Direct Deposit FAQs

At Argent Credit Union, we’re fans of direct deposits. They’re a safe, convenient, and reliable way to deposit money. But even if you like direct deposits as much as we do, you might have questions about them. So we created this list of questions and answers for you to reference.

Direct Deposit Set-Up Questions

How can I set up a direct deposit?

Signing up for a direct deposit at Argent is quick and easy. It takes a one-time setup, and then you never have to think about it again. Here’s what you need to do:

  • Complete our Direct Deposit Enrollment form by printing it and writing your information at the top or filling it out online.
  • Give the completed form to your employer or payer, who might be a government agency like the Social Security Agency. It provides all the information they’ll need to get your direct deposit set up. You can submit this form by email, in-person, by fax, or by mail.
  • Keep an eye on your account. It might be one or two paychecks before you see your first direct deposit, but they’ll be regular after that.

Direct Deposit Enrollment Form

What if my employer wants me to use their form to set it up?

You’ll just need the give them the following information:

Our routing number: 251082233. Our address: P.O. Box 72, Chesterfield, VA 2383. And your Argent account number.

Will my direct deposit be set up right away?

Normally, it’s set up quickly- you should see your very next payment show up in your account automatically. But sometimes, it can take up to two paychecks before you see your first direct deposit. The good news is they’ll always be predictable and dependable after that.

Do I need a voided check to set up direct deposit?

No. You’ll only need our Direct Deposit Enrollment Form

How can I set up my Virginia unemployment benefits to be direct deposited into my account?

You can elect direct deposit for your VA unemployment benefits online at www.vec.virginia.gov or by calling the VRS at 1-800-897-5630.

What if I want to set up my Social Security payment on direct deposit but don’t know where to start?

The Social Security Administration has a helpful page on their website that explains how to set this up. You can also call them at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

What if I want to set up my VA or Federal benefits payment but don’t know where to start?

The Federal Government has a page on their website that explains how to set this up. You can also call Call the U.S. Dept. of the Treasury at 800.333.1795.

General Direct Deposit Questions

How does direct deposit work?

Direct deposit allows one bank to send money to another bank electronically, on a scheduled basis.

When you receive money through a direct deposit, your account balance will automatically be credited when it arrives. There’s no need to accept the payment or deposit the funds into your account. It happens automatically, and your account balance will reflect this.

What are the benefits of direct deposit?

With direct deposit, you set it up one time and never have to worry about it again. No more waiting for checks to come in the mail or picking them up from your employer on payday. No more standing in line at the bank to make a deposit.

Direct deposit is fast- you get your money faster than if you had to deposit your check manually. It’s also convenient and safe. You’ll never have another check lost in the mail again.

What types of payments can be set up on direct deposit?

You can set up any recurring payment for a direct deposit. So paychecks, Social Security checks, government checks, pension checks, and annuity or dividend checks can all be set up to deposit into your account with direct deposit automatically.

How much does direct deposit cost?

There is no charge for direct deposit.

How does direct deposit work if I get paid on Friday?

If you get paid on a Friday and have direct deposit set up, you will likely wake up to your paycheck check in your account. Employers often use payroll software to ensure your direct deposit will go through on time.

Are direct deposits safe?

Yes! Since no one can steal or alter a direct deposit, they are more secure than other types of deposits.

What are the downsides of setting up direct deposit?

There really aren’t any downsides to direct deposit. It’s a fantastic way to get paid.

One thing to keep in mind is that you should check your paystubs or payroll notification each pay period to verify you’re getting paid what you should be paid.

Occasionally, an employee will realize there’s confusion with their paycheck- it may be that they didn’t get overtime pay when they should have or didn’t get paid for a holiday. By checking your payroll information each pay period, you can catch those things right away and speak to your employer about correcting them.

How will I know that I’ve gotten paid with direct deposit?

Your employer will give you a pay stub, or you’ll get a payroll notification email telling you that you were paid. You can also log into your Argent CU account and see that your deposit was posted.

When will my Virginia unemployment benefits payment be deposited into my account with direct deposit?

According to the Virginia government website, It takes two business days for your funds to be deposited into your account after your weekly claim has been processed.

Can I split my paycheck up to be direct deposited into two different accounts?

Yes. In fact, we encourage our members to take advantage of that option.

One way to do it is to put part of your deposit into a savings account and the rest in your primary checking account. That way, you’re sure to build up your savings account effortlessly.

If I have a problem with direct deposit, who should I call?

Problems with direct deposit are incredibly rare. More likely, you could have a problem with your paycheck in terms of your payment not being what you are expecting.

In that case, you should speak to the payer, whether it’s your employer or a government agency. If you have any other questions, you’re always welcome to call us at (804) 748-9488 or (800) 943-3328.

How can I stop or change a direct deposit?

You will just need to contact the organization that is depositing money into your account and let them know you’d like to make a change to how you’re getting paid.

What if I have a question you didn’t answer here?

We’re always happy to hear from you, so give us a call at (804) 748-9488 or (800) 943-3328. We’re here to help!

Ready to Set Up a Direct Deposit?

We invite all of our members to set up direct deposits. To learn more, please visit our direct deposit page.

Direct Deposits