What counts as a qualifying direct deposit?

Qualifying and not qualifying sources

Qualifying deposit sourcesNot qualifying deposit sources
Employer
Payroll provider
Gig economy payer
Government benefits payer
Bank ACH transfers
Pay Anyone transfers
Verification or trial deposits from financial institutions
Peer-to-peer transfers (PayPal, Cash App, Venmo)
Mobile check deposits
Cash deposits
One-time deposits such as tax refunds
Instant card payouts

Note: Multiple smaller deposits do not combine to meet the $200 threshold. A single deposit must be $200 or more to qualify.

What makes a qualifying deposit different from a regular direct deposit?

Not every direct deposit is a qualifying direct deposit. The key difference is the source. A qualifying direct deposit must come from an eligible payer — such as an employer, payroll provider, gig economy platform, or government benefits agency — and meet the minimum amount. Deposits from peer-to-peer apps or bank-to-bank transfers do not count, even if they arrive via ACH.


For example, a payment from your employer processed through payroll counts. A transfer from your PayPal balance, even if it comes from work you did, does not.