William Lipovsky
One advantage of direct deposit is that you can typically get access to your funds more quickly than with a paper check, and sometimes, you can even access your funds before your scheduled deposit date.
However, the timing of your deposit will depend on when the payer schedules the deposit, how quickly your bank processes deposits, and which time zone you’re in.
Below, I detail when most major U.S. banks make funds available in your account.
The List
The exact time your direct deposit will hit your account will vary based on a number of factors, including which time zone you’re in, when the payer schedules the deposit, and whether your bank offers early deposits.
I reviewed each financial institution’s online policy documentation and spoke to bank representatives to find out when you can expect direct deposits to post to your account.
None of the representatives I spoke with were able to provide one specific, universal deposit time (e.g., 10 a.m.). Instead, banks generally provide a time frame during which you can expect to see your deposit appear.
The banks and credit unions below are listed alphabetically so you can more easily find information about your bank.
Axos Bank
- Direct deposit funds availability: Same day[1]
- Find out more
Bank of America
- Direct deposit funds availability: Immediately on the day your employer makes the deposit[2]
- Find out more
BECU
- Direct deposit funds availability: Same day[3]
- Find out more
BMO
- Direct deposit funds availability: Same day[4]
- Find out more
Capital One
- Direct deposit funds availability: Same day[5]
- Find out more
Chase Bank
- Direct deposit funds availability: The same business day as the effective date, which the sender determines[6]
- Find out more
Chime
- Direct deposit funds availability: Up to two days early[7]
- Find out more
Citibank
- Direct deposit funds availability: Immediately once Citibank receives the funds[8]
- Find out more
Citizens Bank
- Direct deposit funds availability: Up to two days early[9]
- Find out more
Fidelity
- Direct deposit funds availability: As soon as Fidelity receives the direct deposit[10]
- Find out more
Fifth Third Bank
- Direct deposit funds availability: Same day or next business day[11]
- Find out more
M&T Bank
- Direct deposit funds availability: Same day if it’s a business day; otherwise, the next business day[12]
- Find out more
Navy Federal Credit Union
- Direct deposit funds availability: Same day[13]
- Find out more
PenFed Credit Union
- Direct deposit funds availability: Up to two days early[14]
- Find out more
PNC
- Direct deposit funds availability: Same day[15]
- Find out more
Security Service Federal Credit Union
- Direct deposit funds availability: At the start of business on the business day after SSFCU receives the deposit[16]
- Find out more
State Employees Credit Union
- Direct deposit funds availability: The day of or the day before SECU receives the deposit from your employer[17]
- Find out more
TD Bank
- Direct deposit funds availability: Same day[18]
- Find out more
Truist Bank
- Direct deposit funds availability: Same day[19]
- Find out more
USAA
- Direct deposit funds availability: Same day[20]
- Find out more
U.S. Bank
- Direct deposit funds availability: Immediately upon the bank receiving the deposit, under normal circumstances[21]
- Find out more
Varo
- Direct deposit funds availability: Same day[22]
- Find out more
Wells Fargo
- Direct deposit funds availability: Same day[23]
- Find out more
Woodforest National Bank
- Direct deposit funds availability: Immediately on the day your employer sends the funds to the bank[24]
- Find out more
If you’re not satisfied with the time your bank deposits your check, you might want to switch to a bank or credit union that offers early direct deposit. Some make funds available up to three days early.
FAQ
If you have mobile banking (either through your bank’s website or its mobile app), your deposit will appear in your pending transactions when the bank receives it, and your available balance will reflect the deposit. Most banks also offer deposit alerts through emails, text messages, and push notifications.[25][26]
Generally, the financial institution will return funds to the sender and the sender will cancel future direct deposits.[27]
Tip: If you don’t receive a deposit as expected, it’s best to contact the person or department that sets up your payment (such as your employer’s payroll department) first. The bank may not be able to provide any information about the deposit unless the payer has scheduled it. If the payer has already scheduled the deposit, you can contact the bank to find out if there’s a hold on the funds and, if so, why.
In Summary
Direct deposit is a fast, paperless way to receive regular payments.
The time it takes to receive funds from a direct deposit varies depending on your bank, but you can usually expect the deposit to appear on your account either on the same day your bank receives the deposit, or the next business day.
Some banks offer early direct deposit options, which allow you to access the funds two to three days early.
I would be happy to hear from you in the comments section below. Feel free to share questions, advice, or your own personal experiences with direct deposit.
