What you need to set up direct deposit at Bank of America
Bank of America uses a form called the Direct Deposit Authorization Form (sometimes labeled as ACH Authorization or Employee Direct Deposit Form). You get this form from your employer's payroll or human resources department — not from the bank itself. Your employer sends the completed form to Bank of America, and the bank processes it to connect your paycheck to your account.
You do not fill out a separate Bank of America form to receive direct deposits. Instead, you provide your employer with two pieces of information: your Bank of America account number and your bank's routing number. Your employer includes these on their own direct deposit authorization paperwork, which they then submit to the bank.
If your employer asks you to complete a form, it will be their form, not Bank of America's. The form typically asks for your name, address, account number, routing number, and which account type you want the deposit to go to (checking or savings).
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America does not provide a direct deposit form for you to fill out; your employer handles the setup using their own authorization paperwork.
- You need your Bank of America account number and the bank's routing number (1010 for most Bank of America checking accounts) to give to your employer.
- Your employer's payroll department submits the direct deposit request to Bank of America, not the other way around.
- Direct deposits typically begin processing within one to two pay cycles after your employer submits the authorization.
- You can change or cancel direct deposit at any time by notifying your employer's payroll department.
Finding your account and routing numbers
Your account number appears on the bottom left of your Bank of America checks, or you can find it by logging into your online banking account and viewing your account details. The number is usually 10 digits.
Bank of America's routing number depends on which state your branch is in. For most checking accounts opened at Bank of America branches in the continental United States, the routing number is 1010. However, some older accounts or accounts opened in specific regions may use different routing numbers. The safest approach is to log into your Bank of America online account, go to account settings, and look for "routing number" — the bank displays the correct number for your specific account.
You can also call Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000 and ask for your routing number. Have your account number ready when you call.
What your employer needs from you
When your employer asks for direct deposit information, provide only what they request. Most payroll departments ask for your full name (as it appears on your bank account), your account number, your routing number, and which account type to deposit into (checking or savings).
Do not provide your PIN, password, or online banking credentials to your employer. Legitimate payroll departments never ask for these. If your employer requests login information, contact Bank of America directly to report the request.
Some employers use an online portal where you enter this information yourself. Others have you fill out a paper form. Either way, the information you provide is the same: account number and routing number.
How long direct deposit takes to start
After your employer submits the direct deposit authorization to Bank of America, the bank typically processes it within one to two business days. However, your first direct deposit may not appear in your account until your next scheduled pay cycle — sometimes longer if your employer processes payroll on a different schedule than Bank of America's processing windows.
Most people see their first direct deposit within one to two pay periods. During this time, ask your employer whether they can confirm the authorization was received and processed. If you do not see a deposit after two full pay cycles, contact your employer's payroll department to verify they submitted the form correctly.
Changing or stopping direct deposit
To change which Bank of America account receives your direct deposit, contact your employer's payroll or human resources department. They will update the account number on file and resubmit the authorization to the bank. Changes typically take effect within one to two pay cycles.
To stop direct deposits entirely, notify your employer in writing (email is usually acceptable) and ask them to cancel the direct deposit authorization. The bank does not need to approve the cancellation — your employer simply stops submitting deposits. Existing deposits already in transit will still arrive, but future paychecks will not be deposited automatically.
If you leave your job or close your Bank of America account, inform your new employer or your bank as soon as possible. If direct deposits continue to arrive at a closed account, contact Bank of America to return the funds to the sender.
What happens if information is entered incorrectly
If your account number or routing number is wrong, the deposit will be rejected by Bank of America and returned to your employer. Your employer will then contact you to correct the information. This process can delay your paycheck by one to two pay cycles.
If the deposit goes to the wrong account (for example, a different bank), that bank will reject it and return it to your employer. Again, you will need to provide corrected information and wait for the next pay cycle. To avoid this, double-check your account and routing numbers before giving them to your employer.
If a deposit is sent to your account by mistake (not your employer's error, but a processing error), do not spend the money. Contact Bank of America immediately. The bank will reverse the deposit, and you may be held responsible if you have already used the funds.
Direct deposit at other Bank of America account types
Direct deposit works the same way for savings accounts, money market accounts, and other Bank of America account types. When your employer asks which account to deposit into, specify the account type and provide the correct account number for that account.
Some employers allow you to split your paycheck between multiple accounts — for example, 80% to checking and 20% to savings. This requires a separate authorization for each account, and your employer's payroll system must support split deposits. Ask your payroll department whether this option is available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Bank of America charge a fee for direct deposit?
No. Bank of America does not charge you or your employer a fee to set up or receive direct deposits. Some employers may charge fees for payroll services, but that is separate from the direct deposit process itself.
Can I set up direct deposit online through my Bank of America account?
No. You cannot initiate direct deposit through your Bank of America online banking portal. Your employer must submit the authorization. However, you can view incoming direct deposits in your account once they start arriving, and you can set up alerts to notify you when a deposit is received.
What if my employer says they cannot find Bank of America's direct deposit form?
Bank of America does not provide a form for employees to use. Your employer uses their own payroll system or authorization form. If they say they need a Bank of America form, clarify that you simply need to provide your account number and routing number on their payroll paperwork. If they continue to have questions, they can contact Bank of America's business customer service line.
Can I use direct deposit for government benefits or tax refunds?
Yes. The same account number and routing number work for any direct deposit, including tax refunds, government benefits, and payments from other sources. You provide the same information to the IRS, Social Security, or any other organization sending you a direct deposit.
What should I do if my direct deposit stops arriving?
Contact your employer's payroll department first to confirm they are still processing direct deposits and that your authorization is still on file. If your account information changed or you recently switched accounts, you may need to resubmit authorization. If payroll confirms everything is correct on their end, contact Bank of America to check whether there are any holds or issues with your account.