Hello there! Are you looking to add funds to your Ally Bank account? You've come to the right place! As an online-only bank, Ally offers convenient and secure ways to deposit money without ever stepping foot in a physical branch. Let's walk through the various methods step-by-step.
How to Deposit Money into Ally Bank: A Comprehensive Guide
Depositing money into your Ally Bank account is simpler than you might think, even without brick-and-mortar branches. Ally provides several digital and mail-in options to ensure you can easily fund your accounts, whether it's a Savings, Spending (checking), or Money Market account.
Step 1: Understand Your Deposit Options
Before you begin, it's helpful to know the different ways you can deposit money into your Ally Bank account. Each method has its own benefits and considerations.
Ally eCheck Deposit℠ (Mobile and Online): This is by far the most popular and convenient method for depositing checks. You can do it from your smartphone or computer.
Online Transfers (ACH): Transferring money from an external bank account is a common way to move funds to Ally. This is ideal for larger sums or recurring transfers.
Direct Deposit: For regular income like your paycheck, setting up direct deposit is the most efficient method.
Wire Transfers: For faster, larger transfers, especially domestic ones, wire transfers are an option.
Mail a Check: If digital methods aren't for you, or if you have a check that exceeds the mobile deposit limits, you can always mail it in.
Cash Deposits (via Allpoint+ ATMs): While not a direct Ally service, you can deposit cash at select Allpoint+ ATMs.
Step 2: Preparing Your Deposit – Essential Information
No matter which method you choose, having some key information handy will make the process smoother.
Sub-heading: Your Ally Bank Account Details
You'll almost always need your:
Ally Bank Account Number: This unique number identifies your specific account.
Ally Bank Routing Number: Ally Bank's routing number is 124003116. This is crucial for electronic transfers like direct deposits and ACH transfers.
Sub-heading: Endorsing Checks (If Applicable)
If you're depositing a check, proper endorsement is critical. On the back of the check, you must:
Sign your name (all payees must sign).
Write "For Mobile Deposit Only" below your signature (for eCheck deposits).
Include your Ally Bank account number (especially for mailed checks).
Step 3: Depositing Checks with Ally eCheck Deposit℠ (Most Popular!)
This is Ally's flagship feature for check deposits, allowing you to deposit checks from almost anywhere.
Sub-heading: Using the Ally Mobile App (The Easiest Way)
Log In: Open the Ally Mobile App on your smartphone and log into your account.
Select Your Account: Choose the Ally Bank account (Spending, Savings, or Money Market) where you want the deposit to go.
Initiate Deposit: Tap on "Deposit Checks."
Prepare Your Check:
Make sure the check is properly endorsed as mentioned in Step 2.
Place the check on a dark, non-reflective background in a well-lit area. Avoid shadows.
Snap Photos: The app will guide you to take pictures of both the front and back of your endorsed check. Ensure all four corners of the check are visible and the numbers are clear.
Enter Amount: Input the exact amount of the check.
Review and Submit: Double-check all the details, then submit your deposit. You'll usually receive an email confirmation within one business day with the deposit status.
Mobile Deposit Limits: You can deposit up to $50,000 in a single business day and up to $250,000 every 30 calendar days using Ally eCheck Deposit.
Sub-heading: Depositing Checks Online (Using a Scanner)
Log In: Go to ally.com and log into your online banking account.
Navigate to Deposits: Select "Deposits" from the main menu, then "Check Deposits," and finally "Make a Deposit."
Scan Your Check: You'll need access to a scanner to upload images of both the front and back of your properly endorsed check. Ensure the images are clear, legible, and saved as a JPG (not PDF) with a minimum resolution of 200 DPI and under 1 MB in size.
Enter Amount: Enter the check amount.
Submit Deposit: Review the information and submit.
Step 4: Electronic Transfers (ACH & Direct Deposit)
Electronic transfers are a seamless way to move funds, especially for recurring payments.
Sub-heading: Online Transfers (ACH) from Another Bank
You can initiate a transfer from an external bank account to your Ally Bank account.
Link External Account: If you haven't already, you'll need to link your external bank account to your Ally Bank account. This usually involves verifying small "micro-deposits" that Ally sends to your external account, which can take up to three business days.
Initiate Transfer: Once linked, log into your Ally Bank account. Navigate to "Transfers" or "Add Money."
Choose Accounts: Select the external account as the "from" account and your Ally Bank account as the "to" account.
Enter Amount and Frequency: Specify the amount you want to transfer and whether it's a one-time or recurring transfer.
Confirm: Review the details and confirm the transfer.
Processing Time: Standard ACH transfers typically take 3 business days. Ally may offer next-day transfers based on account tenure and activity.
Sub-heading: Setting Up Direct Deposit (For Paychecks, Benefits, etc.)
This is the most convenient way to get your regular income into your Ally account.
Get Ally's Direct Deposit Form: You can download a pre-filled direct deposit form directly from the Ally Bank website by logging in and going to their direct deposit page.
Provide to Employer/Payer: Give this completed form to your employer's payroll department or the payment provider (e.g., government benefits). They may have their own form that you'll need to fill out, using Ally's routing number (124003116) and your Ally account number.
Verification: It typically takes 1-2 pay cycles for your new direct deposit to take effect.
Step 5: Depositing by Mail
For checks exceeding mobile deposit limits or if you prefer a traditional method.
Endorse Your Check: On the back of the check, write "For Deposit Only," your Ally Bank account number, and the signature of all payees.
Obtain Deposit Slips (Optional but Recommended): You can order free deposit slips and envelopes through the Ally Mobile App or by logging into ally.com (under "Deposits" > "Check Deposits" > "Order deposit slips and envelopes").
Mail Your Check To: Ally Bank P.O. Box 13625 Philadelphia, PA 19101-3625
Important: Make sure the envelope is securely sealed. There are no dollar amount limits for mailed checks.
Step 6: Wire Transfers (For Urgent or Large Transfers)
Wire transfers are generally faster than ACH but may incur fees.
Sub-heading: Incoming Wire Transfers to Ally Bank
Ally Bank does not charge a fee for incoming domestic or international wire transfers.
To receive a wire transfer, you'll need to provide the sender with:
Bank Name: Ally Bank
Routing Number: 124003116
Your Ally Bank Account Number
Your Name and Address
Ally Bank only accepts domestic wire transfers for outgoing requests. They discontinued outgoing international wire transfer services.
Step 7: Cash Deposits (Via Allpoint+ ATMs)
While Ally Bank doesn't have its own ATMs for deposits, you can deposit cash at select ATMs within the Allpoint+ network.
Find an Allpoint+ ATM: Use the Allpoint ATM locator on their website or mobile app, and filter for "Allpoint+" locations (these are the ones that accept deposits). These ATMs are often found in popular retail stores like CVS and Walgreens.
Verify Your Card: Ensure your Ally Bank debit card is part of the Allpoint+ deposit network. You might need to contact Ally customer service to confirm this.
Insert Debit Card: At the Allpoint+ ATM, insert your Ally Bank debit card.
Select Deposit Option: Follow the on-screen prompts to select the cash deposit option.
Insert Cash: Place your cash into the designated slot.
Confirm Deposit: Review the amount and confirm the deposit.
Availability: Availability of funds deposited via Allpoint+ ATMs can vary; contact Ally Bank for specific details on how quickly these funds will be accessible.
Step 8: Monitoring Your Deposits
After making a deposit, you can track its status.
Ally Mobile App: Log in, choose your account, and tap "View Scheduled Activity" for "In Process" or "Scheduled" activity. For past deposits, tap "History" and select "Deposits" to see your eCheck Deposit History for the past 120 days.
Online Banking: Log in to ally.com, select "Deposits," and then go to "Activity."
Email Confirmations: Ally typically sends email notifications regarding your deposit status within one business day.
Important Considerations:
Funds Availability: While some funds may be available immediately, Ally Bank generally follows standard funds availability policies. For eCheck deposits, typically the first $300 of your deposit is available the next business day, with the remainder (up to $25,000) available on the second business day. Amounts over $25,000 may be available on the fifth business day. For mailed checks and other methods, availability can vary.
Cut-off Times: Be aware of daily cut-off times for deposits. Deposits made after a certain time (e.g., 7 p.m. ET for eCheck deposits) on a business day may be processed on the next business day.
Security: Always ensure you are using secure networks when making online or mobile deposits. Keep your banking credentials private.
By following these steps, you'll find depositing money into your Ally Bank account to be a seamless and efficient process, allowing you to manage your finances with ease from wherever you are.
10 Related FAQ Questions:
How to check my Ally Bank routing number?
Your Ally Bank routing number is 124003116. You can also find it by logging into your Ally online banking account or on their direct deposit forms.
How to set up direct deposit with my employer for Ally Bank?
You can set up direct deposit by providing your employer's payroll department with Ally Bank's routing number (124003116) and your Ally Bank account number. Ally also provides a pre-filled direct deposit form on their website.
How to tell if my Ally Bank mobile deposit went through?
You can check the status of your mobile deposit by logging into the Ally Mobile App and navigating to "View Scheduled Activity" or "History" under your account, or by checking the "Activity" section in online banking. Ally also sends email confirmations.
How to deposit cash into Ally Bank since there are no physical branches?
You can deposit cash into your Ally Bank account at select Allpoint+ ATMs that accept cash deposits. Use the Allpoint ATM locator to find one near you and ensure it's an Allpoint+ location.
How to send money from another bank to Ally Bank?
You can send money from another bank to Ally Bank via an ACH (Automated Clearing House) transfer. You'll need to link your external account to your Ally account through Ally's online banking platform.
How to endorse a check for Ally Bank mobile deposit?
On the back of the check, sign your name (all payees must sign), and then write "For Mobile Deposit Only" directly below your signature. Including your Ally account number can also be helpful.
How to order free deposit slips for Ally Bank?
You can order free deposit slips and envelopes through the Ally Mobile App (go to your account, then "More," then "Order Deposit Slips & Envelopes") or by logging into ally.com (under "Deposits" > "Check Deposits" > "Order deposit slips and envelopes").
How to find out the daily and monthly limits for Ally eCheck Deposit?
Ally eCheck Deposit allows you to deposit up to $50,000 in a single business day and up to $250,000 every 30 calendar days.
How to receive a wire transfer into my Ally Bank account?
To receive a domestic wire transfer, provide the sender with Ally Bank's name, routing number (124003116), your Ally Bank account number, and your name and address. Ally Bank does not charge a fee for incoming wire transfers.
How to know when deposited funds will be available in my Ally Bank account?
Funds availability varies by deposit method. For eCheck deposits, typically the first $300 is available the next business day, with the remainder available on the second or fifth business day depending on the amount. For other methods, refer to Ally's funds availability policy or contact customer service.
