You can transfer your MCTR payment to a different bank account, but only before the state issues it

If you received a notice that your California Middle Class Tax Refund (MCTR) is coming, you have a window to change where it lands. The Franchise Tax Board (FTB) lets you redirect the payment to a different checking or savings account than the one on your tax return — but only if you act before they process and mail the check or deposit the funds.

Once the FTB has already sent your refund (by check, direct deposit, or debit card), you cannot change the destination through the FTB. At that point, your options depend on how you received it.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your MCTR destination account through the FTB's online portal or by phone, but only before the state processes your refund.
  • The FTB sends MCTR payments by direct deposit, check, or debit card depending on how you filed your 2023 return.
  • If your refund has already been sent, you cannot redirect it through the FTB — you must handle the transfer yourself or contact your bank.
  • Calling the FTB at 1-800-338-0505 is faster than mailing a request if you need to change your account information before processing.

How to change your account before the FTB sends the payment

The fastest way is to log into your FTB account online at onlineservices.ftb.ca.gov. Once you are signed in, look for the option to update your banking information or refund delivery method. You can change your account number, routing number, or switch from direct deposit to a mailed check if you prefer.

If you do not have an online FTB account or prefer to call, phone the FTB at 1-800-338-0505. Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and the account number you want the refund sent to ready. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific time. Wait times are usually shorter earlier in the week and earlier in the day.

You can also mail a written request to the FTB, but this takes longer — typically two to three weeks for the FTB to receive and process it. Include your name, Social Security number, the account number and routing number where you want the refund sent, and a signature. Mail it to the address on your MCTR notice.

What happens if your refund has already been sent

If the FTB has already processed your MCTR and sent it out, you cannot ask them to redirect it. Instead, you have three options depending on how you received it.

If it was direct deposited: The money is already in the account listed on your return. Contact your bank to see if you can transfer it to a different account you own, or withdraw it and deposit it yourself. This is a standard bank transfer and takes one to three business days.

If it was mailed as a check: Cash or deposit the check into any account you own at any bank or credit union. You do not need to use the account that was on your return. If you have not received the check yet, you can ask your bank to hold it for you when it arrives, or deposit it remotely using your bank's mobile app if they offer mobile check deposit.

If it was sent as a debit card: The FTB may have issued an MCTR payment card (a prepaid debit card) instead of a direct deposit or check. You can transfer the balance to your own bank account by linking the card to a money transfer app, or withdraw cash at an ATM and deposit it yourself. Some payment card providers charge a fee for transfers, so check the card's terms first.

How to know if your refund has already been sent

Check the status of your MCTR on the FTB website at onlineservices.ftb.ca.gov or by calling 1-800-338-0505. The FTB will tell you whether your refund is pending, has been processed, or has been sent. If it has been sent, they will tell you the date and the delivery method (direct deposit, check, or card).

You can also check your bank account to see if a direct deposit has landed. If you are expecting a check, the FTB typically mails it within 10 business days of processing, so allow up to two weeks for it to arrive depending on your location.

Redirecting a check or debit card payment after it arrives

If you receive a physical check or debit card and want the money in a different account, you have full control. For a check, sign the back and deposit it into any account you own — you do not need the account holder's permission if it is your name on the check. Most banks let you deposit checks through their mobile app, which is faster than going to a branch.

For a debit card, log into the card's online portal (the FTB notice will include the website and a PIN) and request a transfer to your bank account. If the card provider charges a fee, you can also withdraw cash at an ATM for free and deposit it yourself, though this takes an extra step.

What to do if you never received your MCTR

If the FTB says your refund was sent but you have not received it, the next step depends on the delivery method. For direct deposits, contact your bank and ask them to search for the deposit — it may have been rejected due to a closed account or incorrect routing number. For checks, wait up to three weeks from the send date before contacting the FTB, since mail can be slow. If three weeks have passed, call 1-800-338-0505 to report it missing.

For debit cards, check the card provider's website using the information on your FTB notice. The card may have been sent to an old address. If you cannot locate it, the FTB can issue a replacement or send the funds by check instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my account after I see the money has been deposited?

Yes. Once the money is in your account, you can transfer it to another account you own through your bank, or withdraw it and deposit it elsewhere. This is a standard bank transaction and is not controlled by the FTB.

What if I gave the FTB the wrong account number on my return?

Call 1-800-338-0505 right away with the correct account number and routing number. If you catch it before the FTB processes the refund, they can send it to the right account. If it has already been sent to the wrong account, contact that bank to see if you can retrieve it or ask them to reverse the deposit.

Do I need to pay a fee to transfer my MCTR to a different account?

The FTB does not charge a fee to change your account information before they send the refund. Your bank may charge a fee for certain transfers, but most banks do not charge to receive a direct deposit or to transfer money between your own accounts.

How long does it take for a transfer to show up in my new account?

Direct deposits from the FTB usually land within one to two business days of being sent. If you transfer the money yourself after receiving it, most bank-to-bank transfers take one to three business days. Checks take five to ten business days to clear once deposited.