advice hub

Starting a new job is exciting, especially when payday is around the corner. Direct deposit makes it quicker and easier to access your paycheck. The process is simple—complete a short form that includes your account information for where you want the money to go and submit it to your employer. It typically takes 1-2 payroll periods to process, during that time you’ll receive a paper check. Soon after, your funds will be deposited into your account electronically each pay period, without any action required from you.

Having direct deposit set-up means not having to deal with a paper check to deposit or worry about it losing, making it a safer, more secure option. The money goes directly into your checking account for easy access and money management. You can also streamline the way you build your savings by setting up your direct deposit so that a dollar amount or percentage of your paycheck is automatically deposited into your savings account.

Keep reading to learn how to set up your direct deposit for your paycheck and common questions people have when starting their first job.

How to set up direct deposit for your paycheck

1. Download United's Direct Deposit Request Form, or get a direct deposit request form from your employer

2. Login to United Digital Banking to see your full account number(s) for where you want the money to go

3. Fill in your account number(s) and complete the form

4. Submit the form to your employer's payroll or HR department

5. Confirm with your employer when direct deposit will begin

Not sure how to complete a field on the form? Contact United or your employer's payroll team for assistance.

Download United’s Direct Deposit form here: Direct Deposit Request Form 

Why set up direct deposit?

• Get paid faster
• Easier access to your money
• More secure than paper checks
• Make money management easier
• Don’t have to worry about depositing a check
• Help automate savings goals

Frequently Asked Questions about Direct Deposit

What is direct deposit?

Instead of receiving a paper check, setting up direct deposit allows your paycheck to be electronically transferred into your checking or savings account on payday.

Do I need a checking account to get direct deposit?

Yes, a checking account is the easiest way to receive your paycheck and have access to the funds by using a debit card, bill pay and mobile banking.

What information do I need to set up direct deposit?

You’ll typically need: 

• Your bank or credit union’s routing number (United’s is 272484894)
• Your checking or savings account number
• Know your account type (checking/savings)
• A direct deposit form from your employer or financial institution (download United’s here)

How long does it take for direct deposit to start?

Typically, employers need 1-2 payroll cycles to process direct deposit enrollment. You may receive a paper check or another payment method before it kicks in.

Why didn’t my first paycheck go into my bank account? 

If direct deposit wasn’t set up before payroll was processed, your first paycheck may arrive as a paper check. Check with your employer’s payroll or HR department if you’re unsure.

Can I split my paycheck between multiple accounts? 

Many employers allow you to divide your paycheck between multiple accounts. For example, you might send $100 to savings and deposit the remainder into your checking account.

Can I have part of my paycheck automatically go into savings? 

Often, yes. Depending on your employer’s payroll system, you may be able to direct a percentage or dollar amount into your savings account automatically.

Is direct deposit safe? 

Yes, direct deposit is generally considered one of the safest ways to receive a paycheck because funds move electronically through established banking networks rather than through paper checks that can be lost or stolen. 

What if I change my bank or credit union?

If you open a new account, you’ll need to update your direct deposit instructions with your employer. It’s best to leave the old account open until you’ve confirmed your paycheck is successfully going into the new one. 

How do I know my paycheck was deposited? 

Login to the United app and check your account activity. You can also turn on account alerts. To double check the amount, compare the deposit amount you see in your account to your pay stub. You can typically find this when you log into your employer’s payroll system.

Why is my paycheck amount different than I expected?

Taxes, insurance, retirement contributions, and other deductions reduce your take-home pay (also called net pay). Your pay stub shows exactly how your paycheck was calculated. 

Ready for the next step? Learn how to budget your paycheck in one of our articles:

Budgeting for Young Adults 

How to Manage Your Biweekly Paycheck - Tips for Young Adults