Adding a bank account to E*TRADE takes about five to ten minutes and requires your routing number and account number

E*TRADE lets you link an external bank account so you can move money in and out of your brokerage account without calling customer service. The process happens entirely online through your account settings. You'll need your bank's routing number (a nine-digit code that identifies your bank) and your account number, both of which you can find on a check or by logging into your bank's website.

E*TRADE uses a verification method called micro-deposits to confirm you own the account. After you enter your bank details, E*TRADE sends two small deposits (usually between $0.01 and $0.99 each) to that account within one to two business days. You then log back into E*TRADE and confirm the exact amounts of those deposits. Once verified, the account is active and you can transfer money immediately.

Key Takeaways

  • You need your bank's routing number and your account number before you start, both visible on a check or in your bank's online portal.
  • E*TRADE sends two small test deposits to verify ownership; you confirm the amounts to complete the link.
  • The entire process takes one to two business days from start to finish, though you can transfer money as soon as verification is done.
  • You can link multiple bank accounts to a single E*TRADE account, each requiring its own verification.

Step-by-step: linking your bank account

Log into your E*TRADE account and go to the Account menu. Select "Bank Accounts" or "Linked Bank Accounts" (the exact label varies slightly depending on whether you use the website or mobile app). Click "Add Bank Account" or the plus icon.

Enter your bank's name or search for it in E*TRADE's directory. If your bank doesn't appear, select "Other Bank" and enter the routing number manually. Then enter your account number and confirm it. Choose whether this is a checking or savings account. E*TRADE asks this because some banks treat the two differently for verification purposes.

Review the information you entered and submit. E*TRADE will tell you that two micro-deposits are on the way. Check your bank account in one to two business days. When the deposits arrive, note their exact amounts—they're usually small, like $0.23 and $0.17, but the numbers matter.

Return to E*TRADE, go back to the bank account section, and find the account you just added. It will show a status like "Pending Verification" or "Awaiting Confirmation." Click it and enter the two deposit amounts in the order E*TRADE asks for them. Submit, and the account moves to "Verified" status. You can now transfer money.

What happens if your bank doesn't appear in E*TRADE's list

Smaller regional banks and credit unions sometimes don't show up in E*TRADE's search. If you can't find your bank by name, select "Other Bank" and enter the routing number manually. You can find your routing number by logging into your bank's website, calling the bank's customer service line, or checking the bottom left corner of any check you have.

The verification process works the same way whether you search by name or enter the routing number yourself. The micro-deposits will still arrive within one to two business days, and you'll still confirm them the same way.

Transferring money after your account is verified

Once your bank account shows "Verified," you can move money between your E*TRADE account and that bank account. Go to the Transfer or Deposit section of your E*TRADE account and select the linked bank account as your source or destination.

E*TRADE processes transfers using the ACH network, which typically takes one to three business days depending on the direction and time of day you initiate the transfer. A transfer from your bank to E*TRADE usually lands within one business day. A transfer from E*TRADE back to your bank may take two to three business days. Transfers initiated after 4 p.m. Eastern Time or on weekends are processed the next business day.

There are no fees for linking a bank account or for transfers between your E*TRADE account and a linked bank account. However, your own bank may charge a fee if it assesses charges for ACH transfers—check your bank's fee schedule if you're unsure.

Removing or updating a linked bank account

If you need to stop using a linked bank account, go to your Bank Accounts section and select the account you want to remove. Click "Delete" or "Remove." E*TRADE will ask you to confirm. The account is unlinked immediately, and no further transfers can be made to or from it.

If your bank account number changes (for example, after closing an account and opening a new one at the same bank), you'll need to add the new account as a separate link and verify it with micro-deposits again. You can then delete the old account once the new one is verified.

If you change banks entirely, the process is the same: add the new bank account with its routing number and account number, verify it, and remove the old one.

Troubleshooting: micro-deposits didn't arrive

If you don't see the two test deposits in your bank account after two business days, first check that you entered your account number correctly. Log back into E*TRADE and review the account details you submitted. A single wrong digit will send the deposits to the wrong account.

If the account number is correct, contact your bank's customer service and ask whether they've blocked or filtered the deposits. Some banks flag small ACH transfers as suspicious and hold them temporarily. Your bank can release them or confirm they never arrived.

If your bank confirms the deposits never arrived, contact E*TRADE customer service. You may need to delete the account link and start over, or E*TRADE may be able to resend the deposits. This is rare but can happen if there's a technical issue on E*TRADE's end.

Linking multiple bank accounts

You can add more than one bank account to your E*TRADE account. Each account requires its own verification with micro-deposits. This is useful if you have checking at one bank and savings at another, or if you want to keep transfers from different sources separate for tracking purposes.

Each account will go through the same five-to-ten-minute setup and one-to-two-day verification window. Once all accounts are verified, you can choose which one to transfer from or to each time you move money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer money immediately after adding my bank account, or do I have to wait for verification?

You must wait for verification to complete. E*TRADE won't let you transfer money until the account shows "Verified" status, which happens after you confirm the micro-deposit amounts. This typically takes one to two business days from the time you enter your account details.

What if I enter the wrong account number by mistake?

The micro-deposits will go to the wrong account. You'll notice when you check your bank account and don't see them. Delete the account link in E*TRADE and add it again with the correct number. The deposits sent to the wrong account belong to whoever owns that account; you won't be able to recover them.

Do I need to verify my bank account every time I transfer money?

No. Once the account is verified, you can transfer money as many times as you want without re-verifying. Verification is a one-time process per bank account.

How long does a transfer actually take once I've initiated it?

Transfers use the ACH network and typically take one to three business days. Bank-to-E*TRADE transfers usually land within one business day; E*TRADE-to-bank transfers often take two to three business days. Weekends and holidays don't count as business days.

Can I link a joint bank account?

Yes. Use the routing number and account number for the joint account just as you would for an individual account. The account will be verified the same way. However, check with your bank about whether both account holders need to authorize the link, as some banks require it.