Routing Numbers When Switching Banks: A Migration Checklist

Switching banks is one of those tasks that sounds simple but involves updating your routing number in more places than most people realize. Missing even one can mean a bounced payment, a delayed paycheck, or a missed bill — all of which can have downstream consequences. This checklist covers every place you'll likely need to update.

Before You Close Your Old Account

The most important rule: don't close your old account until you're certain every automatic payment and deposit has been migrated. Keep your old account open with a small balance for at least 30–60 days after you think the migration is complete. This gives you a safety net if you missed anything.

Direct Deposits to Update

• Employer payroll: Submit a new direct deposit form to HR with your new routing number and account number. Allow one to two pay cycles for the change to take effect.
• Government benefits: Update Social Security, VA benefits, unemployment insurance, and any other government payments through the relevant agency's online portal or by phone.
• IRS tax refund: If you've already filed a return with your old routing number, it's too late to change it for this year's refund — the IRS won't accept changes after filing. Update it on next year's return.
• Investment dividends and distributions: Update ACH instructions with any brokerage, retirement account, or investment platform that deposits directly to your bank.

Automatic Payments to Update

• Utilities (electricity, gas, water, internet, phone)
• Insurance premiums (auto, home, health, life)
• Mortgage or rent payments
• Loan payments (auto, student, personal)
• Subscription services (streaming, software, gym memberships)
• Credit card auto-pay
• HOA dues

Payment Apps and Linked Accounts

• Zelle (update the linked bank account in your bank's app)
• Venmo (add new bank, remove old bank)
• PayPal (update in wallet settings)
• Cash App (update in banking settings)
• Apple Pay / Google Pay (may use debit card rather than routing number, but verify)

Finding Your New Routing Number

Use our routing number lookup tool to find your new bank's routing number. Search by bank name and select the number associated with your state. For credit unions, most have a single routing number that's easy to find. Browse institutions by state or by bank name in our directory.

After the Migration

Monitor both your old and new accounts for 60 days. Any payment that still goes to the old account will help you identify what you missed. Contact each payer immediately to update the routing number before the old account is closed. Our guides section has more on how routing numbers work for specific payment types.