Yes, you can change your bank account details, but the process depends on who needs the change
You can change your bank account information in three separate ways: update it with your bank directly, change it with a company or person who sends you money, or change it with a company or person you send money to. Each one works differently and takes different amounts of time. The fastest is updating your own bank account with your bank. The slowest is waiting for a company to process a change on their end.
If you're changing accounts because your current one is compromised, frozen, or closed, act immediately—money can be redirected or stuck depending on which direction it flows and how quickly you notify the right parties.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your account details with your bank by phone, online, or in person, usually within minutes, but this only affects money you receive directly into that account.
- To change the account where your employer, government agency, or other payer sends your money, you must contact them directly—your bank cannot make this change for you.
- To change the account you pay bills or loans from, log into each biller's website or call them; some billers update instantly, others take one to three business days.
- If your account is compromised, contact your bank immediately and then notify any employer or regular payer within 24 hours to prevent money from going to the wrong place.
- Changing direct deposit details with your employer usually takes effect on the next pay cycle or the one after, depending on when you submit the change.
Updating your account information with your bank
Your bank can change the account number, routing number, or other details associated with your account in minutes. Call your bank's customer service line, log into your online banking portal, or visit a branch in person. You'll need to verify your identity—usually with your Social Security number, account number, and answers to security questions.
This change only affects money coming into that account. It does not automatically update anywhere else. Your employer still has your old direct deposit information. Your landlord still has your old account number for automatic rent payments. You must contact each of those parties separately to update their records.
Changing direct deposit with your employer or government agency
Direct deposit is the most common way employers, the Social Security Administration, the IRS, and state unemployment offices send you money. To change which account receives your paycheck or benefits, you must contact your employer's payroll department or the government agency directly—your bank cannot do this for you.
For an employer, ask your HR or payroll department for a new direct deposit form. Fill it out with your new bank account number and routing number, sign it, and submit it. Most employers process the change on the next pay cycle after they receive it, though some take two cycles. If you submit the form on a Friday before a Monday payday, the change may not take effect until the following week's paycheck.
For government benefits, the process varies by program. Social Security allows you to change your direct deposit account online through your my Social Security account, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or by mail. The IRS lets you change your account for tax refunds through the IRS website or by mail. State unemployment offices typically require a phone call or a form submitted online. Changes usually take effect within one to two pay cycles.
Changing the account you pay bills or loans from
If you have automatic payments set up from your bank account to a credit card company, utility, loan servicer, or other biller, you must update that information with the biller, not with your bank. Log into your account on the biller's website, find the payment method or autopay settings, and update your account number and routing number there. Alternatively, call the biller's customer service line and ask them to change it over the phone.
Some billers update the information instantly. Others take one to three business days to process the change. If you have a payment scheduled to come out before the change takes effect, contact the biller and ask them to delay that payment or confirm it will pull from your new account. Do not assume the old account will be skipped.
What to do if your account is compromised or closed
If your account has been compromised by fraud, frozen by your bank, or closed by you, contact your bank immediately. Ask them to flag the account so no further transactions can be processed. Then contact anyone who regularly sends you money—your employer, benefits administrator, or other payer—and provide your new account number within 24 hours if possible.
Money sent to a closed or frozen account does not automatically redirect to a new one. It typically gets returned to the sender after a few business days, and the sender may then contact you asking for updated information. If you wait too long to notify them, you may miss a pay cycle or have to wait for a reissue of your payment.
For automatic payments you make from your account, update each biller as soon as possible. If a payment is scheduled to come out of your old account and that account is closed, the payment will fail and you may be charged a late fee or overdraft fee by the biller.
Changing your account for peer-to-peer transfers
If you use Venmo, PayPal, Cash App, or another peer-to-peer payment app, you can change your linked bank account within the app's settings. Log in, go to your payment methods or linked accounts, and add your new account or remove the old one. Most apps verify the new account by depositing two small amounts (usually under $1) into it, then asking you to confirm those amounts. This verification takes one to two business days.
Once your new account is verified and linked, you can use it immediately for sending and receiving money. If you remove your old account before adding a new one, you won't be able to receive money until a new account is linked and verified.
Timing and what can go wrong
The biggest mistake is changing your account with your bank but forgetting to update your employer or payer. Your paycheck or benefits will go to your old account, and you'll have to contact the payer to reissue it. This can delay your money by one to two weeks.
The second mistake is updating a biller's information too close to a payment date. If the biller has already processed your payment from the old account, updating it won't stop that payment. Call the biller before the payment date to confirm when they'll process the change.
If you're switching banks entirely, ask your old bank whether they offer a service to redirect incoming transfers to your new account. Some banks offer this for a limited time (usually 30 to 90 days) at no cost. This buys you time to update all your payers without missing money.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to change my account details with my bank?
Changes within your bank's system happen instantly or within minutes. However, changes you make with employers, billers, or other outside parties take one to three business days to process on their end, and some take a full pay cycle.
Can my bank tell my employer about my new account number?
No. Your bank has no connection to your employer's payroll system. You must contact your employer directly and provide your new account information yourself.
What happens if money is sent to my old account after I close it?
The payment will be rejected and returned to the sender after a few business days. The sender will then contact you or you'll need to contact them to reissue the payment to your new account.
Do I need to update my account information if I'm just changing banks?
Yes. You must update your account number and routing number with your employer, any biller with automatic payments, and any service that sends you money regularly. Your old bank's routing number will not work with your new bank.
Can I change my account details over the phone with my bank?
Yes. Call your bank's customer service line, verify your identity, and ask them to update your account information. You can also do this online or in person at a branch.