Apple Cash transfers to your bank account happen through the Wallet app, not through Apple's website
To send Apple Cash to your bank account, open the Wallet app on your iPhone, tap the Apple Cash card, then tap the three dots in the top right corner. Select "Transfer to Bank" and enter the amount you want to move. Choose your bank account from the list of linked accounts, then confirm the transfer. The money typically arrives within one to three business days, though some banks take longer.
You can only transfer money out of Apple Cash to a bank account you have already linked to your Wallet. If you have not linked a bank account yet, you will need to add one before you can transfer. The process of linking a new account happens in the same menu where you initiate the transfer.
Apple Cash itself is free to use for transfers between people and for most purchases. There is no fee to move your balance to your bank account. However, your bank may charge fees for receiving transfers, depending on your account type and bank policies — this is rare, but it happens with some checking accounts.
Key Takeaways
- Open Wallet, tap your Apple Cash card, select the three-dot menu, and choose "Transfer to Bank" to move money out.
- The transfer takes one to three business days for most banks, though some institutions process transfers more slowly.
- You must have a bank account linked to your Wallet before you can transfer; adding a new account takes a few minutes during the transfer process.
- Apple does not charge a fee to transfer Apple Cash to your bank, but confirm with your bank that they do not charge for incoming transfers.
Linking a bank account for the first time
If you have never linked a bank account to Apple Wallet, you will need to do this before your first transfer. In the Wallet app, tap your Apple Cash card, then tap the three dots. Select "Transfer to Bank" and choose "Add a Bank Account." Apple will ask for your bank's routing number and your account number, which you can find on a check or by logging into your bank's website or app.
Some banks let you verify the account instantly through a connection with Apple. Others require Apple to deposit two small amounts (usually under one dollar each) into your account, which you then confirm in the Wallet app. This verification method takes one to two business days. Once verified, your account stays linked and you can transfer money whenever you want.
Keep your bank account information accurate. If you enter the wrong routing number or account number, the transfer will fail and the money will return to your Apple Cash balance. Apple will notify you that the transfer did not go through.
How long transfers actually take
Apple says transfers take one to three business days, but the actual timeline depends on your bank and when you initiate the transfer. If you transfer money on a Friday afternoon, your bank may not process it until Monday, which means the money could arrive as late as Wednesday or Thursday. Weekends and bank holidays do not count as business days.
Some banks, particularly smaller regional banks and credit unions, take the full three business days. Larger national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo typically process transfers within one business day. If your transfer has not arrived after four business days, contact your bank's customer service — the delay is usually on their end, not Apple's.
You can transfer money multiple times per day if you need to. There is no daily limit on how much you can move to your bank account, though your bank may have its own limits on how much money it will accept in a single transfer.
What happens if a transfer fails
A transfer fails most often because the bank account information is wrong. If this happens, you will see an error message in the Wallet app and the money will stay in your Apple Cash balance. Go back to the three-dot menu, check that your routing number and account number are correct, and try again.
If your bank account is closed or frozen, the transfer will also fail. Contact your bank to confirm the account is active before you try transferring again. Some banks temporarily freeze accounts for security reasons, and a quick call to their fraud department can get this resolved.
Transfers can also fail if your Apple Cash balance is lower than the amount you are trying to transfer. Make sure the amount you enter does not exceed what you have in your Apple Cash card. You can check your balance by tapping the Apple Cash card in Wallet.
Transferring from a family member's Apple Cash
If you set up Apple Cash for a family member through Family Sharing, that person cannot transfer money directly to a bank account. Only the account holder — the adult who created the Apple Cash card — can initiate transfers to a bank. Family members can send money to other people through Apple Cash, but moving money out to a bank requires the primary account holder's approval and action.
If a family member needs to move their Apple Cash balance to a bank account, the primary account holder must log into their own Wallet app and initiate the transfer from there. The money will go to the bank account linked to the primary account holder's Wallet, not to a separate account.
Transferring Apple Cash when you change banks
If you switch to a new bank, you will need to update your linked bank account in Wallet before you can transfer again. Tap your Apple Cash card, select the three dots, and choose "Transfer to Bank." You can add a new bank account or update your existing one. Remove the old bank account once you have confirmed the new one is working.
If you have already initiated a transfer to your old bank account and have not yet received it, contact your old bank to confirm the transfer went through. Once you confirm it arrived, you can safely remove that account from Wallet and add your new bank account for future transfers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer Apple Cash to someone else's bank account?
No. You can only transfer Apple Cash to a bank account that is linked to your own Wallet. To send money to someone else, use the person-to-person transfer feature in Apple Cash instead, which lets you send money directly to another Apple Cash user.
What if my bank is not showing up in the list when I try to add an account?
Most U.S. banks are supported, but some smaller regional banks and credit unions may not appear. If your bank is not listed, try searching for its parent company or holding company name. If it still does not appear, contact your bank to ask if they support Apple Wallet transfers, or transfer your Apple Cash to a different bank account you have access to.
Do I pay taxes on money I transfer from Apple Cash to my bank?
Transferring your own money from Apple Cash to your bank account is not a taxable event. However, if you received the Apple Cash as payment for goods or services, that income may be taxable depending on the amount and your situation. Keep records of how you received the money in case you need to report it.
Can I set up automatic transfers from Apple Cash to my bank?
No. Apple Cash does not offer automatic or scheduled transfers. You must manually initiate each transfer through the Wallet app. If you want money to move automatically, consider setting up a transfer from your bank account to Apple Cash instead, which some banks support through their own apps.
What if I accidentally transfer money to the wrong bank account?
Contact Apple Support immediately and provide the details of the transfer, including the date, amount, and the incorrect bank account number. Apple can sometimes recall the transfer if it has not yet been processed by the receiving bank. If the money has already been deposited, you will need to contact the bank that received it and ask them to return the funds.