How to fill out a direct deposit authorization
Where to find your routing and account numbers, how splits work, and what to attach.
A direct deposit authorization tells payroll where to send your pay. You give your bank's routing number, your account number and the account type, and optionally split your pay between two accounts. Payroll usually wants a voided check or a letter from your bank to confirm the numbers.
Fields, in order.
- 01Full name
As it appears on payroll records.
- 02Employer
The company that pays you, and your employee ID if you have one.
- 03Routing number
Nine digits, at the bottom left of a check or in your banking app under account details. Use the ACH or direct deposit number if your bank lists more than one.
- 04Account number
Next to the routing number on a check, or in your banking app. Double-check it; a wrong digit sends pay to nobody for a pay cycle.
- 05Checking or savings
The type of account. Getting it wrong can bounce the deposit.
- 06Amount or percent
For a split, put a fixed amount or percent in account 1 and "remainder" in account 2.
- 07Signature and date
Your authorization. Payroll will not change deposits without it.
Common mistakes.
Some banks have different numbers for wires and for ACH. Payroll needs the ACH one.
Deposit slips can carry an internal routing number. Use a voided check or a bank letter.
If you split, make one of them the remainder so nothing is left unassigned.
Terms you will see.
Ask the document what any of them means. The answer cites the page.
Fill it, check it, sign it.
Fill it by asking
Drop the PDF, paste the facts, and the agent fills every matching field. Unmatched fields are listed so nothing is skipped.
Check it before you send
Empty required fields, a missing signature, a date that disagrees with another page. The document check lists them with page numbers.
Sign it and send it
Draw your signature and place it, free. Or send it to someone else to sign on their phone, with an audit certificate. Free, 25 a month.
Direct deposit form,
answered.
This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice.
Can I fill and sign it on my phone?+
Yes. Open it in Fill & Sign, type your details, sign with your finger and send it back to payroll.
Is it safe to email bank details?+
Send it as a link rather than an attachment where you can. BettrPDF links expire after 30 days and you can delete the copy earlier.
How long until it takes effect?+
Usually one or two pay cycles. Payroll may send a small test deposit first.
Fill your Direct deposit form in about ninety seconds.
Type into it, sign with your finger and send it back. No card needed.