You can change your bank account online through your Social Security account, but the process depends on how you receive your benefits
If you receive Social Security payments by direct deposit, you can update your bank account information online through my Social Security, the official Social Security Administration website. You log in with your username and password, navigate to your payment information, and change the routing number and account number there. The change usually takes effect within one to three business days, though Social Security recommends allowing up to a week before your next payment arrives.
If you do not yet have a my Social Security account, you will need to create one first. This requires your Social Security number, email address, and a way to verify your identity — usually a driver's license, state ID, or passport. The verification step takes a few minutes and happens right on the website.
If you receive benefits on a prepaid card instead of a bank account, or if you have never set up direct deposit, the process is different and may require a phone call or in-person visit instead.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your bank account online through my Social Security if you already receive direct deposit payments.
- You will need to create a my Social Security account first if you do not have one, which requires your Social Security number and a way to verify your identity.
- Changes to your bank account information usually take effect within one to three business days.
- If you receive benefits on a prepaid card or have never set up direct deposit, you will need to call Social Security or visit a local office instead.
- Social Security never asks for your full account number by email or phone, so do not share it that way even if someone claims to be from the agency.
How to log into my Social Security and find your payment information
Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and click "Sign In" in the top right corner. If you already have a my Social Security account, enter your username and password. If you do not, click "Create an account" and follow the steps to set up your account using your Social Security number and email address.
Once you are logged in, look for a section labeled "Payment Information" or "Direct Deposit." This is where you will see your current bank account details and the option to change them. The exact wording and location can shift slightly as the website updates, but it is always in the main menu after you log in.
If you cannot find the payment information section, or if the website tells you that you do not have direct deposit set up, you may need to call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to change your account information instead. This is also the number to use if you want to set up direct deposit for the first time.
What information you will need to provide
When you change your bank account online, you will need to enter your new routing number (a nine-digit code that identifies your bank) and your new account number (the number specific to your account at that bank). You may also need to specify whether the account is a checking or savings account.
You can find both numbers on a blank check from your new bank, or by calling your bank's customer service line. Many banks also display this information in their online banking portal or mobile app. If you are switching to a different bank entirely, contact the new bank first and ask them for your routing and account numbers before you try to update Social Security.
Do not share your full account number with Social Security over email or by phone unless you initiated the contact yourself. Social Security will never ask you to confirm your account number by email, and scammers sometimes pose as Social Security to steal banking information this way.
When the change takes effect and what to expect
Once you submit your new bank account information online, Social Security will process the change within one to three business days. Your next payment will go to the new account. Social Security recommends waiting a full week after you submit the change before assuming it has gone through, especially if your payment date is coming up soon.
If your payment date arrives and the money does not show up in your new account, check your old account first — sometimes delays happen and the payment goes to the old account by mistake. If the money is not in either account after a week, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to ask where your payment went.
Keep your old bank account open for at least one or two payment cycles after you make the change, even if the money stops arriving there. This protects you if there is a delay or error in the transfer.
If you receive benefits on a prepaid card instead
Social Security offers a prepaid debit card called the Direct Express card as an alternative to direct deposit into a bank account. If you currently receive your benefits on a Direct Express card and want to switch to a bank account instead, you cannot do this online. You will need to call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office in person.
The same applies if you have never set up direct deposit and want to start receiving payments in a bank account. A representative can help you set this up over the phone or in person, and they can answer questions about whether your bank account will be ready in time for your next payment.
If you do not have a my Social Security account yet
Creating a my Social Security account takes about 10 minutes. Go to ssa.gov/myaccount, click "Create an account," and enter your Social Security number and email address. The website will then ask you to verify your identity, usually by uploading a photo of your driver's license, state ID, or passport.
The verification step happens right away — you do not have to wait for Social Security to mail you anything or call you back. Once your identity is verified, you can log in and access your payment information when ready. If the website cannot verify your identity using your ID, it will offer you other ways to prove who you are, such as answering security questions based on your credit history.
If you have trouble creating an account or verifying your identity, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and ask for help. A representative can walk you through the process or change your bank account information for you over the phone.
Protecting yourself from scams when updating your information
Scammers sometimes call or email people claiming to be from Social Security and asking them to update their bank account information. Real Social Security representatives will never contact you first asking for your account details. If someone calls or emails you claiming to be from Social Security and asking for banking information, hang up or delete the email and call Social Security directly at 1-800-772-1213 to report it.
Always go to ssa.gov directly in your web browser rather than clicking a link in an email or text message. Scammers create fake websites that look almost identical to the real one, and clicking a link in a message can take you there by mistake. Typing the address yourself ensures you are on the real Social Security website.
If you have already shared your account number with someone who called claiming to be from Social Security, contact your bank when ready and ask them to watch your account for unauthorized activity. You can also place a fraud alert on your credit report by calling one of the three major credit bureaus: Equifax (1-800-525-6285), Experian (1-888-397-3742), or TransUnion (1-800-680-7289).
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for my payment to go to the new account after I change it online?
Social Security processes changes within one to three business days, and your next payment should arrive in the new account. However, the agency recommends waiting a full week to be safe, especially if your payment date is coming up soon. If the money does not arrive within a week, call 1-800-772-1213 to check on it.
What if I change my bank account but my payment goes to the old account by mistake?
Keep your old account open for at least one or two payment cycles after you make the change. If a payment arrives in the old account instead of the new one, you can transfer it yourself or contact your old bank to help you move it. Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 if this happens repeatedly.
Can I change my bank account if I do not have a computer or internet access?
Yes. Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and a representative can change your bank account information for you over the phone. You can also visit your local Social Security office in person. Find your nearest office at ssa.gov/locator.
What if I forget my my Social Security password?
Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and click "Sign In," then click "Forgot your password?" You will be asked to verify your identity again, usually by uploading your ID or answering security questions. Once verified, you can create a new password and log in.
Is it safe to change my bank account information online?
Yes, as long as you go directly to ssa.gov/myaccount and do not click links in emails or text messages. The real Social Security website uses encryption to protect your information. Never share your account number with someone who calls or emails you claiming to be from Social Security.