The IRS has three ways to send the economic stimulus check, and direct deposit is the fastest and most convenient of them.
At this time, the IRS has only three ways to send you an economic stimulus check that is due to you, or a new one that they are going to send. These are by direct deposit, by paper check by mail, and as a prepaid EIP card by mail.
Of these three delivery methods, direct deposit is the fastest. In fact, with this method you could have the money weeks in advance compared to the other two.
Therefore, if you are truly in a hurry for any stimulus money owed to you, your main concern should be to set up direct deposit.
But how to do this?
When filing your tax return, on the form select ‘Direct Deposit’ as your refund method, then enter your bank account and routing numbers. You can find your account and routing number on your bank’s website when you log in.
If you don’t file taxes, but will be claiming the economic stimulus check as a Recovery Refund Credit, you’ll need to fill out Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR. Here you’ll also need to select direct deposit remittance of the economic stimulus check.
The IRS says that any refunds you get – including stimulus checks owed to you – can only be direct deposited in U.S. banks, and must be in your name, your spouse’s name, or both of your names if you filed a joint tax return.