Direct Bank Payment Online: Using Your Routing and Account Number at Checkout

Online shopping offers numerous payment options, from credit and debit cards to digital wallets. However, not everyone prefers—or has access to—these traditional methods. A practical alternative exists: paying directly with your checking account by providing your routing and account number, which allows you to draw funds electronically from your bank balance.

Why Choose to Pay With Your Routing and Account Number?

Paying with your routing and account number online provides flexibility for shoppers who don’t have a credit card or prefer not to use one. Your checking account already contains the routing number that identifies your bank and your personal account number—both pieces of information you already possess. Rather than relying on a debit card or borrowing through credit, this direct payment method lets you spend money you already have.

This approach appeals to people who want to avoid overdraft risk, reduce their exposure to payment-related fraud, or simply maintain tighter control over spending. Additionally, merchants typically charge fewer transaction fees when processing bank-direct payments compared to credit card purchases.

Where Online Retailers Accept This Bank Account Payment Method

Not all e-commerce platforms support direct checking account payments. Amazon represents one notable exception that accepts this method, while eBay may accept checks. Unfortunately, the majority of online retailers don’t currently offer this option at checkout.

When direct bank account payments aren’t available, you’ll usually see payment requests limited to debit cards, credit cards, prepaid gift cards, or newer options like Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services such as Affirm and Klarna. The good news: when a retailer does accept checking account payments, the process typically takes just a few minutes to complete.

Step-by-Step: Entering Your Account Number and Routing Number for Payment

If you’ve found a merchant that accepts direct bank account payments, follow these steps:

Gather Your Banking Details. Locate your checking account number and your bank’s routing number—the nine-digit code that uniquely identifies your financial institution. You can find both by logging into your online banking portal or reviewing a recent bank statement.

Start Your Purchase. Browse the retailer’s site and add items to your cart. Navigate to checkout to see what payment options are available. If direct bank account payment is supported, you should see this choice displayed.

Input Your Bank Information. Look for payment options labeled “ACH,” “eCheck,” or “add bank account.” Enter your account number and routing number precisely as they appear in your banking records. Double-check all digits before proceeding.

Confirm the Transaction. Review all entered information one final time. Ensure your account and routing numbers match exactly what your bank provided. Then complete the purchase.

Weighing the Benefits Against the Limitations

Advantages:

• Accessible to anyone with a checking account, regardless of credit history
• Typically involves lower transaction costs than card-based payments
• Spending directly from your account balance discourages overspending and debt accumulation
• No risk of credit score impacts since you’re not borrowing money

Disadvantages:

• Most major e-commerce platforms don’t support this payment method
• Insufficient funds in your account will result in a declined transaction
• You forfeit cash-back rewards and points that credit or debit cards often provide
• Purchase protections and extended warranties typically don’t apply to direct bank transfers
• Your banking details are shared with the merchant, creating additional data exposure

Alternative Payment Methods When Direct Bank Account Payment Isn’t Available

Several solutions let you tap your checking account balance without entering your bank details directly:

PayPal and Similar Digital Payment Services. Connect your checking account to PayPal at no cost, then use PayPal to pay at thousands of retailers including Walmart and Target. These services offer fraud prevention, purchase protection, and eliminate the need to share your bank details with individual merchants. Domestic transactions through PayPal carry no fees.

Prepaid Debit Cards. Load a prepaid card with money from your checking account, then use it like a traditional debit card online. Unlike cards linked directly to your account, prepaid cards offer a spending limit based on funds you’ve deposited. Quality prepaid cards charge minimal monthly fees and offer multiple ways to load cash.

Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) Solutions. BNPL options split purchases into installments, making larger buys more manageable. These services generally don’t charge interest if you pay on time, though late fees and deferred interest can apply. BNPL does carry overspending risk since you may be approved for more than you can afford.

Retail and General-Purpose Gift Cards. Purchase digital or physical gift cards from major retailers or use general Visa or Mastercard gift cards accepted nearly everywhere. While not identical to direct bank payments, gift cards funded from your checking account offer another way to shop online using your bank balance.

SNAP EBT for Eligible Shoppers. If you qualify for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, your Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card functions similarly to a prepaid card for eligible grocery purchases. Major retailers including Walmart, Amazon, Instacart, Aldi, and Meijer now accept SNAP EBT online through USDA pilot programs.

Protecting Yourself: Security Best Practices for Online Bank Payments

When entering your account number and routing number online, treat this information with the same care you’d give to a credit card number.

Shop at Established Retailers Only. Avoid entering sensitive bank details on unfamiliar websites. Stick to merchants you know and trust. Verify that a site uses an SSL certificate—look for “https://” in the URL and a padlock icon—which encrypts your data during transmission.

Use Unique, Strong Passwords. Create distinct passwords for each retailer account you maintain, and update them immediately if you notice unauthorized access attempts. Never use the same password across multiple shopping sites.

Don’t Save Your Banking Information. Instead of storing your account and routing numbers in retailer accounts for future use, enter your information fresh each time you shop. This limits damage from potential data breaches.

Monitor Your Statements Regularly. Review your checking account transactions frequently, especially when making regular online purchases. Contact your bank immediately if you spot unfamiliar charges or suspect unauthorized activity.

Taking these precautions helps ensure your banking details stay secure while you enjoy the convenience of direct online payments.