Welcome to the Community Space, @nicholas.

I can share some insights with you regarding how many days you need to wait before you can transfer funds directly to your QuickBooks checking account. Additionally, I can provide information on whether or not you need to put funds into an "envelope" to receive APY.

It takes an average of 3 business days to transfer money from an external bank account to QuickBooks Checking account. However, the transfer is not direct from your funds to QuickBooks Checking.

Here's how to transfer funds instantly with QuickBooks Checking:

Step 1: Set up instant transfers

You can link up to 10 active Visa or Mastercard debit cards from your US bank or credit union for instant transfers. At this time, you can't remove, or edit previously added debit cards.

1. Sign in to QuickBooks Online.
2. Go to Banking Services.
3. Go to QuickBooks Checking and select Send Money.
4. Select Instant transfer.
5. Follow the prompts to add your debit card.
6. Enter the confirmation code.

Step 2: Send money instantly

Funds in QuickBooks envelopes will need to be transferred to the main QuickBooks Checking account balance before getting started.

1. Go to Banking Services.
2. Go to QuickBooks Checking and select Send Money.
3. Select Instant transfer.
4. Enter the amount you want to transfer from QuickBooks Checking.
5. Select the debit card for where you want the money to go.
6. Review the transfer amount and fees.
7. When you’re ready, select Finish transfer.

Step 3: Review instant transfer history

QuickBooks will show the transfer amount with a separate line item for the fees. The receiving bank account will show the instant transfer deposit amount with the fees already taken out.

1. Go to Banking Services.
2. Go to QuickBooks Checking.
3. Select Review transactions.

I also added these articles that can assist you in learning how to save money in envelopes and set it aside for future expenses. You can also earn the Annual Percentage Yield (APY) and learn more about QuickBooks Checking when you sign up for QuickBooks Payments. Additionally, here is an article that can help you learn how to save money in envelopes and set it aside for future expenses and earn the Annual Percentage Yield (APY) also learn more about QuickBooks Checking when you sign up for QuickBooks Payments:

• Create envelopes to set your funds aside with QuickBooks Checking
• Use your QuickBooks Checking account
   

If you have other concerns or queries, the Community is always here 24/7 ready to serve. Keep Safe!

Hi, 

So I don't want to instant transfer due to fees. But am I understanding correctly - I just wait 3 days, my linked other business banking account will then be active and I can move funds?

Hello, @nicholas.

Indeed, you are right. It takes an average of 3 business days to move money into your QuickBooks Checking account. 

You can check this article to learn how to use your QuickBooks Checking account to save money or use features like envelopes to save proactively this article also serves as your guide if you decide to dig deeper into your Checking account: QuickBooks Checking FAQ

I'm one click away if you have further questions regarding your QuickBooks Checking, I'll be happy to help.