For many people, knowing they need a new banking setup and actually making the switch are two very different things.  It’s easy to delay long-overdue changes because banking works quietly in the background. Paychecks arrive. Bills are taken out automatically. Subscriptions renew without notice. Changing any part of that system can feel like it might disrupt the whole operation.

The concern is understandable. A missed payment or delayed deposit can create more stress than simply sticking with an account that no longer fits your needs.

But in practice, most problems that occur during a bank switch are the result of timing and visibility, not complexity. When deposits, payments, and linked services are moved in the right order — and reviewed as they change — the process stays controlled and predictable.

This checklist focuses on continuity. It’s designed to help you move your accounts to First Bank while keeping your bills paid and your income flowing.

Start by Reviewing Where Your Money Comes From

Before you open any new accounts or move anything over, take time to identify all your sources of incoming funds. This step establishes the foundation for everything that follows.

Common examples include payroll deposits, retirement income, government benefits, investment account transfers, reimbursements, or recurring person‑to‑person payments. Some of these arrive on a fixed schedule, while others are irregular.

Review at least two to three months of statements so you don’t miss deposits that only occur quarterly or occasionally. Write each source down, along with how often it appears and who controls the payment change.

Identify Every Automatic Payment

Next, look at the other side of your account: what funds are coming out of your account without your manual approval. Automatic payments often include large, fixed obligations and smaller recurring items. You may see:

  • Mortgage or rent payments
  • Electricity, water, gas, and internet bills
  • Auto loans and credit cards
  • Insurance premiums that bill monthly, quarterly, or annually
  • Streaming services, apps, fitness memberships, or donations

Some of these amounts are predictable, while others vary. Anything that’s withdrawn automatically should be captured, even if it feels minor. Small subscriptions are frequently the easiest to overlook when switching accounts.

To help make this process easier, First Bank’s Online Switch Kit provides simple tools and step-by-step guidance to organize your payments, update account information, and stay on track during your transition.

Learn More: First Bank Online Switch Kit

Open and Set Up Your First Bank Accounts

Once you have a clear picture of your current activity, you’re ready to open your new account at First Bank. Just head over to our online registration platform and sign up in just three easy steps. Once completed, a financial services representative will reach out to complete your account opening. After opening the account:

Before moving payments or deposits, add initial “baseline” funds to your new checking account. This balance gives you flexibility as transactions begin shifting and helps prevent overdrafts.

At the same time, leave sufficient funds in your existing account. Running both accounts in parallel for a short period is part of ensuring a smooth transition.

Move Deposits Before You Move Payments

Redirecting income first is arguably the most important step in this process. Deposits create the cushion that allows payments to move safely later.

Start with payroll and primary income. Employers often require a new direct deposit form, and some changes may take one or two pay cycles to go into effect. Government or retirement payments can take longer, so build extra time into your plan.

Once you submit a change, monitor both accounts carefully. Do not move on until you see the deposit arrive in your First Bank account as expected.

Transition Payments in Stages

With deposits established, begin moving outgoing payments — but not all at once. Start with payments that support housing, utilities, insurance, and loans. These payments are often tied to credit or critical services and should be moved deliberately.

Update payment details directly with each provider. Avoid changing due dates or amounts during the transition unless required. Consistency makes it easier to confirm each change worked.

Once essentials are confirmed, shift discretionary and subscription payments. These services may update immediately or wait until the next billing cycle, so document when changes are submitted.

Pro Tip: Not all confirmations arrive by email; checking your account activity is often the most reliable way to verify success.

Keep Both Accounts Active Temporarily

Overlapping accounts is not wasted effort;, it’s a safeguard.

Maintain both accounts for at least one full billing cycle after moving payments. During this window:

  • Watch for any charges that still hit the old account
  • Transfer funds as needed to cover unexpected drafts
  • Make note of anything that didn’t move as planned
Most missed payments are discovered during this overlap period when they’re easy to fix.

Review Activity Regularly While You Transition

Until everything has fully moved, review both accounts weekly.

Compare transactions side-by-side. Look for:

  • Deposits that appear in the wrong place
  • Payments that haven’t shifted yet
  • Duplicate charges during payment updates
  • Unexpected withdrawals
Short, consistent reviews prevent small issues from becoming larger problems later.
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Update Linked Services and External Tools

Some connections don’t pull directly from your checking account bills list.

Be sure to update:

  • Peer‑to‑peer payment apps
  • Digital wallets tied to debit cards
  • Investment platforms or savings tools
  • External transfer links from other banks
After updating, test each connection with a small transaction before using it regularly.

Confirm Everything Has Fully Moved

Before closing your old account, confirm three things:

  1. All deposits now arrive at First Bank
  2. Automatic payments no longer draft from the old account
  3. One billing cycle has passed with no unexpected activity
At this stage, your old account should only show intentional transfers or zero activity.

Close the Old Account Carefully

Once you’re confident the switch is complete:

  • Transfer the remaining balance
  • Request confirmation that the account is closed
  • Keep final statements for your records
Closing unused accounts reduces the risk of fees and unauthorized activity over time.

Staying Organized Helps the Process Stay Smooth

Most successful bank switches rely on a simple tracking system. Whether it’s a written checklist, a spreadsheet, or notes in your phone, consistency matters more than format.

Recording what you’ve changed and when removes guesswork and makes the process feel controlled rather than rushed. Need help coming up with a system that will work for you? Reach out to a banker today for help during your banking transition.

Support When You Need It

Switching banks involves coordination across employers, billers, and service providers. If questions come up about timing, account setup, or transaction changes, First Bank can help new customers work through details before problems arise. Early clarification often prevents unnecessary stress later in the process.

Contact our team today if you need help making the switch.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it usually take to switch banks?

Most account transitions take between 30 and 60 days, depending on how many deposits and automatic payments are involved.

Is it safe to use both accounts at the same time?

Yes. Maintaining both accounts temporarily reduces the likelihood of missed payments or returned deposits.

What should I move first: payments or deposits?

Deposits should always be moved first so funds are available before payments transition.

Can I switch banks without changing all my subscriptions right away?

You can, but leaving subscriptions tied to an old account increases the chance of missed payments later. It’s best to update them during the transition period.

What if I miss a payment during the switch?

Contact the biller as soon as possible. Many issues can be resolved quickly when addressed early.