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Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)

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With electronic funds transfer (EFT), government agencies can pay and collect money electronically, without having to use paper checks.

EFT is safe, secure, efficient, and less expensive than paper check payments and collections.

Do I have to sign up for EFT?

Yes, it's required, All federal benefit payments must be paid electronically. If you get federal benefits, such as Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Veterans' benefits, civil service retirement, military federal retirement, or railroad retirement payments, you must get your benefits by EFT.

How do I get my payment by EFT?

If you have a bank or credit union account	Your benefit payment will be deposited directly into your account: Direct Deposit
If you do not have a bank or credit union account	Your benefit payment will be put on a card that you use to buy items at stores, gas stations, and on the internet, pay bills, get cash, etc.: DirectExpress® Debit MasterCard®

What about payments that are not for federal benefits?

You can get many other federal payments by EFT that are not part of the GoDirect® or DirectExpress® programs.

Here's how to sign up to get federal payments deposited directly into your bank or credit union account:

Tax refunds	If you don't already get your tax refund deposited directly, you can arrange for it on next year's tax return.  See Direct Deposit of Tax Refunds and Direct Deposit of Tax Refunds FAQ. For additional information, visit irs.gov
Payments to federal employees	Contact your HR Department. Fill out and sign FASTSTART Direct Deposit (FMS Form 2231) and submit it to your HR department.
Payments to federal benefit recipients SSA/SSI RRB OPM	Contact your financial institution or call 1-800-333-1795 (English) / 1-800-333-1792 (Spanish) or visit www.GoDirect.gov. Fill out and sign FMS Form 1200 (available in English and Spanish and mail it to the appropriate paying agency. To authorize your benefit payment(s) to be paid to your prepaid card, contact the prepaid provider, request your banking information and contact your paying agency to provide them with the new banking instructions so that your benefits are sent to your card.
Payments to other non-vendors	Contact your financial institution. Fill out and sign form SF 1199A and mail it to the appropriate paying agency.
Payments to vendors	Contact the appropriate federal agency or financial institution. Fill out and sign form SF 3881 and mail it to the appropriate federal agency.

 

Quick Links for Federal Agencies

• Instructions for agencies making postage payments to the U.S. Postal Service
• Green Book (the online guide for financial institutions or Automated Clearing House (ACH) processing)
• Information about Automated Clearing House transactions
• 31 CFR Part 210 Final Rule   PDF   HTM