The basic steps to switch direct deposit
To move your direct deposit to a new bank account, you need to give your employer (or the organization paying you) three pieces of information: your new bank's routing number, your new account number, and confirmation that the account is a checking account. Most employers let you change this through their payroll system online, by phone, or on paper — the method depends on where you work.
The process itself takes about five minutes to submit, but the switch usually takes effect on your next scheduled payday or the one after that. During the gap between when you request the change and when it takes effect, your pay may still go to your old account, so you need to plan ahead if you're closing that account soon.
The safest approach is to request the change at least one full pay period before you need the money in the new account. If your employer pays weekly, submit the change a week early. If they pay monthly, submit it a month early. This gives you a buffer if something goes wrong.
Key Takeaways
- You need your new bank's routing number and your new account number before you contact your employer — you can find both on a blank check, your bank's website, or by calling the bank.
- Most employers process direct deposit changes through their payroll website, phone line, or HR department, and the change takes effect on the next or second-next payday.
- Submit the change at least one full pay period before you need money in the new account, because delays do happen and your old account may still receive a payment or two.
- Keep your old account open for at least one full pay cycle after the switch, even if it has no money in it, so you can catch any stray deposits.
Finding your routing number and account number
Your new bank will give you both numbers as soon as your account opens. The fastest way to find them is to look at a blank check from your new account — the routing number is the first set of nine digits at the bottom left, and your account number is the second set of digits right after it.
If you don't have checks yet, log into your bank's website or app and look for "account details" or "account information." Most banks display both numbers there. You can also call your bank's customer service line and they will read both numbers to you over the phone.
Write down both numbers exactly as they appear. A single digit wrong will send your paycheck to the wrong place, and it can take weeks to recover it.
How to submit the change to your employer
Start by checking where your employer handles payroll. Large employers usually have an online payroll portal — log in, find "direct deposit" or "payment method," and enter your new routing and account numbers there. The system will often ask you to confirm the information twice before you submit.
If your employer doesn't have an online system, contact your HR department or payroll office by phone or email and ask for a direct deposit change form. They will mail or email you a one-page form asking for your name, employee ID, new routing number, new account number, and account type (checking or savings). Fill it out, sign it if required, and return it the way they specify.
Some smaller employers or government agencies still use paper forms only. If that's your situation, ask whether you can submit the form in person, by mail, or by email — don't assume you have to mail it if faster options exist.
What happens between submission and the first deposit
After you submit the change, your employer's payroll system processes it. This usually takes a few business days, but the change doesn't take effect when ready on your next payday — it typically takes effect on the payday after the one that's already in progress.
For example, if you submit a change on a Tuesday and your employer processes payroll on Thursday of that week, your next check (due Friday) will still go to your old account. The change usually takes effect the following week or month, depending on your pay schedule.
This is why submitting the change early matters. If you wait until the day before payday, you may miss the important date for that pay period and have to wait two weeks or a month for the switch to happen.
Keeping your old account open during the transition
Do not close your old bank account when ready after you request the change. Keep it open for at least one full pay cycle after you see the first deposit hit your new account. Delays happen — a paycheck might be delayed, or your employer might not have processed the change in time — and you need access to your old account if money arrives there unexpectedly.
Once you've received two paychecks in your new account with nothing arriving in the old one, it's safe to close the old account. Before you close it, check the balance to make sure there's no money left, and confirm that no automatic payments are still drawing from it.
If the change doesn't go through
If your first payday after the expected change date arrives and the money is still going to your old account, contact your employer's payroll department when ready. Ask them to confirm that they received and processed your change request. If they say they did, ask them to resubmit it and give you a specific date when it should take effect.
If they say they never received the request, resubmit it right away using a different method — if you emailed it before, call this time, or vice versa. Ask for written confirmation that they received it, either by email or a receipt number.
In the meantime, your old account still has your money in it, so you can access it from there. This is another reason to keep the old account open — it protects you if something goes wrong with the switch.
Changing direct deposit if you're self-employed or a contractor
If you pay yourself or receive payments from multiple sources, you may need to update direct deposit information in several places. Clients or payment platforms (like PayPal, Stripe, or a freelance marketplace) usually have an account settings page where you can update your banking details.
The process is the same: find your new routing number and account number, locate the payment settings in each platform or client portal, and enter the new information. Some platforms process changes when ready, while others may take a pay cycle or two to implement the change.
If you're not sure where to update your information with a particular client or platform, ask them directly — they have a financial interest in getting your banking details right and will point you to the correct place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change direct deposit to a savings account instead of checking?
Yes, but most employers prefer checking accounts because they're designed for frequent deposits and withdrawals. If you want to use a savings account, contact your employer's payroll department and ask whether they allow it — some do, some don't. If they do, you'll need to provide your savings account number instead of a checking account number.
What if I'm switching banks and my new bank hasn't issued me an account number yet?
Wait until your account is fully open and you have received your account number. You cannot submit a direct deposit change without it. Most banks issue account numbers when ready when you open an account online, but if yours hasn't, call the bank and ask when you can expect it. This usually takes less than a day.
Does it cost anything to change direct deposit?
No. Your employer and your bank do not charge you to change where your paycheck goes. If someone tells you there's a fee, they are not legitimate.
What if my employer says they can't change my direct deposit?
This is rare, but if it happens, ask why. Some very small employers or government agencies have outdated systems that only allow one direct deposit account. If that's the case, ask whether you can set up a transfer from your old account to your new one after each deposit, or whether you can receive a paper check instead while you work on a longer-term solution.
How long does it take for my first paycheck to arrive in the new account?
Once the change takes effect, your paycheck should arrive on your normal payday, just in the new account instead of the old one. If your employer uses direct deposit, the money typically arrives the same day as it would have in your old account. If it doesn't arrive within one business day of your normal payday, contact your employer to confirm the change went through.