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How can I fund my checking account?

Published | Updated

Use Your Connected Account

Connect a bank account to use as the funding account for Checking. If you’ve already connected a funding account to your investment accounts with us, you’ll still need to separately connect a bank account to fund Checking.

You can only connect a funding account to Checking if your bank is eligible to be instantly connected electronically and the funding account is in your name.

Electronically connect your bank on web browser: 

  • Log in and click on Settings.
  • Click the Funding Accounts tab at the top of the page.
  • Under Checking, select ‘Connect a funding account’.
  • You’ll have the option to choose one of your funding accounts that’s already electronically connected to your Betterment account.
  • Or, you can select “Connect a new institution” and search for a new bank.
  • Type your bank’s name in the search box.
  • If no results are found, this means your bank isn’t eligible for an electronic connection.
  • Need instructions for transferring directly from another bank account instead?

Electronically connect your bank on mobile app: 

  • Log in to the mobile app and select the three bars in the top left corner.
  • Select Settings.
  • Select Funding Accounts.
  • You’ll be able to add or change the funding account that’s connected to Checking.

You can change the bank that’s electronically connected to Checking a maximum of two times within 90 calendar days.

Transfer Directly From Another Bank Account

You can use your Checking routing and account numbers to move cash into Betterment directly from another bank account.

Simply log on to your other bank’s website, and they should have the option for transferring directly into another bank account. You’ll provide your Checking routing and account numbers so that they know where to send the money. Note that they may automatically register the account as an nbkc account rather than a Betterment account, due to the fact that our banking services are provided by nbkc.

Need help finding your Checking routing and account numbers?

Set Up Direct Deposits From Your Paycheck

You’ll need to set up direct deposit through whatever process your employer has in place. Your HR department will typically give you a form and you’ll share your new account and routing numbers. Your employer or payroll provider might even provide the option to request the change online through an online portal rather than via a paper form.

If your HR department will accept it, you can fill out our form and provide it to them. Download a blank direct deposit form.

Make sure to ask your employer when they expect the change will take place.

Deposit Paper Checks With Your Mobile Device

You can deposit paper checks by uploading a photo through your Betterment mobile app, located in the App Store or Google Play.

There are currently two ways to deposit your paper check.

You can find the first by:

  • Logging in to the Betterment mobile app.
  • Tapping on the “Deposit” button on the bottom right-hand side of your mobile device.
  • Choose “Checking.”
  • Select “Deposit a check.”
  • Write the check amount and take front and back images of the check.
  • Navigate to the bottom and click “Review check deposit.”
  • Then, tap “Submit check”
  • You should see a confirmation screen that says “Check deposited.”

The second way can be found by:

  • Logging in to the Betterment mobile app.
  • Select “Checking.”
  • Choose “Deposit,” which will give you three different options: tap on “Deposit a check.”
  • Write the check amount and take front and back images of the check.
  • Navigate to the bottom and click “Review check deposit.”
  • Then, tap “Submit check”
  • You should see a confirmation screen that says “Check deposited.”

Make sure to include your signature on the back of the check, as well as a note saying “For mobile deposit only.”

If you currently do not see mobile check deposit as an option in your Checking account, or you previously deposited a check and are no longer able to, more information can be found under “Why can’t I see the mobile check deposit feature in app?”

Currently Unavailable Options

Right now, we currently do not support the following account funding options:

  • Depositing via a wire transfer
  • Depositing cash through an ATM
  • Depositing paper checks through an ATM