A deposit ticket is the form your employer or payroll processor sends to your bank to set up direct deposit
A deposit ticket (also called an authorization form or direct deposit form) is a document that tells your bank where to send your paycheque. It contains your bank account number, routing number, and account type — the information your employer needs to deposit money directly into your account instead of issuing a paper cheque.
The form itself is usually one page, either printed or digital. Your employer or payroll department gives it to you, you fill in your banking details, sign it, and return it. Once your bank processes it, your paycheques start arriving automatically on payday.
You may see different versions depending on your employer's payroll system, but they all ask for the same core information and serve the same purpose: moving money from your employer's account to yours without paper or delay.
Key Takeaways
- A deposit ticket contains your routing number, account number, and account type — the three pieces of information your bank needs to receive deposits.
- You can find your routing and account numbers on the bottom left of any cheque you have, or by calling your bank.
- The form usually requires your signature and sometimes your employer identification number, but not your Social Security number or PIN.
- Once you submit a signed deposit ticket, it typically takes one to two pay periods before deposits begin, though some employers process it faster.
- You can update or cancel a deposit ticket at any time by submitting a new one to your employer's payroll department.
What information goes on a deposit ticket
Most deposit tickets ask for the same set of details. At the top, you provide your name and employee ID (if your employer uses one). Below that are the banking details: your routing number, your account number, and your account type (checking or savings).
Some forms also ask whether you want your entire paycheque deposited to one account, or split between two accounts — for example, 80 percent to checking and 20 percent to savings. If you want a split deposit, the form will have space for a second routing number and account number.
At the bottom, you sign and date the form. Some employers ask for your phone number or email so they can contact you if there is a problem processing the deposit. You do not need to provide your Social Security number, PIN, or password on a deposit ticket.
Where to find your routing and account numbers
Your routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your bank. Your account number is unique to your account at that bank. Both appear on the bottom left of any cheque you have — the routing number comes first, then your account number.
If you do not have a cheque, call your bank's customer service line or log into your online banking portal. Most banks display both numbers in the account details section. You can also visit your bank in person and ask a teller to write them down for you.
Make sure you copy the numbers correctly. A single digit wrong will send your paycheque to the wrong account, and it can take several days to recover the money and resubmit the deposit ticket.
Checking and savings accounts on a deposit ticket
When you fill out a deposit ticket, you must specify whether you are depositing into a checking account or a savings account. This matters because the routing number alone does not tell the bank which type of account you have.
Most people choose checking because they need access to the money right away. Savings accounts work too, but some employers' systems do not support them, or the deposit may take longer to clear. If you are unsure which to choose, use checking — you can always transfer money to savings yourself after the deposit arrives.
The form usually has a checkbox or radio button for each type. Make sure you mark only one, or your employer's payroll system may reject the form and ask you to resubmit it.
How long it takes for a deposit ticket to take effect
Once you submit a signed deposit ticket to your payroll department, it usually takes one to two pay periods before your first direct deposit arrives. Some employers process it faster — within a few days — but most use the longer timeline to verify the information and set up the connection with your bank.
During the waiting period, you may still receive a paper cheque. Ask your payroll department whether they will continue issuing cheques until the direct deposit is active, or whether you should expect your first deposit on a specific date.
If a deposit does not arrive on the expected date, contact your payroll department right away. They can check whether the form was processed and whether there was an error in the routing or account number.
Updating or cancelling a deposit ticket
You can change your direct deposit at any time by submitting a new deposit ticket to your payroll department. This is useful if you change banks, open a new account, or want to split your deposit differently.
To cancel direct deposit entirely and return to paper cheques, submit a written request to your payroll department. Some employers have a cancellation form; others accept an email or letter. The change usually takes effect on the next pay period.
If you leave your job, direct deposit stops automatically — your employer will not send deposits to an account once you are no longer on the payroll. If you move to a new job, you will need to submit a new deposit ticket to the new employer.
Common mistakes when filling out a deposit ticket
The most common error is transposing a digit in the routing or account number. Double-check both numbers against your cheque or your bank's website before you submit the form. If the number is wrong, your paycheque goes to the wrong account, and you will have to contact your employer and your bank to recover it.
Another mistake is marking both checking and savings, or leaving the account type blank. Your payroll system needs to know which type of account you are using. If the form is unclear, call your payroll department and ask them to clarify before you submit it.
Some people also provide unnecessary information — like their Social Security number or PIN — thinking it is required. It is not. Providing extra sensitive information increases the risk that it will be mishandled or stored insecurely. Stick to what the form asks for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use direct deposit, or can I still get a paper cheque?
Most employers allow you to choose. Some large employers or government agencies require direct deposit, but they will tell you that upfront. If your employer requires it and you do not have a bank account, ask whether they offer a paycard or prepaid debit card as an alternative.
What if I do not have a bank account yet?
You will need to open one before you can set up direct deposit. Many banks and credit unions offer free checking accounts with no minimum balance. Once your account is open, you can get your routing and account numbers and fill out the deposit ticket.
Can I split my paycheque between two accounts on one deposit ticket?
Yes, if your employer's payroll system supports it. The deposit ticket will have space for a second routing number and account number. You specify how much of your paycheque goes to each account — either a dollar amount or a percentage.
What happens if I submit a deposit ticket with the wrong account number?
Your paycheque will be deposited into the wrong account. Contact your payroll department and your bank immediately. Your bank can sometimes reverse the deposit, but it may take several days. Submit a corrected deposit ticket right away so future deposits go to the right place.
Can my employer see my bank account balance or transaction history?
No. The deposit ticket only gives your employer the routing number and account number — the same information that appears on a cheque. Your employer cannot access your balance, see what you spend money on, or withdraw funds from your account.