The bank details your employer will ask for

Your employer needs three pieces of information to set up direct deposit: your routing number, your account number, and confirmation of whether the account is checking or savings. That's it. They don't need your PIN, password, online login, or Social Security number for the direct deposit setup itself (though they may ask for your SSN for payroll records).

The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your specific bank or credit union. The account number is unique to your individual account at that bank. Together, these two numbers tell the automated clearing house (ACH) system exactly where to send your paycheck. Without both, the deposit will fail or go to the wrong place.

Most employers collect this information on a form called a direct deposit authorization form or ACH authorization form. Some companies now use online portals where you enter the information directly into their payroll system. Either way, you're providing the same three data points.

Key Takeaways

  • You need your routing number, account number, and account type (checking or savings) — nothing else is required for direct deposit to work.
  • Your routing number appears on the bottom left of every check you write, and your account number appears on the bottom center.
  • If you don't have a check, you can find both numbers by logging into your bank's website, calling the bank's customer service line, or visiting a branch in person.
  • Never share your PIN, password, or online banking credentials with your employer — they have no legitimate reason to ask for these.
  • If you're unsure whether an account is checking or savings, ask your bank; most people use checking accounts for payroll deposits.

Where to find your routing and account numbers

If you have a checkbook, both numbers are printed on the bottom of every check. The routing number is the first nine digits on the left. The account number is the second set of digits, usually 10 to 12 digits long, in the middle. The third number on the right is your check number and is not needed for direct deposit.

If you don't have checks or can't locate them, log into your bank's website or mobile app. Most banks display both numbers in the account details or account summary section. Some banks label it "Routing Number" and "Account Number." Others may call it "ABA Number" (routing) or "Account ID."

You can also call your bank's customer service number (usually on the back of your debit card) and ask for both numbers. A representative can read them to you over the phone. If you prefer in person, visit a branch with your ID and ask a teller to write down your routing and account numbers.

Credit unions use the same system as banks. Your routing number and account number appear on your checks the same way, or you can find them through your credit union's online portal or by calling.

Checking versus savings accounts

Your employer will ask whether your account is checking or savings. Most people use a checking account for payroll deposits because checking accounts are designed for frequent deposits and withdrawals. Savings accounts typically have limits on how many times per month you can withdraw money, though direct deposits into savings accounts work fine.

If you're not sure which type of account you have, check your account paperwork, your bank statement, or your online banking portal — the account type is usually listed clearly. You can also ask your bank. The distinction matters because the ACH system needs to know which type of account to deposit into, and using the wrong type can delay your paycheck.

What information your employer does not need

Your employer should never ask for your PIN, password, security questions, or any credentials you use to log into your bank account. These are personal security information, and sharing them puts your account at risk. Direct deposit only requires the routing number, account number, and account type — nothing more.

Your Social Security number may appear on the direct deposit form for payroll and tax purposes, but it is separate from the direct deposit setup itself. If an employer asks for banking credentials or says they need your password to "verify" the account, that is a red flag. Legitimate payroll systems never require login credentials.

What happens after you provide your information

Once you submit your direct deposit authorization, your employer sends the information to their payroll processor. The processor verifies that the routing and account numbers are valid and sets up the deposit in their system. This usually takes one to three business days.

Your first direct deposit may take longer than usual — often five to seven business days — because the payroll processor may run a test deposit or verification step. After that, deposits typically arrive on your regular payday, usually within one to two business days before or on the date your employer specifies.

If your direct deposit doesn't arrive on time, contact your employer's payroll department first. They can confirm whether the deposit was sent and check for errors in the routing or account number. If the information was entered wrong, you may need to submit a corrected authorization form.

Changing your direct deposit account

If you switch banks or want to change which account receives your paycheck, submit a new direct deposit authorization form to your employer with the updated routing and account numbers. Most employers allow you to change this information at any time, though the change typically takes effect on the next pay cycle.

Some employers let you set up direct deposit to multiple accounts — for example, sending 80 percent of your paycheck to checking and 20 percent to savings. If you want to split your deposit, ask your payroll department whether they support this option and what form you need to complete.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I give my employer the wrong account number by accident?

Yes, and if you do, the deposit will either fail or go to someone else's account. The ACH system will try to deliver the money to whatever account number you provided. Always double-check both your routing and account numbers before submitting the form. If you realize you made a mistake after submitting, contact your payroll department immediately with the correct information.

What if my bank doesn't have a routing number?

All banks and credit unions have routing numbers — it's a requirement of the ACH system. If you can't find it, you're likely looking in the wrong place. Check your checks again, log into your online banking, or call your bank. Online banks and newer financial institutions have routing numbers too, though you may need to call or check their website to find it.

Do I need to provide my employer with a voided check?

Some employers ask for a voided check as proof of the account information, but this is optional. A voided check shows both the routing and account numbers clearly. If your employer asks for one, write "VOID" across the front of a blank check and submit it with your direct deposit form. If you don't have checks, most employers will accept the information typed into their form instead.

Is it safe to give my routing and account number to my employer?

Yes. Your routing and account numbers are not secret — they appear on every check you write and are visible to anyone who sees a check. These numbers alone cannot be used to withdraw money from your account or access your funds. Your employer needs them only to deposit money into your account, not to take money out.

What if I have multiple accounts at the same bank?

Make sure you provide the account number for the specific account where you want your paycheck deposited. Each account has its own unique account number, even if they're at the same bank. If you provide the wrong account number, your deposit will go to a different account than you intended.