How to move your direct deposit to another bank

To move your direct deposit to a different bank account, you need to give your employer or benefits payer a new direct deposit authorization form with your new bank's routing number and your account number. Most employers have this form on their payroll website or can email it to you. You fill it out, sign it, and submit it — either online through your payroll portal, by email, or in person. The change usually takes effect within one to three pay cycles, so your next few paychecks may still go to your old account.

The process is the same whether you are moving a paycheck, a government benefit, a tax refund, or any other regular deposit. The payer needs the same information: your new bank's routing number, your new account number, and the account type (checking or savings). You do not need permission from your old bank to stop receiving deposits there, and you do not need to close that account.

Key Takeaways

  • You need your new bank's routing number and your account number to set up direct deposit at a new bank.
  • Ask your employer or benefits payer for their direct deposit authorization form, or look for it on their payroll website.
  • The change takes one to three pay cycles to take effect, so plan ahead if you need the money on a specific date.
  • Your old bank account does not need to be closed, and you do not need the old bank's permission to stop receiving deposits there.
  • If you are moving a government benefit like Social Security or unemployment, the process is the same but you may submit the form through a different office.

Finding your new bank's routing and account numbers

Your new bank's routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your specific bank branch. Your account number is unique to your account at that bank. Both appear on the bottom left of your checks, if you have them. If you do not have checks, log into your online banking portal and look for account details or account information — most banks display both numbers there.

You can also call your new bank's customer service line and ask for your routing number and account number. Have your account number ready when you call, since they will ask you to verify it before giving you the information. Some banks also print these numbers on your debit card or in your welcome packet, though not all do.

Do not guess or use a number from another bank's website. Routing numbers vary by branch and by region, and using the wrong one means your deposit goes to the wrong place. If you are unsure, call your bank and confirm both numbers before you submit the form.

Getting the direct deposit form from your employer or payer

Most employers have a direct deposit authorization form on their payroll website or in their employee portal. Log in and search for "direct deposit," "payroll setup," or "banking information." If your employer uses a payroll service like ADP, Gusto, or Paychex, the form is usually in that system rather than on the company's own website.

If you cannot find it online, email your payroll department or HR and ask them to send you a direct deposit authorization form. They can also tell you whether they accept forms by email, in person, or only through their online portal. Some employers require you to print, sign, and return the form in person; others accept digital signatures or scanned copies.

For government benefits like Social Security, unemployment, or tax refunds, the process is different. Social Security uses Form SSA-1199-OP4, which you can get from your local Social Security office or read from ssa.gov. For unemployment benefits, contact your state's unemployment office. For tax refunds, the IRS lets you change your direct deposit information on their website during tax season, or you can update it through your tax software.

Filling out and submitting the form

The form asks for your name, your new account number, your new routing number, and the account type (checking or savings). Some forms also ask for your old account information so the payer can confirm they are updating the right person. Read the form carefully — some have separate sections for different types of deposits (paycheck, bonus, refund), and you may need to fill out only the section that applies to you.

Sign and date the form if it requires a signature. If you are submitting it online through a portal, you may not need a physical signature — the system will record that you submitted it. If you are emailing it or printing it, take a photo or scan it before you send it, so you have proof you submitted it.

Submit the form through whatever method your employer or payer accepts. If you have a choice, submitting through an online portal is fastest because it creates a record right away. If you email it, send it to the address your payroll department gave you and ask for a confirmation email when they receive it. If you submit it in person, ask for a stamped copy or a receipt showing the date you turned it in.

What happens after you submit the form

Most employers process direct deposit changes within one to three pay cycles. This means if you submit the form on a Monday and your next paycheck is Friday, that check may still go to your old account — the change takes effect on the paycheck after that, or the one after that. Check with your payroll department about their specific timeline if you need to know exactly when the change will happen.

During the waiting period, your old account will still receive deposits. Do not close that account until you have confirmed that at least one deposit has gone to your new account. Once you see a deposit in your new account, you can close the old one if you want to, though there is no requirement to do so.

If a deposit goes to your old account by mistake after you thought the change had taken effect, contact your payroll department. They can usually redirect it or issue a new payment to your new account. This is rare, but it happens if the form did not process correctly or if there was a delay.

Changing direct deposit for government benefits

If you receive Social Security, you can change your direct deposit through your my Social Security account online, or by calling 1-800-772-1213. You will need to verify your identity. The change takes about one month to process.

For unemployment benefits, log into your state's unemployment website or call the number on your benefit statement. Each state runs its own system, so the process varies. Some states let you change it online; others require you to call or visit an office.

For tax refunds, you can update your direct deposit information on the IRS website during tax season, or through your tax software when you file. If you are changing it after you have already filed, you may need to contact the IRS directly.

What to do if your deposit goes to the wrong account

If a deposit lands in your old account instead of your new one, contact your payroll department or benefits payer right away. They can usually issue a replacement payment to your new account or redirect the deposit. Keep the confirmation email or receipt showing you submitted the form — it proves you made the request on time.

If a deposit goes to your new account but the amount is wrong, or if you do not receive a deposit at all, also contact payroll or the benefits payer when ready. These situations are usually fixable, but the sooner you report them, the faster they can be resolved.

If you submitted the form but the payer says they never received it, ask them to confirm the date they received it and from whom. If there is a discrepancy, resubmit the form through a different method — if you emailed it before, try submitting it in person or through their online portal this time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have my paycheck split between two bank accounts?

Yes. Most employers allow you to split your direct deposit so that part of your paycheck goes to one account and part goes to another. Ask your payroll department for a direct deposit authorization form that allows multiple accounts, or ask if you can submit more than one form. You specify the amount or percentage that goes to each account.

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

One to three pay cycles is typical, but it depends on your employer's payroll schedule. If you are paid weekly, that could be one to three weeks. If you are paid monthly, it could be one to three months. Ask your payroll department for their specific timeline when you submit the form.

Do I need to tell my old bank I am closing the account?

No. You do not need permission from your old bank to stop receiving deposits there. You can leave the account open as long as you want, or close it whenever you are ready. If you decide to close it, contact the old bank directly — they will walk you through their process.

What if I made a mistake on the form?

Contact your payroll department or benefits payer and ask them to correct it. If you gave them the wrong account number, they can usually update it without you resubmitting the entire form. If you are unsure whether the form was processed correctly, ask them to confirm your current direct deposit information on file.

Can I change my direct deposit if I am on leave or not currently working?

If you are on paid leave, yes — your payroll department can still process the change. If you are not currently receiving paychecks, you can still update your information so it is correct when you return. Contact your payroll department or HR to submit the form. For benefits like unemployment or Social Security, you can change your direct deposit at any time, whether or not you are currently receiving payments.