The paperwork you need depends on who is sending the money and what system they use

Most government programs and employers use one of two forms to set up direct deposit: the ACH Authorization Form (also called a direct deposit authorization or electronic funds transfer form) or the IRS Form 8888 for tax refunds. Some programs have their own internal forms. What matters is that you provide your bank account number, routing number, and account type — checking or savings. The program or employer then sends money electronically instead of by check or card.

You do not need to visit your bank or call them first. You fill out the form, submit it to the program, and they handle the rest. The process usually takes one to two pay periods to activate, though some programs are faster.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need your bank account number, routing number, and account type (checking or savings) — your bank statement or debit card shows all three.
  • Most programs use either an ACH Authorization Form or their own direct deposit form; tax refunds use IRS Form 8888.
  • Direct deposit typically starts within one to two pay periods after you submit the form, though some programs process it faster.
  • You can change your direct deposit information at any time by submitting a new form to the program or employer.

Where to find your bank information

Your bank account number and routing number appear on the bottom left of any check you have written. The routing number is the first nine digits; your account number follows. If you do not have checks, log into your online banking portal or call your bank's customer service line — they can read both numbers to you in under a minute.

Your account type is either checking or savings. Most people use checking accounts for direct deposit, but some programs allow savings accounts. The form will ask you to select one or the other.

If you use a prepaid card or a card-based account (like Chime, NetSpend, or a similar service), the account number and routing number are usually in your account settings online or on the back of your card. Call the card company's customer service if you cannot find them — they are required to provide this information.

Standard ACH Authorization Form

An ACH Authorization Form is a one-page document that most employers and many government programs use. It asks for your name, address, bank account number, routing number, and account type. Some versions also ask whether you want the full payment or a split (for example, $500 to checking and $200 to savings). You sign and date it, then submit it to the program or employer.

You can usually find this form on the program's website under "direct deposit" or "payment options." If not, call or email and ask for the ACH Authorization Form or direct deposit form by name. Many programs will email it to you or let you fill it out online.

Once submitted, keep a copy for your records. If the program loses it or there is a delay, you will have proof you sent it.

IRS Form 8888 for tax refunds

If you are setting up direct deposit for a federal tax refund, you use IRS Form 8888 instead of an ACH form. You fill it out as part of your tax return — either on paper or through tax software. The form has three lines, one for each account you want to split your refund into (most people use just one).

You provide the same information: routing number, account number, and account type. The IRS processes this when they process your return, which can take two to three weeks after you file. Direct deposit of the refund itself usually arrives within five to seven business days after the IRS approves your return.

You do not submit Form 8888 separately. It goes in with your tax return.

Program-specific direct deposit forms

Some government programs — particularly state unemployment, workers' compensation, and certain benefit programs — have their own direct deposit forms instead of using a standard ACH form. These forms ask for the same information but may be formatted differently or ask additional questions about your account.

When you first contact the program or log into your account online, look for a section labeled "payment method," "direct deposit," or "banking information." The form will be there, or you can request it by phone. Fill it out completely, including your name and address exactly as they appear on your bank account, and submit it through the method the program specifies — usually online, by mail, or by fax.

If the program does not have a form, ask whether they accept a standard ACH Authorization Form. Many do.

What happens after you submit the form

Once you submit the form, the program or employer verifies your bank information and sets up the electronic transfer. This usually takes one to two pay periods. During that time, you may still receive a check or card payment — do not assume the direct deposit has failed if you get a check on your normal payment date.

Some programs send a confirmation email or letter telling you when direct deposit will start. Others do not. If you do not hear anything after two weeks, contact the program and ask for confirmation that your form was received and processed.

Once direct deposit is active, money will arrive on the same day as your normal payment date — usually within hours of when checks would have been mailed. You can check your bank account online to see the deposit.

Changing or canceling direct deposit

You can change your direct deposit information at any time by submitting a new form with your updated bank details. The new account information usually takes effect within one to two pay periods. Until then, payments may still go to your old account.

If you want to stop direct deposit and return to checks or a payment card, submit a new form or contact the program directly and ask them to cancel electronic payments. Again, this usually takes one to two pay periods to take effect.

Keep records of any changes you make. If a payment goes to the wrong account, you will need proof of when you submitted the change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to give the program permission to access my bank account?

No. Direct deposit is a one-way transfer — the program sends money in, but cannot withdraw money or see your balance. You are only authorizing them to deposit funds into the account you specify.

What if I give the wrong account number?

If the account number is wrong, the payment will either bounce back to the program or go to someone else's account. Contact the program immediately and submit a corrected form. They can usually redirect the payment or reissue it once you provide the correct information.

Can I split my payment between two accounts?

Many programs allow splits — for example, $800 to checking and $200 to savings. The form will have space for this. Not all programs offer this option, so check the form or call and ask before you assume it is available.

How long does it take for direct deposit to start after I submit the form?

Usually one to two pay periods, though some programs process it faster. Tax refunds via Form 8888 take longer — typically five to seven business days after the IRS approves your return, not counting the time it takes the IRS to process your return itself.

What if the program does not have a direct deposit form?

Ask whether they accept a standard ACH Authorization Form. If they do not, ask what payment methods they do offer — some programs use payment cards or checks only. Get the answer in writing if possible.