Yes, you can update your checking account details through Paycom, but the process depends on whether you're changing the account you use for direct deposit or updating other account information.
Paycom is a payroll and HR platform that many employers use to manage employee pay. If your employer uses Paycom, you can log into your employee account to change the bank account where your paycheck is deposited. You can also update your account holder name, address, and other personal details tied to your account. The changes you make are usually reflected within one to two pay cycles, though some changes may take effect when ready depending on your employer's settings.
The key thing to understand is that Paycom itself doesn't hold your money — it's a system your employer uses to process payroll. When you update your checking account information in Paycom, you're telling your employer's payroll system where to send your next deposit. Your bank doesn't know about the change until Paycom (on behalf of your employer) sends the deposit instruction.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your direct deposit bank account through your Paycom employee portal by logging in with your username and password.
- Changes to direct deposit information typically take effect on the next scheduled pay date or the one after, depending on when you make the change.
- If you're changing banks, contact your new bank first to get your routing number and account number so you have them ready when you update Paycom.
- Some employers restrict when you can change direct deposit (for example, not within three days of payday), so check your company's policy if your change doesn't go through.
- Updating your personal information like address or name in Paycom may require approval from your HR department before the change takes effect.
How to change your direct deposit account in Paycom
Log into your Paycom employee account using the username and password your employer gave you. If you don't have a login, ask your HR or payroll department for the link to your company's Paycom portal. Once you're logged in, look for a section called "Pay" or "Direct Deposit" — the exact name varies by employer, but it's usually in the main menu or under a "Profile" or "Settings" area.
Click on the direct deposit option and you'll see a form asking for your bank's routing number, your account number, and the account type (checking or savings). Your routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your bank; your account number is the number printed on your checks or available through your bank's website or app. Enter both carefully — a mistake here means your paycheck goes to the wrong place. After you fill in the information, save or submit the form. Paycom will usually show you a confirmation screen with the account details you entered.
The timing of when the change takes effect depends on your employer's payroll schedule and their Paycom settings. Many employers process changes that are submitted by a certain time on a certain day of the week, so your change might not go into effect until the following pay period. Some employers have a cutoff — for example, changes submitted after Wednesday won't take effect until two pay periods later. If you're not sure when your change will take effect, contact your payroll or HR department.
What information you need before you update
Before you log into Paycom, gather the information your new bank account requires. If you're switching banks, contact your new bank and ask for your routing number and account number. You can usually find this information by logging into your bank's website or app, calling the bank's customer service line, or looking at a check from that account — the routing number is typically on the bottom left, and your account number is next to it.
Make sure you have the correct account type selected: checking or savings. This matters because some employers' payroll systems won't process a deposit to a savings account, and choosing the wrong type can delay your paycheck. If you're unsure which type of account you have, your bank can tell you in seconds.
When changes take effect and what to expect
Direct deposit changes usually take one to two pay cycles to go into effect. This delay exists because payroll is processed in batches — your employer's payroll department runs payroll on a set schedule, and changes submitted between pay runs may not be included until the next batch is processed. If you submit a change on a Monday and your employer runs payroll on Thursdays, your change might not be included until the following Thursday's payroll run.
During the waiting period, your paycheck will still go to your old account. Once the change takes effect, all future paychecks will go to the new account. If you need your paycheck urgently and you're waiting for a direct deposit change to take effect, contact your payroll department to ask whether they can issue a check or process a manual transfer instead.
Updating personal information like your name or address
You can also update personal details in Paycom, such as your legal name, address, phone number, or emergency contact information. These updates are usually found in a "Profile" or "Personal Information" section of your employee portal. Unlike direct deposit changes, which often take effect automatically, changes to personal information may require approval from your HR department before they're finalized.
If you're changing your legal name (for example, after marriage or a legal name change), your HR department may ask for documentation such as a marriage certificate or court order. This is because your name in Paycom needs to match your name on tax forms and other official documents. Don't delay this update — it can affect your tax withholding and other payroll functions if your name doesn't match your Social Security number.
What to do if your update doesn't go through
If you submitted a direct deposit change and it didn't take effect on the expected pay date, log back into Paycom and check whether your change was saved. Sometimes a form doesn't submit properly if there's a typo or a missing field. If the information is still there and looks correct, contact your payroll or HR department and ask them to confirm that the change was processed on their end.
Some employers have restrictions on when direct deposit changes can be made — for example, they may not allow changes within three days of payday to avoid confusion. If your employer has this policy, you'll usually see a message in Paycom telling you when you can make the change. If you see an error message, read it carefully; it will usually tell you what the problem is and when you can try again.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a direct deposit change to show up in my new bank account?
The change usually takes effect on your next pay date or the one after, depending on when you submit it and your employer's payroll schedule. Once the change takes effect, your paycheck will be deposited into your new account. The deposit itself typically arrives in your new bank account on the same day it's processed, though some banks take an extra day to post it.
What happens to my paycheck if I enter the wrong account number?
If the account number is wrong, the deposit may be rejected by the bank and returned to your employer. Your employer will then need to reissue your paycheck, usually by check or a second direct deposit attempt. Contact your payroll department when ready if you realize you made a mistake — the sooner they know, the faster they can fix it.
Can I change my direct deposit account on the day I get paid?
Most employers don't allow direct deposit changes on payday or within a few days before payday, because payroll has already been processed. Check your employer's policy in Paycom or ask your payroll department. If you need to change your account urgently, ask whether they can issue a check instead while you wait for the direct deposit change to take effect.
Do I need to tell my bank that I'm setting up direct deposit through Paycom?
No. Your bank doesn't need advance notice. Once your employer's payroll system sends the deposit with your routing number and account number, your bank will accept it automatically. You don't need to do anything on the bank's side.
Can I have my paycheck split between two bank accounts?
Many employers allow direct deposit splits, where part of your paycheck goes to one account and the rest goes to another. This option is usually in the direct deposit section of Paycom, but not all employers enable it. Check your Paycom portal or ask your payroll department whether your employer supports split deposits.