Change your bank account through Paylocity's employee portal

To change the bank account where your paycheck deposits, log into your Paylocity account, find the direct deposit section (usually under "Pay" or "Payroll"), and update your routing number and account number. The change typically takes effect on your next pay cycle, though some employers process changes only on specific dates. You'll need your new bank's routing number and your account number — both appear on a blank check or through your bank's website or app.

Paylocity is the payroll software your employer uses to manage paychecks and employee information. Because your employer controls which features you can access, the exact steps and timing may differ slightly from what you see in another company's Paylocity setup. If you can't find the direct deposit section after logging in, contact your HR or payroll department — they can tell you whether the feature is turned on for employees at your company.

Key Takeaways

  • Log into your Paylocity account and navigate to the direct deposit or pay settings section to update your bank information.
  • You will need your new bank's routing number and your account number, both of which you can find on a check or through your bank's website.
  • Changes usually take effect on your next scheduled pay date, but some employers only process updates on certain dates each pay period.
  • If the direct deposit option is not visible in your account, ask your HR or payroll team whether the feature is available to employees at your company.

Finding your routing number and account number

Your routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your specific bank branch. Your account number is unique to your checking or savings account. Both appear in the bottom left corner of a blank check — the routing number comes first, then the account number. If you don't have checks, log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for account details or account information; most banks display both numbers there.

Make sure you're using the correct account type. If you want your paycheck to go to a savings account instead of checking, you'll need that account's number, not your checking account number. Some banks charge fees for frequent transfers out of savings accounts, so confirm with your bank whether direct deposit counts as a withdrawal that might trigger fees.

When the change takes effect

Most employers process direct deposit changes on a set schedule — often weekly or biweekly — rather than when ready. If you submit a change on a Monday but your employer processes payroll changes only on Fridays, the update won't take effect until the next pay cycle after that Friday. Your first paycheck to the new account may arrive a week or two after you make the change.

Contact your payroll department if you need to know the exact cutoff date for your pay period. They can tell you whether a change submitted today will be included in this week's paycheck or the following one. If you're switching accounts because your old bank account is closing, ask your old bank how long they'll accept incoming deposits — most banks give you 30 to 90 days, but it varies.

What to do if you don't see the direct deposit option

Some employers restrict which employees can change their own direct deposit information through Paylocity. If you log in and the option isn't there, it doesn't mean the feature is broken — it means your employer has chosen to handle direct deposit changes through HR or payroll instead. Contact your HR department or payroll team and ask them to update your bank account information for you.

When you contact them, have your new routing number and account number ready. They may ask you to fill out a form or provide a voided check (a check you've marked "void" across the front) as proof of the account details. This protects both you and the company by creating a paper record of the change.

Fixing a mistake after you've submitted a change

If you entered the wrong routing number or account number, log back into Paylocity and correct it as soon as you notice the error — before your next pay date if possible. If you've already submitted the change and a paycheck went to the wrong account, contact your bank when ready. Most banks can retrieve a direct deposit that landed in the wrong account, though the process takes a few business days.

At the same time, tell your payroll department what happened. They may be able to reissue your paycheck to the correct account for the next pay period, or they may need to wait until the bank returns the misdirected deposit. Having both your bank and your payroll team working on it speeds up the fix.

Changing your account during a job transition

If you're leaving your job and starting a new one, you'll need to set up direct deposit with your new employer's payroll system — it may or may not be Paylocity. Don't assume your bank account information carried over. Log into your new employer's payroll portal as soon as you have access and confirm that direct deposit is set up correctly before your first paycheck is processed.

If you're staying with the same employer but they're switching payroll systems, HR will usually send instructions on how to update your information in the new system. Read those instructions carefully, because the steps will be different from Paylocity's process.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for a direct deposit change to show up?

Most changes take effect on your next pay cycle after the employer's processing cutoff date. If your employer processes payroll changes weekly and you submit yours on a Wednesday, it may not take effect until the following week's paycheck. Ask your payroll department for the exact cutoff date for your pay period.

What if my new bank account number has a different number of digits?

Account numbers vary in length by bank — some are 10 digits, others are 12 or more. Enter exactly what your bank provides, including all digits. Paylocity will accept the correct length for your bank. If you're unsure, check your bank statement or call your bank to confirm the account number.

Can I have my paycheck split between two accounts?

Many employers allow split direct deposit through Paylocity — for example, 80 percent to checking and 20 percent to savings. Check your Paylocity account for an option to add a second account. If you don't see it, ask your payroll department whether your employer supports split deposits.

What happens if I change my account right before payday?

If you change your account after your employer's processing cutoff, the paycheck will go to your old account. The next paycheck after that will go to the new account. Contact your payroll department to confirm the cutoff time for your specific pay period.

Do I need to tell my old bank that I'm switching my direct deposit?

No. Once you update your information in Paylocity, future paychecks will go to your new account. Your old bank doesn't need to be notified. However, if your old account is closing, confirm with that bank how long they'll accept incoming deposits before the account is closed.