Let’s knock out one of the most common questions right away:
No, you do not need to open a Florida bank account just because you’re doing the DCP.
In most cases, the checking account you already have will work perfectly fine. Disney pays via direct deposit, and that can go straight into whatever account you’re already using. One less thing to stress about.
But Here's the Thing You Absolutely Need to Know
Disney does not issue paper paychecks. There is no check in an envelope. Direct deposit into a checking account is the only way you get paid. When you arrive and go through the onboarding process at check-in, you’ll set up your direct deposit at that time — so have your bank’s routing number and your account number ready to go before you arrive. Don’t be the person digging through their phone trying to find that information on day one.
Will Your Current Bank Work?
For most CPs, yes. If you have an account with a regional or national bank, you’re probably all set.
That said, if your bank is very small and very local — the kind of place with one branch, limited hours, and a website that hasn’t been updated since the Obama administration — it’s worth a quick phone call before you leave. Just confirm they can handle direct deposit without any issues.
And even if they say it’s fine, think about this: if something goes wrong with your pay, you’re going to want a bank with 24/7 customer service. “Please call back during business hours” is not what you want to hear when your paycheck is on the line.
Thinking About Making a Change?
Maybe you’re planning to stay in Florida after the program. Maybe you’ve been meaning to find a better banking option anyway. Whatever the reason, here are some options worth looking into.
Partners Federal Credit Union — The Disney Option
Partners Federal Credit Union is the official credit union of The Walt Disney Company. As a CP, you’re eligible to join. They have locations at Disney University and backstage at the parks, so they’re genuinely easy to access during your program.
- Apply for a checking account online: apply.partnersfcu.org/account-opening
- Main website: partnersfcu.org
Traditional Banks With Wide Reach
These are included because they’re large enough that you probably have one near your hometown and locations in the Orlando area. If being able to walk into a physical branch matters to you, these are worth considering:
Online-Only Banks
There’s a whole category of banks that operate with no physical locations at all. Everything is handled through an app or over the phone. Examples include:
Actually Do Your Research
Seeing an ad on social media is not research. A banking relationship is something that can follow you for a long time — and that’s not a bad thing if you choose well. The bank you pick now could be the same one you go to when you need a car loan or a credit card down the road. Spend an hour comparing your options. It’s worth it.
Questions to consider:
- Is there a fee for a checking account?
- How many ATMS do they have that I can use for free?
- Do they have 24/7 customer service?
- Do they have ZELLE?
- Are there minimum balance requirements?
- What are the overdraft fees, and is there overdraft protection?
- How is there Mobile App? (Read the reviews)
- Can I deposit a check using their mobile app?
International Program Participants
If you are an International Program Participant, none of the above applies to you. You likely don’t have a US-based bank account, and direct deposit probably isn’t available to you. Disney has specific information on how you’ll be paid:
Don’t Wait Until You Get There
This is one of those things that’s easy to push to the back of your mind during the excitement of getting ready for the program. Don’t. Figure out your banking situation now, before you leave. Have your routing number and account number ready for check-in. A little effort now means you’re not scrambling on one of the most exciting days of your program
DCPNavigator.com has no formal affiliation with any of the banks or financial institutions mentioned on this page. Everything here is for informational purposes only. Do your own research and make the choice that’s right for you.