Direct deposit is a method of payment that electronically transfers funds to your checking or savings account.
UC San Diego strongly encourages you to set up a direct bank deposit account via Tritonlink. It is the fastest, most secure, and environmentally friendly way to receive student account refunds.
Direct deposit also ensures you receive various types of credit refunds, including:
IMPORTANT!
Direct deposit is for refunds only. The University will not use your direct deposit information to auto-debit from your account.
Direct deposit information will not transfer to or from the online payment portal.
HOW DO I SET UP DIRECT DEPOSIT?
Use the Direct Deposit tool via Tritonlink. You must specify one U.S. personal checking or savings account as your direct bank deposit account (please ensure that you use an individual bank account and not a joint bank account - i.e. your account, not a parent's). Please note that you should be using your bank account and routing number, not the numbers on your physical debit card.
When enrolling in direct deposit, you may use a paper check or deposit slip to obtain the routing and checking account number (see illustration). This information may also be available on your bank billing statements or by contacting your banking institution.
SAMPLE CHECK
TROUBLESHOOTING
Direct deposit enrollment will be unsuccessful if:
- A debit card number is used as the account number.
- An "electronic" routing number is entered.
- You designate a joint account as your direct deposit account.
- You designate a money market account (must be a savings or checking account).
- The checking or savings account is closed.
If you recently closed the bank account used for your direct deposit, you must:
If a refund disburses to your closed direct deposit account, Student Financial Solutions will re-issue the funds as a paper check and mail it to the current mailing address on file. This process may take up to 10-15 business days. If you elect to re-enroll in direct deposit, our office can hold the funds per customer request and reissue the refund once the account information is verified.
QUESTIONS?
Find answers, request services, or get help from our team by going to the UC San Diego Services & Support portal by clicking below if you have additional questions.
Direct deposit is a free electronic transfer service that sends your paychecks or benefit checks to a bank account or prepaid debit card of your choosing.
Having Chase or Bank of America direct deposit, among other banks', can also help you avoid monthly checking account fees.
Here’s everything you need to know about how to set up direct deposit at your financial institution.
1. Get a direct deposit form from your employer
Ask for a written or online direct deposit form. If that isn’t available, ask your bank or credit union for one. We’ve included a list of forms from top banks, including the Capital One and Bank of America direct deposit forms.
3.5
NerdWallet ratingNerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formulas take into account multiple data points for each financial product and service.
Routing number: 031176110
5.0
NerdWallet ratingNerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formulas take into account multiple data points for each financial product and service.
4.0
NerdWallet ratingNerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formulas take into account multiple data points for each financial product and service.
4.0
NerdWallet ratingNerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formulas take into account multiple data points for each financial product and service.
4.5
NerdWallet ratingNerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formulas take into account multiple data points for each financial product and service.
5.0
NerdWallet ratingNerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formulas take into account multiple data points for each financial product and service.
3.5
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formulas take into account multiple data points for each financial product and service.
3.5
NerdWallet ratingNerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formulas take into account multiple data points for each financial product and service.
If you receive Social Security or other federal benefits, it’s legally required to get them through direct deposit or a Direct Express prepaid debit card. To sign up, visit GoDirect.gov or call (800) 333-1795.
2. Fill in account information
You typically need to provide the following personal and bank details:
Bank's mailing address. Find this on your bank statement or your financial institution’s website. If you use your bank's direct deposit form, you'll likely need your employer's address.
Bank's routing number. This is the nine-digit number, also known as the American Bankers Association — or ABA — number, printed on your bank statement or along the bottom left of your checks.
Your account number. This comes after the routing number on the bottom of your check. You may also find it on your deposit slip or bank statement.
Type of account. This typically will be your checking or savings account. It’s where your direct deposit will go.
Other. Some forms also ask for your Social Security number or mailing address.
Many checking accounts can receive direct deposits up to two days early. Check with your bank to see if it offers this free, automatic feature.
SavingsCash ManagementCDCheckingMoney Market
A savings account is a place where you can store money securely while earning interest.
A savings account is a place where you can store money securely while earning interest.
SoFi Checking and Savings
APY
3.25%SoFi members with direct deposit can earn up to 3.25% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 2.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum direct deposit amount required to qualify for the 3.25% APY for savings and 2.50% APY for checking balances. Members without direct deposit will earn 1.20% APY on all account balances in checking and savings (including Vaults). Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 11/30/2022. Additional information can be found at //www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet
Marcus by Goldman Sachs Online Savings Account
APY
3.00%3.00% APY (annual percentage yield) with $0 minimum balance to earn stated APY. Accounts must have a positive balance to remain open. APY valid as of 11/08/2022.
Discover Bank Online Savings
APY
3.00%Advertised Online Savings Account APY is accurate as of 11/10/2022
These cash accounts combine services and features similar to checking, savings and/or investment accounts in one product. Cash management accounts are typically offered by non-bank financial institutions.
These cash accounts combine services and features similar to checking, savings and/or investment accounts in one product. Cash management accounts are typically offered by non-bank financial institutions.
Wealthfront Cash Account
Betterment Cash Reserve
APY
3.20%Annual percentage yield (variable) is as of 11/07/2022.
CDs (certificates of deposit) are a type of savings account with a fixed rate and term, and usually have higher interest rates than regular savings accounts.
CDs (certificates of deposit) are a type of savings account with a fixed rate and term, and usually have higher interest rates than regular savings accounts.
CIT Bank CD
SoFi Checking and Savings
APY
2.50%SoFi members with direct deposit can earn up to 3.25% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 2.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum direct deposit amount required to qualify for the 3.25% APY for savings and 2.50% APY for checking balances. Members without direct deposit will earn 1.20% APY on all account balances in checking and savings (including Vaults). Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 11/30/2022. Additional information can be found at //www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet
Upgrade - Rewards Checking
Deposits are FDIC Insured
Current Account
Deposits are FDIC Insured
Chime Checking Account
Axos Bank® Rewards Checking
APY
1.25%Receive monthly direct deposits totaling $1,500 or more to earn 0.40% APY. Use your Axos Visa® Debit Card for a total of 10 transactions per month (min $3 per transaction) or sign up for Account Aggregation/Personal Finance Manager (PFM) in Online Banking to earn 0.30% APY. Maintain an average daily balance of $2,500 per month in an Axos Managed Portfolios Invest Account to earn 0.20% APY. Maintain an average daily balance of $2,500 per month in an Axos Self Directed Trading Invest Account to earn 0.20% APY. Use your Rewards Checking account to make your full monthly Axos consumer loan payment to earn 0.15% APY.
Money market accounts pay rates similar to savings accounts and have some checking features.
Money market accounts pay rates similar to savings accounts and have some checking features.
UFB High Rate Money Market
Discover Bank Money Market Account
3. Confirm the deposit amount
You can choose to deposit 100% of the check into a checking account, but there’s a benefit to splitting direct deposit into two or more accounts. If you can put a portion, such as 20%, of your paycheck or benefit check into a high-yield savings account, you can save automatically each month. (To find savings accounts with the highest rates, see our list of the best online savings accounts.)
A smart way to monitor your money
Track your cash, cards, and bank accounts all at the same time.
4. Attach a voided check or deposit slip, if required
Some employers use a voided check or deposit ticket to verify the account and routing numbers. If you’re asked to do this, write “VOID” across the front of a blank check, which ensures the check’s unusable if it’s lost or stolen. Then attach the check or slip to the direct deposit form.
Give the form to your employer, and wait for the direct deposit to go into effect. It may take weeks, so monitor your bank account regularly.
Direct deposit is a convenient service that can give you faster and safer access to your hard-earned money than a check. You’ll need to take some time to set up the automatic deposit. But you’ll save time later by eliminating trips to a bank to cash checks — or waiting for checks to clear. It is also a great way to automate saving money each month.