank Account" or "Add External Account."
Enter your external bank's routing number and your account number. You can find both on a check or by logging into your other bank's website. Credit Karma will ask which bank you use; if it appears in their list, select it to auto-fill the routing number and reduce errors.
Credit Karma will then send two small deposits (usually under $1 each) to your external account. This is a verification step. Check your external bank account for these deposits, which arrive within one to two business days. Return to Credit Karma and enter the amounts of those two deposits to confirm you own the account. Once verified, the link is active and you can transfer money.
Starting a transfer from Credit Karma to your linked account
In the Credit Karma app, go to your Savings account and select "Transfer" or "Withdraw." Choose the linked external account as your destination. Enter the amount you want to move and confirm the transfer.
Credit Karma will show you the expected arrival date, which is typically one to three business days from the date you initiate the transfer. Weekends and bank holidays extend this window. Once you confirm, the money leaves your Credit Karma account immediately, but it does not land in your external account until the stated date.
You can initiate multiple transfers in a single day if you need to, though there is no hard limit on how much you can transfer at once. The constraint is your account balance—you cannot transfer more than you have.
Requesting a check instead of a bank transfer
If you prefer not to link another account, you can request a check. In the Credit Karma app, look for a "Withdraw by Check" or "Request Check" option, usually in the same menu as the transfer option. Enter the amount and confirm.
Credit Karma will mail the check to the address on file. Delivery takes two to three weeks depending on postal service. Once you receive it, you still need to deposit it into another account—either by taking it to a bank branch, using mobile deposit through another bank's app, or mailing it to your bank.
This method is slower overall and adds an extra step, so most people use bank transfer instead. Use checks only if you have a specific reason to avoid linking accounts or need a paper trail for record-keeping.
What happens if your transfer fails or is delayed
A transfer can fail if the linked account information is wrong, if your external bank rejects the incoming transfer, or if there is a system issue on either end. Credit Karma will notify you in the app if a transfer fails and will return the money to your Credit Karma account within one business day.
If a transfer is simply delayed beyond the stated arrival window, contact your external bank first—the delay is often on their end, not Credit Karma's. If your external bank says they never received it, contact Credit Karma support through the app. They can investigate the transfer status and reissue the money if it was lost in transit.
Keep the transfer confirmation number (shown when you initiate the transfer) in case you need to reference it with either bank.
Closing your Credit Karma Money Savings account
If you want to close the account entirely, you must first withdraw all money from it. Transfer or request a check for your full balance. Once the account is empty, go to account settings and select "Close Account." Credit Karma will confirm the closure and you will no longer earn interest on that account.
There is no penalty for closing a Credit Karma Money Savings account. You can close it anytime, and any pending transfers will still go through even after you initiate closure—just make sure the money has actually landed in your external account before you close the Credit Karma account itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer money from Credit Karma to a credit card?
No. You can only transfer to a checking or savings account at another bank. Credit Karma will not send money to a credit card, PayPal, or other payment service. If you need to pay a credit card bill, transfer the money to your checking account first, then pay the credit card from there.
What if I don't have another bank account to link?
Request a check instead. It takes longer, but you can deposit the check at any bank or credit union, even if you don't have an account there. Some banks and credit unions allow one-time check deposits at their branches without an account.
How long does verification of my linked account take?
The two small deposits arrive within one to two business days. Once you see them in your external account and enter the amounts in Credit Karma, verification is instant. The whole process usually takes two to three business days from start to finish.
Can I transfer money back into Credit Karma from another bank?
Yes. Once you link an external account, you can transfer money in either direction. Use the same linked account to deposit money back into your Credit Karma Savings account if you want to.
Is there a limit on how much I can transfer out at once?
No hard limit exists, but your transfer cannot exceed your account balance. Some banks may have limits on how much they will accept in a single incoming transfer, so check with your external bank if you are moving a very large amount.