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With early direct deposit, you may receive your money up to two days sooner than you usually would. Early direct deposit can help you pay your bills before they're due, avoid overdraft fees or late fees, and prevent returned checks. Receiving your direct deposit two days early could also mean earning extra interest on your paycheck, if you send your pay to an account that earns interest (as you should!).
Needless to say, this can be a really helpful feature to have in a bank account, and it's more common today than ever. But even if your account offers it, you might not always receive your pay early. And if you find yourself relying on early paychecks every pay period, it might be time to reevaluate your budget and spending.
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How does early direct deposit work?
Early direct deposit, offered at many banks, allows you to get paid early by accessing your direct deposits up to two days before they're scheduled to hit your account. So, if you're paid every other Friday, you may receive funds the Wednesday before payday. This could be helpful if you need to get groceries or have a bill due.
While this feature isn't universally available, many banks today offer early direct deposit to attract new customers.
What qualifies for early direct deposit?
Money delivered to your bank via employer payroll direct deposit often qualifies for early direct deposit. You may also get other forms of payment early, like government benefits or unemployment checks, if the payor provides payment instructions to the bank ahead of schedule.
In most cases, early paycheck deposits can be delivered to both checking and savings accounts, depending on your employer's payroll setup and your account terms.
Compare the best banks with early direct deposit
If you're looking for a list of banks that pay early so you can get your paycheck sooner, here are dozens of the most popular banks and fintechs that offer this feature for one or more bank accounts. If you already have an account with one of these companies, you could already qualify for early direct deposit.
Then, check out the best options we've found in our research below and how early your direct deposits could come with each.
| Bank/fintech | Direct deposit estimate |
| SoFi® | Get paid up to two days early with direct deposit4 <p>Early access to direct deposit funds is based on the timing in which we receive notice of impending payment from the Federal Reserve, which is typically up to two days before the scheduled payment date, but may vary.</p> |
| Chime®6 <p class="">Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services and debit card provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A.; Members FDIC. <br></p> | Get paid up to two days early7 <p> Early access to direct deposit funds depends on the timing of the submission of the payment file from the payer. We generally make these funds available on the day the payment file is received, which may be up to 2 days earlier than the scheduled payment date.</p> |
| Capital One | Get paid up to two days early8 <p>Early paycheck is available for 360 Checking customers that set up direct deposit with their employer or other payor to receive electronic deposits of regular periodic payments (such as salary, pension, or government benefits). Certain non-payroll and tax payments are not eligible for early paycheck. Early direct deposits may be available to you up to 2 days earlier, however, we are dependent on the timing of your payor’s payment instructions and therefore you may not always see your direct deposits arrive early. Early paycheck eligibility may vary between pay periods and daily/transaction limits apply. </p> |
| Current | Get paid up to two days early9 <p>Faster access to funds is based on comparison of traditional banking policies and deposit of paper checks from employers and government agencies versus deposits made electronically. Direct deposit and earlier availability of funds is subject to timing of payer's submission of deposits.</p> |
| Cash App10 <p>Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Savings provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand.</p><p class="">Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Direct Deposit provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand.</p> | Get paid up to two days early11 <p>Your first deposit may take longer depending on your employer.</p> |
| Varo | Get paid up to two days early12 <p>Early access to direct deposit funds depends on timing of the payer’s submission of deposits. We generally post such deposits on the day they are received which may be up to 2 days earlier than the payer’s scheduled payment date.</p> |
| Axos Bank | Get paid up to two days early with Axos ONE®13 <p>Faster access to funds is based on a comparison of traditional banking policies and deposit of paper checks from employers and government agencies versus deposits made electronically. Direct Deposit and earlier availability of funds are subject to payer’s support of the feature and timing of payer’s funding.</p> and Essential Checking |
| KeyBank | Get paid up to two days early in checking and savings accounts |
| Wealthfront | Get paid up to two days early with Wealthfront Cash Accounts |
| Affinity Federal Credit Union | Get paid up to two days early with Affinity Cash Back Debit Account |
| Alliant Credit Union | Get paid up to two days early in checking14 <p>With Early Payday, Alliant Credit Union may make incoming electronic direct deposits made through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) available for use up to two days before the scheduled payment date. Not all direct deposits are eligible for Early Payday. Early availability of direct deposits is not guaranteed and may vary from deposit to deposit. Early access to funds is dependent on submission of direct deposit by payor and standard fraud prevention restrictions. Whether we make funds available early depends on when we receive the payor’s payment instructions, any limitations we set on the amount of early availability, and standard fraud prevention screening. Available for personal accounts only. Eligible direct deposits are limited to electronic direct deposits of items such as your payroll, pension, and government benefit payments made through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) to your personal account. Other deposits or credits to your account, such as deposits of funds from person-to-person payment services (e.g., Zelle®, Venmo, or PayPal transfers), check or mobile deposits, and other online transfers or electronic credits are not eligible for Early Payday.</p> <p>If Alliant makes funds available early through Early Payday and the payor reverses or requests a return of the deposit, or the funds are otherwise uncollected by Alliant, Alliant may debit your account for the deposit amount previously made available early, which may draw your account negative.</p> and savings accounts |
| Ally Bank | Get paid up to two days early with Spending Account |
| Chase | Get paid up to two days early with Chase Secure Banking℠ |
| Citizens Bank | Get paid up to two days early with personal checking, savings, and money market accounts |
| Consumers Credit Union | Get paid up to two days early with personal checking |
| Fifth Third Bank | Get paid up to two days early with Fifth Third Momentum® Checking, Fifth Third Momentum® Savings, Fifth Third Express Banking®, and Fifth Third Preferred Checking® accounts |
| GO2bank | Get paid up to two days early (or receive government benefits up to four days early) with GO2bank account |
| Huntington Bank | Get paid up to two days early with checking |
| LendingClub Bank | Get paid up to two days early in checking and savings accounts |
| Navy Federal Credit Union | Get paid up to one day early with Free Active Duty Checking® |
| PenFed Credit Union | Get paid up to two days early with checking |
| Regions Bank | Get paid up to two days early with checking |
| TD Bank | Get paid up to two days early in checking and savings accounts |
| USAA | Get paid up to two days early with USAA Federal Savings Bank account |
| Wells Fargo Bank | Get paid up to two days early with checking |
SoFi®
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- Minimum balance: $0
- Monthly fee: $03 <p>We do not charge any account, service or maintenance fees for SoFi Checking and Savings. We do charge a transaction fee to process each outgoing wire transfer. SoFi does not charge a fee for incoming wire transfers, however the sending bank may charge a fee. Our fee policy is subject to change at any time. See the SoFi Checking & Savings Fee Sheet for details at <a href="http://sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/">sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/</a></p>
- APY: Up to 3.30% with direct deposit15 <p>Annual percentage yield (APY) is variable and subject to change at any time. Rates are current as of 12/23/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional rates and information can be found at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet">https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet</a></p>
- FDIC insurance: SoFi is a Member FDIC (Cert. #26881)5 <p><b style="font-family: Rubik, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, sans-serif;">SoFi Bank is a member FDIC and does not provide more than $250,000 of FDIC insurance per depositor per legal category of account ownership, as described in the FDIC’s regulations. Any additional FDIC insurance is provided by the SoFi Insured Deposit Program. Deposits may be insured up to $3M through participation in the program. See full terms at <a href="http://sofi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms">SoFi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms</a>. See list of participating banks at <a href="http://sofi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks">SoFi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks</a>.</b></p>
SoFi is a great choice for early direct deposit if you also want to earn some interest on your money. You can get your direct deposits up to two days early when you sign up4 <p>Early access to direct deposit funds is based on the timing in which we receive notice of impending payment from the Federal Reserve, which is typically up to two days before the scheduled payment date, but may vary.</p> . And just like a savings account would, SoFi's checking account pays you a small amount of interest on your funds.
In addition to not having any monthly service fees3 <p>We do not charge any account, service or maintenance fees for SoFi Checking and Savings. We do charge a transaction fee to process each outgoing wire transfer. SoFi does not charge a fee for incoming wire transfers, however the sending bank may charge a fee. Our fee policy is subject to change at any time. See the SoFi Checking & Savings Fee Sheet for details at <a href="http://sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/">sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/</a></p> or minimums and offering fee-free overdraft coverage,16 <p>Overdraft Coverage is a feature automatically offered to SoFi Checking and Savings account holders who receive at least $1,000 or more in Eligible Direct Deposits within a rolling 31 calendar day period on a recurring basis. Eligible Direct Deposit is defined on the SoFi Bank Rate Sheet, available at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet">https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet</a>. Members enrolled in Overdraft Coverage may be covered for up to $50 in negative balances on SoFi Bank debit card purchases only. Overdraft Coverage does not apply to P2P transfers, bill payments, checks, or other non-debit card transactions. Members with a prior history of unpaid negative balances are not eligible for Overdraft Coverage. Eligibility for Overdraft Coverage is determined by SoFi Bank in its sole discretion. Members can check their enrollment status, if eligible, at any time by logging into their account through the SoFi app or on the SoFi website.</p> SoFi has some other cool perks. It offers an automatic round-up of your debit card purchases and then transfers the money into your savings Vault — out of sight, out of mind.
- Earns APY
- Automatic round-ups
- No monthly fees or minimums
- No-free overdraft coverage with eligible direct deposit
- Overdraft coverage limited to $50
- Overdraft coverage only with recurring $1,000+ eligible direct deposits per rolling 31 calendar days
Visit SoFi® | Read our full SoFi Checking and Savings review.
Chime®
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- Minimum balance: $0
- Monthly fee: $017 <p>There’s no fee for the Chime Savings Account. Cash withdrawal and Third-party fees may apply to Chime Checking Accounts. You must have a Chime Checking Account to open a Chime Savings Account.</p>
- APY: N/A
- FDIC Insurance: Chime partners with Bancorp Bank, N.A. (Cert. #35444) and Stride Bank, N.A. (Cert. #4091), Members FDIC6 <p class="">Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services and debit card provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A.; Members FDIC. <br></p>
The Chime® Checking account is one we often recommend to people who often count down the days to their next paycheck, not only because it lets you get paid up to two days early with direct deposit but also because it offers better-than-most overdraft. You can get fee-free overdraft up to $200 with SpotMe® with monthly qualifying direct deposits of at least $200 to your Chime checking account,21 <p>SpotMe® on Debit is an optional, no fee overdraft service attached to your Chime Checking Account. To qualify for the SpotMe on Debit service, you must receive $200 or more in qualifying direct deposits to your Chime Checking Account each month and have activated your physical Chime Visa® Debit Card or secured Chime Visa® Credit Card. Qualifying members will be allowed to overdraw their Chime Checking Account for up to $20 on debit card purchases and cash withdrawals initially but may later be eligible for a higher limit of up to $200 or more based on Chime Account history, direct deposit frequency and amount, spending activity and other risk-based factors. The SpotMe on Debit limit will be displayed within the Chime mobile app and is subject to change at any time, at Chime's sole discretion. Although Chime does not charge any overdraft fees for SpotMe on Debit, there may be out-of-network or third-party fees associated with ATM transactions. SpotMe on Debit will not cover any non-debit card transactions, including ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, or Chime Checkbook transactions. <a href="https://www.chime.com/policies/">SpotMe on Debit Terms and Conditions</a>.</p> which can help you avoid fees and declined transactions if you can't wait to make a purchase until your pay hits your account. The direct deposit requirement is also pretty low to qualify for this.
While we wouldn't recommend making a habit of overdrafts, we understand that it happens. Chime is more flexible about it than most institutions (as are other online banks like Chime). SpotMe is also nice because it covers cash withdrawals in addition to debit card transactions, which is somewhat unusual.
- Higher overdraft coverage limit than most institutions
- SpotMe protects both debit card transactions and cash withdrawals
- Can increase overdraft limit with help from friends who also have accounts
- SpotMe limits start at $20
- Account does not earn interest or rewards
- The platform requests tips22 <p class="">Tipping or not tipping has no impact on your eligibility for SpotMe.<br></p> (which is not required)
Visit Chime | Read our full Chime review to learn more.
Capital One
- Minimum balance: $0
- Monthly fee: $0
- APY: 0.10% (as of 09/15/25) on checking accounts
- FDIC insurance: Capital One, National Association is a Member FDIC (Cert. #4297)
Capital One is the best option for anyone who values in-person access. It offers a respectable network of more than 70,000 fee-free ATMs, plus some physical branches you can visit in states like New York, Virginia, Louisiana, and Texas. While it doesn't have the largest branch network, Capital One offers more in-person accessibility than the other institutions we recommend.
Traditional banks don't always let you get paid early, but Capital One is an example of a big hybrid institution with some benefits of both traditional and online banking (it even claims it was the first major U.S. bank to offer early paychecks). To qualify for early direct deposit with Capital One 360 Checking, all you have to do is enroll in direct deposit. You can do this through the Capital One platform or your payroll provider. After you enroll, you could get your direct deposits up to two days early. Capital One doesn't guarantee you'll be eligible, but if you do qualify, you'll do so automatically (meaning, without having to make any special requests).
- No monthly fees or minimums
- Checking earns 0.10% (as of 09/15/25) APY
- Fee-free overdraft protection
- Some branches and a large ATM network
- Fewer checking benefits than some online accounts
- No ATM fee refunds for out-of-network transactions
Visit Capital One 360 Checking | Read our full Capital One 360 review to learn more.
Current
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- Minimum balance: $0
- Monthly fee: $025 <p>Out of network cash withdrawal fees, third-party, and cash load fees may apply.</p>
- APY: Up to a 4.00% bonus26 <p>Boost Bonuses are credited to your Savings Pods within 48 hours of enabling the Boost feature and on a daily basis thereafter, provided that the Savings Pod has accrued a Boost Bonus of at least $0.01. The Boost rate on Savings Pods is variable and may change at any time. The disclosed rate is effective as of August 1, 2023. Must have $0.01 in Savings Pods to earn a Boost rate of either 0.25% or 4.00% annually on the portion of balances up to $2000 per Savings Pod, up to $6000 total. The remaining balance earns 0.00%. A qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more is required for 4.00%. No minimum balance required. For more information, please refer to Current Boost Terms and Conditions.<br></p>
- FDIC insurance: Current partners with Choice Financial Group and Cross River Bank, Members FDIC (Cert. #9423 and #58410, respectively)
In addition to its early direct deposit, Current also offers some other unique perks, one of which is its credit-building capabilities.23 <p><b>Current is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group, Member FDIC.</b>.</p> 9 <p>Faster access to funds is based on comparison of traditional banking policies and deposit of paper checks from employers and government agencies versus deposits made electronically. Direct deposit and earlier availability of funds is subject to timing of payer's submission of deposits.</p> The card you get with your account works as both a debit and credit card. You can use it for spending and ATM withdrawals, just like a debit card. But you can also earn points on it and use it to build your credit score, like a credit card.
Here's how it works: you spend money on your Build Card, which comes with your account. The money from your purchases and ATM withdrawals is set aside and then used to make payments, just like a credit card. Those payments are then reported to TransUnion.
A Current Spend account also offers seven times the points for purchases at qualifying businesses. There are currently more than 14,000 participating merchants.
- Helps you build credit
- Up to 7X points on your spending
- No monthly fees or minimums
- Fee-free overdraft protection
- No APY
- Fees for cash deposits
- Not an FDIC-insured bank (FDIC insurance offered through third-party bank)
Visit Current | Read our full Current review to learn more.
Varo
- Minimum balance: $0
- Monthly fee: $0
- APY: None on checking
- FDIC insurance: Varo Bank, National Association is a Member FDIC (Cert. #59190)
Varo is an online-only bank that provides checking and savings accounts. In addition to its early direct deposit, one feature that sets Varo apart is its cash advances. If you're a Varo customer, you can get a cash advance between $250 and $500 for a small fee. Then, you'll pay it back within the next 30 days.
Another perk of Varo's checking account is you can earn up to 6% on your spending. No, you won't earn that much across the board. But you can earn cash back when you spend with any of Varo's partners. The money automatically goes right back into your checking account. Participating retailers include McDonald's, Macy's, Kohl's, Popeye's, Circle K, PetSmart, and more.
- Offers cash advances
- Up to 6% cash back
- No monthly fees or minimums
- Fee-free overdraft protection
- Fees for cash deposits
Read our full Varo review to learn more.
Featured Checking Accounts
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Banks that don't offer early direct deposit
Some banks, including large commercial banks with billions of dollars worth of assets, aren't yet providing early direct deposit or early paycheck features. A few of these are:
- Bank of America: As of this writing, Bank of America early direct deposit remains unavailable, much to the disappointment of many accountholders (including us).
- Citi: Another big bank, Citi lags behind other institutions because it doesn't provide early access to your paycheck.
- PNC Bank: PNC offers a range of perks to accountholders, but as of now, PNC Bank doesn't offer early direct deposit on any of its accounts, including Virtual Wallet.
- Truist Bank: Despite being one of the top 10 largest banks, according to the Federal Reserve, Truist still doesn't provide the early direct deposit features offered by many much smaller institutions.
- U.S. Bank: For all the things we love about U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking accounts, we wish the bank also offered the ability to get paid early.
These brick-and-mortar banks may not offer early direct deposit, but that doesn't mean institutions with branches are inherently less likely to provide the perk. Check with your local bank or credit union to see if this benefit is offered, as it's more widely available than you might think.
What types of banks offer early direct deposit?
Many financial institutions and companies offer early pay features today. While banks that direct deposit early used to be the exception, it's now commonplace. You might be able to get paid up to two days early at:
- Big banks
- Traditional banks, including brick-and-mortar banks with branches
- Online banks
- Financial technology companies (fintechs)
- Credit unions
- Neobanks
- Regional banks
What to do if you have early direct deposit but don't get paid early
Sometimes, your direct deposits will hit your account early when you're eligible for this feature. Other times, they might not. So, what should you do if you don't get paid early when you expected to?
- Reach out to your employer: Your payroll department should be able to tell you whether there were any delays with processing your paycheck and when your pay information was sent to your bank.
- Confirm your pay details with your bank: Make sure your bank has the correct employer/payor information on file.
- Reach out to customer support: If you confirm your direct deposit and account details and find that there was a processing issue or delay when you expected early pay, get in touch with your payroll department or bank's customer service team.
When early direct deposit might not be right for you
Early direct deposit can be a great benefit, but it's not right for everyone. You may want to avoid seeking out accounts with early direct deposit, specifically if:
- You have difficulty managing your budget: Getting paid earlier means you have more time to spend that money before your next paycheck arrives. If you don't trust yourself to keep spending in check, it may be better to limit yourself to a standard pay schedule.
- You absolutely need to know when your money will arrive: While most banks with early direct deposit can reliably deliver your paycheck early if all is set up correctly, you don't want to rely on a system that occasionally has its hiccups if getting paid on a set date is absolutely necessary for your financial situation.
- You have an unpredictable employer: Not every employer is a good employer. Some may have a habit of submitting payroll late or on an irregular schedule, which will interrupt early deposit.
Alternatives to direct deposit
If you can't get early direct deposit through your bank but need money before your paycheck clears, consider using a paycheck or cash advance app to access cash when you need it.
EarnIn27 <p>EarnIn is not a bank. Access limits are based on your earnings and risk factors. Available in select states. Terms and restrictions apply. Visit <a href="https://www.earnin.com/">EarnIn.com</a> for full details</p> , for example, offers paycheck advances up to $150 per day and $1,000 per pay period with no fees or interest. Many other cash advance apps pay you once in a larger lump sum, but EarnIn offers daily dispersals which could make managing your spending a bit easier.
You must receive regular paychecks and meet other requirements to be eligible for advances through EarnIn.
Cleo, meanwhile, is an advance app that's ideal for gig workers. Though you'll need to pay a small monthly subscription fee to access advances, you won't need to demonstrate regular income before receiving approval. If you don't have a regular paycheck, Cleo is a good option.
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FAQs
Does PNC pay two days early?
PNC does not offer early direct deposit. PNC Bank early pay isn't offered, whether two days early or a little less than that.
So what time does PNC direct deposit hit? According to the bank's website, PNC direct deposits should be available the same business day, while checks from a PNC account will be available the next day. For large deposits, $100 will be available the same business day, while the remainder may take until the next business day or longer to clear.
Does Bank of America pay early?
If you're wondering how to get paid early with Bank of America, you're a bit out of luck. Unlike some banks, Bank of America does not pay two days early or offer any other early direct deposit. Your deposit should be available on your regular pay date for direct deposit or within moments for other types of deposits, like person-to-person payments.
According to the Bank of America website, paper checks and mobile deposits should be available the next business day if deposited by 9 p.m. ET or 8 p.m. PT.
Does TD Bank pay two days early?
Yes, through TD Early Pay, certain account holders can get paid up to two days early via direct deposit. No fees or enrollment are required and the service includes government benefits, military pay, and tax refunds in addition to standard employer paychecks.
Does U.S. Bank offer early direct deposit?
No, U.S. Bank does not currently offer early direct deposit for banking customers. The bank doesn't appear to publish details on direct deposit timing, either.
Does Current pay two days early?
Yes, Current account holders can get their paycheck up to two days early with direct deposit.
Bottom line
Many banks offer early direct deposit as a feature on their checking or savings accounts, including big, traditional banks, online banks, and fintechs, all of which offer bank accounts that are easy to open online.
When you're comparing banks that may pay two days early, pay attention to monthly fees, minimum balances, banking perks, and accessibility.
Methodology
When choosing the best banks with early deposits, we started with a list of many different banks that offer this feature. From there, we compared the banks’ other features and characteristics, both positive and negative. On the positive end, we looked for things like interest earnings, cash back, fee-free overdraft protection, and a large ATM network.
On the negative side, we specifically avoided banks with monthly fees, high opening deposits, and ongoing monthly balance requirements.
Ultimately, our goal was to provide a list of the best banks with early direct deposit based on their other characteristics. We also specifically looked for banks that had something to set them apart from the crowd, such as Current with its credit-building features.
How we rate products
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