Yes, you can transfer money from Gusto to your bank account
Gusto is payroll software, not a bank. Money lands in your personal bank account when Gusto processes payroll, but you can also move funds out of Gusto's holding account if you have a balance there. The transfer method depends on whether you're moving payroll funds (which go directly to your bank) or a Gusto balance (which requires a manual transfer request).
If you're an employee receiving a paycheck through Gusto, the money goes straight to the bank account you set up during onboarding—no extra step needed. If you're a business owner or contractor with money sitting in a Gusto account, you initiate the transfer yourself through Gusto's dashboard.
Key Takeaways
- Employee paychecks from Gusto deposit automatically to the bank account you provided during setup; you don't request a transfer.
- Business owners can transfer a Gusto account balance to their bank account by going to Settings, selecting the bank account, and requesting a transfer through the dashboard.
- ACH transfers from Gusto to your bank typically take one to two business days, though some banks process them faster.
- You must have a verified bank account linked to your Gusto account before any transfer can go through.
- Gusto does not charge a fee for transfers to your own linked bank account.
How payroll deposits work automatically
When your employer uses Gusto to run payroll, Gusto sends your paycheck directly to the bank account you registered during onboarding. You provide your routing number and account number once, and Gusto handles the rest. The deposit arrives as an ACH transfer, which is the standard electronic method banks use to move money between accounts.
This is not a transfer you request—it happens automatically on your payday. If you want to change which bank account receives your paycheck, you update your direct deposit information in Gusto's employee portal or ask your payroll administrator to change it. The change typically takes effect on the next pay cycle.
How to transfer a Gusto account balance to your bank
If you're a business owner or contractor and have money in your Gusto account that you want to move to your bank, log into Gusto and go to Settings. Look for the Banking or Bank Accounts section. Select the bank account you want to transfer to, then choose the transfer option. Gusto will ask you to confirm the amount and the destination account.
Once you submit the transfer request, Gusto processes it as an ACH transaction. The money leaves your Gusto account immediately, but it may take one to two business days to appear in your bank account, depending on your bank's processing speed. Some banks credit ACH transfers the same day or next business day; others take the full two days.
What you need before you can transfer
You must have a bank account linked and verified in Gusto before any transfer can happen. During that verification process, Gusto deposits two small amounts (usually under $1 each) into your bank account. You then log back into Gusto and enter those amounts to confirm you control the account. This step prevents fraud and ensures money goes where you intend.
If you're setting up direct deposit for the first time, you'll provide your routing number and account number. If you're adding a new bank account for transfers, you go through the same verification. Until verification is complete, Gusto will not let you move money to that account.
Timing: when the money actually arrives
Gusto initiates transfers as ACH transactions, which are processed in batches by the banking system. Most transfers leave Gusto's system the same day you request them, but the arrival time depends on your bank. ACH transfers typically take one to two business days to post, though some banks offer faster processing.
Weekends and bank holidays can add time. If you request a transfer on Friday evening, it may not arrive until Tuesday or Wednesday. If you need money urgently, check whether your bank offers same-day or next-day ACH processing—some do, but it's not may provide.
Fees and costs
Gusto does not charge a fee to transfer money from your Gusto account to a linked bank account. The transfer is free. Your bank may charge a fee for receiving an ACH transfer, but most banks do not—incoming ACH transfers are typically free for personal and business accounts.
If you're using a prepaid card or a non-traditional bank account, check your account terms. Some prepaid services charge a fee to receive ACH deposits, though this is uncommon.
What to do if a transfer doesn't arrive
If you requested a transfer more than two business days ago and the money hasn't appeared, log back into Gusto and check the transfer history. Look for the transaction status—it should show whether the transfer was sent, pending, or failed. If Gusto shows the transfer was sent, contact your bank's customer service and provide them with the transfer date and amount. Your bank can trace the ACH transaction and tell you where it is.
If Gusto shows the transfer failed, the most common reason is a mismatch between the account number or routing number you provided and what's actually on file at your bank. Verify both numbers with your bank's website or a recent statement, update them in Gusto, and request the transfer again. If the problem persists, contact Gusto's support team with your transfer details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer money from Gusto to a different person's bank account?
No. Gusto only allows transfers to bank accounts in the name of the account holder. If you need to send money to someone else, you must transfer it to your own bank account first, then use your bank's tools to send it to them.
What if my bank account information changes?
Update your bank account details in Gusto's Settings as soon as possible. If you have an active paycheck scheduled to deposit to an old account, contact your payroll administrator or Gusto support to redirect it. For transfers you initiate yourself, make sure you select the correct account before confirming.
Is there a limit to how much I can transfer at once?
Gusto does not publish a per-transfer limit, but your bank may have ACH limits. Check your bank's account terms or contact them to learn about there's a maximum amount you can receive in a single ACH transfer. Some banks limit ACH deposits to $10,000 or $25,000 per day.
Can I schedule a transfer for a future date?
Gusto does not offer scheduled transfers. You request a transfer, and it processes immediately. If you need money on a specific date, request the transfer a day or two before so it has time to arrive.
What happens if I close my bank account before the transfer arrives?
If your bank account is closed before an ACH transfer arrives, the transfer will be rejected and returned to Gusto. You'll need to add a new bank account, verify it, and request the transfer again. Contact Gusto support if the returned transfer doesn't reappear in your account within a few business days.