Understanding Federal Payment Systems

SAM.gov Banking Registration

1
Gather Banking Information
Collect your bank routing number (ABA number), account number, account type (checking or savings), and bank name. Obtain a voided check or bank letter confirming account details. Ensure the account is in your legal business name exactly as registered in SAM.gov.
2
Access SAM.gov Financial Information
Log into SAM.gov with your authorized entity administrator credentials. Navigate to your entity registration and locate the Electronic Funds Transfer section. Only authorized administrators can modify banking information.
3
Enter Banking Details
Input your routing number, account number, and account type. Double-check all numbers against source documents. Errors in these fields prevent successful payment processing. Select whether this account should receive all payments or specific payment types.
4
Complete Validation
SAM.gov validates banking information through various checks. Some validations occur immediately while others may require additional verification. Respond promptly to any validation requests to avoid registration delays.
5
Verify Registration
After completing banking setup, verify that information appears correctly in your entity record. Download and review your entity registration summary. Confirm banking details before pursuing contracts that depend on accurate payment routing.

Business checking account: Must be in exact legal business name matching SAM.gov registration
ACH capability: Ensure the bank processes ACH credits for government payments
Online banking: Monitor incoming payments and manage cash flow effectively
Line of credit: Bridge timing gaps between expenditure and payment receipt
Multi-user access: Allow appropriate staff to view accounts and initiate transactions
Positive pay services: Protect against check fraud for any non-electronic payments
Detailed statements: Support contract cost tracking and audit requirements

1
Plan the Transition
Determine timing that minimizes disruption. Consider pending invoices and expected payment timing. Maintain old account until payments in process clear. Coordinate SAM.gov update timing with actual account changes.
2
Update SAM.gov
Modify banking information in your entity registration. Allow time for validation and processing. SAM.gov updates may take several days to propagate through government systems.
3
Notify Contracting Officers
Inform contracting officers on active contracts about banking changes. This supplements the SAM.gov update and provides a backup notification channel. Request confirmation that payment offices have updated records.
4
Monitor Both Accounts
During transition periods, monitor both old and new accounts for payments. Some payments processed before the change may route to old accounts. Arrange for transfers from closed accounts if necessary.
5
Verify New Routing
Confirm that payments on new invoices route to the correct account. Contact payment offices if routing problems persist. Resolve issues before they affect multiple payments.

Name mismatch: Ensure legal business name in SAM.gov exactly matches bank account name
Number errors: Double-check routing and account numbers against bank documentation
Closed accounts: Remove closed accounts from SAM.gov immediately upon closure
Registration expiration: Renew SAM.gov registration annually before expiration
Access issues: Maintain authorized SAM.gov administrators who can update banking
Invoice errors: Ensure invoices reference correct contracts and payment addresses