Learn how you can quickly connect your payroll provider to Rho to pay your employees.
Overview
Setting up payroll with Rho does not mean switching payroll providers. Rho does not run payroll natively. You keep your existing provider (Gusto, Rippling, Justworks, Deel, Every, or any ACH-based tool) and simply update one setting: the bank account your payroll pulls from. This is a bank account swap, not a platform migration. Your employee records, tax configuration, and payroll schedule stay exactly as they are.
Before You Start
Make sure the following are in place before making any changes:
Your Rho checking account is funded with enough to cover your next payroll run.
You have admin-level access in both Rho and your payroll provider. A payroll bank account switch requires admin permissions in both systems.
Step 1: Find Your Rho Routing and Account Numbers
Log in to Rho.
Go to Banking in the left navigation.
Select Account Details.
Copy your routing number and account number. You will need these in your payroll provider.
Step 2: Update Your Payroll Funding Account
The setting you are looking for is usually called Payroll Bank Account, Funding Account, or similar. Navigate to that setting inside your payroll provider and add Rho as the funding source. You have two options for connecting:
Option A: Connect via Plaid (instant, when available)
Plaid allows you to link your Rho account instantly by logging in with your Rho credentials. If your provider supports it and Plaid verification completes without additional steps, this is the fastest path.
Option B: Manual entry (routing + account number)
Enter your Rho routing and account numbers directly. Most providers will verify the account by sending two small micro-deposits, which take 2-3 business days to appear. Plan your switch around your payroll schedule so verification completes before your next run.
Once connected, set Rho as the default funding account.
Provider-Specific Paths
Below are the exact navigation steps for the most common payroll providers. If your provider is not listed, find the payroll funding or bank account setting and follow the same pattern.
Provider | Steps to Update Funding Account |
Gusto | Settings > Plan & Billing > Payroll Bank Accounts > Add account > connect via Plaid or manual entry > set as default |
Rippling | Payroll > Settings > Payroll Bank Accounts > Add additional payroll bank accounts > connect via Plaid or manual > set as default |
Justworks | Find the payroll funding or bank account setting, add Rho via Plaid or manual entry, set as default. |
Deel | Find the payroll funding or bank account setting, add Rho via Plaid or manual entry, set as default. |
Every | Find the payroll funding or bank account setting, add Rho via Plaid or manual entry, set as default. |
Other (ACH-based) | Find the payroll funding or bank account setting and add Rho using your routing and account number. |
For the full Gusto setup walkthrough, see: How to Connect Gusto with Rho.
Tips for a Smooth Transition
Run payroll in parallel first if you can. Some providers let you keep your old bank account active while you verify the new one. Use this to confirm Rho is set up correctly before fully switching over.
Time it around your pay cycle. If using manual entry, start the verification process at least 3-4 business days before your next payroll run.
Make sure funds are in Rho before the pull. Once Rho is set as your funding account, your payroll provider will debit Rho directly on your next run. Ensure your balance covers the full amount.
Common Questions
Question | Asnwer |
Do I need to change how I run payroll? | No. Your payroll schedule, pay rates, employee data, and tax settings are all managed inside your payroll provider and are unaffected. The only change is where the funds are pulled from. |
What if my payroll run fails? | A failed payroll run is usually caused by insufficient funds. Double-check your Rho checking balance before each run and set up balance alerts in Rho to stay ahead of this. |
Does Rho support my payroll provider? | Rho works with any payroll provider that supports ACHbased funding, including Gusto, Rippling, Justworks, Deel, and Every. |
Can I switch back if I need to? | Yes. You can update your funding account in your payroll provider at any time. |
How long does verification take? | Plaid is typically instant. Manual entry requires 2-3 business days for micro-deposit verification. Plan accordingly around your next payroll run. |
Contact Rho support at clientservice@rho.co or reach out to your account manager, and we will walk you through the setup step by step.