Yes, you can change your bank account details, but the process depends on what you're changing and who needs to know

Changing your bank account details falls into two separate tasks: updating information with your bank itself, and notifying the people and organisations who send money to that account. Your bank can change most details in minutes through online banking or a phone call. The harder part is tracking down everyone who has your old account number — employers, government agencies, subscription services — and updating them one by one. If you don't update them, payments will fail or go to the wrong place.

The speed and ease of each change depends on what you're actually changing. Updating your address or phone number takes minutes. Switching to a completely different account at the same bank usually takes a day or two. Moving to a different bank entirely is more complex because you have to handle the account closure separately and notify external payers in advance.

Key Takeaways

  • Your bank can change your address, phone number, and linked email in minutes through online banking or by calling customer service.
  • Changing to a different account at the same bank takes one to three business days and requires you to update any external payers separately.
  • Switching banks entirely means opening a new account, closing the old one, and notifying every organisation that sends you money before the old account closes.
  • Direct deposits from employers and government agencies must be updated in advance — they cannot be redirected automatically if you change banks.
  • Subscription services and bill payments linked to your old account will fail unless you update them before closing the account.

Changing details with your current bank

Log into your online banking portal and look for "Account Settings" or "Profile" — most banks let you update your address, phone number, and email yourself without calling anyone. Changes to address and contact information usually take effect when ready. If you cannot find the option online, call your bank's customer service line; they can make these changes over the phone in a few minutes.

If you want to change your account number while staying with the same bank — for example, switching from a checking account to a savings account, or from one checking account to another — contact your bank directly. Some banks allow you to request a new account number for security reasons, though this is less common. The bank will close your old account and open a new one, which typically takes one to three business days. During this time, your old account remains open to receive deposits; do not close it until the transition is complete.

Notifying employers and government agencies

Direct deposits from your employer and any government payments (tax refunds, unemployment benefits, Social Security) must be updated through the organisation sending the money, not through your bank. Your bank cannot redirect these payments automatically. Contact your employer's payroll department or HR and provide your new account number and routing number. Ask them to confirm the change is in their system and when it will take effect — this usually happens within one to two pay cycles.

For government payments, the process varies by agency. If you receive Social Security, contact the Social Security Administration directly or update your information through their online portal. For tax refunds, you update your account details when you file your next return. For unemployment benefits, contact your state's unemployment office. Do not assume a payment will find you at a new account; these systems do not forward payments the way mail forwarding works.

Updating subscription services and automatic payments

Any service that charges your account automatically — streaming subscriptions, insurance, utilities, loan payments — must be updated individually. Log into each service's website or app, find the payment method section, and enter your new account details. Do this before you close your old account. If a payment attempts to process after your old account is closed, it will fail and may trigger late fees or service interruptions.

Make a list of every subscription and automatic payment you have. Check your bank statements from the last three months to catch anything you might forget — recurring charges often blur together. Update each one, then wait a few days to confirm the changes took effect by checking your bank statements again.

Switching to a different bank entirely

Changing banks is more involved because you have to manage two accounts at once during the transition. Open your new account first and let it become fully active — this usually takes one to three business days. Once it is active, update your employer's payroll system, government agencies, and all subscription services with your new account number. Wait at least one full pay cycle to confirm deposits are arriving at the new account before you close the old one.

Only after you have confirmed that all incoming payments are going to the new account should you close the old one. Contact your old bank and request account closure. Ask them to confirm the account is closed and when any remaining balance will be sent to you (usually by check or transfer to your new account). Some banks charge a fee for closing an account within a certain period; ask about this before you close.

What happens if you change your account without notifying payers

If your employer or a government agency tries to deposit money into an account that no longer exists or has been closed, the deposit will be rejected. The money does not disappear — it returns to the sender — but you will not receive it until you contact them to resubmit the payment. This can delay paychecks by a week or more and may trigger overdraft fees if you were counting on that money.

For subscription services and automatic payments, a failed charge usually triggers a retry a few days later. If it fails again, the service may suspend your account or mark you as delinquent. Some services charge a failed-payment fee each time. The safest approach is to update everything before you close an old account, not after.

Timing your account changes to avoid payment failures

Plan your account change around your pay cycle. If you are paid on the 15th and last day of the month, make your changes at least one week before the next deposit is due. This gives you time to update payroll and confirm the change is in their system. For government payments with irregular timing, contact the agency first to ask when your next payment is scheduled, then plan your change accordingly.

If you are closing an old account, give yourself at least two weeks after your last expected payment arrives before requesting closure. This buffer catches any delayed or recurring charges you might have missed. Some banks will not close an account with a negative balance, so make sure your account is at zero or positive before you request closure.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to change my account number at the same bank?

One to three business days. Your old account stays open during this time to receive any deposits that are still being sent to it. Do not close the old account until you have confirmed all payments have switched to the new one.

Will my direct deposit automatically move to my new account if I change banks?

No. Direct deposits do not follow you to a new bank. You must contact your employer and any government agencies separately and provide them with your new account number and routing number. This is the most common reason people miss paychecks after switching banks.

What if I close my old account before updating my subscriptions?

Charges will fail and may trigger late fees or service interruptions. Contact each service when ready with your new account details and ask them to retry the charge. Some services will waive the failed-payment fee if you update quickly.

Can my bank forward payments to my new account if I switch banks?

No. Banks do not forward payments the way the postal service forwards mail. You are responsible for notifying every organisation that sends you money. Your old bank will reject any deposits sent to a closed account, and the money will return to the sender.

Do I need to update my address with my bank if I move?

Yes, for security and to may support statements and cards reach you. You can update your address through online banking or by calling customer service. This does not affect your account number or routing number, so you do not need to notify employers or government agencies.