What you need to set up direct deposit
To set up direct deposit, you need three pieces of information: your bank's routing number, your account number, and the account type (checking or savings). Your employer also needs to know whether you want your entire paycheck deposited or just a portion of it. That's it — you don't need to visit your bank or fill out forms with them. Your employer handles the whole setup on their end.
You can find your routing number and account number on the bottom left of any check you have, or by logging into your bank's website or app. The routing number is the first set of nine digits; your account number follows. If you don't have checks, call your bank's customer service line and ask for both numbers — they can give them to you in under a minute.
Some employers let you split your paycheck between multiple accounts. For example, you might send 80 percent to checking and 20 percent to savings automatically. This is optional — most people send everything to one account.
Key Takeaways
- You need your bank's routing number and your account number, both of which appear on your checks or are available from your bank by phone.
- Your employer's payroll department handles the setup; you don't contact your bank directly.
- Direct deposit typically begins within one to three pay periods after you submit the information.
- You can change or cancel direct deposit at any time by notifying your employer's payroll office.
Where to find your routing and account numbers
If you have a checkbook, look at the bottom of any check. On the left side you'll see nine digits — that's your routing number. Immediately to the right of that is a longer set of digits, usually 10 to 12 numbers — that's your account number. Write both down exactly as they appear.
If you don't have checks or can't find them, log into your bank's website or mobile app. Most banks display both numbers in the account details or settings section. Look for a tab labeled "Account Information," "Account Details," or "Routing Number." If you can't locate them online, call your bank's customer service number on the back of your debit card. Have your account number or card number ready, and they'll give you the routing number in seconds.
Make sure you're getting the routing number for the specific branch where your account is held, not a general corporate number. If you moved and your account is now at a different branch, ask your bank whether the routing number has changed.
How to submit direct deposit information to your employer
Contact your payroll department or human resources office. Most employers now have an online portal where you can enter your banking details yourself — this is usually part of your employee benefits or payroll system. Log in, find the direct deposit section, and enter your routing number, account number, and account type. Some systems ask you to upload a voided check as proof, though this is becoming less common.
If your employer doesn't have an online system, ask payroll for a direct deposit form. Fill it out by hand, sign it if required, and return it to payroll. Keep a copy for your records. Either way, payroll will confirm receipt and tell you when direct deposit will start — usually within one to three pay periods.
Don't be alarmed if payroll asks you to void a check. This just means writing "VOID" across the front of an unused check and submitting it with your form. It proves you own the account and gives payroll a physical record of your routing and account numbers. If you don't have checks, most employers will accept the numbers typed into their online form instead.
When direct deposit starts and what to expect
Direct deposit does not start immediately. Most employers process the request within a few business days, but the first deposit typically arrives one to three pay periods after you submit your information. During this waiting period, you'll usually still receive a paper check or your pay will go to whatever method was in place before.
Once direct deposit begins, your paycheck will hit your account on payday, usually before 6 a.m. You won't receive a paper check unless you request one. Some employers send a pay stub by email or make it available through an online portal; others still mail a paper stub. Ask your payroll department how you'll receive yours.
The money is yours to use as soon as it appears in your account. Some banks make it available immediately; others hold it for one business day. Check your bank's policy if timing matters for bills you need to pay on payday.
Changing or canceling direct deposit
You can change your direct deposit at any time. If you want to switch to a different bank account, contact payroll and submit a new direct deposit form with the new routing and account numbers. The change usually takes effect within one to two pay periods. Until it does, your pay will continue going to the old account.
If you want to cancel direct deposit and go back to paper checks, tell payroll in writing. Keep a copy of your request. Again, the change takes a pay period or two to process, so don't be surprised if you receive one more direct deposit before the switch happens.
If you leave your job, direct deposit stops automatically. Your final paycheck will be handled according to your employer's policy — some mail it, some offer to continue direct deposit for the final check if you ask, and some require you to pick it up in person.
What to do if direct deposit fails or doesn't arrive
If your paycheck doesn't arrive on payday, contact payroll immediately. Ask whether the deposit was sent and, if so, when. Payroll can confirm the routing and account numbers they have on file and check whether the transfer went through on their end. If the numbers are wrong, they can correct them and resubmit the deposit.
If payroll confirms the deposit was sent but your bank hasn't received it, contact your bank's customer service. Give them the date the deposit was supposed to arrive and the amount. The bank can trace the transfer and tell you whether it's stuck in processing, rejected due to a mismatch in account information, or lost. Most banks can recover a misdirected deposit within a few business days.
In rare cases, a deposit is rejected because the routing or account number was entered incorrectly. This is why payroll asks you to double-check the numbers before submitting. If this happens, correct the information with payroll and ask them to resubmit the deposit. They usually can do this within a day or two.
Security and privacy considerations
Sharing your routing and account numbers with your employer is safe. These numbers are printed on every check you write and are not secret. They're needed for direct deposit to work, and your employer needs them to pay you. Your bank does not consider this a security risk.
Your account number and routing number alone cannot be used to withdraw money from your account. A thief would also need your signature or authorization. Direct deposit is actually safer than paper checks, which can be lost, stolen, or delayed in the mail.
Only share your banking information with your employer's official payroll system or form. Don't email it to a coworker or enter it into an unsecured website. If you're unsure whether a request is legitimate, contact payroll directly using the phone number or email address listed on your employee handbook or company website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I set up direct deposit if I don't have a bank account yet?
No — you need an active bank account before you can set up direct deposit. If you don't have one, open a checking account at a bank or credit union. Many offer accounts with no minimum balance or monthly fees. Once your account is open and you have your routing and account numbers, you can submit them to payroll.
What if my employer doesn't offer direct deposit?
Some smaller employers still pay by check or cash. If that's the case, ask whether they plan to add direct deposit in the future. If not, you'll receive a paper check on payday. You can deposit it yourself at your bank using mobile deposit, an ATM, or by visiting a branch.
Can I have my paycheck split between two different bank accounts?
Yes, most employers allow this. You can send a percentage or a fixed dollar amount to one account and the remainder to another. Ask your payroll department whether they support split deposits and how to set it up. This is useful if you want to automatically move money to savings.
How long does it take to change my direct deposit information?
Changes usually take one to two pay periods to process. Submit the new information as soon as possible if you're switching banks or accounts. Until the change goes through, your pay will continue going to the old account, so don't close that account right away.
What happens to direct deposit if I get a new debit card?
Nothing — your direct deposit continues without interruption. Your routing number and account number stay the same even if your debit card is replaced. You only need to update payroll if you switch to a completely different bank or account.