In banking, a
direct deposit (or
direct credit) is a deposit of money by a payer directly into a payee's
bank account. Direct deposits are most commonly made by businesses in the payment of salaries and wages and for the payment of suppliers' accounts, but the facility can be used for payments for any purpose, such as payment of bills, taxes, and other government charges. Direct deposits are most commonly made by means of
electronic funds transfers effected using
online,
mobile, and
telephone banking systems but can also be effected by the physical deposit of money into the payee's bank account.