Update your bank account through Stripe's dashboard settings
To change the bank account where Stripe sends your payouts, log into your Stripe account, go to Settings in the left menu, then select Bank accounts and transfers. You'll see your current bank account listed. Click the three-dot menu next to it and select Edit or Remove depending on what you need to do. If you're removing the old account to add a new one, you must have at least one valid bank account on file at all times—Stripe won't let you delete your only account.
When you add a new bank account, Stripe will ask for your routing number, account number, and the account holder's name. Make sure the name matches exactly what your bank has on file. Stripe then sends two small deposits (usually between $0.01 and $0.99 each) to verify the account is real and that you control it. This verification process typically takes one to two business days.
Once the deposits arrive, you'll need to confirm the amounts in your Stripe dashboard to complete verification. Until you do this, Stripe won't send payouts to that account. After verification is complete, you can set it as your primary payout account, and future payouts will go there instead of your old account.
Key Takeaways
- You change your payout bank account through Settings > Bank accounts and transfers in your Stripe dashboard, not through your actual bank.
- Stripe sends two small test deposits to verify you own the account; you must confirm the amounts in your dashboard before payouts begin.
- You must keep at least one verified bank account active on your Stripe account at all times.
- Payouts to your old account stop once you switch to a new verified account, so plan the timing if you're concerned about missing a payout.
- If you remove a bank account by mistake, you can add it back and re-verify it using the same process.
What happens to payouts during the change
When you add a new bank account and it's still being verified, Stripe continues sending payouts to your current primary account. Payouts don't pause or get held up. Once your new account is verified and you set it as primary, the next payout cycle will go to the new account instead.
If you remove your old account before the new one is verified, Stripe will hold payouts until you have a verified account ready. This can take several days, so the safest approach is to verify the new account first, set it as primary, and then remove the old one after at least one payout has gone through successfully.
Fixing common problems when adding a bank account
If Stripe rejects your bank account information, the most common reason is a mismatch between the account holder's name in Stripe and the name your bank has on file. Banks are strict about this—even a middle initial difference or a nickname instead of your legal name can cause rejection. Check your bank statement or call your bank to confirm the exact name, then re-enter it in Stripe exactly as it appears.
If the verification deposits don't arrive after three business days, check that you entered the routing number and account number correctly. A single digit wrong will send the deposits to the wrong account. You can delete the unverified account from Stripe and add it again with the correct numbers. If the deposits still don't arrive after a second attempt, contact your bank to confirm they're not blocking small ACH transfers from Stripe.
Some banks flag Stripe deposits as suspicious because they come from an unfamiliar sender. If your bank has fraud alerts enabled, you may need to approve the deposits through your bank's app or by calling the bank directly. Once approved, the deposits will post and you can confirm them in Stripe.
Changing your account if your bank closes or you switch banks
If your bank account is closed or you're switching to a different bank, add the new account to Stripe before the old one becomes inactive. This prevents a gap where Stripe has nowhere to send payouts. Follow the same process: add the new account, verify it with the test deposits, set it as primary, then remove the old one.
If your old account is already closed and Stripe tries to send a payout to it, the transfer will fail and bounce back to Stripe. Stripe will hold the payout and retry it for several days. During this time, add a new verified account to your dashboard. Once you do, Stripe will attempt to send the held payout to your new account on the next retry cycle, which usually happens within 24 hours.
Removing a bank account safely
You can only remove a bank account if you have another verified account already set up as your primary. Stripe won't let you delete your last account because it needs somewhere to send your money. If you try to remove your only account, Stripe will show an error message telling you to add a new one first.
Once you've added and verified a new account and set it as primary, you can remove the old one by going to Settings > Bank accounts and transfers, clicking the three-dot menu next to the old account, and selecting Remove. The removal is immediate, but any payouts already scheduled for that account will be redirected to your primary account on the next payout cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for Stripe to verify a new bank account?
The verification deposits usually arrive within one to two business days. Once they arrive, you have 30 days to confirm the amounts in your Stripe dashboard. After you confirm, the account is verified and ready to receive payouts immediately.
Can I have multiple bank accounts in Stripe and switch between them?
Yes. You can add multiple bank accounts to your Stripe account and set any verified account as your primary payout destination. Only your primary account receives payouts, but you can change which one is primary at any time through Settings > Bank accounts and transfers.
What if I confirm the wrong amounts for the verification deposits?
If you enter incorrect amounts, Stripe will tell you the verification failed. You can try again immediately. You have 30 days total to get the amounts right. If you run out of attempts or time, delete the account and add it again to get a fresh set of verification deposits.
Do I need to tell Stripe when I change banks?
No. Stripe only knows about the bank account information you enter in your dashboard. Your actual bank doesn't communicate with Stripe. You're responsible for updating Stripe with your new account details before your old account closes or becomes inactive.
Will changing my bank account affect my Stripe balance or transaction history?
No. Your Stripe balance and all past transactions stay exactly the same. Changing your bank account only changes where future payouts are sent. Your transaction history and account data remain on your Stripe account regardless of which bank account you use.