The Social Security Administration is transitioning away from paper checks this year, only allowing electronic payments for ...

Direct deposit gives you quick, automatic access to funds from a payment, like a paycheck or a Social Security check, that's transferred electronically from a payer's account to your bank account.

Direct deposit can have many benefits over using paper checks, including predictability, convenience and security, said Bradley Hilton, CFP® at Sonas Financial Planning.

The Social Security Administration said it will no longer issue paper checks for benefit payments starting Sept. 30, 2025.

Here’s how the direct deposit process works: An employer starts by collecting the banking information—including bank account number and bank routing number—of its employees and vendors.

Refund sent – The refund has been sent via direct deposit or in the mail. It can take up to five days to show in a bank account or several weeks for the check to arrive.

Check Out: 4 Low-Risk Ways To Build Your Savings in 2025 When compared to checks, direct deposit and online banking are a more convenient payment method for both employees and employers. Not only ...

Another option is early direct deposit; if you have a bank account at an institution that offers it, this choice "allows you to get paid up to two days early — or in some cases, even earlier ...

But when will that check or direct deposit arrive? Here is what you need to know about tax deadlines, how to check your payment return status, and when to expect your return.