How to Add Your Bank Account to the Workday App

What you need before you start

To add a bank account in Workday, you will need your routing number and account number. These appear on the bottom left of any check you have from that account. If you do not have a check, you can call your bank and ask for both numbers — they will give them to you over the phone.

You will also need to know what type of account it is: checking or savings. Workday asks for this when you enter the account details. Have your bank's name ready as well, though Workday will often find it automatically once you start typing.

Make sure you are using the Workday mobile app or the web version on a device where you can see your account information clearly. The process is the same on both, but you will need to navigate to the banking section, which is easier to find on a larger screen.

Key Takeaways

• You will need your routing number and account number, which you can find on a check or by calling your bank.
• The Workday app stores this information to set up direct deposit or to process reimbursements and other payments.
• Most banks take one to two business days to verify the account once you have entered the information.
• If verification fails, Workday will tell you why — usually because the routing or account number does not match what your bank has on file.

Finding the banking section in Workday

Open the Workday app and look for your profile or account menu. This is usually in the top right corner, shown as your initials or a person icon. Tap or click it to open a dropdown menu.

Look for an option called "Bank Accounts" or "Banking Information" — the exact wording depends on your company's Workday setup. Some companies also label it "Direct Deposit" or "Payment Methods." If you cannot find it in the profile menu, try searching for "bank account" using the search bar at the top of the app.

Once you find the banking section, you will see a button to add a new account. It usually says "Add Bank Account" or has a plus sign next to existing accounts. Click or tap it to start.

Entering your account information

Workday will ask you to fill in several fields. Start with your bank's name. As you type, Workday will show you a list of banks that match. Select your bank from the list — do not type a name that does not appear, because Workday needs to match it to the correct routing number.

Next, enter your account type. Choose either "Checking" or "Savings." This must match the actual account you are linking. If you choose the wrong type, verification will fail.

Then enter your routing number and account number in the fields provided. Double-check both numbers against your check or your bank's records. A single digit wrong will cause verification to fail. Some banks have different routing numbers for different regions or branches, so make sure you are using the routing number for the branch where your account is held.

You may also see a field for account holder name. Enter the name exactly as it appears on your bank account. If your account is in a different name than your Workday profile, tell your HR or payroll department before you submit — they may need to update your records.

What happens after you submit

Once you submit your account information, Workday sends it to your bank for verification. This usually takes one to two business days. During this time, your account will show a status like "Pending" or "Verifying."

Some banks verify when ready. Others require a waiting period. You will receive a notification in Workday or by email once verification is complete. The notification will tell you whether the account was accepted or rejected.

If verification succeeds, your account status will change to "Active" or "Verified," and you can use it for direct deposit or other payments. If it fails, Workday will show you an error message. The most common reasons are a mismatched routing number, a wrong account number, or an account type that does not match what your bank has on file.

What to do if verification fails

If your account does not verify, start by checking the numbers again. Pull up your check or call your bank and confirm both the routing number and account number. A single digit error will cause the verification to fail.

Make sure you selected the correct account type — checking versus savings. If you are unsure, call your bank and ask them to confirm what type of account you have.

If the numbers are correct and the account type matches, contact your bank's customer service and tell them you are trying to link the account in Workday. Ask them to confirm that the account is active and that there are no restrictions on the account that would prevent a third party from linking it. Some banks flag accounts for security reasons, and your bank may need to clear the flag.

If your bank confirms everything is correct, contact your company's HR or payroll department. They can see more details about why the verification failed and may be able to help troubleshoot with Workday or your bank.

Removing or changing a bank account

If you need to remove an account, go back to the banking section in Workday and find the account you want to delete. There will usually be a delete button or a menu with a "Remove" option. Click it and confirm that you want to remove the account.

Removing an account does not affect any payments that have already been processed to that account. It only stops future payments from going there. If you are changing accounts because the old one is closed, make sure you remove the old account after you have added the new one and confirmed it is active.

To change an account, add the new one first and wait for it to verify. Once it is active, remove the old account. Do not remove the old account before the new one is verified, because you may need it if something goes wrong with the new one.

Why Workday needs your bank account

Your company uses your bank account information to send you paychecks through direct deposit, to reimburse you for business expenses, or to process other payments like bonuses or tax refunds. Without a verified bank account on file, your company cannot send you money electronically.

Workday stores this information securely and only shares it with your company's payroll and HR systems. Your bank account number is encrypted and is not visible to other employees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add more than one bank account?

Yes. Most companies allow you to add multiple accounts. You can designate one as your primary account for direct deposit, and keep others on file for different purposes. Check with your HR department to see if your company has a limit on how many accounts you can add.

What is the difference between routing number and account number?

Your routing number identifies your bank or credit union. Your account number identifies your specific account at that bank. Both are required for Workday to verify and link your account. They appear together on the bottom left of any check.

How long does verification usually take?

Most banks verify within one to two business days. Some verify when ready. You will see the status change in Workday once verification is complete. If it takes longer than three business days, contact your bank or your HR department.

Is it safe to enter my bank account number in Workday?

Yes. Workday encrypts your account information and only shares it with your company's payroll system. Your account number is not visible to other employees. Your company needs this information to send you paychecks and process reimbursements.

What if my bank is not in the Workday list?

Most banks appear in Workday's list. If yours does not, try searching for the parent company or a slightly different name. If it still does not appear, contact your bank's customer service and ask for the exact name Workday uses. You can also contact your HR department — they may be able to add your bank manually or help you troubleshoot.