What you need to complete Bank of America's direct deposit form
Bank of America uses a form called the Direct Deposit Authorization Agreement, which you fill out to tell your employer where to send your paycheck electronically. You can get this form by logging into your Bank of America online account, calling 1-800-432-1000, visiting a branch in person, or asking your employer's payroll department — many employers have their own copy on file.
The form itself is straightforward. You'll need your Bank of America account number, routing number (which is 026009593 for most Bank of America accounts), account type (checking or savings), and your full name as it appears on the account. Your employer's payroll department fills in their own information and processes the request from there.
Once your employer submits the form to Bank of America, the setup typically takes one to two pay periods. During that time, you'll still receive your paycheck through whatever method you used before — direct deposit doesn't switch on immediately. Bank of America will send you a confirmation once the direct deposit is active.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America's direct deposit form is called the Direct Deposit Authorization Agreement and is available online, by phone, or in branch.
- You need your account number, routing number (026009593), account type, and name exactly as it appears on your account.
- Your employer's payroll department submits the form to Bank of America, not the other way around.
- Direct deposit activation takes one to two pay periods after your employer submits the form.
- You can request the form directly from Bank of America or ask your employer's payroll team for a copy.
Where to find the direct deposit form online
If you have a Bank of America online account, log in and look for the direct deposit option under account services or settings. The exact location varies depending on whether you're using the website or the mobile app, but searching "direct deposit" within your account usually brings you to the right page. From there you can download or print the form.
If you don't have online access or prefer to work with someone directly, call Bank of America's customer service at 1-800-432-1000 and ask them to mail or email you the Direct Deposit Authorization Agreement. You can also walk into any Bank of America branch and request the form at the teller window — they'll print one for you on the spot.
Information you'll need before filling it out
Have your Bank of America account information ready. You'll need the account number (found on your debit card, checks, or in your online account), your routing number, and whether the account is checking or savings. Write down your full legal name exactly as it appears on your account — this must match perfectly or the direct deposit won't work.
You should also have your employer's name and address, though your payroll department usually fills that in. Some employers ask you to specify whether you want your entire paycheck deposited or just a portion, so check with payroll about their setup before you complete the form.
How to submit the form to your employer
You don't send the direct deposit form to Bank of America yourself. Instead, you complete it and give it to your employer's payroll or human resources department. They verify the information, add their own details, and submit it to Bank of America on their end. This protects your account because the form goes through your employer's secure payroll system rather than being mailed or emailed directly.
Ask your payroll department how they prefer to receive it — some want a printed copy, others accept scanned PDFs, and some have you fill it out through their internal payroll portal. Once they have it, they'll tell you roughly when to expect the direct deposit to start. If you don't hear back within a week, follow up with payroll to confirm they received it.
What happens if you make a mistake on the form
If you write down the wrong account number or routing number, your paycheck will be deposited into the wrong account — possibly someone else's. If this happens, contact your employer's payroll department immediately and tell them to stop the direct deposit. Then submit a corrected form with the right information.
Bank of America can help trace a misdirected deposit, but it takes time. The faster you catch the error and notify payroll, the sooner they can fix it for the next pay period. Always double-check your account number and routing number before handing the form over.
Changing or canceling direct deposit at Bank of America
If you want to change which account receives your paycheck or stop direct deposit altogether, you'll need to submit a new form to your employer. You can't cancel direct deposit by contacting Bank of America directly — the instruction has to come from your employer's payroll system. Ask your payroll department for a new Direct Deposit Authorization Agreement and fill it out with your updated information or instructions to stop.
Some employers let you manage direct deposit through their employee portal, where you can update your account information without printing a new form. Check with your payroll department about what options they offer. Changes typically take effect on the next pay cycle after payroll processes the new form.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bank of America's routing number for direct deposit?
Bank of America's routing number is 026009593 for most direct deposit purposes. This number tells your employer's payroll system which bank to send your money to. Always verify this number with Bank of America or your account documents before submitting the form, as routing numbers can vary by account type or region in rare cases.
Can I set up direct deposit without going to a Bank of America branch?
Yes. You can download the form from your online account, call 1-800-432-1000 to have it mailed or emailed to you, or ask your employer's payroll department if they have a copy. You never need to visit a branch unless you prefer to pick up the form in person.
How long does it take for direct deposit to start after I submit the form?
It usually takes one to two pay periods after your employer submits the form to Bank of America. During the waiting period, you'll continue receiving your paycheck through your current method. Bank of America will send you confirmation once the direct deposit is active.
What if my employer says they don't have the Bank of America direct deposit form?
Most employers have their own version of the direct deposit form that works with all banks, including Bank of America. Ask payroll for their standard direct deposit form and fill it out with your Bank of America account details. If they insist they need Bank of America's specific form, call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 and they can send one directly to your employer's payroll department.
Can I deposit my paycheck into multiple accounts at Bank of America?
Some employers allow you to split your paycheck between multiple accounts. If your employer offers this option, you'll need to submit separate direct deposit forms or use their payroll portal to specify how much goes to each account. Ask your payroll department whether they support split deposits and what their process is.