Frequently Asked Questions — SmartSwitchSM

    • 1.
    • What is SmartSwitch?
  • SmartSwitch is our exclusive online account switching service that makes switching other bank accounts, online bill payees, and direct deposit to Capital One® Bank easy. With SmartSwitch you can:
    • Automatically import your online bill payees from your other bank's online banking service to Capital One Online Banking.
    • Create and manage notification letters to redirect your payroll direct deposit and automatic payments to your new Capital One account, and close your account at your former bank.
    Learn more about SmartSwitch.
    • 2.
    • How do I set up or transfer my existing direct deposit information?
  • If you want to add direct deposit to your Capital One Bank account or switch your existing direct deposit from another bank to Capital One, you’ll need to provide your Capital One Bank account and routing numbers to your employer. You can do this by filling out our Setup Direct Deposit PDF and giving it to your employer.
    • 3.
    • How do I cancel or transfer automatic withdrawals from my former bank account to my Capital One account?
  • If you currently have payments automatically deducted from your old account and would like to switch them to your new Capital One account, complete our Automatic Payments PDF and mail it to your biller(s), or use our notification letter service available within SmartSwitch to manage your automatic withdrawal letters online.
    • 4.
    • How do I close my account at another bank?
  • Once you’re certain that all your transactions (such as your payments and direct deposits) have been transferred to your new Capital One Bank account and that all outstanding checks have cleared on your old account, complete our Close Account PDF and mail it to your former bank to close the account. Or you can use our notification letter service available within SmartSwitch to manage your close account letters online.
    • 5.
    • How do I access SmartSwitch?
  • SmartSwitch is accessed through Online Banking.
    • 6.
    • What happens if SmartSwitch can't find my bank?
  • SmartSwitch can import payee information from a number of regional banks throughout the states where we have branches, as well as several banks nationwide. We are always adding bank information to our SmartSwitch database. If your former bank isn't available, send us a secure message or call 1-800-520-8774.
    • 7.
    • Why do you need my login information for my other bank?
  • The login information you used with your former bank is only required when using the SmartSwitch import payee service. The SmartSwitch import payee service uses your login credentials to access your former bank's online banking service, verify you as the account owner, and collect your payee and payment data. You can use other features of SmartSwitch, such as creating and managing notification letters, without the need to provide your login information.

    We understand that we're asking for personal information in this instance, and we take this very seriously. We will not access or share your personal and account information for any other purpose other than importing your payee information. And we're committed to ensuring your safety online with SSL encryption and other security best practices.
    Learn more about SmartSwitch security and privacy.

    • 8.
    • How long does it take to import my bill payees?
  • It should take just a few minutes and we will send you an email to confirm when the process is complete.
    • 9.
    • Will my automatic payments carry over to Capital One along with my payee information?
  • To make sure you have sufficient funds in your new Capital One Bank account and don't miss a payment, we ask that you cancel payments from your old bank and set up new payments with us.
    • 10.
    • Why do I need the employer notification and other letters?
  • Many transactions tied to your account are done by a third party — such as direct deposit with your employer. You may also have agreements where payments are deducted from your account each month – such as a gym membership fee. These third parties typically require a formal request, in writing authorizing them to change these transactions. With SmartSwitch you can download, print, complete and mail these types of formal requests for yourself.
    • 11.
    • Is SmartSwitch secure?
  • We are committed to ensuring your safety online and always safeguarding your confidential information. With SmartSwitch, we take several steps to protect your switch-related transactions, such as using SSL encryption technology, using intrusion detection software, and more. Learn more about SmartSwitch security and privacy.
    • 12.
    • What if I have a question about SmartSwitch?
  • If you have questions, please call toll-free 1-800-520-8774.

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We work hard to make sure your personal and account information is always safe and secure.

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