How to Link Bank Accounts to Other Banks & Apps

Linking bank accounts offers individuals greater flexibility in managing their finances. This process involves establishing an electronic connection between a bank account and another financial institution or a third-party application. People commonly link accounts to facilitate seamless fund transfers, utilize budgeting tools, or connect with various payment services. This integration streamlines financial management, allowing for easier oversight and movement of money across different platforms.

Common Linking Methods

Two primary technical methods are used to link bank accounts: micro-deposit verification and instant verification. Micro-deposit verification involves a financial institution sending small, temporary deposits to the account being linked. The user then verifies these exact amounts on the initiating platform. This method confirms account ownership and validity.

Instant verification, alternatively, allows for immediate account linking by requiring users to log in directly to their online banking portal through a secure third-party service, such as Plaid. This method provides real-time confirmation of account details and ownership, bypassing the waiting period associated with micro-deposits. Regardless of the method, maintaining strong, unique passwords and enabling two-factor authentication on all financial accounts is a fundamental security practice. Ensure any platform or service requesting account linking is reputable and employs robust security measures to protect sensitive information.

Information Needed for Linking

Before initiating the linking process, certain pieces of information are required. The full account number for the bank account intended for linking is necessary. Additionally, the bank’s routing number is essential; this nine-digit code identifies the financial institution itself.

For instant verification methods, the username and password used to access the online banking portal of the account being linked will be required. This allows the secure third-party service to verify account details. In some instances, services might also request personal identification details, such as the account holder’s name and address.

Linking to Another Bank Account

Linking an account at one bank to an account at a different bank begins within the online banking platform of one of the institutions. Users locate an option such as “Add External Account” or “Link Accounts” within the dashboard or settings. This function initiates the process of connecting an account held at a separate financial institution.

The platform will then prompt for the routing and account numbers of the external account. Following the input of these details, users may be presented with a choice between verification methods. If micro-deposit verification is selected or required, the initiating bank will send two small deposits to the external account within one to three business days. The user must then log into the external account, note these exact deposit amounts, and return to the initiating platform to enter them for confirmation.

Alternatively, if instant verification is available, the user will be redirected to a secure portal to enter their online banking credentials for the external account. This allows the system to instantly verify the account details. Upon successful verification, the linked account will appear within the online banking dashboard, enabling future transfers between the connected accounts.

Linking to Financial Apps and Services

Connecting a bank account to a third-party financial application or service, such as a budgeting or payment app, starts from within the application itself. Users find an option like “Connect Bank” or “Add Account” to begin the linking process. The application often provides a search function or a list of major banks, allowing users to select their specific financial institution.

Upon selecting their bank, users are redirected to a secure third-party portal, often powered by a data aggregator like Plaid, to enter their online banking login credentials. This redirection ensures that the application itself does not directly store the user’s sensitive banking username and password. The third-party service securely facilitates the connection and data exchange.

If the user holds multiple accounts with their bank, the process will prompt them to select which specific accounts they wish to link to the financial app. After selecting the accounts, the user will authorize the connection, often by reviewing and agreeing to terms of service or data sharing agreements. Once authorized, the bank account becomes linked to the app, allowing for functionalities such as transaction tracking or fund transfers.