Connect your bank account in three steps

Open Venmo on your phone or computer and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines). Select Settings, then Payment Methods. Tap Add a Bank Account, choose whether you're linking a checking or savings account, and enter your routing number and account number. Venmo will verify the account by depositing two small amounts (usually under $0.25 each) into your bank within one to two business days. Once those deposits arrive, return to Venmo, confirm the amounts, and your account is linked.

You can also link your bank account through your bank's app if it offers Venmo integration. Some banks—including Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo—let you connect directly from their mobile app without entering account numbers manually. This method is faster because the bank confirms your identity on its own system.

Linking takes a few minutes, but full verification can take up to three business days. During that waiting period, you can still use Venmo if you have a debit card linked, but you won't be able to transfer money to or from your bank account until verification is complete.

Key Takeaways

  • You need your bank's routing number and your account number to link manually, or you can use your bank's app if it has Venmo integration built in.
  • Venmo verifies your account by depositing two small amounts and asking you to confirm them—this takes one to three business days.
  • Once linked, you can transfer money from your bank to Venmo instantly (for a small fee) or move Venmo balance back to your bank in one to three business days for free.
  • You can link multiple bank accounts to the same Venmo profile, but you can only transfer to or from one at a time.

Where to find your routing and account numbers

Your routing number and account number appear on the bottom left of any check you have from that account. The routing number is the first nine digits; your account number follows. If you don't have checks, log into your bank's website or app and look for account details or statements. Most banks display both numbers there.

If you can't find them online, call your bank's customer service line (the number is usually on the back of your debit card). Have your account number and ID ready. The bank can read both numbers to you over the phone in under a minute.

Do not use a credit card number or a prepaid card number—Venmo only accepts checking and savings accounts. If you try to enter a credit card, the system will reject it.

What happens during the verification process

After you enter your account details, Venmo sends two small deposits to your bank account. These typically arrive within one to two business days, though some banks process them faster. The amounts are random and usually between $0.01 and $0.99.

Once the deposits land in your account, go back to Venmo's Settings, find the bank account you're verifying, and enter the two amounts exactly as they appear. Venmo checks them against what it sent. If they match, your account is verified immediately.

If you enter the amounts wrong, you get two more attempts before Venmo locks you out. If that happens, you'll need to start over by unlinking the account and adding it again. The second attempt usually goes faster because the deposits may still be pending in your bank.

Transferring money between Venmo and your bank

Once your bank account is verified, you can move money two directions. Transferring from your bank to Venmo (called "adding funds") is instant but costs 1% of the amount you transfer, with a minimum fee of $0.25. If you add $100, you pay $1. If you add $20, you pay $0.25.

Transferring from Venmo back to your bank (called "transferring out") is free but takes one to three business days. The money leaves your Venmo balance immediately, but your bank account won't show the deposit until the transfer window closes. Weekends and bank holidays extend the timeline.

You don't have to transfer money at all if you don't want to. Many people keep their Venmo balance low and only add funds when they need to send money to someone. Others keep a balance in Venmo and transfer out only when they need cash in their bank account.

Unlinking or changing your bank account

To remove a linked bank account, go to Settings, tap Payment Methods, find the account, and select Remove. The account unlinks immediately. Any pending transfers to or from that account will still complete, but you won't be able to use it for new transfers.

If you want to switch to a different bank account, you don't have to remove the old one first—you can simply add a new account following the same three-step process. Venmo lets you keep multiple accounts linked. When you transfer money, you choose which account to use.

If your bank account number changes (for example, if you close an account and open a new one at the same bank), you'll need to add the new account as a separate link. Venmo won't automatically update the old one.

What to do if verification fails

If you enter the deposit amounts wrong three times, Venmo locks the account from further verification attempts. You'll see a message saying you can try again later. Wait at least 24 hours, then unlink the account from Payment Methods and add it again. The second attempt usually succeeds because you now know what the deposit amounts were.

If your bank rejects the deposits (rare, but it happens with some business accounts or restricted accounts), Venmo will notify you. In that case, contact your bank to confirm the account is set up to receive ACH transfers. Some accounts have restrictions that prevent small test deposits. Your bank can remove those restrictions, and then you can try linking again.

If you linked the wrong account by mistake, simply unlink it and add the correct one. There's no penalty for doing this, and you can repeat the process as many times as you need.

Security and fraud protection

Venmo uses encryption to protect your routing and account numbers. Your bank account details are not stored on Venmo's servers in a way that lets hackers access them directly—Venmo only stores a token that represents your account to your bank.

If someone gains access to your Venmo account, they can transfer money out to a linked bank account, but they cannot change which bank account is linked without your password. If you suspect fraud, change your Venmo password immediately and contact Venmo support. They can freeze transfers and investigate unauthorized activity.

Your bank also protects you. If an unauthorized transfer leaves your account through Venmo, you can dispute it with your bank under the same rules that apply to any ACH transfer. Your bank can reverse it and return the money to your account, though this process takes a few days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I link a savings account instead of checking?

Yes. Venmo accepts both checking and savings accounts. The process is identical—you enter the routing number and account number, wait for the verification deposits, and confirm the amounts. Some banks process transfers from savings accounts slightly slower, but Venmo's timeline remains the same.

What if I don't have a bank account, only a prepaid card?

Venmo does not accept prepaid cards for bank account linking. You can link a debit card instead (Visa, Mastercard, or Discover), but transfers to and from a debit card have different rules and fees than bank accounts. If you need a bank account, look into opening one at a community bank or credit union—many have no minimum balance and low or no monthly fees.

How long does it take to transfer money from Venmo to my bank?

One to three business days. The transfer leaves your Venmo balance right away, but your bank won't show the deposit until the window closes. Transfers initiated on Friday or over a weekend may not arrive until Tuesday or Wednesday. Holidays add extra time.

Can I link the same bank account to multiple Venmo profiles?

No. Each bank account can be linked to only one Venmo profile. If you try to link it to a second profile, Venmo will reject it. You can link multiple bank accounts to a single profile, but not the reverse.

What happens if I close my bank account after linking it to Venmo?

Venmo will not know immediately. The next time you try to transfer money, the transfer will fail and your bank will reject it. Venmo will notify you that the account is no longer valid. You'll need to unlink it and add a new account. Any pending transfers to the closed account will bounce back to your Venmo balance.