Abstract: A computer-based method and system to enable managing access to payroll data for employees. The payroll data includes an employee-identifier for each of the employees, and data relating to periodic compensation payments made by the employer. The system stores the payroll data, receives employee user request for payroll information, selects payroll data for the employee based upon predetermined criteria, and displays payroll information for the employee based upon predetermined criteria, including whether the employee has enrolled in the employer's direct deposit payroll program, or whether the employee's request for payroll data is submitted within the employer's predetermined introductory period for the employee.