Where University of Memphis Direct Deposit Goes
The University of Memphis uses direct deposit for paychecks, student refunds, and financial aid disbursements. If you work for the university or receive aid, you can have money sent straight to your bank account instead of receiving a paper check. The university processes payroll through its Human Resources department and financial aid through the Office of Student Financial Services.
Direct deposit at Memphis is optional — you can still receive paper checks if you prefer. However, direct deposit is faster: paychecks typically arrive one to two business days before the pay date, while paper checks take longer to process and deliver. If you receive a financial aid refund, direct deposit moves that money to your account within one to three business days after the university processes your aid.
Key Takeaways
- University of Memphis direct deposit works through your own bank account, and you control which account receives the money.
- You set up direct deposit by completing a form with your bank routing number and account number, which you can get from your bank or online banking portal.
- Payroll direct deposit is managed by Human Resources; financial aid refunds go through the Office of Student Financial Services.
- Changes to your direct deposit information take effect on the next pay cycle or aid disbursement, so submit changes at least one week in advance.
What You Need to Set Up Direct Deposit
Before you can enroll in direct deposit, gather two pieces of information from your bank: your routing number and your account number. The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your bank. The account number is unique to your specific account. Both appear on the bottom left of your checks, or you can log into your bank's website or call the bank directly to find them.
You will also need to know whether the account is a checking or savings account. Most people use checking accounts for direct deposit, but the university accepts both. If you do not have a bank account, you can open one at most banks or credit unions with a government-issued ID and an initial deposit — often as little as $25.
How to Enroll Through Human Resources (Employees)
If you work for the University of Memphis, you enroll in payroll direct deposit through the Human Resources department. Log into your employee portal using your Memphis NetID and password. Look for the payroll or direct deposit section — the exact name varies depending on which system the university uses at the time you enroll.
Enter your bank routing number, account number, and account type. Double-check both numbers before submitting, because an error will send your paycheck to the wrong account. Once you submit the form, the change takes effect on the next pay cycle. If you submit the form more than one week before payday, the change usually appears on that paycheck. If you submit it closer to payday, it may take until the following pay period.
If you cannot access the employee portal or need help, contact Human Resources directly. They can walk you through the process or enroll you over the phone if necessary.
How to Enroll for Financial Aid Refunds (Students)
If you receive a financial aid refund from the University of Memphis, you can have it sent by direct deposit through the Office of Student Financial Services. Log into your student portal using your Memphis NetID. Navigate to the financial aid or student account section and look for direct deposit or refund options.
Enter your bank routing number, account number, and account type. The form will ask whether you want direct deposit for all future refunds or just the current one. If you choose all future refunds, the setting stays in place until you change it. Once you submit, the university processes your request within one to two business days. If your aid has already been disbursed as a paper check, you cannot change it to direct deposit retroactively — the change applies to the next refund.
If you do not see a direct deposit option in your student portal, contact the Office of Student Financial Services by phone or email. They can set it up for you or explain if direct deposit is not yet available for your type of aid.
What Happens If You Make a Mistake
If you enter the wrong routing number or account number, your paycheck or refund will go to the wrong account. The university cannot retrieve money that has been sent to another bank. If this happens, contact your bank immediately and explain the error. Your bank may be able to recover the funds, but this process can take several weeks.
To prevent this, verify both numbers before you submit. Call your bank or log into your online banking portal and check the numbers against what you entered. If you are unsure, it is better to ask your bank than to guess.
If you realize the error after the money has been sent, contact Human Resources (for payroll) or the Office of Student Financial Services (for aid refunds) right away. They can document the error and may be able to help you contact your bank. Going forward, update your direct deposit information with the correct account details so future payments go to the right place.
Changing or Canceling Direct Deposit
You can change your direct deposit account at any time by logging back into your employee or student portal and updating the information. Submit the change at least one week before the next pay date or aid disbursement so the university has time to process it. If you submit it closer to the deadline, the change may not take effect until the following pay cycle.
To cancel direct deposit and return to paper checks, go to the same portal section and select the option to remove direct deposit or revert to check payment. Again, submit this change at least one week in advance. Once you cancel, the university will mail your next check to the address on file.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have my paycheck sent to two different accounts?
Most universities, including Memphis, allow direct deposit to only one account per pay type. You cannot split a single paycheck between two accounts. If you need money in multiple accounts, you can set up direct deposit to one account and then transfer money to another account yourself through your bank.
What if I do not have a bank account yet?
You will need to open a bank account before you can use direct deposit. Visit a local bank or credit union and bring a government-issued ID and an initial deposit. Many banks offer free checking accounts with no minimum balance. Once your account is open, you can enroll in direct deposit using your new routing and account numbers.
How long does it take for direct deposit to start?
If you submit your direct deposit form more than one week before payday, it usually takes effect on that paycheck. If you submit it closer to payday, it may take until the next pay period. For financial aid refunds, the change takes effect within one to two business days, and the refund itself arrives one to three business days after that.
What if my bank account information changes?
If you close your account or switch banks, update your direct deposit information as soon as possible. Log into your portal and enter your new routing number and account number. Submit the change at least one week before the next payment so the university has time to process it. If you do not update it, your paycheck or refund will be sent to the old account and may be rejected by the bank.
Is direct deposit secure?
Direct deposit is a standard banking method used by employers and government agencies nationwide. Your bank routing number and account number are the same information you would write on a check, so they are not secret. However, only enter this information into official university portals or systems, not into emails or unknown websites. If you are unsure whether a request is legitimate, contact Human Resources or Student Financial Services directly.