Yes, you can transfer money from Gusto to your 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 personal bank account. The transfer happens automatically when you get paid — Gusto deposits your paycheck directly into the bank account you set up during onboarding. You do not need to do anything extra to make this happen.
If you are a business owner or accountant using Gusto to run payroll, you can also transfer money from your Gusto business account to your bank. This works differently than employee direct deposit, and the steps depend on what you are trying to move and why.
Key Takeaways
- Employees receive paychecks through direct deposit automatically — the money goes straight to the bank account you listed when you first set up Gusto.
- Business owners can transfer funds from their Gusto account to cover payroll costs, using the transfer feature in the Gusto dashboard.
- You need to have a valid bank account linked to Gusto and pass Gusto's verification process before any transfer can go through.
- Direct deposit transfers usually take one to two business days after payday, though the exact timing depends on your bank.
How direct deposit works if you are an employee
When you start a job that uses Gusto, your employer asks you to provide your bank account information. You give them your routing number and account number — these are printed on the bottom left of your checks, or you can find them by logging into your bank's website or calling the bank directly. Gusto stores this information securely.
On payday, Gusto sends your paycheck to your bank using the Automated Clearing House (ACH), which is the electronic system banks use to move money between accounts. The money usually arrives within one to two business days. You do not have to request the transfer or do anything — it happens automatically every pay period.
If you need to change which bank account receives your pay, contact your employer's payroll administrator or HR department. They can update your information in Gusto, and the change takes effect on the next paycheck.
How to transfer money if you own a business using Gusto
Business owners sometimes need to move money from their Gusto account to their business bank account to cover payroll costs or other expenses. To do this, log into your Gusto account and look for the "Transfers" or "Bank Account" section in the settings menu. The exact location varies depending on whether you use Gusto Payroll, Gusto Full-Service Payroll, or another Gusto product.
Click on the option to add or manage your bank account. Gusto will ask for your routing number and account number, the same information employees provide. Gusto then verifies the account by depositing two small amounts (usually under one dollar each) into your bank account. You will see these deposits appear within a few business days. Once you confirm the amounts in Gusto, the account is verified and you can transfer money.
To move money, select the amount you want to transfer and choose your destination account. Gusto will show you when the transfer will arrive. Most transfers take one to two business days, though some banks process them faster.
What information you need to set up a transfer
To link any bank account to Gusto — whether you are an employee setting up direct deposit or a business owner moving funds — you need:
- Your bank's routing number (a nine-digit code that identifies your bank)
- Your account number (the number of the specific account at that bank)
- Confirmation that you own or have permission to use the account
You can find your routing number and account number by logging into your bank's website, calling your bank, or looking at a check. Some banks print both numbers on their debit card or in their mobile app.
Gusto will not let you transfer money to an account you do not own. If you try to link an account that is not in your name, Gusto's verification process will catch it and block the transfer.
Why transfers sometimes take longer than expected
Most transfers arrive within one to two business days, but several things can slow this down. Weekends and bank holidays do not count as business days, so a transfer you start on Friday afternoon might not arrive until Tuesday. Some banks also process ACH transfers in batches at specific times of day, which can add a day to the timeline.
If you link a new bank account, Gusto requires verification before you can transfer money. This verification step — where Gusto deposits two small amounts and you confirm them — can take three to five business days. Until you confirm those amounts in Gusto, transfers to that account will not go through.
If a transfer does not arrive when you expected it, check your Gusto account to see the status. Gusto shows whether a transfer is pending, processing, or complete. If it is stuck on pending after several days, contact Gusto support or your bank to find out why.
What happens if you change banks
If you switch to a new bank or close your current account, you need to update your bank information in Gusto before your next paycheck (if you are an employee) or before your next transfer (if you are a business owner). Employees should contact their HR department or payroll administrator. Business owners can update the information themselves in the Gusto dashboard.
If you do not update your information and Gusto tries to deposit money into a closed account, the bank will reject the deposit and send it back to Gusto. Gusto will then try to contact you to get the correct account information. This can delay your pay by several days, so update your account as soon as you know you are switching banks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for money to show up after I get paid?
Direct deposit usually takes one to two business days after payday. The exact timing depends on when your bank processes ACH transfers. Some banks credit the money the same day, while others wait until the next business day. Weekends and holidays do not count as business days.
Can I transfer money from Gusto to multiple bank accounts?
Employees can only have one bank account set up for direct deposit at a time. Business owners can link multiple accounts to Gusto and choose which one to transfer to each time. If you want to split your paycheck between two accounts, ask your employer if Gusto supports split direct deposit — some versions do, and some do not.
What if the transfer fails or the money does not arrive?
Check your Gusto account to see the transfer status. If it shows as failed, the most common reason is incorrect routing or account information. Verify both numbers with your bank and try again. If the transfer shows as complete but the money has not arrived after three business days, contact your bank — they can trace the transfer and tell you where it is.
Do I need to pay a fee to transfer money from Gusto?
Gusto does not charge a fee for direct deposit or standard bank transfers. However, your bank might charge a fee if you request an expedited transfer or if you exceed a certain number of transfers per month. Check your bank's fee schedule or call them to ask.
Can I transfer money from Gusto if I do not have a bank account yet?
No. You need a valid bank account before Gusto can send you money. If you do not have a bank account, you will need to open one first. Many banks and credit unions offer accounts with no minimum balance or monthly fee, especially if you set up direct deposit.