How to Switch Direct Deposit from Charlie to Another Bank Account
- Purple
- 5 hours ago
- 2 min read
If you’ve been using the Charlie banking app to receive your Social Security, SSI, or SSDI benefits — it’s time to switch.
With Charlie shutting down, you’ll need to update your direct deposit information to avoid any missed or delayed payments.
This guide walks you through the exact steps to move your SSA payments to a new account.
1. Open a New Account That Supports SSA Direct Deposit
Before you can switch your direct deposit, you need to open a new account. Make sure it:
Accepts SSA, SSI, or SSDI payments
Offers early deposit (if that matters to you)
Helps you stay compliant if you’re on SSI
Has clear customer support if you need help
🟣 Purple is a top option for people receiving government benefits. It’s built to handle SSA payments, rep payee needs, and ABLE account integrations — with early access to deposits¹ and tools to help protect your benefits.
2. Gather Your New Account Details
You’ll need your:
Routing number (9 digits)
Account number (typically 10–12 digits)
Name of your new bank (for Purple, this is OMB Bank)
You can find this info in the app of your new account. If you’re switching to Purple, you’ll see it clearly displayed in your “Account Info” tab.
3. Update Your Direct Deposit with Social Security
You can change your direct deposit in any of these ways:
✅ Online
Visit: ssa.gov/myaccount
Log in or create an account, then choose “Direct Deposit” under the payment section.
📞 By Phone
Call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778)
Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 7:00 pm.
🏢 In Person
Visit your local SSA office with a valid photo ID and your new account information.
4. Keep Your Old Account Open (For Now)
To avoid any payment interruptions:
Keep your Charlie account open until your next deposit successfully lands in the new account
Set a calendar reminder to close Charlie after the transition
Move any remaining funds over to your new account
5. Switch to a Better Benefit Banking Option
Don’t just look for any account. Choose one that’s designed to help you:
Avoid SSA overpayments
Track your income and balance
Store disability-related documents
Get real support if something goes wrong
Purple is purpose-built for people receiving Social Security, SSI, or SSDI — including support for representative payees and ABLE accounts.
Purple is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services are provided by OMB Bank, Member FDIC. The Purple Mastercard® Debit Card is issued by OMB Bank, Member FDIC, pursuant to license from Mastercard.
¹ Early access is not guaranteed and depends on payer timing. We generally make funds available on the day we receive the payment file, which may be up to 4 days early for government benefits like SSI or SSDI, and up to 2 days early for other deposits. Early access is available at no additional cost.
² See our fee schedule for complete details