Direct deposit processing timeline for QuickBooks Payroll

The typical processing timeline for QuickBooks Payroll direct deposit is as follows:

1. Payroll is approved and direct deposit information is sent to Intuit.
2. Payroll is offloaded.
3. Funds are deposited on the paycheque date.

Payroll approved and direct deposit information is sent to Intuit

During this stage of the processing timeline, the status of the transaction is listed as pending.

It is necessary to transmit payroll information to Intuit based on your direct deposit payment speed below:

Next-day model: Submit payroll by 5:00 PM Pacific time the day before payday
2-day model: Submit payroll by 5:00 PM Pacific time at least 2 business days before payday
5-day model: Submit payroll by 5:00 PM Pacific time at least 5 business days before payday

Note: Paycheques can be created and transmitted up to 45 days in advance.

At 5:00 PM PT (8:00 PM ET) the payroll offloads.

Payroll is offloaded

Following the offloading, the direct deposit payroll is electronically sent to Intuit's Automatic Clearing House for processing.

Intuit will debit your bank account 1 banking day before the paycheque date.

The debit from your bank account can happen any time within a 24-hour window.

Funds are deposited on the paycheque date

The employee's bank has until 11:59 PM PT (2:59 AM ET) on the cheque date to post the funds to the employee's bank account. The time of the direct deposit posting or availability of funds is determined by the employee's bank and is not controlled by Intuit.

If the paycheque date falls on a non-banking day, the funds will be posted in the employee's bank account on the next banking day.

Frequently asked questions

Can a direct deposit payment be cancelled after it's sent?

Intuit cannot stop the direct deposit transaction process after the payroll has been offloaded.

Payroll is offloaded based on your direct deposit payment speed and must be cancelled before:

Next-day model: 5:00 PM Pacific time the day before payday
2-day model: 5:00 PM Pacific time at least 2 business days before payday
5-day model: 5:00 PM Pacific time at least 5 business days before payday

For example, based on a 2-day model, if you've scheduled an employee's paycheque for direct deposit on Friday, you can delete it up until 5:00 PM (PT) on Wednesday. If you wait until later than this designated time and date, the money will have already been transferred.

If Intuit hasn't yet processed the paycheque, you can delete it and keep the money in your account, even if you've already approved the paycheque.

Can Intuit remove funds from a current employee's bank account if it has already been deposited?

Intuit can't remove money from a current employee's bank account. Work directly with your employee to retrieve the money, then contact Intuit so we can delete the paycheque for you.

Money movement services are provided by Intuit Canada Payments Inc.