How Does Direct Deposit Work?

[Briana Hartzell USAA]

Direct deposit means you can skip depositing a physical check. A direct deposit allows a company or organization (i.e. your employer) to electronically transfer funds from their bank account into your bank account. This is done through a national, third-party network called, the Automated Clearing House (ACH).

When will I receive my direct deposit?

Your pay file is sent to us from your employer’s bank and as a courtesy, USAA makes your deposit available one business day before the actual pay date (as long as your employer provides us notification two business days in advance*).

When paydays fall on holidays or weekends, the date your pay arrives may change based on the date your employer sent USAA your direct deposit.

Set up a notification to make sure you get an alert each time your direct deposit arrives. You can receive an email or text to let you know as soon as it arrives.

Why Would I want direct deposit?

1. As mentioned above, it saves time, it is easy and convenient.
2. If you are depositing a payroll check- USAA accepts direct deposit from your payroll provider at no cost and this type of deposit is not subject to holds.
3. This method of payment reduces the risk of identity theft (there is no physical check to get lost or stolen)
4. Sometimes you get paid sooner. USAA has always made direct deposit funds available one business day before the actual pay date as long as your employer provides us notification two business days in advance*. Check out more details on USAA’s deposit schedule here.

How do I set it up?

Direct deposit is set up through your employer, but you can start the process with this form or by following these steps:

1. Log on to USAA.com
2. Select the account you would like to set up (i.e Checking Account)
3. Click on "Account Features"
4. Next, click on "Set Up My Direct Deposit" 
5. Follow the step by step instructions.

Your employer will need the following information to set up the direct deposit:

• The name of your bank: USAA Federal Savings Bank
• The type of account: Checking or Savings
• Your account number: Available on bank statements, checks or your Account Summary page on usaa.com.
• The routing number for USAA Federal Savings Bank: 314074269.
• Many employers require a copy of a voided check. The USAA Direct Deposit form will provide the image (no need to order checks).

Special situations:

• Defense Department employees: If you're a DoD military or civilian employee, it's fastest to change your direct deposit information on the DFAS myPay website. Requests for allotments should be referred to your payroll office.
• Social Security : Call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 to set up your deposit.

You can find additional deposit options offered by USAA here.

Got a question about direct deposit? Please post in the comments.

About the Blogger: Briana Hartzell is a Navy spouse, mother to two beautiful girls (2 years and 4 months), a former full time USAA employee and a graduate of Texas A&M University. Briana writes at Being Briana, a blog focused on the joys that military life and parenthood can bring.

* USAA employee’s direct deposits are not available in advance

Deposit@Mobile® and Deposit@Home® services are available from USAA Federal Savings Bank for checking and savings accounts and from USAA Investment Management Company for eligible investment accounts.

Minimum opening deposit for Checking, Savings, Teen Checking and First Start Savings is $25 per account.

Purchase of a product other than USAA auto or property insurance, or purchase of an insurance policy offered through the USAA Insurance Agency, does not establish eligibility for or membership in USAA property and casualty insurance companies.

Use of the term “member” or “membership” does not convey any eligibility rights for auto and property insurance products, or legal or ownership rights in USAA. Membership eligibility and product restrictions apply and are subject to change.

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