You can add a savings account to the Chase app in about two minutes from the Accounts menu
Open the Chase mobile app and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right. Select Accounts, then tap the plus sign or Add Account button. Choose whether the account is at Chase or another bank. If it's a Chase account you already own, the app will find it automatically and ask you to confirm. If it's an external savings account from a different bank, you'll enter the routing number and account number, then complete verification — usually by confirming two small deposits the bank sends to that account within a few days.
The entire process takes longer if you're linking an external account because of the verification step, but the initial setup is straightforward. You don't need to call Chase or visit a branch. Once the account is linked and verified, you can see its balance in the app, transfer money between it and your Chase accounts, and monitor activity.
Key Takeaways
- Chase accounts you already own appear automatically when you tap Add Account; external accounts require you to enter routing and account numbers.
- External account verification typically involves confirming two small deposits, which takes three to five business days.
- Once linked, you can transfer money between your Chase account and the external savings account directly from the app.
- You can remove a linked account at any time from the same Accounts menu without affecting the actual account at the other bank.
Adding a Chase savings account you already own
If the savings account is held at Chase under your name, the app recognizes it when ready. Tap the menu icon, select Accounts, then tap the plus sign. Choose Chase Bank or At Chase (the exact wording varies by app version). The app pulls up a list of all Chase accounts registered to your login. Select the savings account you want to add and confirm.
The account appears in your Accounts list within seconds. You'll see the current balance, recent transactions, and the option to transfer money to or from this account. If you have multiple Chase savings accounts, you can add all of them this way — each one shows up as a separate tile in the Accounts section.
Linking a savings account from another bank
Tap the menu icon, select Accounts, then tap the plus sign. This time, choose External Account or Another Bank. The app asks for the account holder's name, the bank name, the routing number, and the account number. You can find the routing number on your bank's website or by calling the bank; it's a nine-digit code specific to each bank branch. The account number is on your checks or in your online banking portal.
After you enter this information, Chase sends two small deposits (usually under one dollar each) to the external account. You'll see these deposits appear in that account's online banking within one to three business days. Once they arrive, return to the Chase app, select the account you're verifying, and enter the exact amounts of both deposits. This confirms you own the account. After verification, the account is fully linked and you can transfer money between it and Chase.
What happens if verification deposits don't arrive
Verification deposits occasionally take longer than expected, especially if the external bank processes deposits on a delayed schedule. Wait at least five business days before assuming there's a problem. If five days have passed and you still don't see the deposits, contact Chase customer service through the app or by phone. They can resend the deposits or, in some cases, use an alternative verification method.
Do not guess at the deposit amounts. If you enter incorrect amounts, the verification fails and you'll need to start over. If you're unsure, wait a few more days or contact the external bank to confirm the deposits posted.
Transferring money between Chase and a linked savings account
Once an account is linked and verified, transferring money is straightforward. Tap the Transfer button in the Accounts section or from your Chase checking account details. Select the account you want to transfer from and the account you want to transfer to. Enter the amount and choose the date — you can transfer when ready or schedule it for a future date.
Transfers between Chase accounts happen the same day. Transfers to external accounts typically take one to two business days, depending on the receiving bank's processing speed. The Chase app shows the transfer status in your transaction history, so you can track when the money leaves your Chase account and when it arrives at the external bank.
Removing a linked account from the app
If you no longer want to see a linked account in the Chase app, you can remove it without closing or affecting the actual account. Go to Accounts, find the account you want to remove, and look for a settings icon or three-dot menu next to it. Select Remove Account or Unlink Account. The account disappears from your app when ready, but the account itself remains open at Chase or the external bank.
You can re-add the account later if you change your mind. For Chase accounts, it reappears automatically. For external accounts, you'll need to go through the verification process again.
Troubleshooting common issues
If the app won't find your Chase account, make sure you're logged in with the correct username and password. If you've recently changed your password or set up two-factor authentication, log out of the app completely and log back in. Sometimes the app needs to refresh your account list after a security change.
If an external account won't link, double-check the routing number and account number for typos. Routing numbers are nine digits with no letters; account numbers vary in length but should match exactly what appears in your external bank's system. If you're still stuck, contact Chase support through the app — they can verify the information and troubleshoot why the link isn't working.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add a savings account from a credit union?
Yes. Credit unions have routing numbers just like banks. Enter the routing number, account number, and account holder name. The verification process is the same — Chase sends two small deposits that you confirm by entering their amounts.
Do I need to set up online banking at the external bank first?
No. You only need to know the routing number and account number. You don't need to log into the external bank's app or website. Chase links directly to the account using those identifiers.
What if I have multiple savings accounts at Chase?
You can add all of them. Each one appears as a separate tile in your Accounts section. You can transfer between any of them when ready from the app.
Is it safe to link an external account?
Chase uses encryption and verification to confirm you own the account before linking it. The verification deposits confirm ownership. Once linked, you control which transfers happen and when. You can remove the link at any time.
How long does the whole process take?
Adding a Chase account takes seconds. Adding an external account takes three to five business days because of the verification deposits. Once verified, the account stays linked unless you remove it.