Direct deposit authorization form
Designated Financial Institution
(Ensure 9-digit transit routing and account numbers are clearly legible)
AUTHORIZATION AGREEMENT: I hereby authorize the Employer named above to initiate automatic payroll credit entries (and, if necessary, debit entries and adjustments for any credit entries made in error) to the financial institution and account(s) designated above. I agree that the Automated Clearing House (ACH) transactions are subject to NACHA rules. This authorization will remain in full force and effect until the Employer has received written notification from me of its termination in such time and in such manner as to afford the Employer and Financial Institution a reasonable opportunity to act upon it.
Strict privacy: Bank routing and account numbers are never saved in browser storage or uploaded. Use a paper printer for completed authorizations. Blank templates can be downloaded.
ABA routing numbers & direct deposit rules
What is an ABA routing number?
An ABA routing transit number is a 9-digit code assigned to US financial institutions by Accuity (the official registrar for the American Bankers Association). The ninth digit is a mathematical check digit computed from the preceding eight digits using the Federal Reserve weighting formula: (3*(d1+d4+d7) + 7*(d2+d5+d8) + 1*(d3+d6+d9)) mod 10 = 0. A matching checksum does not confirm that a routing number is assigned, supports ACH deposits, or belongs to the intended bank.
Direct deposit best practices
- Always request a voided check: Verifying routing and account numbers against a physical voided check or official bank specification letter prevents costly payroll deposit rejections.
- Pre-note or small test: Many payroll providers run an automated "pre-notification" zero-dollar ACH test before the first live payroll.
- Confidential disposal: Retain signed paper direct deposit authorizations in locked, confidential payroll files. Never email unencrypted account numbers.
Common mistakes
The most common mistake is confusing the bank's wire transfer routing number with its ACH direct deposit routing number. Some large institutions use separate numbers for electronic ACH deposits versus domestic wire transfers. Always use the ACH routing number found on the bottom left of checks.