Verifying a bank account with micro deposits

When you add a bank account to Bill Pay, you need to verify the bank account before completing payment transactions. You can verify your bank account in two ways:

This guide focuses on the micro-deposit verification process and includes the following:

How micro-deposits work

Micro-deposits are small amounts of money ($0.01) deposited into your bank account to verify that you own the bank account. Bill Pay partners with Plaid, which connects to more than 100 banks across the U.S. When you choose to verify by micro-deposit:

  • Plaid sends small deposits to your bank account 
  • Micro deposits are made on the same day. 
  • You'll need to verify the exact amounts deposited to complete the verification process

Important Notes About Verification

  • You can only verify up to 2 bank accounts at once. Please wait until those bank accounts are verified before connecting additional bank accounts.
  • There is a limit to how many incorrect verification attempts you can make. After reaching this limit, your bank account will be blocked and unable to be connected. If verification fails, see our troubleshooting guide here.
  • Verification by micro-deposit is a one-time process for each bank account.
  • You can schedule future payments with an unverified bank account, but funds will not be collected or transferred until the bank account is verified. Bank account verification is required to complete any payment transaction.

Step 1: Adding your bank account details

You can initiate the bank connection process either when you are actively scheduling a payment or directly through your Settings menu.

Option 1: Add a bank account when making a payment

1- In the Payment details window, look under the How you pay section. 

2- Start adding a new bank account:

  • If you have never added a bank account: Select the Add bank account button.
  • If you already have a bank account saved: Click the dropdown menu on your existing bank account and select + Add account.

Option 2: Add a bank account in Settings

1- In your Gusto Bill Pay account, select the Settings icon.

2- Once the Settings menu expands, find and select Payment Methods from the settings sidebar menu that appears.

3- Select the + Add another bank account.

Step 2: Connect your bank account with micro-deposits

A bank account linking window will appear. Plaid securely handles this process.

Why Plaid?

Plaid creates a secure connection between your bank and Gusto Bill Pay. It uses encrypted, protected tokens to shield your actual account information while allowing Gusto Bill Pay to access only the necessary data for payments, like your routing and account numbers.

1- You can enter your phone number to log in or sign up with Plaid. Alternatively, you can continue without a phone number.

2- Select Manual when asked how you’ll link your bank account. Select Continue.

3- Next, enter your Routing number. Select Continue.

4- Enter your bank account number and confirm it by re-entering it. Select Continue.

5- Enter your full name. Make sure it matches the name on the bank account. Select Continue.

6- Choose the bank account type (e.g., Checking or Savings). Select Continue.

7- Authorize Plaid to deposit a small amount of money into your bank account. Select Authorize.

You’ll receive the micro-deposit on the same day and can then verify your bank account.

8- You'll be asked if you want to receive a text notification when your micro-deposit arrives.

9- If you want text notifications:

  • Enter your phone number
  • Select Continue

10- If you don't want text notifications:

  • Select Opt out of text message reminders

11- You'll see a confirmation screen with the following steps:

  • If you opted for text notifications, you'll receive a message when the micro-deposit arrives.
  • If you opted out, you'll need to return to your Gusto Bill Pay account in one business day to verify manually.
  • Select Continue at the bottom of the screen.

12- Your new bank account is now pending verification. You can complete your payment as usual, but it will only be processed after the bank account you added is successfully verified.

Step 3: Verifying your bank account once you receive the micro-deposits

You’ll receive the micro-deposit on the same day and can then verify your bank account.

Here are the options for verifying your bank account:

Is your account synced with an accounting software?

If your Bill Pay account is synced with an accounting software, you’ll be asked to select the matching account in your accounting software after you complete the bank account verification. 

  • Select the matching account from the drop-down menu.
  • Select Link accounts to continue. 

💡 To learn more about syncing with accounting software, please see the following section in our help center.

Verification via text message

Plaid will send a text message to the mobile phone number you added. The message includes a link where you can enter the 3-letter code attached to the micro-deposit amount.

To verify the bank account:

1- Select the link in the text message.

2- Follow the instructions to find the code.

3- Enter the 3-letter code and select Continue.

4- You’ve successfully verified your bank account. Select Continue.

5- Your bank account is now linked. 

That’s it! Your bank account is successfully connected to your Bill Pay account. You can use it to pay your vendors. 

Verification via Email

Once you receive​​ the micro-deposit, you'll receive an email with a link to enter the 3-letter code attached to the micro-deposit amount. 

To verify your bank account:

1- In the email, Select Verify bank account. This will lead you to the Settings page.

2- In the Settings page, find and select Payment Methods from the settings sidebar menu.

3- Your newly added bank account will appear in your list of available payment methods, marked as "Pending Verification." Select Verify account located next to this bank account to begin the verification process.

4- Next, enter the 3-letter code attached to the micro-deposit in your bank account. 

5- Select Continue.

That’s it! Your bank account is successfully connected to your Bill Pay account. You can use it to pay your vendors. 

Verification via the Settings

Here’s how to verify your bank account from Settings:

1- In your Bill Pay account, select the Settings icon.

2- Once the Settings menu expands, find and select Payment Methods from the settings sidebar menu.

3- Your newly added bank account will appear in your list of available payment methods, marked as "Pending Verification." Select Verify account located next to this bank account to begin the verification process.

4- Next, enter the 3-letter code attached to the micro-deposit in your bank account. 

5- Select Continue.

That’s it! Your bank account is successfully connected to your Bill Pay account. You can use it to pay your vendors. 

Verification in the Payment Tab

If you added a new bank account when making a payment, Bill Pay will remind you that action is needed to complete the payment successfully. 

You can verify your bank account from your scheduled payment by following these steps.

1- In the Bill Pay dashboard, select the Payments tab.

2- Find the payment that is pending verification.

3- Select View payment.

4- In the Payment and Bill details drawer, select Verify account.

5- Next, enter the 3-letter code attached to the micro-deposit in your bank account. 

6- Select Continue.

That’s it! Your bank account is successfully connected to your Bill Pay account. You can use it to pay your vendors. 

Troubleshooting verification

Failed Verification of Bank Account with Micro-Deposits

When verifying your account, you have a limited number of attempts (typically three) to enter the correct 3-letter code. If you receive an error message, it means you've used all attempts unsuccessfully.

What This Means 

After the failed attempts, your bank account will be temporarily blocked from our verification system for 48 hours. You cannot attempt to verify this specific account until this waiting period has passed.

Your Options 

You have several alternatives to proceed quickly:

1- Connect a different bank account - You can immediately add another account using either instant verification or the micro-deposit method. (Remember: you can only have 2 accounts pending verification at once).

2- Wait and retry - After the 48-hour period expires, you can attempt to verify the original bank account again. 

3- Need Additional Help? If none of these solutions work, contact our support team.

 
 
 

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