What your employer needs and why
Your employer needs your routing number, account number, and the account type (checking or savings) to set up direct deposit. These three pieces of information tell the payroll system exactly which bank and which account to send your paycheck to. Without them, payroll cannot process your deposit.
Direct deposit is faster and more secure than a paper check. Your money arrives on payday (or sometimes the day before) instead of taking days to clear. You also avoid the risk of a lost or stolen check in the mail.
Your employer's payroll department or HR team will ask for this information either on a form, through an online portal, or both. Some employers collect it during onboarding; others ask you to set it up yourself after you start.
Key Takeaways
- You need your routing number, account number, and account type—all of which appear on a blank check or your bank's website.
- Provide this information only to your employer's payroll or HR department, never to anyone else claiming to represent them.
- If your employer uses an online payroll portal, log in directly to the portal rather than clicking a link in an email.
- Once direct deposit is set up, it usually takes one or two pay cycles before the first deposit appears in your account.
- You can change your direct deposit account at any time by updating your information with payroll.
Where to find your routing and account numbers
The easiest place to find both numbers is a blank check from your checkbook. The routing number is the nine-digit code on the left side of the bottom of the check. The account number is the longer code in the middle. Both are printed in a special magnetic ink that makes them machine-readable.
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 there. You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask them to read the numbers to you—have a pen ready.
Make sure you are looking at the correct account. If you have multiple accounts at the same bank, each one has its own account number. Confirm with your bank that you are copying the number from the account where you want your paycheck to land.
How to submit your information safely
Ask your payroll or HR department which method they use: a paper form, an online portal, or both. If they offer an online portal, use that route. Logging into the portal directly (by typing the web address into your browser or opening the app) is safer than clicking a link in an email, because you know you are on the real site.
If you must use a paper form, fill it out completely and deliver it in person or through your company's internal mail system if possible. Do not email bank details unless your employer's payroll department specifically asks you to and you have confirmed their email address by calling the main company line.
Never give your bank details to a coworker, a recruiter, or anyone who contacts you by email or phone claiming to be from payroll. Scammers sometimes pose as HR staff to steal banking information. When in doubt, hang up or close the email and call your company's main number to reach payroll directly.
What happens after you submit
Payroll will process your information and set up the direct deposit in their system. This usually takes a few business days. You may receive a confirmation email or see the information appear in your online payroll portal.
Your first direct deposit may not arrive on your first payday. Many employers run a test deposit first—a small amount (often $0.01 to $1.00) sent to your account to confirm the routing and account numbers are correct. Check your bank account a few days after you submit your information. If you see the test deposit, the setup worked. Some employers skip the test and deposit your full paycheck on the first scheduled payday.
If no deposit arrives by the second payday, contact payroll and ask them to check whether your information was entered correctly. Mistakes in the routing number or account number are the most common reason deposits fail.
Changing your direct deposit account later
You can change which account receives your paycheck at any time. Contact payroll or log into your payroll portal and update your routing number and account number. The change usually takes effect on the next pay cycle, though some employers require a week's notice.
If you switch banks or open a new account, update your direct deposit information before your next payday. If you do not, your paycheck will still go to the old account. Once you update it, future paychecks will go to the new account, but money already deposited to the old account stays there.
What to do if direct deposit fails
If a deposit does not arrive by the end of the business day on payday, contact your payroll department first. They can check whether the deposit was sent and, if so, where it went. Common problems include a typo in the routing number (which sends the money to the wrong bank) or a typo in the account number (which may cause the receiving bank to reject it).
If payroll confirms the deposit was sent but your bank did not receive it, contact your bank's customer service. Provide them with the date the deposit was sent and the amount. Your bank can trace the deposit and either reroute it to the correct account or return it to your employer so they can resend it.
While the issue is being resolved, ask your payroll department whether they can issue a manual check or an emergency advance. Most employers will do this rather than leave you without pay.
Protecting your banking information
Your routing number is public—it appears on every check and is not secret. Your account number is more sensitive because it identifies your specific account. Together, they allow someone to set up direct deposits or automatic payments from your account.
Only share your routing and account numbers with your employer's payroll department and with organizations you trust (utilities, loan servicers, your bank itself). Do not post them on social media or share them in unsecured messages. If you suspect someone has your account number, contact your bank immediately.
Your bank can monitor your account for unauthorized activity. If you see a deposit or withdrawal you did not authorize, report it to your bank right away. Most banks have fraud protection that limits your liability for unauthorized transfers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I give my employer a savings account instead of a checking account?
Yes. Direct deposit works with both checking and savings accounts. You will need to tell your employer which type of account it is when you submit your information, because the payroll system needs to know. If you are unsure, check your bank statement or ask your bank.
What if I do not have a bank account yet?
Open one before your first payday. Most banks can open an account online or in person within a few hours. Bring a photo ID and proof of address (a utility bill or lease works). Once the account is open, you will receive a routing number and account number immediately, either in the app or by mail.
Do I need to give my employer my PIN or password?
No. Never give your PIN, password, or online banking login to your employer or anyone else. Payroll needs only the routing number, account number, and account type. If someone asks for your password, it is a scam.
How long does it take for direct deposit to start?
Setup usually takes a few business days. Your first deposit may arrive on your first payday or may be delayed one pay cycle while payroll runs a test. After that, deposits arrive on schedule. If your first deposit is late, contact payroll to confirm they have your correct information.
Can my employer see my bank balance or other account details?
No. Your employer receives only the routing number and account number. They cannot see your balance, transaction history, or any other information in your account. Direct deposit is a one-way transfer from their bank to yours.