Direct Deposit Processing
Prenotification (Prenote) Period
When direct deposit instructions are first set up, a prenotification (prenote) test is sent through the direct deposit network to verify the accuracy of the information (routing number, account number and account type). The prenote period is three banking days from the date the direct deposit information is set up on the mail code. A change to the direct deposit account information establishes a new prenote period.
Note: During the prenote period, warrants are issued when the direct deposit mail code is paid.
| If the prenote test finds… | Then… |
|---|---|
| An error during a setup or change of the information, | The Comptroller’s office receives an electronic Notification of Change (NOC) that either:
|
| No errors, | Payments by direct deposit may be issued three banking days from the date the mail code was set up or changed in TINS. |
To calculate when the prenote period ends, start the count of banking days with the first banking day after you set up the account information or made a change to the routing number, account number and/or account type in TINS. For example:
- If you set up the direct deposit on Monday, May 12, the first banking day counted is Tuesday, May 13.
- Counting only banking days — no weekends or holidays — the third banking day will be Thursday, May 15.
Note: A prenote period does not apply to a cancellation of direct deposit, which takes effect immediately.
The payee’s financial institution is required to respond to a prenote test within two banking days if one or more of the following is invalid:
- Routing number
- Account number
- Account type
If subsequent changes are made to the instructions after the initial setup, the three banking days prenote period starts again.
See Notifications of Change for additional information.