Direct deposit or direct credit uses electronic funds transfer moves money from a source bank to a recipient bank where provided account information deposits specific monetary amounts into various individual accounts. The scheduled funds are automatically deposited on an individuals's designated payment dates, and are immediately available the same day.

Most bank postings of a direct deposit amount to an account happen overnight since the entire process is automated. This action is also tied to only occurring on bank business days, not on Saturday, Sunday, or bank holidays.