The five pieces of information your employer will ask for
Your employer needs five things to set up direct deposit: your full name (as it appears on your account), your routing number, your account number, your account type (checking or savings), and confirmation that the account is in your name. That's it. You don't need to provide a voided check anymore—most employers now ask you to enter the information directly into their payroll system or give it to HR on a form.
The routing number and account number live on the bottom left of any check you have. The routing number is the first nine digits; the account number follows. If you don't have checks, you can find both by logging into your bank's website or app, calling the bank's customer service line, or asking a teller in person. Some banks print this information on statements too.
Account type matters because the bank needs to know whether to deposit into a checking account (where you can withdraw money immediately) or a savings account (which may have withdrawal limits). Most people use checking. If you're unsure which type you have, your bank statement will say, or you can ask when you call.
Key Takeaways
- You need your routing number, account number, account type, and full name exactly as it appears on the account.
- Both pieces of numbers are printed on the bottom left of any check, or you can find them by logging into your bank's online portal.
- Your employer will enter this information into their payroll system, and the bank uses it to route your paycheck to the correct account.
- Direct deposit is free and takes one to two pay cycles to activate once your employer submits the information to the bank.
Where to find your routing and account numbers
If you have a checkbook, open it and look at the bottom left corner of any check. You'll see a series of numbers separated by colons or special symbols. The first nine digits are your routing number. The longer number after that is your account number. Write both down exactly as they appear—even one wrong digit will cause the deposit to fail or go to the wrong account.
If you don't have checks, log into your bank's website or mobile app. Most banks display routing and account numbers in the account details or settings section. Some label it "Account Information" or "Routing Number." If you can't find it online, call your bank's customer service number (on the back of your debit card) and ask for both numbers. A representative can read them to you over the phone, and you can verify them by repeating them back.
Credit unions work the same way. If your account is at a credit union, the routing number and account number are available through their online banking portal or by calling their member services line.
What happens if you give the wrong information
If you enter a wrong routing number, your paycheck will go to a different bank entirely—or be rejected. If the account number is wrong, it might go to someone else's account at your bank, or be rejected. Either way, your paycheck doesn't reach you on payday.
If this happens, contact your employer's payroll department immediately. They can resubmit the correct information, but your check may be delayed by one or more pay cycles while the bank processes the correction. Some employers can issue a replacement check by hand while the direct deposit is being fixed; others require you to wait for the next scheduled deposit.
To avoid this, double-check every digit before you submit the form. Read the numbers aloud to yourself, or have someone else read them back to you from the check or your bank statement.
How long direct deposit takes to start
Once your employer submits your banking information to the bank, it usually takes one to two pay cycles for direct deposit to activate. Some banks process it faster—within a few business days—but don't count on it. If your next paycheck is in three days and you just submitted the information, assume it won't be direct deposited yet.
During the waiting period, your employer will likely still issue a paper check or pay stub. Ask your payroll department whether they'll continue issuing checks until direct deposit is active, or whether you need to pick up a check in person.
Security: what information is safe to share
Your routing number and account number are safe to give to your employer. These numbers are printed on every check you write and are meant to be shared. They alone cannot be used to withdraw money from your account or make unauthorized charges—a thief would also need your PIN, online banking password, or physical debit card.
Never share your PIN, online banking password, or the full card number printed on your debit card with your employer. Your employer should never ask for these. If someone claiming to be from payroll asks for your PIN or password, it's a scam—contact your actual employer directly to report it.
Your bank will never ask you for your routing number or account number via email or phone call. If someone contacts you claiming to be from your bank and asking for this information, hang up and call the number on the back of your debit card to verify whether the call was real.
What to do if your bank account changes
If you close your current account and open a new one at the same bank, your routing number usually stays the same but your account number changes. Contact your payroll department with the new account number so they can update your direct deposit before your next paycheck.
If you switch to a different bank entirely, both your routing number and account number will change. You'll need to provide both new numbers to your employer. Do this as soon as possible—ideally before you close the old account, so any stray deposits don't bounce.
Some employers allow you to update direct deposit information online through their payroll portal. Others require you to fill out a new form and submit it to HR. Ask your payroll department which method they use and whether there's a deadline for changes to take effect in the next pay cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I set up direct deposit to a savings account instead of checking?
Yes. When your employer asks for account type, select "savings" instead of "checking." The process is identical. Some employers may ask why you're using savings, but there's no rule against it. Keep in mind that some savings accounts have limits on how many withdrawals you can make per month, so check your account terms if you plan to access the money frequently.
What if my name on the bank account doesn't match my legal name?
Use the name exactly as it appears on the account. If your account says "Robert J. Smith" but you go by "Bob," enter "Robert J. Smith" on the direct deposit form. The bank matches deposits by account number first, then by name as a secondary check. A mismatch in name alone won't stop the deposit, but entering it correctly reduces the chance of delays.
Do I need to give my employer a voided check?
Most employers no longer require this. They'll ask you to enter your routing and account numbers directly into their payroll system or provide them on a form. If an employer does ask for a voided check, write "VOID" in large letters across the front of a check, then give it to them. This prevents anyone from accidentally depositing or cashing it.
What if I don't have a bank account yet?
Open one before your first day of work, or as soon as you can. Most banks offer free checking accounts. You'll need a government-issued ID and proof of address (a utility bill or lease). Once the account is open, you'll receive a debit card and checks, and you can get your routing and account numbers immediately. If you need the account urgently, some banks can open one online in minutes.
Can my employer see my bank balance or transaction history?
No. Your employer receives only the routing number and account number—they cannot access your balance, see what you spend money on, or monitor your account in any way. The bank processes the deposit and that's the end of it.