Can You Direct Deposit into a Savings Account? (And Should You?)

Are you still getting paper paychecks or only direct depositing to your checking account? Setting up a direct deposit to a savings account can help build your savings and eliminate the need to make an additional transfer from your checking to your savings account.

But how does direct deposit work and is it always better to deposit into a savings account versus a checking account? It depends, but knowing your options could help you decide what’s right for you.

What is direct deposit?

Direct deposit allows you to receive your paychecks automatically into an eligible checking or savings account. This is a popular way to receive payments because you don’t have to deal with paper checks and in-person visits to your financial institution.

Rather than receiving a printed check that you have to deposit, you give your employer information about the account you want your money deposited into. The company then automatically deposits your paycheck into the account you choose on your payday. Some companies also use payroll software to help automate this process.

Many of the best banks also offer direct deposit options, and some even allow you to enroll in early direct deposit. This makes your paycheck available in your deposit account up to two business days earlier. If you need your money even faster, consider using a paycheck advance app.

The advantages of direct deposit into a savings account

Convenience

Considering you don’t have to do much more than set it up, direct deposit is a convenient way to deposit your paycheck into your savings or bank account. The setup itself doesn’t typically take more than a few minutes. This means no more waiting for a check to arrive in the mail, driving to your bank, and filling out a deposit slip to deposit your money.

Additionally, direct deposit works no matter where you’re located. If you’re traveling for work or on vacation anywhere in the world, you can still expect to receive your paycheck in your bank account — no need to reroute a check somewhere else.

Safety

If you compare security concerns between receiving money by direct deposit versus a mailed check, it’s no contest. A check in the mail can be stolen, which can put your sensitive information out in the world. This can be as simple as having your mail delivered to the wrong address.

That isn’t to say your online banking information can’t be hacked. However, financial institutions typically have security measures in place to prevent data breaches. This includes requiring multiple-factor authentication and passwords to access your online account.

Speed

When was the last time you sent something through the mail? If you pay for expedited shipping, mail can arrive faster, but it’s not always the quickest or best option — especially if something as important as money is being sent. Instead of waiting for a check in the mail, direct deposit lets you know exactly when your money is deposited and gives you immediate access to it.

Savings

Some direct deposit programs allow you to split your paychecks between multiple accounts. This could come in handy if you want some money going into a savings account and the rest going into another type of account, such as a checking account or a money market account.

You might need money in a checking account because you use a debit card to pay bills or you have to maintain a minimum balance to avoid a monthly maintenance fee. Putting some of your deposit directly into savings can also help you save money for specific goals, including saving for a rainy day emergency fund, a car, or a house.

How to set up direct deposit into a savings account

Not all banks and credit unions have the same process, but you can expect the general steps for setting up direct deposit to be similar. The process many of the best savings accounts use is likely the same among most financial institutions. Here’s how you typically get started:

1. Sign in to your employer's online portal and follow the instructions to set up your direct deposit.
2. If your employer doesn’t use an online portal, you may have to fill out a direct deposit form and submit it to your human resources department.
3. You’ll need certain information, including your name and address, bank account and routing numbers, signature, and possibly a voided check.
4. Select the account you want your money deposited into. You may also be able to split your paycheck between multiple accounts.

Because these are general steps, it’s likely best to speak with the payroll department at your company to see what its process is for setting up direct deposit.

FAQ

Direct deposits into savings accounts: bottom line

Direct deposit is often the quickest and easiest way to deposit paychecks directly into a checking or savings account. You might decide to deposit into one account over the other, depending on whether you want easy access to your funds or to help build your savings.

To take full advantage of the benefits of direct deposit, it makes sense to deposit your paychecks into bank accounts that offer the features and benefits you want. Check out our list of the best checking accounts to find an account that meets your personal finance needs.