What information appears on a direct deposit slip
A direct deposit slip is the document your employer or benefits program gives you to set up automatic payments to your bank account. It shows the routing number and account number where money will be sent, along with your name, the amount being deposited, and how often deposits will arrive. The slip also lists the name of the organisation making the deposit — your employer, Social Security, unemployment insurance, or another program.
The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your specific bank or credit union. The account number is unique to your individual account at that institution. Together, these two pieces of information tell the paying organisation exactly where to send your money. Some slips also show the account type (checking or savings) and may include a reference number for your records.
Direct deposit slips vary slightly depending on who issues them. An employer's slip might show your pay frequency and the date deposits will start. A government benefits program's slip might show the program name and your case number. But all of them contain the core information: routing number, account number, and confirmation that deposits are authorised.
Key Takeaways
- A direct deposit slip contains your bank's routing number and your account number, which the paying organisation uses to send money automatically to your account.
- You need the routing number from your bank or credit union, not from another bank — using the wrong routing number will send your deposit to the wrong place.
- The slip should show the name of the organisation making the deposit and how often you will receive payments.
- Keep a copy of your completed direct deposit slip for your records in case there are problems with deposits or you need to prove you set up the arrangement.
- If your bank account changes, you must submit a new direct deposit slip to update the routing and account numbers.
Where to find your routing and account numbers
Your bank or credit union provides both numbers on checks and through online banking. If you look at a check, the routing number appears at the bottom left (a nine-digit code), and your account number appears to its right. You can also log into your bank's website or mobile app and find both numbers in the account details or settings section.
If you do not have checks or online access, call your bank's customer service line. Have your account holder name and account number ready, and ask for the routing number. Some banks print this information on statements as well. Credit unions use the same system — your routing number is specific to your credit union branch or the main office, depending on the institution.
Do not use a routing number from a different bank or branch. If you bank at Chase in New York but use a Chase routing number for a different state, your deposit may be delayed or sent to the wrong account. When in doubt, call your own bank and confirm the routing number they want you to use.
What happens after you submit a direct deposit slip
Once you give a completed slip to your employer or benefits program, they enter the information into their payment system. The first deposit usually arrives within one to two pay periods, though some organisations take longer. You should receive a confirmation that the direct deposit has been set up — either in writing, by email, or through an online account portal.
Before the first deposit hits your account, check your bank to make sure the money arrived in the correct account. If it did not arrive on the expected date, contact the organisation that is supposed to be paying you. They can confirm whether the information was entered correctly and whether there were any errors in transmission.
After the first successful deposit, money should arrive on the same schedule going forward — weekly, biweekly, monthly, or whatever frequency the program uses. If deposits stop or arrive late, the problem is usually either a closed account, a change in your employment or benefits status, or an error in the routing or account number.
Updating your direct deposit information
If you change banks, close an account, or switch from checking to savings, you must submit a new direct deposit slip with the updated information. Do this as soon as possible to avoid missed or misdirected payments. Most employers and government programs let you update direct deposit through an online portal, by mail, or in person.
Keep the old direct deposit slip until you confirm that at least one payment has arrived at the new account. This way, if something goes wrong with the update, you have proof of what you submitted. Some organisations take several pay periods to process changes, so there may be a gap between when you submit the new slip and when deposits start arriving at the new account.
If you are receiving benefits from multiple sources — unemployment and a part-time job, for example — you can set up direct deposit with each one separately. Each organisation will have its own direct deposit slip and its own schedule. Make sure you keep track of which slip goes with which payment source.
Common mistakes on direct deposit slips
The most frequent error is transposing digits in the routing or account number. A single wrong digit sends the deposit to a different account or institution, and recovering the money can take weeks. Before you submit a slip, read both numbers aloud to yourself and compare them to what your bank provided.
Another common mistake is using a routing number that is outdated or belongs to a different branch. Banks sometimes change routing numbers when they merge or reorganise. If your bank recently merged with another institution, call to confirm you are using the current routing number.
Some people also submit slips with incomplete information — missing their name, the account type, or the organisation's name. While the deposit might still go through if the routing and account numbers are correct, incomplete information can cause delays or confusion if there is a problem. Fill in every field the slip asks for.
Keeping your direct deposit slip secure
Your direct deposit slip contains sensitive information: your account number and routing number. Anyone with these numbers can attempt to set up unauthorised direct deposits or use them for fraud. Keep your slip in a safe place, and do not share it with anyone except the organisation that needs it to set up your deposits.
If you lose a direct deposit slip or suspect someone has seen it, contact your bank immediately. You can request a new account number or add fraud alerts to your account. Most banks can also reverse unauthorised transactions if they are reported quickly.
When you no longer need a direct deposit slip — because you have changed jobs, moved to a different account, or stopped receiving a particular benefit — shred it rather than throwing it in the trash. This prevents someone from finding it and misusing your account information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a routing number and an account number?
The routing number identifies your bank or credit union — it is the same for all customers at that institution. The account number is unique to your individual account. Together, they tell the paying organisation which bank and which specific account to send money to.
Can I use the same direct deposit slip for multiple employers?
Yes. If you work more than one job or receive income from multiple sources, you can give the same direct deposit slip to each employer or program. All deposits will go to the same account. Each organisation will have its own schedule, so you may receive deposits on different dates.
What if I submit a direct deposit slip but the money never arrives?
Contact the organisation that is supposed to be paying you and ask them to confirm the direct deposit information in their system. Ask them to check whether the routing and account numbers were entered correctly. If they were entered wrong, ask them to correct it and resubmit. If the numbers are correct, the problem may be with your bank — call your bank to confirm the account is active and has not been flagged for fraud.
Do I need to keep my direct deposit slip after the first deposit arrives?
Yes. Keep it for your records in case there are problems with future deposits or you need to prove you set up the arrangement. You may also need it if you change banks and need to remember which account was receiving deposits.
What should I do if my bank account information changes?
Submit a new direct deposit slip to each organisation that pays you. Do this as soon as your new account is open. Keep the old slip until you confirm that at least one deposit has arrived at the new account, in case you need to troubleshoot.