How to set up direct deposit

Having your paycheck deposited straight into your account has a long list of advantages. First off, it’s a time saver, giving you the ability to access your money right away without making an extra trip to the bank. Also since direct deposit is an electronic payment it’s more secure than cashing a paper check because you don’t have to worry about losing the check or carrying a large amount of cash as you go about your day.

We’re all looking for ways to make things easier on ourselves, so setting up direct deposit just makes sense. If it sounds like a good fit for your needs, read on to learn how to set up direct deposit and start simplifying your finances today.

Best of all, with Spruce, setting up direct deposit is easy, and you can complete the process from your mobile device.

Jump below to learn more about setting up direct deposit with Spruce.

Set up direct deposit: Step by step

The steps to set up direct deposit will vary depending on your bank and employer, so make sure you consult with them for their exact steps and requirements. Before you do, here are some of the basics that you’ll likely need:

• Get a direct deposit form from your employer. Ask your employer for their direct deposit form and fill out the required information. This will likely include your name, address, phone number, and Social Security number. You might need to fill out a hard copy of this form, or your employer might allow you to do it via email or your online employee portal.
• Provide your bank account information. You’ll need to give your employer your bank name, account type, bank routing number, and bank account number. These numbers identify you and your account specifically, ensuring your employer sends your paycheck to the right place. Make sure to double check that you’ve provided this information correctly. In addition, many employers require a voided check or deposit slip, which helps them confirm your bank details are accurate.
• Choose the deposit amount. When you fill out the direct deposit form, you’ll be asked how much of your paycheck you want to put into your bank account. If you think you’ll spend all your money in the short term, you might put 100% into your checking account. You could also opt to put a percentage into another account. For example, you might automate saving money by having a percentage of your paycheck deposited into a savings account.
• Submit your direct deposit form. Whether online or in person, submit your direct deposit authorization form to your employer.

Note that many mobile banking platforms also let you deposit paper checks through the banking app. That means when you receive a check from a friend, family member, or employer, you can snap a photo of it and deposit the check online rather than hauling yourself to a bank branch.

How long does direct deposit take to set up?

The timeline for setting up direct deposit varies based on your bank and your payroll department’s processing schedule. You might start receiving your pay via direct deposit the day after you submit your forms, or it could take a few weeks. Your employer and bank can give you a better idea of the exact timeframe to start receiving direct deposit payments.

Setting up direct deposit with Spruce: Uncover the benefits

Now you know how to sign up for direct deposit the traditional way, but Spruce provides an even easier solution to get the ball rolling.

Rather than going through the steps of getting a payroll department form, filling it out, and sending it back, often adding another task to your already busy workday, set your direct deposit up through the Spruce app.

Adding direct deposit within the Spruce mobile banking app is a simple way to set up direct deposit and can streamline the process with your payroll provider. Plus, direct deposit also unlocks helpful features such as getting paid up to two days early.^{Disclaimer number2. Go to disclaimer for more details.} That can be super helpful if you’ve got big weekend plans or an upcoming bill due.

Plus, since your Spruce account is FDIC-insured^{Disclaimer number3. Go to disclaimer for more details.}, you know your money — up to $250,000 — is protected by the federal government.

Direct deposit for tax refunds

The above steps have you covered for setting up direct deposit from your employer, but you can also set up direct deposit for your tax refund rather than waiting to get your check in the mail. If you file with tax software, just select the option to receive your refund through direct deposit, then provide your bank account and routing numbers to indicate where the funds should be sent. Be sure to triple-check your bank details to avoid errors and delays in receiving your refund.

Want to get your refund money even sooner (and who wouldn’t?)? Spruce offers direct deposit setup through the app that can potentially provide access to your federal tax refund up to five days early.^{Disclaimer number7. Go to disclaimer for more details.}

Easy direct deposit and more: Get to know Spruce

Want a mobile banking app that makes things easy, with the tools you need to be better with money? Get to know Spruce, a mobile banking app that checks all the boxes. With features like saving goals, mobile check deposit, overdraft protection^{Disclaimer number6. Go to disclaimer for more details.}, and cash back rewards at select retailers^{Disclaimer number1. Go to disclaimer for more details.}, you can be well on your way to saving more and streamlining your finances. Set up direct deposit and discover what else you can do with the Spruce app today.

This information provided for general educational purposes only. It is not intended as specific financial planning advice as everyone’s financial situation is different.