How do I set up direct deposit?

Direct deposit is an electronic ACH credit that delivers your paycheck, government benefit, or other recurring payment directly into your bank account — no paper check, no trip to the bank. The CFPB's direct deposit guidance notes that you need two numbers to set it up: your bank's routing number and your specific account number.

Step 1 — Get your routing and account numbers

Your routing number is a 9-digit code that identifies your bank. Your account number identifies your specific checking or savings account at that bank. Both appear at the bottom of a paper check — the routing number is the first 9 digits, and your account number follows. You can also find them in your bank's mobile app under account details. Large banks sometimes use different routing numbers for ACH vs. wire transactions — confirm you're using the ACH routing number for direct deposit. The Federal Reserve's E-Payments Routing Directory lets you verify routing numbers for free.

Step 2 — Complete the direct deposit authorization form

• Employer payroll: HR typically provides a direct deposit authorization form in new-hire paperwork or your payroll portal. Enter your routing number, account number, account type (checking or savings), and the deposit amount or percentage if splitting across accounts.
• Government benefits (Social Security, SSI, VA): enroll online at GoDirect.gov or call your benefit agency directly.
• Tax refunds: choose direct deposit on your federal tax return (Form 1040) — IRS deposits refunds faster than paper checks.
• Gig platform payments: apps like payroll processors and gig platforms accept the same routing and account numbers in their payout settings.

Step 3 — Confirm activation

Most payroll systems require one to two full pay cycles before direct deposit activates, and your employer may issue a paper check for the interim period. Once the first direct deposit posts, verify the amount matches your expected net pay. The FDIC's consumer resources recommend keeping a record of your direct deposit setup confirmation in case a deposit is misdirected or delayed.

Splitting direct deposit across multiple accounts

Many payroll systems let you split your direct deposit — for example, routing a fixed dollar amount to savings and the remainder to checking. This is one of the most reliable ways to automate saving, since the money moves before you have a chance to spend it. Check whether your employer's system supports multiple account splits; most large payroll platforms do.