How to switch banks and move your checking account
Learning how to switch banks isn’t as difficult as it may seem. Here’s how to simplify the process.
Summary
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Switching banks and opening a new checking account can be easier than you might think and can be completed in just a few steps.
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Choosing the right checking account starts by comparing account fees, features and FDIC insurance.
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Setting up direct deposit and online bill pay helps make sure your paycheck and recurring payments transition smoothly.
Do you remember the last time you walked into a physical bank branch? If you can’t, or if you rarely visit a bank, you may be pleased to know there are other options. Enter online banking.
“Increasingly, our clients tell us they rarely go to bank branches anymore,” says Andrew Wang, managing partner at a financial management firm.
Wang’s observation is also backed by research. More than 3 in 4 Americans now manage their bank accounts digitally, whether through a mobile app or online banking, according to a 2025 survey by the American Bankers Association.
Even if research shows consumers are trending toward digital-only banking, you might still be wondering if online banking is right for you. Learning how to change checking accounts may feel like a time-consuming process on top of your already packed schedule. The thought of switching banks might cause even more stress.
Good news: It can be quite easy to move a checking account to a new bank, including to an online bank. And regardless of how simple it is to replace your brick-and-mortar checking account, there can be plenty of perks that come with making the switch to online banking. The digital age has helped make simple transactions straightforward.
Wondering where to get started? Consider the following tips for how to switch banks and move your checking account:
Choose the right account and get started
What’s the first piece of advice for how to switch banks and move your checking account? Ask yourself why you want to move your checking account to a new bank. This can help you find a checking account that meets your needs.
If you’re looking to replace your brick-and-mortar checking account, be sure to compare any potential fees. You should also confirm that your new account is FDIC-insured.
Once you’ve decided which checking account to open, you’ll need to fill out an application. You may be asked to provide a few basic details like your address and Social Security number. You can provide a starting balance and fund your account by transferring money from an existing one. You should also find instructions for setting up your online and mobile account access.
Prefer to get started in person? At a Capital One Café, you can open a no-fee 360 Checking or 360 performance savings account in a no-pressure environment.
From there, it’s time to move on to other aspects of financial management.
Enroll in direct deposit
If you’re deciding how to switch banks, consider other features that could help you manage your checking account and budget. Automating your finances, for example, can be an easy way to stay on track toward your financial goals. It helps put systems in place that can all but eliminate human error.
“Systems beat out human beings when it comes to consistency. They don’t get tired or sick or lose motivation,” says Tiffany Aliche, founder of a financial education website. “Systems also don’t make irrational financial decisions based on emotion.”
If you have your employer directly deposit your paycheck into your checking account, you don’t run the risk of losing a check or forgetting to make the deposit on your own.
Making sure you have direct deposit when you move a checking account to a new bank is easy. That’s true whether you’re new to direct deposit or have been using it for some time. You will probably have to notify your employer and give them an authorization form with your new banking information, including your account and routing numbers. You can get this authorization form from your new bank. Your employer may also have their own form for you to fill out.
Set up automatic bill pay
When you move your checking account to a new bank, you could also switch bill pay to your new bank. That way, recurring expenses don’t slip through the cracks.
Log in to your current checking account and view all recurring bill payments you’ve scheduled. It could be easy to forget some of those smaller payments that come out of your checking account. Next, move over to your new online checking account and find the bill pay option. Follow your account’s instructions to set up bill pay for each of your expenses.
Online bill pay is something financial advisor Susan Jensch does with her own accounts.
“Setting up online bill pay has been beneficial for me because it helps control my cash flow,” she says.
Randomly scheduling your bill payments can make you run the risk of an overdraft. Jensch makes sure to schedule them right after bi-weekly deposits hit her checking account. This way, she knows there is enough money in the account to cover them.
“It works out that my mortgage and car are paid when the first paycheck hits. My credit card and some other bills come out two weeks later, since those payment dates are more flexible,” Jensch adds.
Schedule automatic transfers
You may want to consider setting up automatic transfers to your savings account. Aliche encourages her audience to create multiple savings accounts—one for each goal. Then, set up automatic transfers into each.
You can set up your automatic transfers by logging into your online checking account. You’ll need to select:
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Which account should receive the transfer
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The amount of the transfer
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The frequency for the transfer (weekly, after each paycheck or monthly)
How to switch banks and move your checking account: FAQ
What should I do before switching banks?
Before you switch to a different bank, compare checking account features to see which has the best options. Look into monthly fees, minimum balance requirements, ATM access and fees, digital banking tools and available perks. Then make a list of your direct deposits, automatic bill payments and recurring subscriptions so you can transfer them to your new account without missing a payment.
How long does it take to switch banks?
The time it takes to switch banks depends on how many accounts and payments you need to move. Opening a new checking account is often a fast process, but it’s a good idea to keep your old account open until all direct deposits and automatic payments have successfully transferred.
Should I close my old checking account right away?
It’s usually best to wait before closing your old checking account. Leave it open until your paycheck, automatic bill payments and recurring subscriptions are using your new account. Once you’ve confirmed everything has switched over and any outstanding checks have cleared, you can close the old account.
Can I switch banks if I still have money in my old checking account?
Yes, you can switch banks if you still have money in an old account. Many people keep money in their previous checking account while they complete the transition. Maintaining enough funds to cover pending transactions can help prevent overdrafts or missed payments. Once all transactions have cleared, you can transfer the remaining balance to your new account and close the old one.
Key takeaways: How to switch banks and move your checking account
Both Wang and Aliche agree: Online banking can provide perks and flexibility that help you automate your finances and reach your financial goals.
When determining how to switch banks and move your checking account, remember that switching to an online checking account can be a straightforward process. In fact, it can often be completed in just a few simple steps. Some of the most important steps include updating your direct deposit, bill pay and automatic transfers. Doing so helps ensure a smooth transition without interrupting your finances. Online banking tools can make managing your money easier by helping you automate everyday financial tasks.