You can change your bank account by contacting Social Security directly—no need to go through your bank

Social Security does not automatically update when you switch banks. You have to tell them about the new account yourself. The fastest way is to call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), have your new bank details ready, and they will process the change on the call. You can also visit a local Social Security office in person, or use your my Social Security account online if you have one set up.

The change usually takes one to two pay cycles to show up in your new account. Social Security will continue trying to deposit to your old bank for a few weeks while the system updates, so do not close that account when ready—let the old bank hold the funds until you confirm the deposit landed in the new one.

Key Takeaways

  • Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 with your new bank routing number and account number to change your direct deposit account.
  • The change takes one to two pay cycles to process, so your next deposit may still go to the old account.
  • Keep your old bank account open for at least one full pay cycle after the change to catch any deposits that arrive late.
  • If you use my Social Security online, you can update your bank details yourself without calling, though phone or in-person changes are faster if you have questions.

What information you need before you call

Have your new bank account number and routing number ready. The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your bank; you can find it on the bottom left of any check, or call your new bank and ask for it. You will also need your Social Security number and proof of identity (a driver's license, passport, or state ID card works).

If you are calling from a phone other than the one on file with Social Security, have your address and date of birth ready so they can verify who you are. If you are making the change in person at a Social Security office, bring your ID and your Social Security card if you have it.

Changing your account by phone

Call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time. Have your new routing and account numbers in front of you. When you reach a representative, tell them you want to change your direct deposit bank account. They will ask for your Social Security number, verify your identity, and then ask for the new bank details.

The representative will read back the information to confirm it is correct before submitting the change. Ask them when the change will take effect—they can tell you the exact date your next deposit should arrive in the new account. Write down the date and the name of the representative if you want a record of the call.

Using your my Social Security account online

If you have already set up a my Social Security account at ssa.gov, you can change your bank details yourself without calling. Log in, go to "Manage Your Benefits," then select "Change Direct Deposit Information." Enter your new routing and account numbers, review the information for accuracy, and submit.

The online change takes the same one to two pay cycles to process as a phone call. You will receive a confirmation email once the change is submitted. If you do not have a my Social Security account yet, you can create one at ssa.gov—it takes about 10 minutes and requires an email address, a Social Security number, and a way to verify your identity (usually a driver's license or passport).

What happens during the transition period

Social Security's system does not switch your deposit over when ready. For the first one or two pay cycles after you request the change, your payment may still arrive in the old account while the system updates. This is normal and does not mean the change did not work.

Keep your old bank account open during this time. Once you see a deposit land in your new account, you can close the old one. If a deposit arrives in the old account after you have closed it, your old bank will reject it and send it back to Social Security, which then has to reissue the payment—a process that can take several weeks. Waiting one full pay cycle before closing is the safest approach.

If your change does not go through

If your new bank rejects the deposit, Social Security will try again for a few weeks. If it keeps failing, Social Security will send you a notice in the mail explaining why and asking you to contact them. Common reasons include a wrong routing number, a closed account, or a mismatch between the name on your Social Security record and the name on the bank account.

Call Social Security again at 1-800-772-1213 to fix the problem. Make sure the name on your bank account matches exactly what Social Security has on file—if your bank account is under a different name (a spouse's name, a business name, or a nickname), Social Security may not be able to deposit to it. Ask the representative whether your account name is the issue before you make any changes at your bank.

Changing banks without a bank account

If you do not have a bank account and cannot open one, you have other options. Social Security can deposit to a prepaid debit card or a savings account at a credit union instead. Call 1-800-772-1213 and tell the representative you want to set up direct deposit to a prepaid card or credit union account—they will walk you through what information you need.

Some prepaid cards charge monthly fees, so compare options before you choose one. If you need help finding a bank account or prepaid card, ask Social Security for a referral to a local community organization that helps people open accounts.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for the change to show up?

One to two pay cycles, which means your next one or two deposits may still go to the old account. Social Security processes changes in batches, not when ready. Once you see money land in the new account, the change is complete.

What if I gave Social Security the wrong bank number?

Call them back at 1-800-772-1213 right away with the correct number. The sooner you fix it, the sooner they can resubmit the change. If a deposit already bounced because of the wrong number, Social Security will reissue it once the correct account is on file.

Can I change my bank account more than once?

Yes, you can change it as many times as you need to. Each change takes one to two pay cycles to process. If you are switching banks frequently, wait until the first change is complete (you see a deposit in the new account) before requesting another one.

What if I close my old bank account before the change goes through?

Any deposits sent to the closed account will be rejected and returned to Social Security. They will then have to reissue the payment, which can take several weeks. Keep the old account open for at least one full pay cycle after you request the change.

Do I need to tell my bank that Social Security is depositing money there?

No. Your bank will accept the deposit automatically once Social Security sends it. You do not need to notify the bank in advance. Just make sure the account number and routing number you give Social Security are correct.