By LaToya IrbyWhat Time Does Direct Deposit Go Through?
Direct deposit is a fast and convenient way to receive pay from your employer or another payer. Typically, a direct deposit will hit your account at the start of the business day on your scheduled payday, often around 9 a.m. However, timing isn't guaranteed. Read on to learn why some direct deposits may arrive later than expected and the steps you can take to help ensure your deposit shows up on time.
What Is Direct Deposit?
Direct deposit is an electronic payment made directly into your bank account. Employers commonly use it to pay wages. Government agencies also use direct deposit to pay tax refunds, Social Security benefits and other payments.
Instead of a physical check, direct deposit runs through the automated clearing house (ACH) network—a system that processes electronic payments between banks—to automatically credit your account. Your employer or payer submits payment instructions to their bank, which then sends deposit instructions to the ACH network. The ACH network routes the payment details to your bank. Finally, the payer's account is debited and the deposit is credited to your bank account.
The entire process typically takes one to three business days to complete, though some businesses can pay extra to make same-day transfers.
Learn more: Can You Direct Deposit Into a Savings Account?
What Time Does Direct Deposit Hit Your Account?
Direct deposit often hits your account between 8:30 and 9 a.m., but timing isn't guaranteed. Currently, banks are only required to make ACH deposits available sometime during the business day, which means your funds could hit your account later in the afternoon or end of the business day.
Beginning in September 2026, Nacha—the organization that governs the ACH network—will require banks to make direct deposits and other ACH credit available by 9 a.m local time on the settlement date.
Tip: Review your account on payday to confirm when deposits typically post. This makes it easier to plan ahead for future months.
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Why Is My Direct Deposit Late?
Direct deposit is usually reliable, but delays can happen for several reasons.
- Bank holidays: Direct deposits may be delayed on bank holidays when the Federal Reserve's National Settlement Service (NSS) isn't open. If the holiday falls on a Sunday, it's typically observed the following Monday.
- Weekends: Deposits submitted after business hours on Friday or over the weekend may not process until Monday since the NSS isn't open.
- Payroll submission timing: If your employer submits payroll later than usual or misses the submission cutoff time, the payment may arrive a day or two late.
- Bank information errors: Direct deposit can be delayed or rejected if the routing number or account number is incorrect.
- Technical issues: Because direct deposit information is transmitted electronically, glitches, system outages and other technical issues can temporarily cause delays.
- Recent overdrafts: Your bank may hold a deposit if you've overdrawn your account too many times in the past six months.
Learn more: How to Break the Paycheck-to-Paycheck Cycle
How to Ensure Your Direct Deposit Arrives on Time
You can take a few steps to reduce the chances of a direct deposit delay.
- Verify your bank information. Double-check your routing number and account number before submitting them to your employer. Even a small typo can cause a delay or rejected deposit. To avoid errors, include a voided check if your employer asks for one.
- Alert payroll to errors quickly. If you don't receive your direct deposit as expected, reach out to your payroll or human resources department right away to confirm when and where the payment was sent.
- Sign up for early direct deposit. Some banks make funds available as soon as they receive payment instructions from the ACH network. With early direct deposit, you can receive your funds up to two days sooner.
- Report fraud immediately. Review your account regularly, and report any suspicious activity to your bank right away. Otherwise, your bank may hold deposits if your account has unresolved issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Bottom Line
Direct deposit is one of the most reliable ways to get paid, but delays can still happen. If your deposit is delayed, check with your bank and your payroll department to get to the root of the issue. Maintaining an emergency fund can help you stay prepared if your pay arrives later than expected.
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About the author
LaToya Irby
LaToya Irby is a personal finance writer who works with consumer media outlets to help people navigate their money and credit. She’s been published and quoted extensively in USA Today, U.S. News and World Report, myFICO, Investopedia, The Balance and more.
Read more from LaToya