Moving your checking account to Trustone Financial means opening a new account with them and arranging for your direct deposits and automatic payments to switch over

Trustone Financial is a credit union with branches in Minnesota and Wisconsin. To move your checking account there, you'll open a new account, then redirect your paycheck and bills to the new account number. The process itself takes a few days to a week, but the switchover of recurring payments can take longer depending on who you're paying.

You don't have to close your old account right away. Most people keep the old account open for two to four weeks while they confirm all the transfers have landed, then close it once they're sure nothing is still trying to hit the old account number.

Key Takeaways

  • You'll need to visit a Trustone Financial branch or go online to open a new checking account before you can move money over.
  • Direct deposits from your employer take one to two pay cycles to reroute, so tell your payroll department your new account number as soon as your account opens.
  • Automatic bill payments you set up yourself need to be changed in each biller's system individually — your bank cannot move these for you.
  • Keep your old account open for at least two to four weeks after the switch to catch any payments that were still processing to the old number.
  • Trustone Financial can provide you with a list of your old account's recurring transactions to make sure you don't miss anything.

Opening a new checking account at Trustone Financial

Visit a Trustone Financial branch in person or go to their website to start a new account. You'll need a government-issued ID, your Social Security number, and proof of your current address (a recent utility bill or lease works). The account opens the same day if you're in a branch, or within one business day if you apply online.

Ask the person opening your account for your new account number and routing number right away — you'll need both to set up direct deposits and to tell your old bank where to send any remaining funds. Trustone will also give you a temporary debit card or checks so you can start using the account immediately.

Redirecting your paycheck and income

Contact your employer's payroll or HR department and give them your new Trustone Financial account number and routing number. Ask them when the change will take effect — most employers process payroll changes within one to two pay cycles, so if you submit the change on a Tuesday, your next paycheck might still go to the old account, but the one after that should hit the new one.

If you receive income from multiple sources — a second job, freelance work, government benefits — you'll need to update each one separately. Social Security, unemployment, and tax refunds all require you to log into their respective systems or call to change your direct deposit information. Keep a list of which sources you've updated and when, so you can verify each one has switched over.

Moving automatic bill payments and subscriptions

Automatic payments you set up yourself (through your utility company's website, your credit card issuer, your mortgage servicer) do not move automatically when you change banks. You have to go into each biller's system and update your account number yourself. This is the step most people forget, and it's why keeping your old account open matters.

Log into each company's website or app where you have a recurring payment set up. Look for a section called "Payment Method," "Billing," or "Account Settings." Update the account number to your new Trustone Financial account number. Do this for utilities, insurance, subscriptions, loan payments, rent, and any other recurring charge. If you're not sure which companies have your old account number on file, ask Trustone Financial for a statement showing recent transactions — that will show you who's been charging you.

Transferring your remaining balance

Once your new account is open and your direct deposits have been rerouted, transfer any money left in your old account to Trustone Financial. You can do this through your old bank's online system (most banks let you transfer to another bank's account), or you can withdraw cash and deposit it at a Trustone branch or ATM.

Don't transfer everything at once if you're still waiting for some payments to clear. Move the bulk of it, then wait a week or two to make sure no unexpected charges hit the old account. Once you're confident everything has switched over, transfer the final balance.

Closing your old checking account

Wait at least two to four weeks after your last direct deposit hit the new account before you close the old one. This gives you time to catch any automatic payments that are still processing or any checks you wrote that haven't cleared yet.

When you're ready to close, log into your old bank's website or call their customer service line. They'll ask you to confirm your identity and may ask where your money is going. Let them know you've moved to Trustone Financial. Some banks charge a fee if you close an account within a certain period (often 90 days to six months), so ask about that before you close. Once it's closed, you won't be able to access it, so make sure your new account is fully set up first.

What to do if a payment bounces or goes to the wrong account

If a bill payment bounces because it tried to hit your old account after you closed it, contact that biller immediately. Explain that you changed banks and provide your new account number. Most companies will resubmit the payment to your new account at no charge, though some may charge a late fee if the payment was due. Ask them to waive the fee given the circumstances.

If a payment goes missing entirely — you don't see it in your new account and the biller says they sent it — contact Trustone Financial's customer service. They can trace the transaction and tell you whether it arrived at the wrong account number or got stuck in processing. This is rare, but it's why keeping records of what you've updated is important.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep my old account open while I'm switching?

Yes, and you should. Keep it open for at least two to four weeks after your last paycheck hits the new account. This gives you time to catch any automatic payments that are still processing to the old account number. Once you're confident everything has switched, you can close it.

How long does it take for direct deposits to switch to my new account?

One to two pay cycles. If you submit the change to your employer on a Tuesday, your next paycheck might still go to the old account, but the following one should hit the new Trustone account. Always confirm with your payroll department when the change takes effect.

Do I have to update every automatic payment myself?

Yes. Your bank cannot move automatic bill payments for you — you have to log into each biller's website and update your account number yourself. This includes utilities, insurance, subscriptions, and loan payments. Your old bank's statement can show you which companies have been charging you.

What if I forget to update a payment and it bounces?

Contact the biller right away and provide your new Trustone Financial account number. Most will resubmit the payment at no charge, though some may charge a late fee. Ask them to waive the fee since the bounce was due to your account change.

Can Trustone Financial help me move my payments?

Trustone can provide you with a list of your old account's recent transactions so you know which companies to contact. They cannot move the payments themselves, but they can tell you which billers have been charging you, which makes the process easier.