Direct deposit is a process where someone who is going to be paid on a recurring basis, such as an employee, or a recipient of a government entitlement or benefit program such as social security, is sent the payment owed to them into their checking or savings account. The reasons for doing this include:
- Instant access to the funds via an ATM or check card;
- A check can be lost or stolen anywhere between the sender and the intended payee;
- Payments made electronically can be less expensive to the payor.
Direct deposit eliminates mailing delays and alleviates the need to go somewhere to cash or deposit your check.