As we get more and more electronic, I guessing some future RE update will have a gift type of 'direct deposit.'   Until then, what is a preferred way to record gifts received this way?

Our United Way recently changed to a direct deposit of our allocation.  Our business manager is thinking about what she'd prefer.  BB Support suggested using 'direct debit' or 'other' with subtype direct debit. 

I'm hesitant to use direct debit as I don't want to accidentally initiate a debit of the United Way when we process our other direct debits. The gift type other may be where it ends up but it I know we could end up with report errors if it's not pulled up in criteria.

Any other great solutions?

Thanks

Your gift type is cash just like you use for US tender, checks, credit cards, etc. 

What you are more likely looking for is payment method - for which RE gives you other.  You can then use gift subtype or an attribute to further degine what type of other it is.