How to Set Up Direct Deposit

Get a direct deposit form from your employer, fill it in, attach a check or deposit slip, then submit it.
Jeanne Lee
Margarette Burnette
By Margarette Burnette and  Jeanne Lee 
Updated
Edited by Yuliya Goldshteyn Reviewed by Kathleen Burns Kingsbury

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Direct deposit is a free electronic transfer service that sends your paychecks or benefit checks to a bank account or prepaid debit card of your choosing.

Having Chase or Bank of America direct deposit, among other banks', can also help you avoid monthly checking account fees.

Here’s everything you need to know about how to set up direct deposit at your financial institution.

1. Get a direct deposit form from your employer

Ask for a written or online direct deposit form. If that isn’t available, ask your bank or credit union for one. We’ve included a list of forms from top banks and credit unions, including the Capital One and Bank of America direct deposit forms.

Alliant Credit Union direct deposit form

Routing number: 271081528

Alliant Credit Union High-Rate Checking
NerdWallet rating 

Routing number: 124003116

Ally Bank Spending Account
NerdWallet rating 

at Ally Bank, Member FDIC

Bank of America Rewards Savings Account
NerdWallet rating 

Capital One 360 direct deposit form

Routing number: 031176110

Capital One 360 Checking
NerdWallet rating 

Charles Schwab Bank direct deposit form

Routing number: 121202211

Schwab Bank Investor Checking™
NerdWallet rating 
Chase Total Checking®
NerdWallet rating 

at Chase, Member FDIC

Citi® Simple Checking
NerdWallet rating 

Consumers Credit Union direct deposit form

Routing number: 271989950

Consumers Credit Union Free Rewards Checking
NerdWallet rating 

at Consumers Credit Union, Federally insured by NCUA

Discover® Bank direct deposit form

Routing number: 031100649

Discover® Cashback Debit
NerdWallet rating 

at Discover® Bank, Member FDIC

U.S. Bank Easy Checking
NerdWallet rating 
SoFi Checking and Savings
NerdWallet rating 

at SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC

Sychrony Bank direct deposit form

Routing number: 021213591

Synchrony Bank High Yield Savings
NerdWallet rating 

at Synchrony Bank, Member FDIC

Wells Fargo Everyday Checking
NerdWallet rating 

If you receive Social Security or other federal benefits, it’s legally required to get them through direct deposit or a Direct Express prepaid debit card. To sign up, visit Go Direct or call (800) 333-1795.

» Get your paycheck faster: See our list of banks with early direct deposit

2. Fill in account information

You typically need to provide the following personal and bank details:

  • Bank's mailing address. Find this on your bank statement or your financial institution’s website. If you use your bank's direct deposit form, you'll likely need your employer's address.

  • Bank's routing number. This is the nine-digit number, also known as the American Bankers Association — or ABA — number, printed on your bank statement or along the bottom left of your checks.

  • Your account number. This comes after the routing number on the bottom of your check. You may also find it on your deposit slip or bank statement.

  • Type of account. This typically will be your checking or savings account. It’s where your direct deposit will go.

  • Other. Some forms also ask for your Social Security number or mailing address.

🤓Nerdy Tip

Many checking accounts can receive direct deposits up to two days early. Check with your bank to see if it offers this free, automatic feature.

3. Confirm the deposit amount

You can choose to deposit 100% of the check into a checking account, but there’s a benefit to splitting direct deposit into two or more accounts. If you can put a portion, such as 20%, of your paycheck or benefit check into a high-yield savings account, you can save automatically each month. (To find savings accounts with the highest rates, see our list of the best online savings accounts.)

Barclays logo
Learn More

Member FDIC

Barclays Online Savings Account

Barclays logo
APY

4.35%

Min. balance for APY

$0

EverBank logo
Learn More

Member FDIC

EverBank Performance℠ Savings

EverBank logo
APY

5.15%

Min. balance for APY

$0

4. Attach a voided check or deposit slip, if required

Some employers use a voided check or deposit ticket to verify the account and routing numbers. If you’re asked to do this, write “VOID” across the front of a blank check, which ensures the check’s unusable if it’s lost or stolen. Then attach the check or slip to the direct deposit form.

5. Submit the form

Give the form to your employer, and wait for the direct deposit to go into effect. It may take weeks, so monitor your bank account regularly.

Direct deposit is a convenient service that can give you faster and safer access to your hard-earned money than a check. You’ll need to take some time to set up the automatic deposit. But you’ll save time later by eliminating trips to a bank to cash checks — or waiting for checks to clear. It is also a great way to automate saving money each month.

On a similar note...

Find a better savings account

See NerdWallet's picks for the best high-yield online savings accounts.

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NerdWallet rating 

4.5

/5
SoFi Checking and Savings

at SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC

APY

4.60%

With $0 min. balance for APY

Bonus

$400

Up to $300 cash and $100 in rewards points. Terms apply.

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