How to transfer money from savings to checking, either online or at a branch

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• When you want to spend money in your savings account, it's time to transfer it into checking.
• If both accounts are with the same bank, you can transfer money online or at a branch.
• You'll probably have to transfer money online if the accounts are at separate institutions.

Savings accounts are great places to store cash you'll need in the next few years. But you'll probably need to use that money eventually — to put a down payment on a car, buy a plane ticket, or tap into your emergency fund if the unexpected happens.

When it's time to transfer money from savings (where you can't touch it) to checking (where you can easily access it), the best method will depend on whether your savings and checking accounts are with the same bank or different institutions.

How to transfer money from savings to checking with the same bank

1. Transfer money digitally

If you have already set up online banking, you can quickly transfer money by logging into your account from your computer or the bank's mobile app. If not, you can set up an online account in a few minutes by creating a username and password.

In the menu, the bank will probably have an item along the lines of "transfers" or "tasks." Click on this option.

Select the account you want to transfer money from (savings) and the one you want to transfer money to (checking). Then enter how much you want to transfer. The website will probably give you the option to set up recurring transfers, as well.

Depending on the bank, the transfer will probably either take place immediately or on the next business day.

2. Visit a branch

You also have the option to make the transfer in person if you use a brick-and-mortar bank. Visit your local branch and fill out a transfer form to specify which accounts you're transferring money out of and into, and how much you want to transfer. Then you'll give the form to the bank teller to complete your transaction.

You'll need to know both account numbers to conduct the transaction. If you don't have this information, the teller should be able to pull up the information if you show your ID.

By doing it in person, the transfer could take up to 24 hours to complete. Ask the teller when you'll be able to spend the cash.

How to transfer money from savings to checking at a different bank

You can still move money from savings to checking, even if the accounts are at separate institutions. But you'll probably have to do it online.

When you click the "transfer" item in the menu, you should see an option to link another account. Enter the account type, account number, and routing number to enable online transfers between the two.

When you transfer money between banks, the earliest the transfer will go through is probably the next business day. It could take up to a few days to see the funds show up in your account. If you need money immediately, you may be able to withdraw cash from your savings account at an ATM. (Just know you could pay an ATM fee.)

Some banks charge fees for transferring money to a separate institution. Look up both banks' policies online for incoming and outgoing external transfers.