Where to change your bank account information

You can change the bank account where the IRS sends your stimulus check through the IRS website, by mail, or by phone. The fastest method is the IRS website at irs.gov, where you can update your banking details in your online account if you have one set up. If you do not have an IRS online account, you can create one using your Social Security number, date of birth, and filing status.

If you prefer not to use the website, you can call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time). Have your Social Security number, tax return information, and the new bank account details ready when you call. The IRS can update your account over the phone, though wait times are often long.

You can also mail a written request to the IRS, but this is the slowest option—mail typically takes two to four weeks to process, and your stimulus check may arrive before the change takes effect. If you choose to mail your request, include your name, Social Security number, the account number and routing number of your new bank, and a signed statement requesting the change. Send it to the IRS address listed on your most recent tax return notice.

Key Takeaways

  • The IRS website (irs.gov) is the fastest way to change your bank account for a stimulus check, and you can do it from home without waiting on hold.
  • You will need your new bank's routing number and account number, which you can find on a blank check or by logging into your bank's website or app.
  • Changes made through the IRS website or by phone usually take effect within one to three business days, though the stimulus check may still go to your old account if it was already processed.
  • If your stimulus check goes to the wrong account, you can contact your old bank to request a reversal, or contact the IRS for a replacement check or debit card.

Finding your routing number and account number

Before you update your bank account with the IRS, you need your new bank's routing number and your account number. The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your bank, and the account number identifies your specific account within that bank. Both are printed on the bottom left of any check you have from that account.

If you do not have checks, log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for account details or account information. Most banks display both numbers in the account summary section. You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask them to provide both numbers over the phone—they will verify your identity first.

Do not confuse your account number with your card number. Your debit or credit card number is different from your account number and will not work for direct deposit or bank transfers. If you are unsure which number is which, ask your bank directly rather than guessing.

What happens if the stimulus check goes to the wrong account

If your stimulus check was deposited into your old bank account before you could change your information with the IRS, contact that bank immediately. Most banks can reverse a direct deposit within one to three business days if you request it quickly. Call the bank's customer service number on the back of your old debit card or on your old bank statements, explain that the deposit was sent to the wrong account, and ask them to initiate a reversal.

The bank will need to contact the IRS (the originating bank) to request the reversal. This process usually takes three to five business days. Once the reversal is complete, the money returns to the IRS, and you can then request a replacement check or debit card from the IRS.

If your old bank refuses to reverse the deposit or if too much time has passed, contact the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040 or through your IRS online account. The IRS can issue you a replacement check or Economic Impact Payment card (a prepaid debit card) sent to your current address. This process takes longer—usually two to four weeks—but it is your backup option if the bank reversal does not work.

Timing: when changes take effect

Changes you make through the IRS website or by phone usually take effect within one to three business days. However, if the IRS has already processed and sent your stimulus check to your old account, updating your information will not stop that payment. The check or direct deposit will still go to the old account even if you change your details after the fact.

This is why it is important to update your bank account as soon as you know it has changed—before the IRS processes your stimulus payment. If you change your address or bank account and then receive a stimulus check in the mail weeks later, that check was likely processed before your change took effect.

The IRS does not send you a confirmation email or letter when you update your bank account online, so you will not know for certain whether your change was received until you see the deposit (or do not see it) in your new account. If you do not see a deposit within two weeks of updating your information, contact the IRS to confirm the change went through.

Using an IRS online account to track your payment

If you have set up an IRS online account, you can log in to check the status of your stimulus check at any time. Go to irs.gov, click "Sign in" or "Create an account," and follow the prompts to verify your identity. Once you are logged in, look for "Get My Payment" or a similar tool that shows the status of your economic impact payment.

The tool will tell you whether your payment has been sent, the date it was sent, and the account or address where it was sent. If you see that a payment was sent to the wrong account, you can update your banking information right there in your account and request a replacement. This is faster than calling or mailing a request.

If you do not have an online IRS account and do not want to create one, you can still call the IRS or mail a request to update your information. The online account is convenient but not required.

What to do if you do not have a bank account

If you do not have a bank account and want to receive your stimulus check by direct deposit, you can open one at most banks or credit unions with minimal documentation. You will typically need a photo ID and proof of address (such as a utility bill or lease). Some banks offer accounts with no minimum balance and no monthly fee.

Alternatively, you can receive your stimulus check as a paper check mailed to your address, or as a prepaid debit card (the Economic Impact Payment card). If you choose the paper check option, update your mailing address with the IRS to make sure it goes to the correct location. Paper checks take four to six weeks to arrive by mail.

If you have already received a stimulus check but it was sent to an account you no longer have access to, you can cash the check at most banks or check-cashing services, even if you do not have an account there. Bring a photo ID and the check.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my bank account after the stimulus check has already been sent?

No—if the IRS has already processed and sent your payment, changing your bank account will not redirect it. You will need to contact your old bank to request a reversal, or contact the IRS to request a replacement check or debit card. This is why updating your information as soon as possible is important.

How long does it take for the IRS to process a bank account change?

Changes made through the IRS website or by phone usually take effect within one to three business days. Changes made by mail take two to four weeks. However, if your stimulus check has already been processed, the timing of your change does not matter—the payment will still go to the old account.

What if I enter the wrong routing number or account number?

If you enter incorrect banking information, your stimulus check will be sent to the wrong account or rejected by the bank. Contact the IRS immediately to correct the information and request a replacement payment. The sooner you catch the error, the faster you can resolve it.

Do I need to update my bank account for every stimulus check?

No—the IRS keeps your banking information on file once you have provided it. If you change banks or accounts, you will need to update it again. But if your bank account stays the same, you do not need to do anything for future payments.

Can I receive my stimulus check on a prepaid debit card instead of a bank account?

Yes—the IRS can send your payment as an Economic Impact Payment card, a prepaid debit card that works like a bank account. You can request this option through your IRS online account or by calling the IRS. The card is mailed to your address and usually arrives within two to four weeks.