How to Use Direct Deposit

Direct deposit is an easier way to get your paycheck each week. This feature is a free electronic transfer service that sends your paycheck or benefits checks to the bank account of your choice.

Setting up direct deposit can help you avoid fees or give you access to additional benefits like early direct deposit.

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

Direct Deposit Form

Your workplace should be able to provide you with a written or online direct deposit form. Some employers use a payroll website that might have the form built in.

Here is the form used by WeStreet Credit Union: Early-Direct-Deposit-Campaign-Employer-FormDownload

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

Account Information

There is a standard set of information you may need to provide to set up your deposit:

• 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: The nine-digit number, also known as the American Bankers Association — or ABA — number, is 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.

Confirm Deposit Amount

You get to choose how much is deposited into your account. It may require additional documentation if you’d like to split the deposit between accounts.

If you can put a portion of your paycheck or benefit check into a high-yield savings account, you can save more money each month automatically.

Attach Voided Check or Deposit Slip

This may not be required, but some employers use a voided check or deposit ticket to verify your account and routing numbers.

Some employers use a voided check or deposit ticket to verify the account and routing numbers. If you have 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.

Submit The Form

Once you’ve completed the form, give it to your employer and wait for your next payday. It may take a little while to kick in, but you’ll receive your payment the previous way you had selected until it’s set up.

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.

How Direct Deposit Works

Direct deposit allows your employer to transfer your paycheck directly into your account, so you can use your money as soon as it’s sent.

It’s easy and convenient, and because there are no paper checks, it reduces the possibility of losing or damaging a paycheck, or having it stolen. Most employers use direct deposit and electronic pay stubs, so you’ll still have access to the same information you’d have on a paper check, like a record of salary, taxes and contributions.

Splitting Direct Deposits

Some payers will allow you to split your direct deposit among multiple accounts. There are three ways you can designate how funds will be deposited.

Deposit Type

Example:

Amount	A fixed amount, for example $50.00.
Percentage	A percentage of the total payment, for example 25%.
Balance/Remainder	The remainder of your payment, less any fixed amounts or percentages that have been directed to another account.

Splitting direct deposits can be particularly useful if you’re trying to add to your savings, since you can designate part of your paycheck to go straight into your savings account, while assigning the remainder to your checking account for general use. Sending funds straight to your savings account can help reduce the temptation to overspend.