What is Deposit?

In general, a deposit means to keep something securely which can be used for in future. The term "deposit" is used in the banking system. A deposit is a phrase used in finance to describe money held in a bank. Nowadays, most people have bank accounts. They save money in their accounts. So, we can say that the deposit is the money which is placed in our bank accounts for further use. It is a financial transaction in which money is transferred to an account for storage. A deposit might refer to a sum of money held as security or collateral for the delivery of a product.

A deposit payment refers to any transaction that involves a fund transfer into your bank account. We can use the deposited money for paying bills online, cash withdrawal from debit cards, writing checks, and so on. We have many payment options such as debit cards, credit cards, mobile payments, electronic bank transfers. Offering more options may help you appeal to a broader range of clients and allow them to make larger purchases.

Direct deposit

The "direct deposit" refers to the electronic deposit of funds into a bank account rather than a paper check. Direct deposit necessitates the usage of an electronic network that enables bank-to-bank transfers. This network is known as the automated clearing house (ACH). The beneficiaries' accounts are automatically credited because the funds are transmitted electronically, so there is no need to wait for the money to clear. Paychecks, tax refunds, and other perks are all common purposes for direct deposit. In recent years, the direct deposit method is used by most workers. Nearly 94% of U.S. workers and employees get their salary via direct deposit. It is a more convenient technique for the employee, banking institute, and the company.

How does direct deposit work?

An employer begins by gathering the banking information of its employees and vendors, including bank account numbers and routing numbers. This is likely part of the information your company obtained from you during the onboarding process.

Let's say this company pays its employees on the 15th and last days of each month. Generally, the company will submit its payroll instructions to the partner bank one or more business days before payday, and the bank will then transmit the information to the Automated Clearing House (ACH). The ACH operator sorts the ACH entries and ensures that each instruction for each employee's paycheck is delivered to the correct financial institution.

Steps to start direct deposit

Here is the process to set up the direct deposit form. It is a very easy process and we can easily set the system to perform online payment.

1) Fill out the direct deposit form

Your company (or other payers) will require you to fill out a direct deposit form with numerous personal details, such as your name, address, Social Security number, and signature for direct deposit authorization.

2) Include the account information

The most important data on the direct deposit form, in addition to the foregoing, is your bank or credit union account information. Otherwise, your employer will be unable to initiate the direct deposit unless you supply your bank or credit union routing number and account number.

3) Include deposit amount

The deposit amount is usually equal to the amount of your check. However, you may be able to deposit a percentage of your pay into your checking account and a percentage into your savings account, for example, if you receive a paycheck.

4) Attach a void check or deposit slip

Though your account information is usually provided on the direct deposit form, you may need to attach a void check or deposit slip to guarantee that the payer is connecting to the correct bank account.

5) Submit the form

Because a direct deposit form contains so much personal information, it's critical to submit the form with caution. If you work in a typical workplace, handing this form to your payroll department is a smart idea. If you're submitting a form from afar, instead of emailing it, use a secure file transfer service.

Advantage of direct deposit

The advantages of direct deposit are listed below-

Easier and faster transaction

Transactions have gotten easier and faster with the availability of direct deposit. Direct deposits reduce the number of bank visits for both the payer and the payee. Transferred funds are normally available instantly or take a short period of time to process. Direct deposits are a more reliable and easy method of depositing funds since they minimize the danger of check or cash theft or loss because the deposit is made electronically. Direct deposits also help to reduce check fraud.

More efficient payroll process

Direct deposit simplifies the payroll process for businesses by allowing for the prompt payment of salaries and/or wages, as well as reducing the bookkeeping effort because there are no delays in cash transfers, and money is delivered straight to the employee's bank accounts.

Disadvantage of direct deposit

The disadvantages of direct deposit are mentioned below-

Bank account required

The disadvantage of direct deposits is that they cannot be used by people who do not have bank accounts. If the beneficiary does not have a bank account, an alternate payment mechanism must be identified and agreed upon.

The Direct Express Debit MasterCard prepaid debit card is one example. The card, which is a collaboration between the US Treasury Department, Comerica Bank, and MasterCard, can be used to receive funds from those who do not have bank accounts. It is for the benefit of federal recipients.

Cybersecurity threats

Cybersecurity is a major concern linked with direct deposits. Payments are vulnerable to cybercrime since they are made electronically or online. Banks and other financial institutions, on the other hand, take precautions to ensure data security and safety at all times.

NACHA

NACHA stands for (National Automated Clearing House Association). Nacha is in charge of the electronic system that connects all U.S. bank accounts and allows money to flow freely between them. In 2019, $55.8 trillion passed through the organization's Automated Clearing House (ACH) Network, according to the organization. It is a non-profit organization supported by the financial institutions that use its network. Nacha maintains one of the most important networks for electronic financial transactions between banks and payment service providers. It is in charge of the regulations and standards that govern the transfer of funds between accounts held at various types of financial or payment institutions.

Common Mistakes

Many students get confused that NACHA and ACH are the same things but there is a difference between them. The ACH network is the technology that moves the payment from one bank account to another whereas NACHA is an organization with a broad range of rules and regulations that sets rules for the ACH network which the latter needs to abide by. The NACHA can complete its mission without an ACH operator.

Concepts and Applications

This topic is significant in the professional exams for both graduate and postgraduate courses, especially for:

• Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science
• Bachelor's of Commerce
• Master's of Commerce

Related topics

• Demand deposit
• Money market account
• Fixed deposit
• Payment and markets

Practice Problems

Q1) Direct deposit is a:

1. Electronic payment method
2. Physical payment system
3. Paper check payment method
4. None

Correct answer: Electronic payment method

Explanation- Direct deposit is an electronic payment method used to digitally deposit money in a bank account.

Q2) Direct Deposit uses:

1. Electromagnetic medium
2. Electrical network
3. Electronic network
4. Magnetic medium

correct answer- c. Electronic network

Explanation- Direct deposit necessitates the usage of an electronic network that enables bank-to-bank transfers.

Q3) NACHA stands for:

1. National Automated Clearing House Association
2. National Advantage Clearing House Association
3. National Automated Clearing Home Association
4. None

correct answer- a. National Automated Clearing House Association

Explanation- The full form of NACHA is National Automated Clearing House Association.

Q4) ACH stands for

1. Automated Clearing House
2. Automated Clearing Home
3. Automatic Clearing Home
4. None

Correct answer- a. Automated Clearing House

Explanation- The Full form of ACH is Automated Clearing House.

Q5) Cards can be classified into:

1. Postpaid card, prepaid card
2. Debit card, credit card, prepaid card
3. Rupay card, Master card
4. None

Correct answer- Debit card, credit card, prepaid card

Explanation- The types of cards include Debit card, credit card, and prepaid card.