Yes, you can change your salary account to another bank, but your employer controls the timing
You own your account, but your employer owns the payroll instruction. You can open an account at any bank and ask your employer to send your salary there instead. However, your employer is not required to switch immediately—many process payroll changes only once a month or once a quarter, and some charge a fee to update their system. The process takes anywhere from one pay cycle to three months depending on your employer's payroll schedule and how quickly you submit the change request.
The bank itself has no say in whether you can move your salary. Once you have an account number and routing number at the new bank, you give those details to your employer's payroll or HR department. The old account stays open unless you close it yourself, and your employer will stop sending money there once the new instruction takes effect.
Key Takeaways
- You need a fully open account at the new bank before you tell your employer to switch, because payroll deposits require an active account number and routing number.
- Your employer's payroll department processes salary changes on their own schedule, which may be monthly, quarterly, or only on specific dates—ask when they process changes before you submit the request.
- The old account does not close automatically; you must close it yourself once you confirm the first deposit arrived at the new bank.
- Some employers charge a small fee to update payroll instructions, though this is uncommon; ask your HR department whether there is a cost.
- Keep both accounts open for at least one full pay cycle after the switch to catch any delays or errors before closing the old one.
Opening the new account before you notify your employer
Do not tell your employer to switch until you have a working account at the new bank. You need the account number and routing number ready to give them, and the account must be fully open and active. Some banks activate accounts instantly online; others take one to two business days. If you give your employer an account number that is not yet active, the deposit will fail and you will not receive your salary on payday.
When you open the account, confirm with the bank that it is set up to receive direct deposits. Most checking and savings accounts accept them, but some specialty accounts do not. Ask the bank for the routing number and your account number in writing, or screenshot it from their app—you will need both numbers to give to your employer.
Submitting the change request to your employer
Contact your employer's payroll or HR department, not your manager. Most employers have a form or online portal where you can update your direct deposit information. Some still use paper forms. Ask payroll which method they use and whether they have a deadline for submitting changes—many process requests only on certain dates each month.
When you submit the change, include the new bank's routing number, your new account number, and the account type (checking or savings). Double-check both numbers before you submit; a single digit wrong will send your salary to the wrong account. Keep a copy of the form or confirmation email showing what you submitted and when.
Ask payroll when the change will take effect. Some employers switch on the next payday; others wait until the next pay cycle begins. If your employer processes payroll changes only once a month and you submit your request on the 20th, the switch might not happen until the following month's payroll run.
What happens to your old account during the switch
Your old account does not close automatically. The bank will keep it open even after your employer stops sending money there. You must close it yourself, but do not do this immediately. Wait until you see the first deposit arrive at the new bank and confirm the amount is correct. This usually takes one to three business days after payday.
Once you confirm the deposit landed, you can close the old account. If you close it before the first deposit clears, and something goes wrong with the new deposit, you will have no account to receive a corrected payment. Some banks charge a fee to close an account early, though most do not if the account has a zero balance.
If your old account has a remaining balance, transfer it to the new account before closing. You can do this through online banking, at an ATM, or by visiting a branch. Do not leave money sitting in an account you are about to close.
Handling delays or failed deposits
If payday arrives and you do not see the deposit in your new account, contact your employer's payroll department immediately. Ask them to confirm they sent the payment and to which account number. If they sent it to the wrong account by mistake, they can usually issue a stop payment and resend it to the correct account, though this may take a few business days.
If the deposit went to your old account instead of the new one, your employer may not have processed your change request yet. Ask payroll for a status update and when they expect to make the switch. In the meantime, you can transfer the money from your old account to your new one yourself.
If your new bank received the deposit but it is showing as pending, wait one to two more business days. Direct deposits from employers sometimes take longer to clear than other transfers. If it stays pending after three business days, contact your new bank's customer service and provide them with the deposit details.
Switching between banks within the same employer
If you are moving your salary from one bank to another but staying with the same employer, the process is the same: open the new account, submit the change to payroll, and wait for the next payroll cycle. You do not need permission from your old bank, and the old bank cannot stop the switch.
Some employers allow you to split your direct deposit between two accounts—for example, sending 80 percent to your checking account and 20 percent to a savings account. If you want to do this instead of moving your entire salary, ask payroll whether they support split deposits and what form you need to complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my employer refuse to switch my salary to a new bank?
No. Your employer must process a valid direct deposit change to any bank you choose. However, they can set their own timeline for when they process the change—usually the next payroll cycle or the next scheduled payroll update date. They cannot refuse permanently.
What if I give my employer the wrong account number?
The deposit will go to the wrong account or fail entirely. Contact your employer's payroll department as soon as you realize the mistake and ask them to correct it. They can usually reissue the payment to the correct account, though it may take several business days. Do not wait until the next payday to report it.
Do I have to close my old account right away?
No. Keep it open for at least one full pay cycle after the first deposit arrives at your new bank. This protects you if something goes wrong with the switch. Once you confirm the deposit is correct, you can close the old account. Some banks charge a fee for early closure, but most do not.
Can I have my salary sent to two different banks at the same time?
Many employers support split direct deposits, where you can send part of your salary to one account and part to another. Ask your payroll department whether they offer this and what form you need. Not all employers support it, so confirm before you count on it.
How long does it take to switch my salary to a new bank?
It depends on your employer's payroll schedule. The fastest is one pay cycle (usually two weeks). The slowest is three months if your employer processes payroll changes only quarterly. Ask your payroll department when they process changes so you know what to expect.