Feeling a little overwhelmed by the idea of adding money to your Ally Bank account? Don't be! It's actually quite straightforward, and Ally Bank offers a variety of convenient methods to make sure you can fund your account with ease. Whether you're a seasoned digital banking pro or just getting started, this guide will walk you through each option step-by-step.
Let's dive in and get that money flowing into your Ally account!
Step 1: Understand Your Deposit Options
Before you make a deposit, it's helpful to know the different ways you can add money to your Ally Bank account. Ally, being an online-only bank, offers several digital and mail-in methods, but does not have physical branches for cash deposits.
Sub-heading: Quick Overview of Deposit Methods
Ally eCheck Deposit℠ (Mobile and Online): This is by far the most popular and convenient method for depositing checks. You can do it right from your smartphone or computer.
Online Transfers (ACH): Link an external bank account to your Ally account and transfer funds electronically. This is great for recurring deposits or moving larger sums.
Direct Deposit: Set up direct deposit with your employer or benefit provider to have your paycheck or other regular payments sent directly to your Ally account.
Wire Transfers: For quick, high-value transfers, especially from another financial institution.
Mail a Check: If you prefer a traditional method, you can mail a check to Ally Bank.
Allpoint+ ATMs for Cash Deposits: While Ally doesn't have its own ATMs for cash deposits, you can use select Allpoint+ ATMs for this purpose.
Step 2: Preparing for Your Deposit – What You'll Need
The exact items you'll need will depend on the deposit method you choose. However, some general items are always good to have handy.
Sub-heading: Essential Information
Your Ally Bank Account Number: This unique number identifies your specific Ally account.
Ally Bank's Routing Number (124003116): This number identifies Ally Bank as a financial institution. You'll need this for direct deposits and transfers from other banks.
Your Smartphone or Computer: For mobile or online check deposits and online transfers.
The Check You Want to Deposit (if applicable): Ensure it's properly endorsed.
Information for External Accounts (if linking): Account number and routing number for the other bank.
Step 3: Making a Deposit – Step-by-Step Guides for Each Method
Now let's get into the nitty-gritty of how to actually add money. Choose the method that best suits your needs!
Step 3a: Ally eCheck Deposit℠ (Mobile App & Online) – The Most Popular Choice
This is the fastest and easiest way to deposit checks.
For the Ally Mobile App:
Open the Ally Mobile App: Log in securely using your credentials.
Select Your Account: Choose the Ally Spending, Savings, or Money Market account where you want to deposit the check.
Tap "Deposit Checks": You'll find this option clearly visible within your account details.
Endorse Your Check: Crucially, on the back of the check, you must:
Sign your name.
Write "For Mobile Deposit Only."
Write your Ally Bank account number.
Take Pictures of Your Check:
Place your check on a dark, non-reflective background in a well-lit area.
Ensure all four corners of the check are visible, and there are no shadows.
Snap a clear picture of the front of the check.
Snap a clear picture of the back of the endorsed check.
Enter the Check Amount: Carefully type in the exact dollar amount of the check.
Review and Submit: Double-check all the information, then tap "Submit" to complete your deposit.
For Online Banking (using a scanner):
Log In to Ally.com: Access your online banking portal.
Navigate to "Deposits": From the main menu, select "Deposits," then "Check Deposits," and finally "Make a Deposit."
Endorse Your Check: Similar to the mobile app, endorse the back of your check with your signature, "For Mobile Deposit Only," and your Ally account number.
Scan Your Check: You'll need a scanner to create digital images of both the front and back of your endorsed check. Ensure the images are:
Saved as a JPG (not PDF).
Under 1 MB in file size.
Minimum resolution of 200 DPI.
Converted to color or grayscale.
All four corners of the check must be visible.
Upload Images: Follow the on-screen prompts to upload the scanned images of your check.
Enter the Check Amount: Enter the exact amount of the check.
Submit Your Deposit: Review the details and confirm your deposit.
Important Note on Check Deposits: Ally eCheck Deposit allows for deposits up to $50,000 in a single business day and $250,000 every 30 calendar days. If your check exceeds these limits, you'll need to mail it. Funds are typically available quickly, with the first $300 often available the next business day, and the remainder on the second business day (for deposits before 7 PM ET). Larger amounts (over $25,000) may take up to five business days.
Step 3b: Online Transfers (ACH) – Moving Money Between Banks
This is ideal for transferring funds from another bank account into your Ally account.
Log In to Ally.com or the Mobile App: Access your Ally Bank account.
Go to "Transfers": Locate the "Transfers" section.
Select "Bank Transfers" or "Link Other Accounts": If you haven't linked the external account before, you'll need to do so first.
Linking an Account: You'll be asked to provide the routing number, account number, and account type of the external bank account. Ally will then make small trial deposits (less than $1.00 each) into that account, which you'll need to verify within your Ally account to confirm ownership. This process can take up to 3 business days.
Initiate a Transfer: Once linked, select the external account as the "From" account and your Ally account as the "To" account.
Enter the Amount: Specify how much you want to transfer.
Choose Frequency: Decide if it's a one-time transfer or a recurring transfer (e.g., weekly, monthly).
Review and Confirm: Double-check the transfer details and confirm.
Tip: You can also initiate a transfer from your other bank's online banking platform. You'll need your Ally Bank routing number (124003116) and your Ally account number.
Step 3c: Direct Deposit – Automate Your Income
Direct deposit is the most convenient way to receive your paycheck, government benefits, or other regular income.
Obtain Direct Deposit Information: You'll need Ally Bank's routing number (124003116) and your specific Ally Bank account number.
Provide to Your Employer/Payer:
Many employers have an online portal where you can update your direct deposit information.
Alternatively, you might need to fill out a Direct Deposit Form provided by your employer or Ally Bank. You can often download a pre-filled Ally Bank Direct Deposit Form from their website.
If your employer requires a voided check, you can usually generate one from your Ally online banking account, or simply write "VOID" across a blank check from your Ally checking account (if you have one).
Specify Deposit Amount (Optional): You can often choose to deposit your entire paycheck or a specific dollar amount/percentage into your Ally account.
Submit the Form: Hand the completed form to your employer's payroll department or the relevant payment provider.
Availability: It typically takes 1-2 pay cycles for direct deposit to take effect.
Step 3d: Wire Transfers – For Larger, Faster Deposits
Wire transfers are generally used for large, time-sensitive deposits. While Ally Bank doesn't charge a fee for incoming wires, the sending bank or an intermediary bank might.
Gather Ally's Incoming Wire Details: Provide the following information to the person or institution sending you the wire:
Receiving Bank: JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. (Ally's designated receiving bank)
ABA/Routing Number: 021000021
Address: 1 Chase Manhattan PLZ, New York, NY 10005
SWIFT Code or Bank Identification Code: CHASUS33
Beneficiary Account Number: 802904391 (This is for "Ally Bank" as the beneficiary)
Beneficiary Name: Ally Bank
Further Credit (Your Information): Your Ally Bank Account Number and your name as it appears on your Ally Bank account.
Instruct the Sender: Make sure the sender has all of these details, especially your specific Ally account number under "Further Credit," to ensure the funds reach your account correctly.
P.S.: Ally Bank does not accept international wire transfers directly. If you're expecting an international wire, it will likely need to go through an intermediary bank.
Step 3e: Mail a Check – The Traditional Route
If you prefer to send a physical check, Ally Bank accepts deposits by mail.
Endorse Your Check: On the back of the check, sign your name and write your Ally Bank account number. Writing "For Deposit Only" is also a good practice.
Address the Envelope: Mail your check to:
Ally Bank P.O. Box 13625 Philadelphia, PA 19101-3625Include a Deposit Slip (Optional but Recommended): You can order free deposit slips from Ally Bank through their app or online banking. Including one helps ensure accurate processing.
Seal and Send: Securely seal the envelope and mail it.
Important: Do not mail cash. Only send endorsed checks. There are no dollar amount limits for mailed checks.
Step 3f: Cash Deposits via Allpoint+ ATMs – For Physical Cash
Since Ally Bank is online-only, you can't deposit cash at a traditional Ally branch. However, Ally partners with the Allpoint+ network for cash deposits.
Locate an Allpoint+ ATM: Use the Allpoint ATM locator on their website or mobile app, and filter for "Allpoint+" locations. These ATMs are found in various retail stores like CVS and Walgreens in major metropolitan areas. Look for the "Allpoint+" logo on the ATM.
Verify Allpoint+ Deposits: Before you go, it's a good idea to confirm with Ally Bank's customer service that your specific Ally account supports Allpoint+ cash deposits. Not all Ally accounts may be enabled for this, and your card provider needs to participate in Allpoint+.
Insert Your Ally Debit Card: At the Allpoint+ ATM, insert your Ally Bank debit card.
Select "Deposit Cash": Follow the on-screen prompts to initiate a cash deposit.
Insert Cash: The ATM will guide you on how to insert your cash.
Confirm Deposit: Review the amount and confirm the transaction.
Availability: The availability of funds deposited via Allpoint+ ATMs will depend on Ally Bank's processing times for these types of deposits. Always check your account activity.
Step 4: Confirming Your Deposit
Once you've made a deposit, it's a good habit to confirm that the funds have been successfully credited to your account.
Sub-heading: Checking Your Balance
Ally Mobile App: Log in and view your account balance and recent transactions.
Online Banking: Log in to Ally.com and navigate to your account summary or transaction history.
Email/Text Alerts: Consider setting up alerts in your Ally account settings to notify you when a deposit has been processed.
Step 5: What to Do If There's an Issue
Occasionally, issues can arise. Don't panic!
Sub-heading: Troubleshooting Tips
Check Processing Times: Remember that different deposit methods have different processing times. Allow the stated timeframe before assuming there's an issue.
Verify Endorsement: If it's a check, double-check that you endorsed it correctly ("For Mobile Deposit Only" and your signature/account number). Incorrect endorsement is a common reason for delays or rejections.
Review Limits: Ensure your deposit didn't exceed any daily or monthly limits (e.g., for eCheck Deposit).
Contact Ally Customer Service: If you've waited the appropriate time and the funds still haven't appeared, or if you encounter an error message, contact Ally Bank's 24/7 customer support. They can investigate the issue for you.
By following these detailed steps, you'll be able to confidently add money to your Ally Bank account using the method that suits you best. Happy banking!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check my Ally Bank account number and routing number?
You can find your Ally Bank account number and routing number by logging into your Ally online banking account or mobile app. Navigate to your account details, and this information will typically be prominently displayed.
How to endorse a check for mobile deposit with Ally Bank?
On the back of the check, you must sign your name, write "For Mobile Deposit Only," and include your Ally Bank account number.
How to set up direct deposit with Ally Bank?
Obtain Ally's routing number (124003116) and your account number. Provide this information to your employer or payment provider, either through their online portal or by filling out a direct deposit form.
How to transfer money from another bank to Ally Bank?
Log in to your Ally account, go to "Transfers," and link your external bank account. Once linked, you can initiate transfers from the external account to your Ally account. Alternatively, you can initiate the transfer from your other bank's online banking platform using Ally's routing and your account number.
How to deposit cash into Ally Bank?
You can deposit cash into your Ally Bank account using select Allpoint+ ATMs. Use the Allpoint ATM locator to find a deposit-enabled ATM near you and confirm with Ally that your account supports this feature.
How to find an Allpoint+ ATM for cash deposits?
Visit the Allpoint Network website or use their mobile app. Filter your search for "Allpoint+" locations to find ATMs that accept cash deposits.
How to mail a check for deposit to Ally Bank?
Endorse the check with your signature and Ally account number, then mail it to: Ally Bank, P.O. Box 13625, Philadelphia, PA 19101-3625. Do not mail cash.
How to send a wire transfer to my Ally Bank account?
Provide the sender with Ally's designated receiving bank information (JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., Routing Number 021000021, SWIFT Code CHASUS33, and Beneficiary Account Number 802904391 for Ally Bank), along with your specific Ally Bank account number and name under "Further Credit."
How to check the status of a check deposit with Ally Bank?
You can view your eCheck Deposit activity within the Ally Mobile App (under "View Scheduled Activity" or "History" > "Deposits") or by logging into Ally.com (under "Deposits" > "Activity").
How to avoid fees when depositing money into Ally Bank?
Most deposit methods like Ally eCheck Deposit, online ACH transfers, and direct deposit are free. Ally does not charge for incoming wire transfers, but the sending bank might. Using Allpoint+ ATMs for cash deposits is also typically surcharge-free through Ally.
