FAQ: Linking an External Bank Account

By Stash Team
Last updated June 10, 2026

How do I link my bank account to Stash?

Linking an external bank account lets you move money into and out of Stash, so you can fund your portfolio, set up recurring investments, and invest for the long term.

You can connect one external bank account to Stash at a time. If you need to use a different bank later, you can change your linked account in your Stash settings.

Stash uses Plaid, a bank-linking service, to help verify that the account belongs to you. You’ll usually have two linking options:

• Instant verification: Log in through Plaid using your external bank’s secure sign-in flow. This is usually the fastest option.

• Manual verification: Enter your routing and account numbers, then verify a small micro-deposit in your external bank account. This takes longer, but can work when instant linking is not available.

Use this link and follow the prompts to link or change your external bank account. Or follow the steps below.

Before you start

Have these ready:

• Your Stash login

• Your external bank login, if using instant verification

• Your external bank routing and account numbers, if using manual verification

• Access to your external bank’s app, website, or transaction history

Make sure the external account is in your name and can support ACH transfers. Some prepaid cards, business accounts, brokerage accounts, and certain savings accounts may not be eligible.

How do I link my external bank instantly with my banking credentials?

Instant verification is the simplest path when your bank supports it.

1. Open Stash.

2. Tap your initials on iOS, or the hamburger icon on Android, in the upper-left corner. On the web, click your name in the top-right corner.

3. Under Settings, tap Manage external bank account.

4. Tap Connect my bank account or Connect a different account. You can also use this link.

5. Tap Link with Plaid.

6. On the Plaid screen that asks how you want to link your bank account, select Instant, then tap Continue.

7. Search for and select your external bank.

8. Follow your bank’s sign-in prompts. You may need to enter a one-time passcode or approve the connection in your bank’s app.

9. Confirm the account you want to connect.

If the connection is successful, your external bank account should be linked shortly after you finish the Plaid flow.

How do I manually link my external bank with micro-deposits?

Manual verification is useful when your bank does not appear in Plaid, your login is not working, or your bank requires a different verification method.

A micro-deposit is a very small deposit sent to your external bank account to confirm that you own or have access to it. Depending on the Plaid flow, you may be asked to verify a code in the transaction description or confirm small deposit amounts. Follow the exact instructions shown in Plaid.

1. Open Stash.

2. Tap your initials on iOS, or the hamburger icon on Android, in the upper-left corner. On the web, click your name in the top-right corner.

3. Under Settings, tap Manage external bank account.

4. Select Connect my bank account or Connect a different account. You can also use this link.

5. Tap Link with Plaid.

6. On the Plaid screen that asks how you want to link your bank account, select Manual, then tap Continue.

7. Enter your external bank’s routing number and account number. Double-check both numbers before submitting.

8. Watch your external bank account for the micro-deposit.

9. Return to the Plaid verification screen and enter the requested code or deposit information.

Manual verification may take one to two business days, depending on your bank and when the micro-deposit appears.

Why Stash asks you to link a bank

Investing should not feel like a private club. Stash is built to put investing tools and guidance in your pocket, without making you jump through unnecessary hoops.

A linked external bank account is what allows Stash to move money securely for investing activity, recurring transfers, and withdrawals. Think of it like connecting a funding source: Stash needs a verified route to move money, but you stay in control of when and how you use it.

Can I change my linked bank account?

Yes. You can change your linked external bank account from your Stash settings.

Go to Settings > Manage external bank account, then choose Connect a different account. You can also use this link.

If you have pending transfers, you may need to wait until they finish before changing your linked account.

What if my bank does not show up in Plaid?

Try searching for your bank by its full legal name, not just the name on the app icon. For example, a regional bank or credit union may appear under a parent institution or a slightly different name.

If you still cannot find it, choose the manual linking option if it is available. You’ll need your routing number and account number.

What if my bank link fails?

Bank-linking issues are usually caused by one of these things:

• Your external bank login was entered incorrectly

• Your bank requires multi-factor authentication

• Your bank’s system is temporarily unavailable

• The account type is not eligible for ACH transfers

• The name on the external bank account does not match your Stash profile

• The routing or account number was entered incorrectly

• The micro-deposit has not posted yet

If your link fails, try again later, check your external bank’s app for security prompts, or use manual verification if instant verification is not working.

For more help, see this troubleshooting guide.

FAQ: Linking an external bank account to Stash

Can I link more than one external bank account to Stash?

No. You can have one external bank account connected to Stash at a time. You can change it in your settings if you need to use a different account.

Is linking my bank through Plaid secure?

Plaid uses security controls such as encryption and secure authentication flows to help connect financial accounts. When you link through Plaid, Stash receives a secure connection token rather than your external bank username and password.

Do I have to use Plaid to link my bank?

Stash uses Plaid for external bank linking. If instant verification does not work for your bank, manual verification through Plaid may be available.

How long does bank linking take?

Instant verification often completes shortly after you finish the Plaid sign-in flow. Manual verification usually takes longer because you have to wait for a micro-deposit to appear in your external bank account.

How long do micro-deposits take to show up?

Micro-deposits commonly take one to two business days to appear, though timing can vary by bank. Weekends and bank holidays can add time.

Where do I find my routing and account numbers?

You can usually find them in your external bank’s app, online banking portal, or on a check. Be careful not to use a wire routing number unless Plaid specifically asks for it. ACH routing numbers are typically used for this type of bank link.

Can I link someone else’s bank account to Stash?

No. The external bank account should belong to you. Stash may be unable to link or transfer funds if the account ownership does not match your Stash profile.

Can I use a debit card instead of linking a bank account?

For most Stash funding and transfer activity, you’ll need to link an eligible external bank account. A debit card is not the same as a verified ACH bank link.

Why did my linked bank disconnect?

A bank link may disconnect if your external bank changes its security settings, your login credentials change, your bank requires renewed permission, or Plaid needs you to re-authenticate. Go to Manage external bank account to reconnect or update your link.

Can I unlink my external bank account?

You can change your linked external bank account in Stash settings. If you need more help removing or updating a bank link, contact Stash support from the app or website.