When it gets close to payday, finding banks that offer early direct deposit can be a lifesaver. The good news is that many financial institutions let customers access their money up to 2 days early.
Many online banks have early direct deposit, and traditional banks are starting to jump on the bandwagon, recognizing how important this feature is to account holders.
We’ve identified the best banks that offer early direct deposit. Read on to compare your options below and find the best fit for you.
15+ Best Banks with Early Direct Deposit
Here are the best banks offering early direct deposit to get paid 2 days early:
- Varo
- Albert
- Current
- Chime
- Fifth Third Bank
- Axos Bank
- Capital One
- Dave
- Huntington Bank
- Credit Karma
- GoBank
- LendingClub Banking
- One
- OneUnited Bank
- Wealthfront
- Ally
- SoFi
1. Varo 
- Monthly fee: $0
- Minimum balance: $0
Varo is an online bank designed for banking at all stages of life. There are no credit checks to open the account, and the bank charges minimal fees, with no overdraft fees and no monthly fees.
Direct deposit paychecks arrive up to two days earlier, and Varo-to-Varo transfers are instant.
To get started with Varo, you need to download the mobile app, which is available for both Apple and Android devices. Then, you’ll be asked to provide some personal information, including your SSN (Social Security Number) and address to open your account.
Pros
- Access to 40,000+ fee-free ATMs
- Up to $250 cash advances
- No monthly fees or minimums
- Cashback rewards
Cons
- No branches
- No out-of-network ATM reimbursements
2. Albert 
- Monthly fee: $0
- Minimum balance: $0
Albert is a game-changing financial app that can help you manage your accounts, balance your savings, and review your investments—all in one place. While Albert isn’t technically a bank, it partners with Sutton Bank to offer FDIC-insured accounts.
Albert offers up to 2-day early pay and provides $250 cash advances, with no interest, late fees, or credit checks; you just need to repay the loan with your next paycheck.
A unique feature of Albert is its paid Genius Advisor tool, which gives you 24/7 access to a team of financial experts.
Pros
- Excellent personal finance tools
- Combined saving and investing in one app
- No monthly fees or minimums
- Genius plan offers cashback
Cons
- Limited customer service
- No branch locations
3. Current 
- Monthly fee: $0
- Minimum balance: $0
Current is a financial app aimed at helping you boost your credit while banking, with a credit-building debit card and no credit checks.
Current also offers early access to direct deposits, Savings Pods, instant crediting of gas station authorizations, and spending insights.
Some of the account’s other convenient banking services include fee-free overdrafts, mobile deposits, and fee-free withdrawals from over 40,000 ATMs.
Pros
- Bonus cashback from 14,000+ brands
- Minimal fees
- Boosts credit with every debit card swipe
- Crypto investing with no trading fees
Cons
- Fee for depositing cash
- No local branches
4. Chime 
- Monthly fee: $0
- Minimum balance: $0
Chime is a popular banking app that consistently receives positive reviews from customers. The Chime Checking Account comes with a Visa debit card and a host of useful account features.
Direct deposits hit accounts up to 2 days earlier, and you get fee-free withdrawals from over 60,000 ATMs.
Other account features include Round-Up – which rounds up transactions to the nearest dollars and saves the difference and Spot Me – a fee-free overdraft service that covers you for up to $200 when you outspend your account.
Pros
- Offers a credit-builder account
- Minimal fees
- No monthly fees or minimums
- Large ATM network
Cons
- No branch access
- Mobile deposits only available if you receive direct deposits
5. Fifth Third 
- Monthly fee: $0
- Minimum balance: $0
Fifth Third Bank, Member FDIC, is a reliable brick-and-mortar bank with a strong presence across the South and the Midwest. It offers a range of financial products, including the Fifth Third Momentum Checking and Momentum Savings accounts.
Momentum Checking features no minimum deposit or monthly fees. Like other banks in this list, it offers direct deposits up to two days early.
The account doesn’t earn interest, and you can face a steep $37 overdraft fee. However, you can enroll in Extra Time, a program that gives you until midnight to settle your account on the day it’s overdrawn to avoid a fee.
All in all, Fifth Third Bank is a solid choice if you live near a local branch and prioritize hands-on customer service.
Pros
- Branch and ATM access
- No minimum deposits
- Offers cash advances
- Excellent customer service
Cons
- No APY on checking accounts
- High overdraft fee
Learn more:
6. Axos Bank 
- Monthly fee: $0
- Minimum balance: $0
Axos Bank is one of the best online banks, with multiple checking accounts in its extensive lineup of financial products.
The Essential Checking account covers the basics, and then some. Aside from letting you get paid up to two days earlier, the account also offers unlimited domestic ATM fee refunds. There are no overdraft or NSF (Non-Sufficient Funds) fees, no monthly fees, and no minimum balance requirements.
When you refer a friend to open an Essential Checking Account, you can both earn $50.
The account also has excellent security features, including biometric 2-step authentication, SSL encryption, account monitoring, and anti-virus protection.
Pros
- Unlimited ATM fee reimbursements
- Peer-to-peer payments
- No hidden account fees
- Solid security features
Cons
- No branches
- Mediocre CD rates
Learn More:
7. Capital One 
- Monthly fee: $0
- Minimum balance: $0
Capital One’s 360 Checking Account is an online checking account with some competitive features. Unlike other online accounts, you can still get help in person by visiting one of the bank’s branches or cafes.
The account offers early payday, with money hitting your account up to 2 days earlier.
If you overdraw your account, Capital One offers a few flexible options, including:
- Automatically declining the transaction
- Free transfer of funds from your savings account
- Fee-free overdraft on approved transactions
The account also offers fee-free withdrawals from over 70,000 ATMs. Money in the account will also earn interest with a current APY (Annual Percentage Yield) rate of 0.10%.
Pros
- Overdraft protection
- Large ATM network
- No monthly fees or minimums
- Access to Capital One cafes
Cons
- Less competitive APY
- Limited branch access
Learn More:
8. Dave 
- Monthly Fee: $0
- Minimum Balance: $0
Dave is an excellent option to consider if you’re looking for an alternative to traditional checking accounts.
Dave offers a competitive 4.00% APY on its Spending account, helps you boost your savings with round-ups, and provides cashback rewards.
In addition to 2-day early pay, when you opt for an ExtraCash™ account, you can borrow up to $500 with no late fees.
Dave charges express fees based on how quickly you need your money and which account you send it to. If you’re not in a hurry, you’ll get your money within 1-3 business days at no charge.
Pros
- Up to $500 cash advances
- Competitive checking APY
- No monthly fees or minimums
- Up to 15% cashback
Cons
- Fees for same-day advances
- $1 monthly membership fee
Learn More:
9. Huntington Bank 
- Monthly fee: $0
- Minimum balance: $0
Similar to Dave, Huntington Bank offers early direct deposit to its customers with the Early Pay feature and a line of credit with Standby Cash.
If you’re a Huntington Bank checking account holder with direct deposit, you can receive your pay up to 2 days early as long as the bank receives your employer’s information before the scheduled payment date.
You can also get $100-$500 without fees or interest once you enroll in automatic payments and pay the money back within three months.
The Asterisk-Free Checking account has no monthly fees and gives you a 24-hour grace period for overdrafts of $50 or less.
Pros
- Overdraft protection
- Up to $500 line of credit
- No monthly fees or minimums
- Digital personal finance tools
Cons
- No APY on Asterisk Checking
- Smaller ATM network
Learn more:
10. Credit Karma 
- Monthly fee: $0
- Minimum balance: $0
Credit Karma has a partnership with MVB Bank to offer an FDIC-insured checking account called Credit Karma Money Spend.
In addition to an early payday, accountholders get fee-free withdrawals from the Allpoint network, with over 55,000 ATMs. The account also gives you cashback on debit card purchases, and the ability to boost your credit score with a free Credit Builder feature.
Credit Karma offers several other products, too, including credit cards, loans, and tax-filing solutions for state and federal taxes.
Pros
- Credit Builder feature
- Cashback on debit card purchases
- $5 million of FDIC insurance
- Access to Intuit Credit Karma tools
Cons
- No APY on checking
- No bank branches
Learn more:
11. GoBank 
- Monthly fee: $8.95, waivable
- Minimum balance: $0
GoBank is a brand of Green Dot Corporation – a fintech (financial technology) company that aims to serve the unbanked and underbanked population. Even so, its accounts are open to anyone and are worth considering.
While the checking account comes with a steep monthly fee of $8.95, the fee will be waived if you receive direct deposit amounts of at least $500 per month.
The account provides budgeting tools, mobile check deposits, cash deposits, and ASAP Direct Deposits. Although there is a $4.95 fee, you can deposit cash at more than 100,000 locations nationwide, which not all online banks allow you to do.
Pros
- Allows cash deposits
- Large ATM network
- No account minimums
- Competitive APY on savings
Cons
- Mixed customer reviews
- Steep account fees
Learn More:
12. LendingClub Banking 
- Monthly fee: $0
- Minimum balance: $0
LendingClub started as a P2P (peer-to-peer) lender. In 2020, it acquired Radius Bank and became a fintech company that more closely resembles a bank.
If you’re looking to receive your paycheck early, the personal Rewards Checking account is worth looking into.
The account comes with several features that include early direct deposit, 1% cash back on eligible purchases, and an APY interest rate that ranges between 0.15% and 0.10%, depending on your balance.
LendingClub Banking also offers unlimited ATM fee rebates for charges levied by other banks. Since Lending Club doesn’t charge any fees, you can withdraw free from anywhere the debit card is accepted.
Pros
- ATM reimbursements
- Cashback rewards
- No monthly fees or overdraft fees
- Allows cash deposits
Cons
- Less competitive APY
- No branches
Learn More:
13. One 
- Monthly fee: $0
- Minimum balance: $0
One is a newer contender founded in 2009 in Sacramento, California. Its main aim is to offer a personalized experience that supports customers’ unique lifestyles.
Like other banks and fintech apps in this list, you can access paycheck funds in your account up to two days earlier. The account also offers competitive cashback offers from a rotating list of popular retailers like Walmart.
Additionally, you can automate your savings through Auto-Save, which automatically puts a portion of your paycheck in a high-yield savings account. The APY (Annual Percentage Yield) on offer is 5.00% which is higher than the national average.
Pros
- Cashback rewards
- Competitive APY on savings
- Up to $200 overdraft protection
- Expansive ATM network
Cons
- Limited product availability
- No local branches
Learn More:
14. OneUnited Bank 
- Monthly fee: from $12
- Minimum balance: $25
OneUnited Bank is an FDIC-insured and black-owned bank. It’s been open for close to 50 years, initially under the name Unity Bank & Trust. With a mission of improving neighborhoods and supporting black-owned businesses, OneUnited Bank has a lot to offer.
You can get deposits two days early with the Black Wall Street Checking and U2 E-Checking accounts. The latter account acts as a second-chance checking account.
Both accounts have a minimum opening deposit of $25 and BankBlack 2 Day Early Pay, allows account holders to receive their pay up to two days earlier. U2 E-Checking account comes with a $12 monthly maintenance fee, while Black Wall Street Checking doesn’t have a monthly service fee.
Other features available with both accounts include a mobile banking app with mobile check deposits, fee-free withdrawals from over 37,000 ATMs, and AutoSave, which lets you automatically save your change.
Pros
- Large ATM network
- Offers second-chance checking
- Has a fee-free checking account
- Highly rated app
Cons
- Steep overdraft fee
- Small branch network
Learn More:
15. Wealthfront 
- Monthly fee: $0
- Minimum balance: $0
Wealthfront is a trusted robo-advisor, but many consumers may not realize it has an impressive cash management account, too.
The deposit account acts as a hybrid account with checking and savings features. Customers can access their next paycheck up to two days early with the Wealthfront Cash Account. The bank also grants you access to over 19,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide and lets you deposit checks from your phone.
The most noteworthy feature of the Wealthfront Cash Account is its high interest rate. You’ll earn 4.80% APY on your balance, which is far higher than the national average.
Moreover, the account has no monthly fees or minimums, and you can make unlimited withdrawals and transfers.
Pros
- $5 million of FDIC insurance
- No minimums to earn high APY
- Highly rated app
- Impressive additional products
Cons
- No branches
- Limited customer service
Learn More:
16. Ally 
- Monthly fee: $0
- Minimum balance: $0
Ally is arguably the most popular online bank, with a wealth of convenient bank accounts, credit cards, and investing services.
The Ally Bank Spending Account is one of its most competitive offerings, with 2-day early pay and a host of other useful perks.
The account has no monthly fees or overdraft fees, with up to $200 of overdraft protection. It also offers up to 0.25% APY, with more competitive interest on its savings account. Additionally, account holders get access to more than 43,000 Allpoint ATMs, plus $10 of out-of-network ATM fee reimbursements each month.
For a limited time, you can also earn a $200 bonus when you open a new Spending account and get a qualifying direct deposit.
Pros
- Excellent customer experience
- Overdraft protection
- No monthly fees or account minimums
- Competitive APY on savings
Cons
- No branches
- No cash deposits
Learn more:
17. SoFi 
- Monthly fee: $0
- Minimum balance: $0
SoFi is another popular one-stop shop for managing your personal finances, with rewarding accounts on a user-friendly banking platform.
SoFi’s online checking account provides early pay with direct deposits, plus several account benefits. Accountholders can earn up to 15% cashback on their SoFi debit card purchases and enjoy 0.50% APY on all account balances.
The account has no monthly fees and doesn’t charge for its $50 overdraft protection service, as long as you receive direct deposits of at least $1,000.
When you apply for a SoFi checking account, you’re also enrolled in a high-yield savings account, which currently earns up to 4.50% APY. To make savings easier, you can automatically round up debit card purchases to fund your savings account.
Pros
- Exceptionally rated app
- Cashback rewards
- Fee-free overdraft protection
- Competitive APY
Cons
- No local branches
- No CDs or money market accounts
Learn more:
How Does Early Direct Deposit Work?
Early direct deposit allows individuals to receive their paycheck or government benefits earlier than the scheduled payday.
Several banks, credit unions, and fintechs offer early direct deposit as a free service. Once your account is set up, you typically need to provide your employer or benefits provider with your account details and request to have your funds directly deposited into your account.
When payday arrives, your funds are electronically transferred to the account, giving you access to your money earlier than if you received a physical check or had to wait for a traditional direct deposit.
If your bank offers early direct deposit and you opt to receive direct deposits from your job, you usually don’t have to take any further steps.
It’s important to note that not all banks offer early direct deposit, so you should check with your bank to see if this option is available or choose a bank that promotes early direct deposit as an account perk.
Pros and Cons of Early Direct Deposit
Take a moment to consider some of the biggest advantages and potential disadvantages of early direct deposit.
Pros
- Convenience: Early direct deposits let you access your funds ahead of time, giving you more flexibility and convenience as you manage your finances.
- Timely payments: With early direct deposits, you can receive your payments, such as salaries, bonuses, or benefits consistently and quickly, ensuring you have access to your funds when you need them most.
- Avoiding delays: By opting for early direct deposits, you can avoid potential delays in receiving your funds. This can be particularly beneficial during holidays, weekends, or other situations that might delay regular deposit processing.
- Immediate Access: Early direct deposits give you immediate access to your paycheck, allowing you to pay bills, make purchases, or handle other financial obligations without having to wait quite as long for payday.
Cons
- Overdraft risk: If you have automatic payments or bills set up, receiving your deposits early could potentially lead to overdrafts if you don’t closely monitor your account balance and expenses.
- Limited control: When your paycheck is deposited into your account early, you might be tempted to overspend. It’s important to budget wisely.
- Incompatible with financial tools: Some financial management tools or software may not be designed to accommodate early direct deposits, which could result in inaccurate budgeting or reporting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What banks release direct deposits early?
Several banks, such as Varo, Albert, Current, Chime, and Fifth Third Bank release direct deposits early. Many credit unions are also starting to offer this feature. In most cases, direct deposits are released by the bank up to 2 days early.
Does Bank of America offer early direct deposit?
Bank of America does not offer early direct deposit at this time. However, this does not mean that they never will. With major banks such as Axos and Capital One offering this feature, Bank of America might start offering this benefit in the future.
In the meantime, our list of best banks that offer early direct deposit includes many different banks, often with free checking accounts, that let you receive direct deposits early.
What banks release deposits two days early?
An increasingly large number of banks release direct deposits up to 2 days early. It’s essential to keep in mind that banks offer direct deposits up to two days early—the processing time depends on when the bank receives the instructions for the payments.
Can direct deposits be 3 days early?
No, banks do not pay direct deposits three days early. In most cases, banks and credit unions offer direct deposits one to two days early.
What types of institutions offer early direct deposit?
Banks with in-person branches, online banks, credit unions, and neo-banks that partner with FDIC-insured banks may all offer early direct deposit, letting you access your funds up to two days early when you set up direct deposits.
Does Chase release direct deposits early?
Yes, Chase Secure Banking offers early direct deposits. When you open an account and set up direct deposits, you can receive your payments up to two business days earlier than usual.
Should I start using direct deposit to get my paycheck early?
Early direct deposits can help you get paid sooner than paper checks or regular direct deposits. If your bank offers this service, you will need to supply your employer with your bank account number and the corresponding routing number to start receiving your funds early.
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