Switch Banks in Six Easy Steps

Posted on January 10, 2025

Interested in switching your checking account but not sure where to start? Switching banks doesn’t have to be complicated, and we’re here to help with a checklist to make the process easier.

1. Open your new account

At United, it’ll only take you minutes to become a customer. Grab your government-issued ID (driver’s license, state-issued ID, or US-issued passport), have your Social Security Number handy, and visit one of our branches or click here to apply online.

2. Set up your online/mobile banking account

Digital banking gives you anytime, anywhere access to your accounts. Once enrolled, you can:

Check your account balances and deposit checks from your phone
Set up Bill Pay to automate your monthly bills
Send money to friends and family with Zelle^®1
Set up customized alerts for your accounts

3. Set up direct deposit

Enroll in direct deposit to transfer funds from your paycheck and other sources of recurring income directly to your United account.

4. List automatic payments and update payment information

Create a detailed list of all the recurring payments coming out of your old bank account (things like bills and subscriptions). Log in to your account for each vendor and add your new United account number (you’ll need our routing number, too—it’s 061112843). Or use Bill Pay within our mobile app to easily pay all your bills from one place, without the need for all those separate log-ins.

5. Keep an eye out for pending transactions

Before you cut ties with your old financial institution, make sure you don’t have any outstanding checks or pending transactions on your old account. Wait about one billing cycle to ensure you’ve caught all your automatic payments and direct deposits before transferring the remaining balance to your new account.

6. Close your old account

When you’re sure your old account isn’t seeing any activity, go ahead and close it. Welcome to United—we’re so glad you’re here!

Need Help?

If you have questions or need assistance at any step of the way, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. You can visit your local branch or give us a call at 1-800-822-2651.