You can change your Social Security deposit bank at any time through your My Social Security account, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office
Social Security lets you switch the bank account where your benefits land without stopping your payments. The change usually takes effect within one or two pay periods—typically one to three weeks. You have three ways to make the change: online through My Social Security (fastest), by calling Social Security directly, or by visiting a local office in person.
The process itself is straightforward because Social Security only needs your new bank's routing number and your new account number. You do not need to contact your old bank or your new bank; Social Security handles the switch on their end. If you are switching because your old account is closing, make sure you start the change before the account actually closes so your next deposit does not bounce.
Key Takeaways
- The fastest way to change your deposit bank is through My Social Security online, which takes about five minutes and shows confirmation immediately.
- If you do not have an online account, you can call Social Security's main line at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and a representative will update it over the phone.
- Your new bank account must be in your name or a joint account where you are listed as the owner—Social Security will not deposit to accounts in someone else's name only.
- The deposit change usually takes effect within one to three weeks, so plan ahead if your old account is closing.
- You can change your bank account as many times as you need; there is no limit on how often you can switch.
Changing your bank online through My Social Security
If you have a My Social Security account, this is the quickest route. Log in at ssa.gov/myaccount, click "Manage direct deposit," and select "Change direct deposit." You will see your current bank information and a form to enter your new bank's routing number and your new account number.
Social Security will ask you to confirm the account type (checking or savings) and may ask you to verify your identity again before saving the change. Once you submit, you get an on-screen confirmation with a reference number. Write down or screenshot this number in case you need to follow up. The change typically shows in your account within 24 hours, though the actual deposit to your new bank may not happen until your next scheduled payment date.
If you do not have a My Social Security account yet, you can create one at the same web address. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, email address, and a way to verify your identity—usually a U.S. driver's license, passport, or state ID. The account creation takes about 10 minutes.
Changing your bank by phone
Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, use the TTY number 1-800-325-0778. Have your new bank's routing number and your new account number ready before you call. A representative will verify your identity by asking for your Social Security number, date of birth, and possibly other personal details.
The representative will read back your new bank information to confirm it is correct before making the change. Ask them for a confirmation number and write it down. The change takes effect within one to three weeks. Phone lines are typically busiest early in the month and on Mondays, so calling mid-week or mid-month usually means shorter wait times.
Changing your bank in person at a Social Security office
You can walk into any Social Security office and ask to update your direct deposit information. Bring a photo ID and your new bank's routing number and account number. An employee will update your account on the spot and give you a receipt showing the change was made.
This method is useful if you have questions about the process or if you are uncomfortable doing it online or over the phone. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but you may wait 30 minutes to an hour depending on how busy the office is. You can find your nearest office at ssa.gov/locator.
What information you need before you start
Gather these details about your new bank account before you contact Social Security:
- Your new bank's routing number (a nine-digit code that identifies your bank; you can find it on a check, on your bank's website, or by calling the bank)
- Your new account number (usually printed on your checks or visible in your online banking)
- Whether the account is checking or savings
The account must be in your name or a joint account where you are listed as an owner. Social Security will not deposit benefits to an account in someone else's name only, even if that person has power of attorney over your finances. If you need benefits to go to a representative payee's account, that is a separate process handled through your local Social Security office.
How long the change takes and what to expect
Social Security processes the change within one to three weeks. Your next scheduled benefit payment will go to your new bank account. If you change your bank in the middle of a month, your current month's payment may still go to your old account, and the new account will receive the following month's payment.
If your old bank account is closing, contact your old bank and ask when the account will be closed. Make sure you change your Social Security deposit at least one week before that date. If a payment lands in a closed account, your bank will reject it and return it to Social Security, which can delay your money by several weeks while they reprocess it.
Once the change takes effect, you should see the deposit in your new account on your regular payment date. If you do not see it within three weeks of making the change, contact Social Security with your confirmation number to check the status.
What to do if something goes wrong
If you entered the wrong routing number or account number, contact Social Security as soon as you realize the mistake. Call 1-800-772-1213 or log into My Social Security and update it again. Social Security can usually catch the error before the payment is sent, but if the money has already been deposited to the wrong account, you will need to contact that bank to retrieve it.
If a payment does not arrive in your new account by your expected payment date, wait two business days (banks sometimes take time to process deposits). If it still has not arrived, call Social Security with your confirmation number. They can check whether the payment was sent and to which account. If the payment went to your old account by mistake, ask Social Security to reissue it to your new account.
If you suspect fraud or unauthorized changes to your account, contact Social Security immediately and file a report. You can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to protect your other accounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my bank account if I am on a representative payee arrangement?
If someone else is your representative payee, they must request the change, not you. The payee can change the account by calling Social Security or visiting an office in person. If you want to change the arrangement itself, you will need to contact your local Social Security office to discuss your options.
What if I do not have a bank account yet?
Social Security requires a bank account to receive direct deposit. If you do not have one, you can open an account at most banks or credit unions with just your ID and Social Security number. Some banks offer accounts with no minimum balance. Once your account is open and active, you can update your Social Security deposit information.
How many times can I change my bank account?
There is no limit. You can change your bank account as many times as you need. Each change takes one to three weeks to take effect, so if you switch banks frequently, plan ahead to avoid gaps in your deposits.
Will changing my bank affect my benefits amount?
No. Changing where your money is deposited does not change how much you receive or when you receive it. Your benefit amount stays the same; only the destination account changes.
What if my new bank rejects the deposit?
If your new bank rejects the deposit (usually because the account number is wrong or the account is closed), the payment bounces back to Social Security. Social Security will then reissue the payment, which can take two to four weeks. To avoid this, double-check your routing number and account number before submitting the change, and make sure your new account is open and active before the deposit is scheduled to arrive.