# How to fill out a direct deposit authorization

> Where to find your routing and account numbers, how splits work, and what to attach.

Canonical page: https://bettrpdf.com/forms/direct-deposit  
This file: https://bettrpdf.com/forms/direct-deposit.md  
Site index for agents: https://bettrpdf.com/llms.txt

Fill, sign and send it back: https://bettrpdf.com/fill?form=direct-deposit (fillable form)

Updated 2026-10-24. Pages: 1. Who fills it: The employee or payee. Who keeps it: Payroll. Usually with: Voided check or bank letter.

## What a Direct deposit form is

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.

## Every field

| Field | What goes in it |
| --- | --- |
| Full name | As it appears on payroll records. |
| Employer | The company that pays you, and your employee ID if you have one. |
| Routing 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. |
| Account 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. |
| Checking or savings | The type of account. Getting it wrong can bounce the deposit. |
| Amount or percent | For a split, put a fixed amount or percent in account 1 and "remainder" in account 2. |
| Signature and date | Your authorization. Payroll will not change deposits without it. |

## Mistakes that get it sent back

- **Using the wire routing number.** Some banks have different numbers for wires and for ACH. Payroll needs the ACH one.
- **A deposit slip instead of a check.** Deposit slips can carry an internal routing number. Use a voided check or a bank letter.
- **Two accounts that do not add up.** If you split, make one of them the remainder so nothing is left unassigned.

## Terms

- On the form: Routing number, ABA number, Account number, Checking, Savings, Remainder, Prenote
- Usually with: Voided check, Bank letter, W-4, I-9
- Who asks for it: Employers, Payroll providers, Staffing agencies, Landlords paying refunds

## FAQ

**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.

## Related guides

- [How to fill out Form W-4 for 2026](https://bettrpdf.com/forms/w-4.md)
- [How to fill out a W-9 in 2026](https://bettrpdf.com/forms/w-9.md)
- [How to fill out an invoice that gets paid](https://bettrpdf.com/forms/invoice.md)