ADVOCACYVA program
Veterans Benefits Banking Program (VBBP)
Partnership between VA and the Association of Military Banks of America (AMBA) that connects veterans with participating banks and credit unions offering free or low-cost accounts for receiving VA benefits via direct deposit, including unbanked veterans previously using paper checks.
Step-by-step guide
Where to start: get your VA payments into an account
- Your routing and account numbersVA asks for the bank routing number and the account number to set up direct deposit for disability compensation, pension, and education payments.
Source: VA.gov: change your direct deposit information (opens in new tab); VA: Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents, Survivors, and Caregivers (2026) (opens in new tab)
Do you have a bank or credit union account?
- You already have an account
You can send VA benefit payments to any bank or credit union account by direct deposit. You do not need a VBBP bank to do this.
Source: VA.gov: change your direct deposit information (opens in new tab); VBA: Veterans Benefits Banking Program (opens in new tab)
- You need an account
VBBP banks and credit unions have committed to helping veterans open an account, including veterans who had trouble opening one before. Each one still sets its own rules and has its own application.
- A VA benefit paymentAny veteran, beneficiary, caregiver, or survivor who gets a VA payment can use VBBP. For a free or low cost account, the bank or credit union looks for a VA payment or another regular payment set up by direct deposit.
- The bank or credit union rulesEach bank or credit union decides how to open an account. Some credit unions take members only from certain areas.
Source: VBA: Veterans Benefits Banking Program (opens in new tab); VA: Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents, Survivors, and Caregivers (2026) (opens in new tab)
What to gather, and what it shows VA
| Document | What it shows | How VA gets it | Have it? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bank routing and account numbers The routing number and account number for your checking or savings account. They are printed on a check or shown in your bank account online. | Where VA sends your payment | Your bank or credit union gives them to you. Have them ready when you set up direct deposit with VA. | Yes |
| Direct deposit sign up form VA Form SF-1199a, for people without internet or phone access who need to set up or change direct deposit. | The account VA pays into | Download it from VA.gov. | |
| Your VA benefit letter A VA letter that shows the VA payment you get. | That a VA payment is coming to you | Download benefit letters on VA.gov, or ask the bank or credit union what it wants to see. | Yes |
| The bank or credit union application The account application of the bank or credit union you pick. | What that bank or credit union needs to open the account | Contact the bank or credit union directly. Mention the Veterans Benefits Banking Program. |
Account papers go to your bank or credit union, and direct deposit details go to VA. BeneVets does not ask for copies of them.
Steps, in order
- Pick a VBBP bank or credit union
Use the VBBP website, linked from the VA pages, to see participating banks and credit unions. Look at where each one serves, since some credit unions take members only from certain areas.
Source: VBA: Veterans Benefits Banking Program (opens in new tab); VA.gov: change your direct deposit information (opens in new tab)
- Open the account
Call the bank or credit union, mention the Veterans Benefits Banking Program, and follow its application.
Source: VBA: Veterans Benefits Banking Program (opens in new tab); VA.gov: change your direct deposit information (opens in new tab)
- Set up direct deposit online
Sign in to your VA.gov profile to update direct deposit for disability compensation, pension, and education payments. Have your routing and account numbers ready.
Source: VA.gov: change your direct deposit information (opens in new tab)
- Or set it up by phone, in person, or by mail
Call VA at 1-800-827-1000 (TTY 711), or visit a VA regional office. Without internet or phone access, send VA Form SF-1199a.
Source: VA.gov: change your direct deposit information (opens in new tab); VBA: Veterans Benefits Banking Program (opens in new tab); VA Form SF-1199a (opens in new tab)
- Use the free money tools
Ask about VBBP free financial counseling and VetCents if you want help with a budget, savings, credit, or debt.
Source: VBA: Veterans Benefits Banking Program (opens in new tab)
- Get free help with the VA side
A bank or credit union opens the account itself. For the VA side, such as a claim you have not filed yet: Free help: an accredited VSO can file this with you. Find one near you in the BeneVets VSO directory at Find an accredited VSO near you.
Source: VA.gov: accredited representatives (opens in new tab)
Good to know
VBBP is a partnership between VA and the Association of Military Banks of America. It began on December 20, 2019. Participating banks are FDIC insured and participating credit unions are NCUA insured.
Source: VBA: Veterans Benefits Banking Program (opens in new tab)
VBBP also offers free financial counseling, the VetCents financial education program, and the Veteran Saves program.
Source: VBA: Veterans Benefits Banking Program (opens in new tab); VA: Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents, Survivors, and Caregivers (2026) (opens in new tab)
VA can pay into a bank or credit union account, onto a Direct Express prepaid debit card, or by paper check. VA says a paper check needs a waiver approved by the Treasury, and that direct deposit is safer than a paper check. The 2026 VA benefits guide says direct deposit is required to receive VA benefit payments.
Source: VBA: Veterans Benefits Banking Program (opens in new tab); VA: Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents, Survivors, and Caregivers (2026) (opens in new tab)
BeneVets is informational and is not an accredited representative. Free help: an accredited VSO can work through VA benefits with you at no cost. Find an accredited VSO near you
Sources checked October 8, 2026: VBA: Veterans Benefits Banking Program (opens in new tab), VA.gov: change your direct deposit information (opens in new tab), VA Form SF-1199a (opens in new tab), VA: Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents, Survivors, and Caregivers (2026) (opens in new tab), VA.gov: download VA benefit letters (opens in new tab), VA.gov: accredited representatives (opens in new tab)