Prenote
A prenote (pre-notification) is a zero-dollar ACH test entry an employer or originator can send to verify that a new account's routing and account numbers are valid before the first real deposit or debit. The receiving bank has a window — historically up to about three banking days — to flag bad details, so a prenote helps catch errors that would otherwise reject the real payment. This verification step is one reason setting up a new direct deposit can take a pay cycle or two to take effect.
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How to set up direct deposit at a new job
To set up direct deposit at a new job, give payroll a signed direct deposit authorization form with your bank's routing number, account number, and account type, usually backed by a voided check or bank letter. Your first paycheck may still be paper while payroll verifies the account; after that, deposits land automatically each payday.
How to prove you have direct deposit set up
To prove you have direct deposit set up, show a recent pay stub, a bank statement listing the deposit, or a verification letter naming the payer, your account, and the deposit status. For a bank bonus, it usually must be a “qualifying direct deposit” — regular ACH income like a paycheck, pension, or benefit.