18 Banks With Early Direct Deposit

Banking

In today’s world, where things move at a brisk pace, efficiency and speed are crucial. Early direct deposit offers just that: a quick and convenient way to receive your paycheck or other income straight into your bank account. No more standing in long lines to deposit checks, now you can access your hard-earned cash up to 2 days earlier.

To make your search for the right bank easier, we’ve put together a comprehensive list of 18 banks and credit unions that offer this useful service. From traditional in-person banks to cutting-edge digital options, we’ve got you covered. Our list will help you find the bank that fits your direct deposit needs.

Banks That Offer Early Direct Deposit

Looking to get paid ahead of schedule? Check out our list of the best banks that offer early direct deposit.

1. SoFi

Our Top Pick
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Features & Benefits

  • Sign-up bonus: Up to $300 with qualifying direct deposits
  • No monthly fee
  • Earn up to 4.60% APY on savings
  • Over 55,000 fee-free ATMs

The SoFi Checking and Savings account comes with a plethora of benefits, including the no overdraft fees, no balance requirements, and no monthly fees.

In addition, you can use 55,000 ATMs at no cost via the Allpoint® Network. If you set up direct deposit, you can earn 4.60% APY on your savings and 0.50% on your checking accounts.

Also, with direct deposit, you can earn a bonus of up to $300, plus you’ll receive your paycheck up to 2 days earlier.

2. Upgrade

Our Second Pick
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Features & Benefits

  • No minimum deposit
  • No monthly fees
  • Get paid up to 2 days early
  • Up to 2% cash back on purchases

The Upgrade Rewards Checking Plus account eliminates monthly fees, overdraft fees, and transfer fees. Customers who establish monthly direct deposits exceeding $1,000 can earn up to 2% cash back on routine debit card purchases.

Upgrade also offers the Premier Savings account through Cross River Bank, Member FDIC, where you can earn a competitive 5.21% APY on balances exceeding $1,000. This arrangement ensures that your funds are protected up to $250,000 by FDIC insurance.

3. Current

Our Third Pick
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Features & Benefits

  • Build credit just by using your debit card
  • No minimum balance or hidden fees
  • Fee-free overdraft up to $200 with Overdrive
  • 40,000 fee-free Allpoint ATMs in the U.S.
  • Get paid early – up to 2 days faster

Unlike a traditional bank, Current is a fintech company that offers innovative financial solutions. They don’t run credit checks or utilize ChexSystems, making it accessible for everyone.

With Current, your everyday purchases can shape your financial future. Simply by swiping your debit card, you can build credit. No loans or credit check needed. There are also no monthly or annual fees for this service.

A Current mobile bank account boasts several benefits, including fee-free overdraft protection and free access to over 40,000 Allpoint ATMs via your Current debit card. There are no hidden fees, nor do you need to maintain a minimum balance.

By signing up for a Current Premium account, you can receive your paychecks up to two days early through direct deposit.

On top of that, Current offers generous savings opportunities with their Current Savings Pods, boasting up to 4.00% APY.

4. Chime®

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Features & Benefits

  • Over 14.5 million downloads
  • No minimum opening deposit
  • Over 60,000 fee-free1 ATMs
  • Get paid up to 2 days earlier with direct deposit2

Chime® offers an award-winning financial app, a debit card, and a credit builder Visa® credit card, all with no credit check.

The Chime Checking Account is perfect for those who want a stress-free banking experience. Say goodbye to monthly maintenance fees, foreign transaction fees, and minimum balance fees.

Building your credit has never been easier with the Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card7. No annual fees, no credit checks, no interest charges – it’s a secured credit card that’s perfect for establishing or improving your credit score.

With over 60,0001 fee-free MoneyPass® and Visa® Plus Alliance ATMs, plus the option to deposit cash for free at over 8,500 Walgreens locations, banking with Chime is a breeze.

And with direct deposit2, you can get your paychecks up to 2 days earlier. All of these features make Chime a smart choice for your financial needs.

5. GO2bank

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Features & Benefits

  • No ChexSystems or credit check
  • 4.50% APY on savings
  • Over 19,000 fee-free ATMs
  • $5 monthly fee can be waived

GO2bank is a neobank offered by Green Dot, a well-established financial technology company. Customers can open a checking account featuring subaccounts known as vaults without a minimum balance requirement.

GO2bank provides an attractive 4.50% APY on savings accounts for balances of up to $5,000. Access to funds is made easy through cash deposits at 90,000 retail locations and fee-free ATMs at 19,000 locations.

Additionally, customers can receive their pay up to 2 days in advance and government benefits up to 4 days early via direct deposit.

You can also opt for overdraft protection up to $200 with eligible direct deposits.

GO2bank offers the GO2bank Secured Visa Credit Card, which can assist customers in building their credit over time through responsible use.

The $5 monthly fee is waived when you receive payroll or government benefit payments through direct deposit.

6. Walmart MoneyCard

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Features & Benefits

  • No monthly fee with direct deposit of $500 or more
  • Earn cash back on Walmart purchases
  • Overdraft protection up to $200 with opt-in & eligible direct deposit
  • Earn 2.00% APY on savings

The Walmart MoneyCard serves as a compelling alternative to conventional checking accounts, designed as a prepaid debit solution.

One of its standout features is the cash back offering, where users can earn 3% for purchases made on Walmart.com, 2% when filling up at their fuel stations, and an additional 1% for in-store transactions. However, these cashback rewards have an annual limit, capped at $75.

Another notable advantage is its overdraft protection. By opting in and setting up direct deposits, users can benefit from up to $200 in overdraft coverage.

In terms of fund accessibility, the ASAP Direct Deposit feature is quite handy. It not only ensures that users get their salaries two days earlier, but also expedites the receipt of other benefits.

On the savings front, the card doesn’t disappoint. It offers an impressive 2.00% APY, encouraging cardholders to save more. Moreover, users have a chance to win monthly cash prizes, adding a fun twist to the savings experience.

In terms of costs, there’s a monthly fee of $5.94. However, Walmart understands the value of consistent transactions, so they’ll gladly waive this fee if the cardholder had direct deposits totaling $500 or more in the preceding month.

7. Varo

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Features & Benefits

  • No account fees
  • No minimum balance
  • No credit check
  • 55,000+ fee-free ATMs

Varo is a game-changer in the banking industry, with its cutting-edge digital banking solutions. Signing up for a Varo checking account couldn’t be easier. You can do it all from the comfort of your own home, without ever having to step foot in a physical bank branch.

With Varo, you’ll have access to a wealth of features, including the ability to receive your hard-earned paychecks and tax refunds up to two full days ahead of time, thanks to their early direct deposit program.

There are no monthly fees, no credit check, and you can get up to 6% cash back when you use your Varo Bank debit card at select brands.

8. Ally

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Features & Benefits

  • No monthly fees
  • No minimum opening deposit
  • 43,000+ no-fee ATMs

Ally Interest Checking is an excellent solution for anyone who wants to manage their finances with ease. You’ll earn 0.25% APY on funds in your checking account.

With early direct deposit, you can access your money up to two days earlier than your payday, giving you more control over your finances.

Ally Bank also offers savings accounts, money market accounts, and CDs. Additionally, the online bank offers two overdraft protection options and your money is FDIC-insured up to $250,000 per account.

There are no minimum balance requirements and no monthly maintenance fees, so you can enjoy worry-free banking.

The Ally Bank Debit Mastercard provides access to over 43,000 no-fee Allpoint ATMs. Additionally, if you need to use another ATM, Ally Bank will reimburse you up to $10 per statement cycle for any fees charged.

9. Navy Federal Credit Union

Features & Benefits

  • No monthly service fee
  • No opening deposit requirement
  • No minimum balance requirement
  • Access to 30,000+ free ATMs

Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU) offers a free checking account called Active Duty Checking.

It has no monthly fee, and when you sign up for direct deposit, you get access to your pay a full business day before the regular posting date.

You also get free access to over 30,000 ATMs and ATM fee rebates at out-of-network ATMs (up to $240 a year.)

10. LendingClub

Features & Benefits

  • No monthly service fees
  • $25 minimum opening deposit
  • 325,000+ fee-free ATMs

The LendingClub Rewards Checking Account is a great option for individuals who are looking for a financial solution that offers both convenience and rewards.

With this account, you have the opportunity to earn 1% cash back on credit purchases if you maintain a $2,500 balance on your account.

Additionally, you can earn interest on your checking account, which is a great way to maximize your savings.

There are no monthly service fees associated with this account, and you can receive your paycheck up to 2 days early.

The account also offers unlimited refunds on out-of-network ATM fees and provides the option for overdraft protection by linking it to another account.

How Early Direct Deposit Works

Early direct deposit is a feature that enables you to receive your salary, tax refunds, or other payments ahead of the regularly scheduled payment date. Instead of waiting until the official pay day, the funds are transferred electronically to your account as soon as they are received by your bank.

This means you can access your money earlier and use it to pay bills or make purchases. To take advantage of this feature, you’ll need to provide your employer or other payment source with your bank account information and authorize them to make electronic transfers.

Benefits of Early Direct Deposit

Early direct deposits offer a multitude of advantages. By providing immediate and dependable access to your pay, you can avoid the frustration of waiting for a physical check or for funds to clear at the bank. This rapid access to funds can prove invaluable in urgent situations where time is of the essence.

Additionally, early pay with direct deposits eliminate the risk of checks getting lost or stolen and the inconvenience of physically depositing them.

Furthermore, it streamlines financial planning and budgeting by making funds available promptly, thereby enabling you to manage your finances with greater ease and efficiency.

How to Qualify for Early Direct Deposit

To qualify for early direct deposit, it’s important to understand the requirements set by your bank or credit union. Generally, banks ask that you:

  1. Have an open and active account—Your checking or money market account must be in good standing without any restrictions.
  2. Set up direct deposit—Provide your employer with your bank account and routing numbers to set up direct deposit of your paycheck.
  3. Meet eligibility criteria—Some banks may have specific criteria, such as a minimum number of transactions per month or maintaining a minimum balance.

Checking with your bank for specific eligibility requirements is key. Most banks make this information readily accessible on their websites or customer service portals.

How to Sign Up for Early Direct Deposit

Signing up for early direct deposit is straightforward and can significantly impact how quickly you access your funds. Follow these steps to sign up:

  1. Verify eligibility with your bank—Confirm that your bank offers early direct deposit and that you meet any specific requirements they may have.
  2. Obtain direct deposit forms—Either from your employer’s HR department or directly from your bank.
  3. Provide your financial information—Fill out the form with your account number and bank routing number. Make sure all details are correct to avoid delays.
  4. Submit the form to your employer—After completing the form, submit it to your employer’s payroll department.
  5. Confirm the setup—Check with your bank to ensure that they have received and processed your direct deposit information.

Once these steps are completed, your setup is usually confirmed within one or two payment cycles. After setup, you should start receiving your deposits up to two days earlier than the standard payday.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do some banks direct deposit early?

Banks and credit unions offer early direct deposit as an added benefit to attract or retain customers. It’s a way to provide added convenience and flexibility for customers who rely on their regular income for financial stability.

This service can be especially useful for people who need access to their funds quickly for unexpected expenses or bills. By offering early direct deposit, banks aim to provide their customers with greater financial peace of mind and control.

What happens if I switch jobs?

If you switch jobs, you’ll need to set up direct deposit with your new employer. Provide your new payroll department with your bank account information and complete any necessary paperwork to ensure your early direct deposit continues without interruption.

Can I set up early direct deposit with multiple employers?

Yes, you can set up early direct deposit with multiple employers. Each employer will require separate direct deposit information, so be sure to provide your bank account details to each employer’s payroll department.

Is there a fee for using early direct deposit?

Most banks offer early direct deposit as a free service to enhance customer convenience and satisfaction. However, it’s always a good idea to confirm with your bank, as policies can vary.

How secure is early direct deposit?

Early direct deposit is very secure. Funds are electronically transferred directly from your employer’s bank to your account, reducing the risks associated with paper checks such as loss, theft, or forgery.

Will I still receive paper pay stubs?

This depends on your employer’s policies. Some employers provide electronic pay stubs that can be accessed through an online employee portal, while others may continue to provide paper stubs. Check with your HR department for details.

What if my direct deposit doesn’t arrive early?

If your direct deposit doesn’t arrive earlier than the official payday, it may be due to processing times with your employer or bank. Contact your bank first to ensure there are no issues with your account or the deposit arrangement.