How to Switch Banks

Step 1: Gather information about your current account.

• Current checking account number
• Current bank routing number
• Identify outstanding checks and automatic transfers
• Examples of automatic payments or withdrawals you may need to switch include: Payroll, social security, disability payments, insurance premiums, cable bills, utility bills (gas, water, electric), gym memberships, homeowner’s association dues, interest or dividend payments, cell phone payments, mortgage or other loan payments, annual or semi-annual automatic transactions such as income tax refunds or payments, or safe deposit box payments, online banking bill payments, church contributions

Tip: If possible, gather the phone numbers from these companies. Often times they are included on the last billing statement you received from them. If you don’t have your last billing statement, don’t worry. We can find the information together.

Step 2: Gather information about each account owner for your new account at Merchants.

You will need:

• Driver’s license or State ID card
• Social security card
• Date of birth
• Home address and phone number

Step 3: Open an account with Merchants Bank.

Looking at a Relationship Checking, eChecking, Free Checking, Advantage Savings or Basic Savings account? You can open these accounts online in just minutes.

Interested in Student Checking, Military Checking, Certificates of Deposit (CDs), or HSA Checking or CD account? You’ll need to apply online before we can open an account for you. Here's a checklist of what you'll need to have on hand when you apply. Start the process.

Here's what you'll need to have on hand to open your checking or savings account online.

1. Social Security Number of all account owners
2. Driver’s license or State ID card
3. Home address and phone number

If you prefer, you can stop by your local branch or call to schedule an appointment during regular banking hours. Switching banks? Check out our How to Switch Banks guide for all the details.

Step 4: Change auto deposits or payments.

Some helpful information to have handy:

• Merchants Bank routing number: 091900193
• New Merchants Bank checking account number
• Old checking account number
• Old bank routing number
• Last three months of bank statements
• Recent bills for automatic payments (the form to change the payment may be on the back of the bill itself)

Step 5: Close your old checking account.

When you are sure your direct deposits have been switched to your new account and all your outstanding checks and debit card transactions have cleared, you may close your old checking account.

Tip: To keep your financial information safe, we recommend shredding your unused checks and destroying your old debt card. If you don't have access to a shredder, bring them to Merchants Bank and we will destroy them for you, free of charge.