If you haven’t already switched your paycheck over to direct deposit, you should. With direct deposit, your employer (or the government for tax refunds and benefit checks) deposits your paycheck directly into your bank account(s) thus bypassing the middleman—you. If you haven’t already set up this arrangement, it’s probably because you don’t think you need it. But there are numerous benefits to choosing direct deposit that you may be overlooking including:

1. You get your money sooner.
A direct deposit is processed as an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) and you don’t have to wait for your check to arrive by mail or clear with the bank. Yes, payroll checks typically clear quickly, but direct deposits are instantaneous. If you are living paycheck to paycheck (or even if you’re not) having access to your full income a day or so earlier can make a big difference.

2. Your check is safer.
When you get paid by check, you run the risk (however slight) that the check may get lost in or stolen from the mail. Perhaps more likely, your check may get lost in your home. With direct deposit you never have to worry about handling or losing your paycheck.

3. You save a trip to the bank.
Going to the bank can be a pain in the neck. If you can’t or don’t want to make deposits at the ATM, you have to visit during banking hours. For those who work full-time, this can be challenging. Using direct deposit cuts down on how many bank visits you have to make.

4. You may qualify for free checking.
Free checking offers aren’t always free. Sometimes they require you to have a monthly direct deposit. Additionally, you may be able to qualify for a lower minimum balance, better interest rates or other offers if you have a direct deposit set up. Banks do this for two main reasons—direct deposits save them money on check handling and guaranteed monthly deposits means more cash flow into the bank. Also, banks know that if you have a direct deposit set up with them you will be slightly less likely to switch banks since you would have to redo the paperwork.

5. You can allocate your check directly to multiple accounts.
With direct deposit you can control how much of your check goes into each of your bank accounts. This makes saving money easier because you can allocate a certain amount of your paycheck to be deposited directly into savings without you even seeing the money. Automating your savings makes you more likely to save.

6. Your money is still deposited if you are unavailable.
If you are out sick or on vacation, you don’t have to worry about picking up your check or getting to the bank to deposit it. You will have access to your funds regardless.

7. Paying bills online is easier.
With your deposits automated through direct deposit, you can better automate your bills because you know exactly when the money will be in your account. Automatic bill pay makes sure your bills are always paid on time and saves you on check printing and postage.

Now that you’re convinced, contact your employer’s human resources or accounting department to set up your direct deposit. All you’ll need is your Social Security number and a voided check (or your bank’s routing number and your account number).

— For more ways to save, spend, invest and borrow, visit MainStreet.com.