An account with early direct deposit lets you access your paycheck up to two days early. For those living paycheck-to-paycheck this feature can mean the difference between paying your bills on time and incurring late fees. And even if you’ve got more of a safety net than that, being able to access your funds sooner rather than later empowers you to make your money work for you.
We’ve compiled our top picks for banks offering early direct deposit access, considering factors including fees, accessibility, overdraft protection and more.
Editor’s Picks: Best banks for early direct deposit of September 2025
| Bank | Account | Learn more |
|---|---|---|
| SoFi® | Checking and Savings (Member FDIC) | View offer at SoFi |
| Fifth Third Bank | Momentum Checking | View offer at MoneyLion |
| TD Bank | Complete Checking | View offer at MoneyLion |
| Wells Fargo | Everyday Checking | View offer at MoneyLion |
| Capital One | 360 Checking | View offer at MoneyLion |
| SoFi® | View offer at SoFi |
|---|---|
| Account | Checking and Savings (Member FDIC) |
| Fifth Third Bank | View offer at MoneyLion |
| Account | Momentum Checking |
| TD Bank | View offer at MoneyLion |
| Account | Complete Checking |
| Wells Fargo | View offer at MoneyLion |
| Account | Everyday Checking |
| Capital One | View offer at MoneyLion |
| Account | 360 Checking |
Bank details checked Sept. 9, 2025.
SoFi Checking and Savings
- Year Founded: 2011
- Company Headquarters: San Francisco, CA
- CEO: Anthony Noto
at SoFi
What we like about this bank account
SoFi offers the ability to get your paycheck up to two days early and all you have to do to qualify is set up direct deposit to your SoFi Checking and Savings. Plus, this account charges no fees and requires no minimum balance and customers earn 0.50% APY. There’s also an opportunity to earn a new account bonus of up to $300 1.
It’s worth noting SoFi offers one of our top picks for a high-yield savings account to stash funds you’re saving for an emergency fund or toward a goal such as a down payment on a house.
Finally, SoFi covers you with up to $50 of overdraft protection for debit card purchases as long as you receive at least $1,000 in eligible direct deposits per month2.
Earn an even higher APY for a limited time
New customers who open both a checking and saving account with SoFi, member FDIC—along with enrolling in SoFi Plus—by Jan. 31, 2026 have an opportunity to earn a 4.50% annual percentage yield (APY) on their savings. This represents a 0.70% APY boost on top the standard 3.80% rate. The maximum time period for the boosted APY is six months. (Terms apply. Rates are variable and subject to change.)
SoFi Plus is available at no extra cost for customers with eligible direct deposit. Otherwise, the cost of membership is $10 per month as of this writing.
Benefits for Plus members include a 10% boost on cash-back rewards earned with certain SoFi credit cards, a 1% match on recurring deposits to SoFi Invest (paid in rewards points) and unlimited one-on-one planning sessions from SoFi Wealth.
What you should know
Between the time your first direct deposit hits and the end of the ensuing 25-day period, you must direct deposit $5,000 or more into the account to earn the full $300. Otherwise, customers who direct deposit $1,000 or more in that period will earn a $50 bonus, and those who don’t hit $1,000 will not earn a bonus.
Also, as SoFi is an online institution, those who prefer physical bank branches might not find this account the best fit for their lifestyle.
Bank details checked Sept. 9, 2025.
Fifth Third Bank Momentum Checking
Fifth Third: Momentum Checking
| Minimum opening deposit | $0 |
| Monthly maintenance fee | $0 |
at MoneyLion
- Year Founded: 1858
- Company Headquarters: Cincinnati, OH
- CEO: Tim Spence
What we like about this bank account
Set up an eligible direct deposit with your Fifth Third Momentum account and the Early Pay feature will apply automatically, letting you get paid up to two days early.
The account charges no monthly service fee and has no minimum deposit requirement.
And, the Extra Time feature can help you avoid overdraft fees. The way it works is that you set up account alerts so you’re notified if you overdraw the account—and when you receive an alert, you have until midnight Eastern Time on the business day after the day your account was overdrawn to make a deposit that’s large enough to bring the balance up to at least $0.
What you should know
If your account is dormant for a period of 12 months with no deposits or withdrawals, you may be charged a $5 monthly fee.
Also, know that Fifth Third Bank only has branches in 11 states:
- Florida
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Michigan
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- West Virginia
Bank details checked Sept. 9, 2025.
TD Complete Checking
TD Bank Complete Checking
| Minimum opening deposit | $0 |
| Monthly maintenance fee | Up to $15 |
at MoneyLion
- Year Founded: 1955
- Company Headquarters: Cherry Hill, NJ
- CEO: Leo Salom
What we like about this bank account
TD Early Pay is automatic for qualifying direct deposits and can allow you access to your funds up to two days early. Plus, as of this writing, new account holders have the opportunity to earn a $200 checking account bonus (with qualifying activities).
There’s also a grace period through TD Overdraft Relief if customers overdraw their account by $50 or less. This allows you to make a deposit and bring your account up to at least a $0 balance by 11 p.m. Eastern Time the following business day and get the overdraft fee refunded.
Finally, there’s no minimum opening deposit.
What you should know
There’s a $15 monthly maintenance fee but you have three options to get it waived: have at least $500 in direct deposits each statement cycle, maintain a minimum daily balance of at least $500, or have a $5,000 minimum daily balance combined across your linked personal TD Bank accounts.
To earn the new account bonus, you’ll need to open the account, set up direct deposit, and have at least $500 in qualifying direct deposits post within 60 days. Assuming you’ve met the requirements, your bonus should post within 180 days of account opening.
Lastly, know that TD Bank has physical branches in these states (as well as Washington, D.C.):
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New York
- North Carolina
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- Vermont
- Virginia
Bank details checked Sept. 9, 2025.
Wells Fargo Everyday Checking
Wells Fargo Everyday Checking
| Minimum opening deposit | $25 |
| Monthly maintenance fee | Up to $10 |
at MoneyLion
- Year Founded: 1852
- Company Headquarters: San Francisco, CA
- CEO: Charles W. Scharf
What we like about this bank account
Wells Fargo offers an Early Pay Day feature which provides access to eligible direct deposits up to two business days early. Also, Wells Fargo has branches in 36 states and Washington, D.C., giving it a broader physical footprint than some of the other institutions on our list.
If you overdraw your account, there’s a grace period allowing you to bring the account to a positive balance by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time the following business day and avoid an overdraft fee. But note that if you don’t bring the account current by that deadline, you’ll be facing a $35 fee per overdraft (up to a maximum of three).
What you should know
You’ll need to deposit at least $25 to open this account. Also, there is a $10 monthly service fee that can be waived if you maintain at least a $500 daily balance or receive $500 or more in qualifying electronic deposits each month.
Bank details checked Sept. 9, 2025.
Capital One 360 Checking
Capital One: 360 Checking
| Minimum opening deposit | $0 |
| Monthly maintenance fee | $0 |
at MoneyLion
- Year Founded: 1994
- Company Headquarters: McLean, VA
- CEO: Richard Fairbank
What we like about this bank account
With no monthly fees, no minimum balance and no overdraft fees, there’s a lot to love about this checking account. And, as of the time of writing, there’s a $250 bonus for new customers who take steps to qualify.
The main feature for this list of course is the early paycheck feature, which lets you get paid up to two days early when you set up direct deposit.
We also like that the debit card you get with this checking account does not charge foreign transaction fees.
What you should know
To qualify for the bonus you’ll need to apply with the offer code and receive two direct deposits of $500 or more each—within 75 days from account opening.
Also, as Capital One is an online bank, those who like to visit physical branches may not find this the right institution for their needs.
Bank details checked Sept. 9, 2025.
How early direct deposit works
When you have direct deposit set up through your bank or credit union, money passes through the ACH network before it goes to your banking institution. Once your employer processes payroll, this information passes from them through the ACH network to your bank prior to your payday.
As soon as your bank receives your direct deposit information, they can choose to give you access to this money before they receive the actual funds from the employer. This early access to your money provides you with more flexibility and, in some cases, can help you reduce the chance of an overdraft or late payment fee.
Eligibility criteria for early direct deposit
Whether you’re eligible for an early direct deposit will depend on a few factors. The first is your employer. If they run payroll late and rely on same-day deposits, you won’t get paid early. Second, your bank may not allow for early deposits, which is a common practice with small banks and credit unions. Some banks even require a minimum number of direct deposits from the same employer before early access is allowed.
Additionally, some banks require your account to be in good standing to qualify for an early direct deposit. This means your account can’t be overdrawn or have recent NSF fees. However, this isn’t always the case, so check with your bank or credit union for their specific requirements.
Getting maximum benefit from early direct deposit
The ability to access your paycheck up to two days earlier can be a useful budgeting tool. For example, if your paycheck is every other Friday, it may not sync up with a rent payment due on the first of the month.
Choosing a bank that offers early direct deposit can allow for smoother budgeting and reduce the likelihood of bounced checks, potential overdraft fees or late fees incurred by the bill you were trying to pay. However, there are a lot of other features to consider when choosing the right bank for you, even if early direct deposit is the main feature you’re searching for.
Make sure you’re aware of any minimum balance requirements the bank may have, such as a minimum balance to waive monthly fees or to even be eligible for an early direct deposit account. Overall access to your account, such as proximity to ATMs or other features you’re likely to use, should also factor into how you decide on the right bank for you. Make sure you understand the terms and conditions of the early direct deposit feature, especially if you’re timing bill payments based on when you anticipate receiving the funds. Many banks offer early paycheck access “up to two days” but that could mean only one day early in some cases.
Pros and cons of early direct deposit
Pros
- Access to your money sooner: With early direct deposit, you’re getting your money up to two days before your actual payday. This can help reduce the risk of late payments or NSF fees.
- Reduced overdraft fees: Getting paid early gives you a positive balance so you can avoid fees for overdrafting your account.
- Peace of mind: While regular employment often ensures timely payments, freelance payments are notorious for being delayed. Early direct deposit can provide peace of mind by ensuring you receive your funds as soon as they are available, allowing you to manage your money more effectively.
- Improved cash flow: When you get your paycheck early, you can better plan and manage cash flow. This means you can pay bills, make purchases, or save for future expenses as soon as your paycheck comes in.
Cons
- Dependent on employer payroll schedule: If your employer doesn’t submit payroll on time or relies on last-minute payroll processing that allows them to pay same-day, early direct deposit might not be available to you.
- You can overspend: If you get access to your paycheck early, this could encourage bad financial habits. You could be tempted to spend your money as soon as it hits your account, and if this is habitual, getting paid early could worsen the problem further rather than encouraging good budgeting practices.
- No actual increase in income: When you have access to your paycheck early, you could come to rely on early access, which isn’t always guaranteed. This could put you in a tighter financial situation as there are more days between paychecks.
- Bank-specific policies: Your bank might not offer early direct deposit, as these policies vary by financial institution. You may need to switch to a different bank or credit union.
Alternatives to early direct deposit
If your bank or credit union doesn’t offer early direct deposit, there are other avenues for you to access money.
- Personal loans: A loan from a bank or credit union can be a smart way to borrow money for a large purchase. These typically will come with lower interest rates than over types of loans, like payday or cash advances, and usually have multi-year pay back terms, making repayment more manageable.
- Overdraft protection: It can be worthwhile to see if your bank or credit union offers overdraft protection on your account. There is sometimes a fee involved—typically less than $30, although many of the nation’s largest banks have stopped charging overdraft fees. Having this protection can prevent your transaction from getting declined.
- Peer-to-peer (P2P) lending: There are P2P lending platforms, such as LendingClub and Prosper, that connect borrowers with individual lenders. You usually need a good credit score to qualify, but it can be a great way to get quick access to money. If you have not-so-great credit, expect to have much higher fees or interest rates if you’re approved.
Other alternatives exist, like cash advance apps and payday loans, but these generally come at a significant cost. Cash advance apps may let you access a portion of your paycheck prior to payday, but they charge a small fee or tip in exchange.
Payday loans are notoriously expensive, charging fees that can significantly eat away at your funds. Similarly, cash advances on your credit card also charge fees that can quickly create unmanageable debt.
Frequently asked questions
Does early direct deposit cost extra?
No, early direct deposit doesn’t cost extra, though individual bank rules may differ. Most banks and credit unions offer this feature as an extra free benefit to their members and customers, and it’s typically not something you can opt into or out of if it’s available. Be sure to review your banking institution’s individual policies.
Is my money insured if I receive early direct deposit?
Do I have to ask for early direct deposit?
Most banks include this feature when you set up direct deposit. Having regular direct deposit of your paycheck is not automatic, you’ll have to arrange it with your employer or anyone who wants to pay you via ACH deposit. But once you’re enrolled in direct deposit, you’ll typically be given early access if this is a feature your bank offers.
Can early pay affect my account balance?
Early direct deposit will affect your account balance by increasing it up to two days earlier than you would otherwise receive those funds.However, it could affect your spending habits. If you typically receive your paycheck early, you could spend the money sooner, resulting in financial strain if your employer’s payroll is delayed in a subsequent pay period.
Methodology
Factors we took into consideration include:
- Monthly service fee: With so many checking accounts being completely free, you should only pay a service fee if the account is really worth it.
- APY: While not a primary consideration, earning interest on your checking account funds is a positive factor.
- Minimum to receive APY: Earning APY on accounts where it’s offered shouldn’t take a million hurdles—lower minimum deposits required to earn APYs did better on our list.
- Minimum opening deposit: Banks with no or low minimum deposits to open the checking account earned a higher placement.
- Mobile app rating: You should have simple, easy access to your money. Banks with highly rated mobile apps (considering both the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store) did well for this criterion.
- Branch and ATM locations: Institutions with more physical locations and a larger ATM network scored better on our list.
- Overdraft fee: No one wants to pay extra fees, especially when funds are already low. Banks with no or low overdraft fees ranked higher.
- Cash back opportunities: Some checking accounts may come with extra bonuses and chances to earn cash back.
- Customer service: It shouldn’t be difficult to reach a real person if you have an issue with your bank account. Banks with easy-to-reach customer service ranked higher, with phone service carrying the most weight.
- Sign-on bonus: Why not earn free money when you open a new checking account?
- Direct deposit required for bonus: While the potential for a bonus is great, the requirements to earn the bonus should be realistic and achievable, otherwise there’s not much point.
SoFi disclaimers
1:
New and existing Checking and Savings members who have not previously enrolled in Direct Deposit with SoFi are eligible to earn a cash bonus of either $50 (with at least $1,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period) OR $300 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period). Cash bonus will be based on the total amount of Eligible Direct Deposit. If you have satisfied the Eligible Direct Deposit requirements but have not received a cash bonus in your Checking account, please contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 12/7/2023 and will be available through 1/31/2026. Full terms at sofi.com/banking. SoFi Checking and Savingsis offered through SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC. SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit can earn 3.80% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults)and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the 3.80% APY for savings (including Vaults). Members without Eligible Direct Deposit will earn 1.00%APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 1/24/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
2:
Overdraft Coverage is limited to $50 on debit card purchases only and is an account benefit available to customers with Eligible Direct Deposits of $1,000 or more during the current 30-day Evaluation Period as determined by SoFi Bank, N.A. The 30-Day Evaluation Period refers to the “Start Date” and “End Date” set forth on the APY Details page of your account, which comprises a period of 30 calendar days (the “30-Day Evaluation Period”). You can access the APY Details page at any time by logging into your SoFi account on the SoFi mobile app or SoFi website and selecting either (i) Banking > Savings > Current APY or (ii) Banking > Checking > Current APY. Members with a prior history of non-repayment of negative balances are ineligible for Overdraft Coverage.
3: 0.70% Savings APY Boost
Earn up to 4.50% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on SoFi Savings with a 0.70% APY Boost (added to the 3.80% APY as of 8/5/25) for up to 6 months. Open a new SoFi Checking & Savings account with Eligible Direct Deposit by 1/31/26. Rates variable, subject to change. Terms apply at sofi.com/banking#2. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.