Routing vs Account Number: Set Up Direct Deposit

A routing number identifies a financial institution for a particular payment purpose; an account number identifies the account within the institution. In the US, an ABA routing number has nine digits. A bank can use different instructions for ACH, domestic wires and international transfers, so copying the first routing number found online is not a reliable setup method. Open the bank’s authenticated account details or official direct-deposit form and confirm the instructions apply to your specific account and payment type.

For direct deposit, confirm the exact account title, account type, routing number and account number. A debit-card number is not a substitute for the deposit account number. If the employer permits split deposits, check whether the election uses a fixed amount, percentage or remaining balance. For a hypothetical split, sending $200 to savings and the remainder to checking requires understanding the order payroll applies. Submit details only through the employer’s trusted payroll process, not an unexpected email requesting a bank change.

Ask which payroll cycle will use the new instructions and whether a verification step or paper payment occurs first. Keep the old account usable until the transition is confirmed, especially if automatic bills still draw from it. After the first deposit, reconcile the amount and any split allocation against the payslip. If funds are missing, contact payroll and the bank using known contact information. Provide only the minimum details needed through secure channels; never publish a complete account number while seeking help. A successful submission is not proof the payment has settled.

Keep a dated change log showing the old account’s last expected deposit and the new account’s first confirmed deposit. Review deductions and reimbursements too: a payroll election may not update an expense platform. Once all expected flows have moved, review outstanding checks and debits before considering an old account closure.