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How-To

Direct Deposit for Nannies: Setup Guide

NannyKeeper Team
January 2, 2026
Updated February 23, 2026
4 min read

Writing checks every week? There's a better way. Direct deposit puts your nanny's paycheck in their bank account automatically—no trips to the bank, no lost checks.

Setting it up takes about five minutes.

Why Use Direct Deposit?

For you:

  • No writing checks
  • No trips to the bank
  • Automatic payment records
  • Professional payroll management

For your nanny:

  • Funds arrive reliably
  • No check-cashing fees
  • No waiting for checks to clear
  • Easy budgeting

What You'll Need

To set up direct deposit, you need your nanny's:

  1. Bank name — Wells Fargo, Chase, Bank of America, etc.
  2. Routing number — 9 digits, identifies the bank
  3. Account number — Identifies your nanny's specific account
  4. Account type — Checking or savings

Your nanny can find this information on:

  • A voided check (routing and account numbers printed at the bottom)
  • Their bank's mobile app or website
  • Their bank statements

Setting Up Direct Deposit with NannyKeeper

Step 1: Gather Information

Have your nanny provide their bank details. We recommend using the NannyKeeper employee portal—they can enter their own information securely.

Step 2: Enter Bank Details

In NannyKeeper:

  1. Go to your employee's profile
  2. Click "Payment Settings"
  3. Enter the routing number, account number, and account type
  4. Save

Step 3: Verify the Account

Bank accounts are verified automatically when added—no micro-deposits or waiting period. You can run direct deposit on the next pay cycle.

Step 4: Run Payroll

Once verified, select "Direct Deposit" as the payment method when you run payroll. Funds will transfer automatically.

Timing and Processing

When You SubmitWhen Funds Arrive
MondayWednesday
TuesdayThursday
WednesdayFriday
ThursdayMonday
FridayTuesday/Wednesday

Weekends and bank holidays add extra days. Plan accordingly for holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas.

Direct Deposit vs. Other Methods

MethodProsCons
Direct depositAutomatic, reliable, professional2-3 day processing
Paper checkImmediateInconvenient, can be lost
Venmo/PayPalInstantNo payroll integration, fees
CashImmediateNo records, easy to lose

Direct deposit is the professional standard for household employment.

Security Considerations

Your nanny's information is protected:

  • Bank details are encrypted at rest and in transit
  • NannyKeeper uses bank-level security
  • Only authorized users can view account information
  • We never share data with third parties

Verify the source:

  • Never enter bank info into unencrypted forms
  • Only use established payroll services
  • Be wary of requests to change bank info (could be fraud)

FAQ

Can my nanny split their deposit?

Not currently. NannyKeeper sends each deposit to a single bank account. If your nanny wants to split funds between checking and savings, they can set up an automatic transfer through their bank after the deposit arrives.

What if my nanny doesn't have a bank account?

Many banks offer free checking accounts. Your nanny could also use:

  • Online banks (Chime, Current)
  • Prepaid debit cards that accept direct deposit
  • Credit union accounts

What if they change banks?

Update their bank information in NannyKeeper before the next pay period. The old account will no longer receive deposits.

How long does the first deposit take?

Account verification is instant, so you're just looking at standard processing time: 2-3 business days for the first deposit, same as every deposit after that.

What if a deposit fails?

Failed deposits are rare but can happen if:

  • Account information was entered incorrectly
  • The account was closed
  • The bank rejected the deposit

NannyKeeper will notify you of any failures so you can correct the issue.

Is direct deposit required?

No. You can always write paper checks. But direct deposit is more convenient for everyone.

Cost Comparison

ServiceDirect Deposit Cost
NannyKeeper Plus$6/transfer
NannyKeeper Starter$8/transfer
HomePayIncluded
PoppinsIncluded
GTMIncluded
SurePayrollIncluded
Manual checksFree (but inconvenient)

NannyKeeper Plus includes direct deposit at $6/transfer—$2 less per transfer than Starter.

Getting Started

Ready to set up direct deposit?

  1. Sign up for NannyKeeper
  2. Add your nanny's information
  3. Have them enter bank details through the employee portal
  4. Run your first direct deposit payroll

No more check-writing, no more bank trips. Just easy, automatic payments.

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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Tax laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice specific to your situation.

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