Yes, you can update your checking account on Paycom, but the process and timing depend on when your next paycheck is scheduled
Paycom lets you change your direct deposit bank account through your employee portal. The change takes effect on your next scheduled paycheck, which may be one to three pay periods away depending on when you submit it and your company's payroll cutoff dates. If you need the change to happen faster, you'll need to contact your payroll department directly—they can sometimes push a change through before the standard processing window closes.
The most common reason to update your account is switching banks, correcting a routing number, or moving money to a different account at the same bank. Each situation follows the same update path, but the timing matters. If you're waiting for a refund or a specific payment and you change your account mid-cycle, that payment may still go to your old account.
Key Takeaways
- You update your direct deposit account through the Paycom employee portal under payroll or direct deposit settings, not by calling the company.
- Changes take effect on your next paycheck after the payroll cutoff date, which is typically one to three pay periods away.
- If you need a change faster than the standard timeline, contact your payroll or HR department before the payroll cutoff—they may be able to override the normal schedule.
- Changing your account mid-payroll cycle does not affect payments already processed; only future paychecks go to the new account.
- You will need your new bank's routing number and your account number to complete the update.
How to access the direct deposit settings in Paycom
Log into your Paycom account using your employee credentials. Once you're in the portal, look for a menu option labeled "Pay" or "Payroll" or "Direct Deposit"—the exact wording varies by company setup, but it's usually in the main navigation or under a profile/settings section.
Click into that section and you should see your current direct deposit information displayed: the bank name, account type (checking or savings), the last four digits of the account number, and the routing number. Some versions of Paycom show a button to edit or change this information right on the same screen. If you don't see an edit button, look for a pencil icon or a link that says "Update" or "Change Direct Deposit."
What information you need before you start
Gather these details from your new bank before you open Paycom to make the change. You'll need your new bank's nine-digit routing number and your new account number. You should also know whether the account is checking or savings, though most people use checking for direct deposit.
Your routing number is not the same as your account number. You can find the routing number on a check from your new bank (it's the first nine digits at the bottom left), on your bank's website, or by calling the bank's customer service line. Your account number appears on checks and statements and is usually 10 to 12 digits long. If you're moving to a different account at the same bank, the routing number stays the same but the account number changes.
Entering the new account details
Click the edit or update button and you'll see a form with fields for routing number, account number, and account type. Type in the routing number first, then the account number. Double-check both numbers before you submit—a single digit wrong means your paycheck goes to the wrong place or bounces back.
Select the account type (checking or savings) from the dropdown menu. Most employers and banks expect checking accounts for payroll, but confirm with your bank if you're unsure. After you've filled in all three fields, look for a "Save" or "Submit" button at the bottom of the form. Click it to confirm the change.
When the change takes effect and what to expect
Paycom will show you a confirmation message once the update is saved. This does not mean the change is active immediately. Your company's payroll department processes paychecks on a set schedule—usually weekly, biweekly, or monthly—and they have a cutoff date by which all changes must be submitted to take effect on the next paycheck.
If you submit your change before the cutoff date, it typically goes into effect on the next scheduled paycheck. If you submit after the cutoff, it may not take effect until the paycheck after that. Your HR or payroll department can tell you the exact cutoff date and when your change will be active. You can also check your Paycom account a few days before your next paycheck to see which account is listed—that's the one your money will go to.
What to do if you need the change faster
If you've already submitted the change in Paycom but the payroll cutoff has passed, contact your payroll or HR department directly. Explain that you need the change to take effect on the next paycheck and ask if they can manually override the standard timeline. They can sometimes do this, especially if you're switching banks due to fraud or account closure, but it depends on your company's policies and how close you are to the payroll processing deadline.
Do not assume the change will happen automatically just because you submitted it in Paycom. If the timing is tight and you need confirmation, send a quick email to payroll with your new routing and account numbers and ask them to confirm when the change will be active. This creates a record and gives you a direct answer instead of guessing based on the standard timeline.
If your paycheck goes to the wrong account
If your paycheck deposits to your old account instead of your new one, contact your payroll department immediately. They can sometimes reverse the deposit and send it to the correct account, but the speed depends on your bank and whether the old account is still open. If the old account is closed, the bank may return the deposit to your employer, and payroll will need to reissue it to your new account—this can take several business days.
If you changed accounts because your old bank account was compromised or closed, tell payroll that when you contact them. They may prioritize the reversal and reissue. In the meantime, check your old account to see if the deposit landed there; if it did and the account is still accessible, you can transfer the money to your new account yourself while payroll works on the official fix.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my direct deposit account on Paycom on a Friday and have it take effect on Monday?
Not usually. Payroll cutoffs are typically set days before payday, often Wednesday or Thursday for a Friday paycheck. If you change your account after the cutoff, your next paycheck still goes to the old account. Contact payroll before the cutoff to ask if they can process it manually, but don't count on it happening that fast.
What happens if I enter the wrong routing number?
Your paycheck will either go to the wrong bank or bounce back as undeliverable. If it goes to the wrong bank, that bank will eventually return it to your employer, and payroll will reissue it to the correct account—a process that can take one to two weeks. If it bounces immediately, payroll may contact you to correct it. Always verify both numbers before submitting.
Do I need to tell my old bank I'm switching my direct deposit?
No, you don't need to notify your old bank. Once your employer stops sending deposits there, the account will simply stop receiving paychecks. If the account has a minimum balance requirement, make sure you have enough money to cover it after the direct deposit stops, or close the account if you no longer need it.
Can I split my paycheck between two accounts on Paycom?
Yes, many versions of Paycom allow you to set up multiple direct deposit accounts. You can send a percentage or a fixed dollar amount to one account and the remainder to another. Look for an option to "add another account" or "split deposit" in the direct deposit section. If you don't see this option, ask your payroll department whether your company's setup supports it.
What if I don't have access to Paycom or forgot my password?
Contact your HR or payroll department and ask them to reset your Paycom password or update your direct deposit for you. They have the ability to make changes on your behalf and can do it faster than waiting for a password reset email if you're in a hurry. Provide them with your new routing and account numbers and ask for confirmation of when the change takes effect.