How you can get paid
Last updated: August 27, 2026
Applies to: All workers. The methods available to you depend on your worker type and country (and, for some options, your employer's settings).
The way you get paid depends on whether you're an employee or an independent contractor, and where you work. Find your situation below.
US employees
You can be paid by:
Method | What it is |
|---|---|
Direct deposit (strongly preferred) | Your pay is deposited straight to a checking or savings account at any US bank or credit union. This is the fastest, most reliable option — choose it if you can. |
Branch pay card | A digital account with a debit card, useful if you don't have a bank account, with faster ("instant") access to your pay. See Do you offer payroll debit cards? |
Physical check | A printed or mailed paper check. Slower than the options above. |
Set up direct deposit in the Direct Deposit section of your portal (see below).
Canada employees
You can be paid by direct deposit to a Canadian bank account. (The Branch pay card is not available in Canada.) Set it up in the Direct Deposit section of your portal.
Employees outside the US and Canada
If you're employed outside the US or Canada, your pay method depends on your in-country setup — ask your in-country HR contact for the options that apply where you work. If you're not sure who that is, email support@ascen.com.
Independent contractors
Independent contractors are paid electronically:
In the US — payments are sent by ACH (electronic bank transfer) to your bank account.
Outside the US — the available method depends on your country. Where you have a choice, you can usually be paid either into your local bank in your local currency or by an international SWIFT transfer.
Choose the local-currency method when it's offered. It's typically the cheapest and fastest — SWIFT transfers often carry higher bank fees, and the exact cost and timing vary by the method you pick. Only use SWIFT if a local option isn't available for your country.
Setting up or updating direct deposit (employees)
Log in to your Ascen portal at app.ascen.com.
Go to the Direct Deposit section (in your profile or during onboarding).
Choose Update bank instantly to connect your bank securely with your online banking login, or Update bank manually to enter your routing and account numbers.
Confirm with the verification code sent to your email.
You can update your bank account at any time. Changes may not take effect until the next payroll cycle. If you update close to a pay date and want to know which cycle it will apply to, email Ascen at support@ascen.com — we run your payroll, so we can tell you. For step-by-step help, see How do I change my payroll bank account?
Not sure what's available to you?
Log in and check the Direct Deposit (and, for US employees, Pay Card) sections of your portal. If you still have questions about how you are paid, email Ascen at support@ascen.com. Ascen is your employer of record, so pay, direct deposit and tax questions come to us. Your staffing partner handles scheduling, timesheet entry and future assignments.