Feeling a little overwhelmed by the idea of moving your money around, especially when it involves a major institution like Capital One? You're not alone! Many people find the process of transferring funds between banks, or even within the same bank to different accounts, a bit daunting. But don't worry, we're here to demystify it for you. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of how to transfer to Capital One, whether you're bringing money in from another bank, moving it between your own Capital One accounts, or even initiating a balance transfer to a Capital One credit card. Let's get started!
How to Transfer to Capital One: Your Comprehensive Guide
Transferring funds to or within Capital One can be a straightforward process once you understand the various methods and steps involved. This guide will cover the most common scenarios, from linking external accounts to making wire transfers.
Step 1: Identify Your Transfer Goal and Account Type
Before you do anything, take a moment to consider: What exactly are you trying to achieve? Are you...
- Moving money from another bank into your Capital One checking or savings account?
- Transferring funds between two of your own Capital One accounts (e.g., from your 360 Checking to your 360 Performance Savings)?
- Paying your Capital One credit card bill from an external bank account?
- Initiating a balance transfer to a Capital One credit card from another credit card?
- Sending a large sum of money via wire transfer?
Knowing your specific goal will dictate the best method and the information you'll need. Also, be aware of the type of Capital One account you're transferring to or from. Capital One offers various accounts, including:
- 360 Checking
- 360 Performance Savings
- 360 CDs
- MONEY Teen Checking
- Kids Savings Account
- Various Credit Cards
Each might have slightly different nuances or daily/monthly limits.
Step 2: Linking an External Account for Seamless Transfers
For most regular transfers into your Capital One account from another bank, linking your external account is the most convenient and common method.
Sub-heading: Setting Up the Link (Online or Mobile App)
Capital One allows you to link up to three external personal checking, savings, or money market accounts for transfers. Business accounts cannot be linked to personal Capital One accounts.
- Sign In:
- Online: Go to capitalone.com and sign in to your account.
- Mobile App: Open the Capital One Mobile app and sign in.
- Navigate to Account & Feature Settings:
- Online: Click on your name/icon in the top right corner, then select "Account & Feature Settings."
- Mobile App: Tap "Profile Menu" in the lower right-hand corner of the screen, then select "Account & Feature Settings."
- Find External Accounts:
- Online: Look for the "external accounts" heading. You'll see your linked accounts or the option to add a new one.
- Mobile App: Select "Manage My External Accounts."
- Add an External Account: Tap or click on "Add an External Account."
- Choose Account Usage: Select "Payments and Transfers" if you intend to use the account for both credit card/loan payments AND transfers from other banks. If you only plan to make payments, choose "Payments."
- Provide Account Details:
- Choose the Account Type (e.g., checking, savings).
- Enter the Bank Routing or ABA Number.
- Enter your Account Number and verify it.
- Optional: Make Primary Payment Account: Check this box if you want it to be your default external account for payments.
- Add Account: Tap or click "Add Account."
Sub-heading: Verification Process (Test Deposits)
For security, Capital One may need to verify your external account. This often involves small "test deposits."
- You'll receive a message confirming that you've successfully added the external account. This message will indicate if test deposits are needed.
- Within 1-3 business days, check your external bank account for two small deposits (usually a few cents each).
- Once you see these deposits, go back to your Capital One account (online or app) and follow the prompts to verify the amounts. This confirms you own the external account.
- Until the account is verified, you generally cannot initiate transfers.
Step 3: Initiating a Funds Transfer (Once Linked)
Once your external account is linked and verified, transferring funds is simple.
Sub-heading: Transferring Funds Between Your Capital One Accounts
This is the easiest scenario as no external linking is required.
- Sign In: Access your Capital One account online or via the mobile app.
- Select Account: Choose the Capital One account you want to transfer from.
- Initiate Transfer: Look for "Transfer" or "Transfer Money" next to your balance.
- Follow Prompts: Select the Capital One account you want to transfer to, enter the amount, and confirm the details.
Sub-heading: Transferring Funds From an External Bank to Capital One
This assumes you've completed Step 2.
- Sign In: Log in to your Capital One account (online or mobile app).
- Select Capital One Account: Tap or click on the Capital One account where you want the money to go.
- Initiate Transfer: Look for "Transfer" or "Transfer Money."
- Choose Source Account: Select your linked external account as the "from" account.
- Enter Amount & Details: Input the amount you wish to transfer and confirm the transfer details.
- Review and Confirm: Double-check all information before finalizing the transfer.
Transfer times for ACH (Automated Clearing House) transfers, which are typical for linked account transfers, usually take 1-3 business days to process.
Step 4: Making a Balance Transfer to a Capital One Credit Card
A balance transfer can be a great way to consolidate debt and potentially save on interest, especially if you qualify for a low or 0% introductory APR. Important Note: You cannot transfer a balance from one Capital One card to another Capital One card.
- Review Your Offer: Capital One often provides balance transfer offers. Check your credit card statements, online account, or pre-qualification offers. Understand the introductory APR period, the regular APR after the intro period, and any balance transfer fees (typically 3-5% of the transferred amount).
- Check Your Credit Limit: Ensure the total amount you want to transfer, including any applicable fees, does not exceed your credit card's available credit limit.
- Initiate the Transfer:
- Online: Sign in to your Capital One credit card account. Look for an option related to "Balance Transfer" or "Manage My Account."
- Over the Phone: You can also call Capital One customer service to initiate a balance transfer.
- Provide Details of the Other Card: You'll need the account number and the exact amount you wish to transfer from the other credit card(s) or loan(s).
- Confirmation and Patience: Once submitted, it typically takes 3-14 days for the balance transfer to complete. Crucially, continue making payments on your old accounts until you confirm the transfer is complete and the balance has been reduced on the original card.
Step 5: Understanding Wire Transfers (for Larger or Faster Transfers)
Wire transfers are generally used for larger sums of money or when speed is critical, as they typically process much faster than ACH transfers (often same-day for domestic wires). However, they also come with fees.
Sub-heading: Sending a Wire Transfer from Capital One
- Gather Recipient Information: This is critical for wire transfers to avoid delays or misdirected funds. You'll need:
- Recipient's full name (or business name)
- Recipient's address
- Recipient's bank name and address
- Recipient's routing number (ABA)
- Recipient's account number
- For international wires, you may also need the SWIFT/BIC code and sometimes an IBAN or CLABE.
- Any intermediary bank information if provided by the recipient's bank.
- Sign In: Log in to your Capital One account online.
- Navigate to Wire Money:
- Click on the account you want to send funds from.
- Go to "Account Services & Settings."
- Select "Wire Money."
- Enter Information: Carefully input all the recipient's details you gathered.
- Review Fees and Limits: Be aware of Capital One's wire transfer fees. Domestic wires typically have a fee (e.g., $30), and international wires often have higher fees. There are also daily limits (e.g., $50,000 for individuals, $500,000 for title companies).
- Authenticate and Submit: You may need your mobile phone for two-factor authentication. Review everything very carefully before submitting.
- Track Your Payment: You can often receive status updates via email, text, or push notifications through the Capital One mobile app.
Domestic wire transfers received by Capital One by 5 p.m. ET typically become available the same business day. International wires can take 3-5 business days.
Sub-heading: Receiving a Wire Transfer into Your Capital One Account
If someone is sending you a wire transfer to your Capital One account, you'll need to provide them with the following information:
- Your Name (as it appears on your Capital One account)
- Your Capital One Account Number
- Your Capital One Routing Number: This varies by account type. For Capital One 360 accounts, the routing number is 031176110. You can find your specific routing number by logging into your account (online or app) and looking under "View Details" or on your paper statement.
- Capital One's Bank Name: Capital One N.A.
- Capital One's Bank Address: (Often 30 7th Ave South, Saint Cloud, MN 56301, but confirm with Capital One directly if needed).
- SWIFT/BIC Code: HIBKUS44 (for international wires).
Note: Capital One may charge a fee for incoming wire transfers ($15 for certain account types like Essential Checking, High-Yield Checking, Essential Savings).
Step 6: Other Ways to Transfer or Deposit Funds
Beyond online transfers and wires, here are a few other methods:
Sub-heading: Depositing Cash at a Capital One ATM or Branch
- Capital One ATMs: You can deposit cash directly into your Capital One checking or savings account. There are often daily and monthly limits (e.g., $999 per transaction, $1,500 per day, $5,000 per month). Funds are generally available immediately.
- Capital One Branches/Cafés: You can deposit cash with a teller at a Capital One branch or Capital One Café. Funds are generally available the same business day.
Sub-heading: Mobile Check Deposit
You can deposit checks into your Capital One account using the mobile app by taking a picture of the front and back of the endorsed check.
- Endorsement: Always endorse your check with "For Mobile Deposit Only at Capital One" and your signature.
- Limits: Mobile check deposits have daily and per-item limits (e.g., $2,500 per check and $5,000 total per day).
- Availability: Funds from mobile check deposits are typically available the next business day.
Sub-heading: Zelle®
If you're sending money to another person who banks with Capital One (or another participating bank), Zelle® is a fast and free way to send and receive money directly between bank accounts, often in minutes. You'll need the recipient's email address or U.S. mobile number.
Step 7: Monitor and Verify Your Transfer
After initiating any transfer, it's always a good practice to:
- Check your Capital One account (and the other account if applicable) to ensure the funds have been debited and credited as expected.
- Keep confirmation numbers or receipts for your records.
- Be aware of processing times and factor in weekends and holidays.
Remember, for specific limits, fees, or any issues, always refer to the official Capital One website's help center or contact their customer service directly. They are the ultimate authority for your account.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to transfer money from another bank to Capital One?
You can transfer money by linking your external bank account to your Capital One account online or via the mobile app and then initiating an ACH transfer. Alternatively, you can use Zelle® if both banks participate, or send a wire transfer for larger, faster transactions (fees apply).
How to transfer money between my own Capital One accounts?
Simply sign in to your Capital One online account or mobile app, select the account you want to transfer from, and choose "Transfer" or "Transfer Money" to move funds to another one of your Capital One accounts.
How to link an external bank account to Capital One for transfers?
Sign in to your Capital One account online or in the app, go to "Account & Feature Settings," select "External Accounts," and follow the prompts to add a new account by providing the routing and account numbers. You may need to verify with test deposits.
How to send a wire transfer from Capital One?
Log in to your Capital One online account, go to "Account Services & Settings," then "Wire Money." You'll need the recipient's bank name, routing number, account number, name, and address. Fees and daily limits apply.
How to receive a wire transfer to my Capital One account?
Provide the sender with your full name, Capital One account number, Capital One routing number (e.g., 031176110 for 360 accounts), Capital One N.A. as the bank name, and the SWIFT/BIC code HIBKUS44 for international wires.
How to deposit cash into my Capital One account?
You can deposit cash at any Capital One ATM or a Capital One branch/Café. There are daily and monthly limits for ATM cash deposits.
How to make a mobile check deposit to Capital One?
Use the Capital One mobile app. Select "Deposit a check," endorse your check with "For Mobile Deposit Only at Capital One" and your signature, take clear photos of the front and back, and enter the amount.
How to perform a balance transfer to a Capital One credit card?
Check for balance transfer offers on your Capital One credit card. You can typically initiate it online through your account or by calling customer service. You'll need the details of the other credit card or loan you're transferring from.
How to find my Capital One routing number for transfers?
You can find your Capital One routing number by signing in to your online account or mobile app and looking under "View Details" for your specific account, or on your paper bank statement. For Capital One 360 accounts, it's 031176110.
How to use Zelle® with Capital One?
If you have a Capital One checking account, you can typically use Zelle® through the Capital One mobile app or online banking. You'll need the recipient's email address or U.S. mobile number to send or receive money.
