A prenote isn’t required for direct deposit to work, but it’s strongly recommended every time you set up or change your account info to prevent misrouted funds.
What’s Happening
A prenote is a zero-dollar test transaction sent through the ACH network to confirm your bank routing and account numbers are correct before your employer sends real paychecks.
Think of it like a quick handshake between your bank and payroll system. The prenote doesn’t actually move money—it just tells your bank, “Hey, this account exists and these numbers look right.” Within 1–3 banking days, your bank either confirms everything’s good or flags a problem. If they spot an error, your next real deposit won’t bounce like a bad check. Fun fact: according to the NACHA, prenotes cut ACH return rates by a whopping 92%. That’s a massive win for both employers and employees avoiding fees and delays.
Step-by-Step Solution
If your direct-deposit screen shows “Prenote” status, wait 1–3 banking days for the test to finish—no extra steps needed unless the status never updates.
Here’s the thing: don’t touch anything while that prenote is processing. Changing your account details mid-test is like trying to fix a wobbly table by kicking it—it just makes things worse. Most payroll portals (Workday, ADP, UKG, etc.) will show this status under Pay > Direct Deposit. If three full banking days pass and you’re still seeing “Prenote,” don’t panic. Log back in and look for a “Resend Prenote” button. When you click it, re-enter your routing and account numbers exactly as they appear on a voided check or deposit slip. Just remember: holidays can slow this down. Submit on Monday before a holiday? You might not see results until Thursday.
