You can change your Social Security direct deposit bank through Social Security directly, or by updating your information with your bank
Social Security does not require you to use a specific bank or account type. If you want to move your payments to a different bank, a different account at the same bank, or a prepaid card, you have three main routes: call Social Security, visit your local office in person, or use your my Social Security online account. The fastest is usually the online account if you already have one set up. If you do not, a phone call takes about 15 minutes and requires your Social Security number, the routing number of your new bank, and your new account number.
The change typically takes one to two pay cycles to complete. Your next payment may still go to the old account if you make the change close to a payment date, so do not close the old account when ready. Social Security processes changes in batches, and timing matters—a change made on the 15th of the month may not take effect until the payment after next.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your direct deposit bank by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, visiting your local Social Security office, or logging into your my Social Security account online.
- You will need your new bank's routing number and your new account number, which you can find on a blank check or by calling your bank.
- The change takes one to two pay cycles to process, so your next payment may still go to your old account depending on when you make the change.
- Do not close your old account until at least two payments have arrived in your new account, in case Social Security sends a payment to the wrong place.
Changing your direct deposit online through my Social Security
If you have a my Social Security account, you can change your bank information without calling or visiting an office. Log in at ssa.gov, go to the "Manage Your Benefits" section, and select "Change Direct Deposit Information." You will see your current bank details and a form to enter your new routing number and account number. After you submit the change, you will get a confirmation page with a reference number—save this in case you need to follow up.
This method is the fastest because the change goes into the system when ready, though it still takes one to two pay cycles to process on Social Security's end. If you do not have a my Social Security account, you can create one at ssa.gov using your email, Social Security number, and a phone number where Social Security can reach you if needed. The account creation process takes a few minutes and requires you to verify your identity.
Calling Social Security to update your bank account
Call Social Security's main line at 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. Have your Social Security number, your new bank's routing number, and your new account number ready before you call. The representative will confirm your identity by asking for your date of birth and possibly other details, then will update your direct deposit information in the system.
Wait times vary depending on the time of day and day of the week. Early morning calls (7 a.m. to 9 a.m.) and calls on Tuesday through Thursday tend to have shorter waits. After the representative makes the change, ask for a confirmation number and write it down. The change will take one to two pay cycles to process, just as it would online.
Visiting a Social Security office in person
You can walk into your local Social Security office and ask to update your direct deposit information. Bring your Social Security card, a photo ID, and a blank check from your new bank (or write down the routing number and account number beforehand). The office staff will update your information on the spot and give you a receipt showing the change was made.
In-person visits can mean a wait, especially early in the month or early in the week. If you want to avoid a long wait, call ahead to ask when your office is least busy, or ask whether you can schedule an appointment. Some offices now offer appointments through their website or by phone.
Finding your new bank's routing and account numbers
Your bank's routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your specific bank branch. Your account number is the number of the specific account where you want Social Security to deposit your payments. Both appear on the bottom left of any check from that account—the routing number comes first, then the account number. If you do not have checks, call your bank's customer service line and ask for both numbers. Many banks also show this information in their online banking portal under account details.
Make sure you have the correct account number for the account you want to use. If you give Social Security the wrong number, your payment will go to the wrong account, and you will have to contact both Social Security and the bank to fix it. Double-check the numbers before you submit them.
What happens during the transition between banks
Social Security processes direct deposit changes in batches, usually around the 20th of each month for payments scheduled for the following month. If you make a change on the 15th, it may not take effect until two payment cycles later. Your payment schedule depends on your birth date: if you were born between the 1st and 10th of the month, you are paid on the second Wednesday; between the 11th and 20th, the third Wednesday; and between the 21st and 31st, the fourth Wednesday.
Keep your old account open for at least two pay cycles after you make the change. If Social Security sends a payment to the old account by mistake, you will need that account to be active so you can see the deposit and contact your bank to have it moved. Once you see two payments arrive in your new account, you can safely close the old one.
If your change does not go through
If you do not see your payment in your new account after two pay cycles, contact Social Security when ready. Have your confirmation number from when you made the change, and be ready to tell them the date you made the change and which method you used (online, phone, or in person). Social Security can check whether the change was processed and, if it was not, resubmit it.
Sometimes a change fails because the routing number or account number was entered incorrectly, or because the account does not exist or is closed. Social Security will tell you if that is the case. If the account information was wrong, you can make a new change right away with the correct numbers. If the account does not exist, you will need to set up the account at your new bank first, then resubmit the change to Social Security.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for my payment to show up in the new account?
One to two pay cycles, depending on when you make the change relative to Social Security's processing schedule. If you change your information early in the month, the change may take effect for the next payment. If you change it late in the month, it may not take effect until the payment after that. Once the change processes, the payment arrives on your scheduled payment date.
Can I change my direct deposit to a prepaid card instead of a bank account?
Yes. Prepaid cards have routing numbers and account numbers just like bank accounts. You can find this information on the card itself or in the card issuer's app or website. The process is the same as changing to a bank account—you just enter the prepaid card's routing and account numbers instead.
What if I close my old bank account before my payment moves over?
If Social Security sends a payment to a closed account, the bank will reject it and send it back to Social Security. Social Security will then hold the payment while they figure out where to send it. You will need to contact Social Security to confirm your new account information and request that the payment be resubmitted. This can delay your payment by several days or longer.
Do I need to tell my new bank that Social Security will be depositing money there?
No. Once you give Social Security your routing number and account number, the bank will accept the deposits automatically. You do not need to contact the bank or set up anything on their end. The deposits will appear in your account on your scheduled payment date.
Can I change my direct deposit if I do not have a my Social Security account?
Yes. You can call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office. Both methods work without an online account. If you prefer to use the online method in the future, you can create a my Social Security account anytime at ssa.gov.