Direct deposit error: Invalid or already used verification code
Last updated: October 28, 2026
Applies to: Anyone adding or changing a bank account on the Direct Deposit page of the Ascen portal: US W-2 employees, Canadian T4 employees, and independent contractors (US and international). If you are an international employee whose onboarding is run by an in-country HR partner, you can skip this: you give your bank details through that partner's instructions, not in the Ascen portal, so you will not see this code prompt.
Summary: This error usually means the 6-digit verification code you entered has expired or was already used. Go back to Direct Deposit, start the bank setup again, use Resend Code to get a fresh code, and enter only the newest code from your email. Your new bank details are not saved until a code is accepted, so finish this step before your pay date.
The full message reads: "You don't have permission for this action (403). Invalid or already used verification code". Although it mentions permission, it is about the verification code.
Why you see this error
Changing where your pay goes is a sensitive action, so before we save new bank details we confirm it is really you. When you submit your bank details, a Verify Your Identity prompt appears and we email a 6-digit code to the address on your account. This happens whether you link your bank instantly or enter it manually.
A new code is sent each time you add or change a bank account, and older codes cannot be reused. If you enter a code that has expired, or one from an earlier email, the portal rejects it with this error.
How to fix it
Log in at app.ascen.com/login and go to Direct Deposit (or the Direct Deposit step of your onboarding checklist).
Start the bank setup again with Add Bank Instantly or Add Bank Manually. If you already have an account on file, these buttons read Update Bank Instantly and Update Bank Manually.
When the Verify Your Identity prompt appears, use Resend Code to request a fresh code. The button becomes available after a short countdown.
Enter only the newest code you were sent. Ignore codes from earlier emails.
If the newest code does not show up in your inbox, check your spam or junk folder.
If the instant bank-link option is giving you trouble, choose Add Bank Manually instead and type in your account and routing numbers. Double-check them, because a wrong number will cause your deposit to fail.
Once the code is accepted, your bank account is listed as your active direct deposit method.
If it still does not work
No code arrives: check your spam folder and make sure the email address on your profile is correct. You cannot change your email address from your account; email support@ascen.com to have it updated.
You still get the same 403 error with a brand-new code: email support@ascen.com and include a screenshot of the error, so we can keep troubleshooting with you.
What happens if the code is never accepted
Your new bank details are not saved until the code is accepted, and until your bank account is verified your deposit cannot be processed. Your pay goes to the bank account on file when payroll is processed, so complete this step well before your pay date.
Who to contact
Ascen, support@ascen.com: this error, verification codes that do not arrive, direct deposit setup, and changing the email address on your account. Ascen runs your pay, so pay and direct deposit questions come to us, not to your staffing partner.
Your staffing partner: your schedule, timesheet approval, and assignments.