How long does direct deposit take to process?
Direct deposit typically takes around 1-3 business days to set up. If you are setting up direct deposit with an employer, the amount of time it takes may depend on the type of payroll software your employer uses.
Funds that can be direct deposited into your bank account include, but are not limited to, Social Security benefits, child support, and tax refunds. The time it takes to set up direct deposit for these scenarios depends on the payer’s software and the processing time for the documentation you submit.
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What is direct deposit?
Direct deposit is a way to electronically receive payments owed to you by having the money directly deposited into your checking or savings account. Funds that can be direct deposited into your bank account include payroll, Social Security benefits, child support, and tax refunds.
How does direct deposit work?
All funds that are directly deposited from a payer into an individual’s bank account are electronically transferred following this general process:
Employer sends payroll information to its bank. Your employer will ask you to complete a direct deposit authorization form with your name, social security number, and your bank account information.
Automated Clearing House (ACH) network processes payroll information. This is the primary system used throughout the United States for electronic funds transfer (EFT). With ACH, funds are electronically deposited in financial institutions and payments can be made made online.
Your bank receives payment. Your bank will receive the funds from the ACH network.
Payment hits your account. Based on the time that the funds reach your bank, the money will be deposited into your account.
What time does direct deposit post?
Funds that are direct deposited into a bank account typically go through
before 9 a.m. but can arrive as early as midnight. The variability in the amount of time it can take is largely due to the payer’s timeframe to release funds. All banks have a process for receiving and disbursing direct deposit funds to the account holder.
Is it possible to get my direct deposit faster?
Early direct deposit, also called early pay, is a free service provided by some financial institutions as a courtesy to their customers. Qualifying deposits are released as soon as the funds are received by the recipient’s bank. With early pay you may get paid up to two days before your scheduled payment date.
Is direct deposit worth it?
Yes. Having payments directly deposited into your accounts saves time driving to a credit union or bank, saves gas, provides you with faster access to your money, and eliminates the risk of misplacing your checks along the way.
Pros
Saves money. You save money on gasoline and the payer saves money on check printing and mailing costs.
Faster transactions. Your money is automatically deposited, saving you a trip to the bank.
Get paid sooner. Funds are available in your account immediately (unlike with depositing a traditional check meaning the funds need time to clear).
Safer than receiving a paper check. Paper checks can get misplaced in your home, lost in the mail, or lost on your way to the bank.
Cons
Security risks. All electronic financial transactions these days have some level of cyber security risk, which all financial institutions take measures to prevent.
More paperwork when changing banks. If you change to a different credit union or bank, you’ll need to give the payer instructions to stop your direct deposit. If you want to continue direct depositing at a new financial institution, you’ll need to submit a new application form with your new account and routing number.
How do I set up direct deposit?
Direct deposit setup is easy! To get started you’ll need your personal and banking information.
Fill out the direct deposit form. The payer will ask you to complete a direct deposit form either on paper or online. Be prepared to provide your name, address, and Social Security number.
Include your bank information. You will need to provide your bank account number and the financial institution’s routing number.
Deposit amount. The amount you choose to direct deposit depends on the amount you’re receiving and the frequency of the payment. One-time payments (such as a tax refund from the U.S. government) are typically deposited entirely into one account. Some people split the earnings from their employment into different accounts, such as checking and savings, so that some of the money is directly deposited into each account or into a 401(k) retirement account.
Provide voided check or deposit slip. For added confidence in the direct deposit setup you may be asked to provide a voided check from your checking account into which the money will be deposited, or a deposit slip showing your credit union or bank account routing number.
Submit the form. Credit unions and banks provide consumers with in-person and online form submission options, but providing the form in person provides added security and assurance.
How to check direct deposit status:
- If you have online banking, simply log into your account to see if the money has been deposited.
- You may also call your financial institution and speak to a representative and ask that the funds be traced.
- If you receive direct deposit from a U.S. government agency, for Social Security or unemployment benefits, call the agency directly.
Can I split my direct deposit between accounts?
Typically, yes. Most payers let you designate at least two accounts into which your money will be deposited. Some people split the earnings from their employment into a checking and savings account, or into a 401(k) retirement account.
Why savvy consumers choose CU SoCal
For over 60 years CU SoCal has been providing financial services, including mortgages, Home Equity Loans, HELOCs, car loans, personal loans, credit cards, and other banking products, to those who live, work, worship, or attend school in Orange County, Los Angeles County, Riverside County, and San Bernardino County.
Please give us a call today at 866.287.6225 today to schedule a no-obligation loan consultation with a CU SoCal Member Services specialist.
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