You can change your bank account through Social Security's online portal, by phone, or in person at a local office

Social Security lets you change the bank account where your benefits land. You do this through your my Social Security account online, by calling Social Security directly, or by visiting an office in person. The change usually takes effect within one or two pay cycles — typically one to three weeks, depending on when you submit it and your bank's processing speed.

The fastest route is the online portal if you already have a my Social Security account set up. If you do not have one, creating it takes about 10 minutes and requires your Social Security number, date of birth, and an email address. Phone and in-person changes work too, but they take longer because you have to wait for an agent or appointment.

Key Takeaways

  • You can update your bank account online through my Social Security, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at your local Social Security office.
  • Your new bank account information must be in your name or a joint account where you are listed as the owner.
  • The change usually takes one to three weeks to show up in your actual deposits, so do not close your old account immediately.
  • If you are changing accounts because of fraud or a compromised account, report it to your bank and Social Security on the same day.

Changing your account online through my Social Security

Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and sign in with your username and password. If you do not have an account, you can create one on that same page — you will need your Social Security number, date of birth, email address, and a phone number. Social Security will send you a verification code by text or email to confirm your identity.

Once you are signed in, look for a section labeled "Payment Information" or "Direct Deposit." Click on it and select "Change Bank Account" or "Update Direct Deposit." Enter your new bank's routing number and your account number. Double-check both numbers before you submit — a wrong digit will send your payment to the wrong place or cause it to bounce back.

After you submit, you will see a confirmation message on screen. Social Security will also send you an email confirming the change. Keep that email. Your new account should start receiving deposits within one to three weeks, depending on when your next payment date falls and how fast your bank processes incoming transfers.

Changing your account by phone

Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. Wait times are usually shortest early in the morning or late in the afternoon on weekdays. When an agent picks up, tell them you want to change your direct deposit bank account.

The agent will ask you to verify your identity by providing your Social Security number, date of birth, and possibly the last four digits of your phone number. Then they will ask for your new bank's routing number and your account number. Read both numbers slowly and clearly, and ask the agent to repeat them back to you to confirm they got them right.

The agent will give you a confirmation number. Write it down and ask them to email or mail you a written confirmation as well. The change takes effect within one to three weeks.

Changing your account in person at a Social Security office

Find your local office at ssa.gov/locator. You can walk in during business hours, but calling ahead to schedule an appointment usually means a shorter wait. Bring a photo ID and your Social Security card if you have it.

Tell the representative you want to change your direct deposit account. They will verify your identity and ask for your new bank's routing number and account number. They will give you a receipt with a confirmation number. The change takes effect within one to three weeks.

What bank account information you need

You will need your new bank's routing number and your account number. The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your bank. Your account number is the number Social Security will deposit into.

Find both on the bottom left of any check you have from that account. The routing number comes first (nine digits), then your account number (usually 10 to 12 digits). If you do not have checks, log into your bank's website or app and look for "Account Details" or "Routing Information." You can also call your bank and ask them to give you both numbers over the phone.

The account must be in your name or a joint account where you are listed as the owner. Social Security will not deposit into someone else's account, even if they have permission to use it.

What happens during the transition period

Your old account will stop receiving Social Security deposits once the change takes effect, but this does not happen instantly. Depending on when you submit the change and when your next payment date falls, your old account may receive one more deposit after you have already submitted the new information. This is normal.

Do not close your old account right away. Wait at least one full pay cycle (usually one month) after you see the first deposit in your new account before you close the old one. This gives you time to make sure the deposits are landing correctly and to catch any problems.

If a deposit lands in the wrong account or does not show up at all, contact Social Security and your bank on the same day. Social Security can sometimes recall a payment that has not been processed yet, but the window is narrow — usually 24 to 48 hours.

If your account was compromised or fraudulent

If someone else accessed your account, made unauthorized withdrawals, or you suspect fraud, call your bank immediately and report it. Your bank can freeze the account and start an investigation. Then call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and tell them your account was compromised. They can flag your file and help you change your direct deposit to a new, secure account.

Ask your bank how long their fraud investigation takes — it is usually 10 business days. During that time, your bank may not let you withdraw money from the account, but Social Security can still deposit into it. Once the investigation is done and your bank confirms the fraud, you can move your money to a new account and update Social Security with the new routing and account numbers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for the change to show up?

Usually one to three weeks. The exact timing depends on when you submit the change relative to your payment date and how fast your new bank processes incoming transfers. Your first deposit in the new account may take longer than later ones.

What if I enter the wrong routing or account number?

Your payment will either bounce back to Social Security or land in someone else's account. If it bounces back, Social Security will try to redeposit it, but this can take weeks. If it goes to the wrong account, contact Social Security and your bank immediately — Social Security may be able to recall the payment if it has not been processed yet.

Can I change my account more than once?

Yes. You can update your direct deposit as many times as you need to. Each change takes one to three weeks to take effect, so avoid making multiple changes in quick succession unless necessary.

What if I do not have a bank account?

Social Security also offers a debit card called the Direct Express card, which works like a prepaid card. You can sign up for it through the Direct Express website or by calling 1-888-724-3967. Your benefits will load onto the card instead of going to a bank account.

Do I need to tell my bank that Social Security is depositing into my account?

No. Your bank does not need advance notice. Social Security will send the deposit using your routing and account number, and your bank will process it like any other incoming transfer. If your bank asks, you can tell them it is a direct deposit from Social Security.