The bank information your employer will ask for
Your employer needs three pieces of information from you to set up direct deposit: your routing number, your account number, and confirmation of whether the account is checking or savings. That's it. You don't need to give them your PIN, your online password, or access to your account — just those three details and the account type.
Most employers ask for this information on a form, often called a direct deposit authorization form or ACH (Automated Clearing House) form. Some larger employers have you enter it into their payroll system online. Either way, you're giving the same three pieces of information.
The reason employers need these details is straightforward: they use them to instruct their bank to send your paycheck electronically to your specific account. Without the routing number, the money wouldn't know which bank to go to. Without the account number, it wouldn't know which account within that bank is yours.
Key Takeaways
- You need your routing number, account number, and account type (checking or savings) — nothing more.
- Your routing number is a nine-digit code specific to your bank; your account number is unique to your account at that bank.
- You can find both numbers on the bottom left of any check you have, or by logging into your online banking or calling your bank.
- Never share your PIN, password, or online login information with your employer — they will never ask for these.
- Once you submit the form, it typically takes one to three pay periods before direct deposit begins.
Where to find your routing number
Your routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your specific bank or credit union. Every bank has its own routing number, and some large banks have multiple routing numbers depending on which branch or region you opened your account with.
The easiest place to find it is on a check. Look at the bottom left corner of any check from your account. You'll see three groups of numbers. The first group (on the far left) is your routing number. It's always nine digits.
If you don't have a check, you can find your routing number by logging into your online banking account — most banks display it in the account details or settings section. You can also call your bank's customer service number (usually on the back of your debit card) and ask them for your routing number. They'll give it to you over the phone without asking security questions, because the routing number itself is not secret information.
Where to find your account number
Your account number is unique to your account. It's the second group of numbers on the bottom of a check, and it's usually longer than the routing number — often 10 to 12 digits, though this varies by bank.
Like the routing number, you can find your account number in your online banking account under account details, or by calling your bank. Some banks print it on your debit card as well, though not all do. If you're looking at a check, the account number comes right after the routing number at the bottom left.
One important note: the account number on a check is sometimes shortened or displayed differently than the full account number your bank uses internally. If you're unsure, it's safer to get the account number directly from your bank or your online account rather than reading it from a check.
Checking versus savings account
Your employer will ask you to specify whether the account is checking or savings. This matters because the two account types are processed slightly differently by the banking system, and sending money to the wrong type can cause delays.
A checking account is designed for frequent deposits and withdrawals — it's what most people use for paychecks and everyday spending. A savings account is designed to hold money longer and typically earns a small amount of interest. Most people have direct deposit set up to a checking account, but you can use a savings account if that's what you have.
You'll know which type you have because your bank told you when you opened the account, and it's listed on your statements and in your online banking. If you're unsure, call your bank or log in and check your account details.
What information NOT to share
Your employer will never ask for your PIN (personal identification number), your online banking password, or your login credentials. If someone claiming to be from your employer's payroll department asks for these, that is a scam. Do not give them this information.
Your employer also doesn't need your debit card number, your Social Security number (they already have this), or access to your online account. The only things they need are the routing number, account number, and account type — all of which are safe to share because they're needed for the banking system to work.
If you're ever unsure whether a request is legitimate, hang up and call your employer's payroll department directly using the phone number from your employee handbook or the company website. Never use a phone number from an email or text message asking for information.
What happens after you submit the form
Once you give your employer your routing number, account number, and account type, they send this information to their bank, which then sets up the electronic transfer. This usually takes one to three pay periods to go into effect.
During this waiting period, you may still receive a paper check. This is normal. Once direct deposit is active, your paycheck will be deposited automatically on payday, and you won't receive a paper check unless you request one.
If you need to change which account your paycheck goes to, you can usually update this through your employer's payroll system or by submitting a new direct deposit form. The change typically takes effect in the next pay period or the one after that.
If you don't have a bank account yet
If you're reading this and don't have a bank account, you'll need to open one before you can set up direct deposit. Most banks and credit unions offer checking accounts with no minimum balance requirement, and some offer accounts specifically designed for people new to banking.
Once you open an account, you'll receive your routing number and account number either in the welcome materials or through your online banking. You can then give these to your employer. Opening an account usually takes 15 to 30 minutes and can often be done online or in person at a branch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I set up direct deposit to a savings account instead of checking?
Yes. Some employers prefer checking accounts because they're designed for frequent transactions, but savings accounts work fine for direct deposit. Just make sure you tell your employer it's a savings account, not a checking account, so the payment goes to the right place.
What if I give my employer the wrong account number?
The money will go to the wrong account, and you won't receive your paycheck. Contact your employer's payroll department when ready and give them the correct information. They can usually redirect the payment or reissue it. This is why it's worth double-checking the numbers before you submit the form.
Is it safe to give my routing and account number to my employer?
Yes. These numbers are designed to be shared — they're how the banking system moves money between accounts. They're not secret like a password or PIN. Your employer needs them to send you money, and your bank expects employers to have this information.
Do I need to do anything special if I change banks?
Yes. You'll need to submit a new direct deposit form to your employer with your new bank's routing number and your new account number. Contact your employer's payroll department and ask for a new form, or update it in their online system if that option is available.
How long does direct deposit take to start after I submit the form?
Usually one to three pay periods. During this time, you may still receive paper checks. Once direct deposit is active, your paycheck will appear in your account on payday automatically. If it doesn't start after three pay periods, contact your payroll department to confirm they received the form.