Yes, you can transfer money from Gusto to your personal bank account

Gusto is payroll software that employers use to pay their workers. If you are an employee who receives pay through Gusto, you can move that money to your own bank account — but the process depends on whether you set up direct deposit when you started the job, or whether you need to arrange it now.

The simplest path is direct deposit, which sends your paycheck automatically to the bank account you choose. If you did not set this up when you were hired, you can add or change your bank details in the Gusto employee portal at any time, and the change takes effect on your next paycheck. If you have already received a paycheck and want to move that money, you will need to ask your employer or use your bank's standard transfer tools.

Key Takeaways

  • Direct deposit is the standard way to receive pay through Gusto and moves money automatically to your bank account on payday.
  • You can add or change your bank account details in the Gusto employee portal yourself, without asking your employer.
  • If you have already received a paycheck in Gusto and want to move it, contact your employer — they control whether you can redirect it.
  • Some employers offer a Gusto pay card as an alternative to direct deposit, which you can use to withdraw cash or transfer money to your bank.

Setting up direct deposit for the first time

When you start a job that uses Gusto, you should receive an email inviting you to create an employee account. In that account, there is a section for banking information where you enter your bank's routing number and your account number. You can find both on a check, or by calling your bank or logging into your online banking.

Once you enter this information and confirm it, Gusto will send your next paycheck to that account automatically. The first deposit usually takes one to two business days to appear in your account after payday, depending on your bank. If you do not set up direct deposit during onboarding, you can still add it later by logging into your Gusto account and updating your banking details — the change will take effect on the next pay period.

Changing your bank account in Gusto

If you want to switch to a different bank account, or if you entered the wrong account number, you can change it yourself in the Gusto employee portal. Log in, find the banking or payment information section, and update your account details. Gusto will use the new account starting with your next paycheck.

Changes made before your pay period closes usually take effect on that paycheck. If you change your account after the pay period has closed, the change applies to the following paycheck. There is no fee to change your bank account, and you do not need permission from your employer to do it.

What to do if you already received a paycheck

If you have already been paid through Gusto but the money went somewhere you did not intend — for example, to an old account or a pay card you no longer use — contact your employer's payroll or HR department. They can sometimes redirect a paycheck that has not yet been deposited, but once the money reaches an account, only that account's bank can move it.

If the paycheck was deposited to the wrong account and you cannot recover it through your employer, you will need to contact the bank that holds that account and ask them to return the funds. This process is slower and less certain, which is why setting up the correct bank account before your first paycheck is important.

Using a Gusto pay card instead of direct deposit

Some employers offer a Gusto pay card as an alternative to direct deposit. This is a prepaid card that your paycheck loads onto automatically on payday. You can use it to make purchases, withdraw cash at ATMs, or transfer money to your personal bank account.

If your employer offers a pay card, you will receive information about it during onboarding. You can usually choose between the pay card and direct deposit to a bank account. If you have a pay card and want to move money to your bank, you can transfer it through the card's app or website, or withdraw cash and deposit it yourself. Check whether your card charges fees for transfers or ATM withdrawals, as these vary by employer and card provider.

Timing and what to expect

Direct deposit deposits usually arrive in your bank account one to two business days after payday. Some banks are faster and deposit the money the same day, while others take longer. The timing depends on your bank, not on Gusto.

If you change your bank account information close to payday, there is a risk that Gusto has already processed the paycheck to your old account. For this reason, it is best to update your banking details at least a few days before the end of your pay period. If you are unsure when your pay period closes, ask your employer or check your Gusto account — the pay schedule is usually listed there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer money from Gusto to my bank before payday?

No. Gusto does not hold your paycheck in an account that you can access early. Your money is only available once your employer has processed payroll and Gusto has sent it to your bank account on payday. Some employers offer paycheck advances through other services, but that is separate from Gusto.

What if Gusto sent my paycheck to the wrong bank account?

Contact your employer's payroll department right away. If the paycheck has not yet been deposited, they may be able to stop it and resend it to the correct account. If it has already been deposited, you will need to contact the bank that received it and ask them to return the funds to your employer.

Do I need to pay a fee to transfer money from Gusto to my bank?

No. Direct deposit is free, and changing your bank account information in Gusto costs nothing. If you use a Gusto pay card, check the card's fee schedule — some cards charge for transfers or ATM withdrawals, but this varies by employer.

How do I find my bank's routing number and account number?

Both numbers appear on a check in the bottom left corner. The routing number is the first nine digits, and your account number follows. You can also call your bank or log into your online banking to find this information.

Can my employer see which bank account I use for direct deposit?

Yes, your employer's payroll department can see your banking information because they need it to process your pay. However, they cannot access your account or move money without your permission.