Hey there! Ready to simplify your banking? Depositing a check at Ally Bank is incredibly convenient, thanks to their focus on digital solutions. Gone are the days of needing to find a physical branch or an in-network ATM for every deposit. With Ally, you have powerful tools right at your fingertips.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the various ways to deposit a check with Ally Bank, covering everything from the incredibly popular mobile deposit option to other alternatives. Let's get your money where it belongs!
Depositing a Check at Ally Bank: Your Step-by-Step Guide
Ally Bank, being an online-only bank, offers seamless digital solutions for your banking needs. The primary and most efficient way to deposit a check is through their mobile app, but we'll also cover other methods for those specific situations.
Step 1: Get Prepared – The Essentials Before You Deposit
Before you even think about opening the app or grabbing an envelope, there are a few crucial preparation steps to ensure a smooth deposit. Don't skip this!
Sub-heading: Verify Your Check's Eligibility
Not all checks are created equal for mobile or mail deposit. Make sure your check meets these criteria:
Dated within the last 180 days: Stale checks can be problematic.
Payable to you: The payee name on the check must match your Ally Bank account holder name.
Drawn on a U.S. Bank in U.S. dollars: Foreign checks typically require different processing.
Sub-heading: Endorse Your Check Properly
This is perhaps the most critical step for any check deposit, especially with mobile or mail options. Without proper endorsement, your deposit will likely be rejected.
Your Signature: Sign the back of the check exactly as your name appears on the "Pay to the Order of" line on the front.
"For Mobile Deposit Only" (or "For Deposit Only"): Beneath your signature, clearly write "For Mobile Deposit Only" if you're using the mobile app. If you're mailing the check, simply "For Deposit Only" is sufficient. This safeguards your check in case it gets lost or falls into the wrong hands.
Your Ally Bank Account Number: It's a good practice to write your Ally Bank account number below the "For Mobile Deposit Only" or "For Deposit Only" endorsement. This helps ensure the funds are routed to the correct account, especially if you have multiple accounts with Ally.
Step 2: The Most Convenient Method – Ally eCheck Deposit (Mobile App)
This is the preferred and fastest method for depositing checks with Ally Bank. All you need is your smartphone and the Ally Mobile App.
Sub-heading: Download and Log In
Download the Ally Mobile App: If you haven't already, download the official Ally Mobile App from your device's app store (Google Play Store for Android or Apple App Store for iOS).
Log In: Open the app and log in using your Ally Bank credentials. If you have two-factor authentication enabled (which you should!), you'll complete that step as well.
Sub-heading: Initiate the Deposit
Select Your Account: Once logged in, choose the account into which you want to deposit the check (e.g., Spending Account, Online Savings Account, Money Market Account).
Tap "Deposit Checks": Look for an option like "Deposit Checks" or "Make Deposits." It's usually prominently displayed within your account details or on the main navigation.
Sub-heading: Capture Images of Your Check
This is where the "eCheck" magic happens. Follow these tips for the best results:
Good Lighting: Ensure you're in a well-lit area. Avoid shadows falling across the check.
Dark, Non-Reflective Background: Place your endorsed check on a dark, flat, non-reflective surface. Think a dark wood table, a plain dark placemat, or a dark fabric. Avoid glossy surfaces like marble or granite that can cause glare.
All Four Corners Visible: When taking the picture, make sure all four corners of the check are clearly visible within the frame. The app will usually guide you with an outline.
Clear and Focused: Take a clear, non-blurry picture of both the front and the back of the endorsed check.
Pro Tip for iOS Users: Sometimes tapping the screen of your phone can help enhance the focus before capturing the image. You might also try moving the camera away from the check and then slowly bringing it back to allow it to re-focus.
No Obstructions: Ensure no fingers or other objects are covering any part of the check, especially the routing and account numbers.
Sub-heading: Enter the Check Amount and Submit
Enter Amount: The app will prompt you to manually enter the exact amount of the check. Double-check this for accuracy! A small error here can delay your deposit.
Review and Submit: Before finalizing, the app will typically show you a summary of your deposit. Review the images and the amount entered. If everything looks correct, tap "Submit Deposit."
Sub-heading: What Happens Next? (Funds Availability)
Confirmation Email: Ally will send you an email within one business day confirming your deposit status.
Cut-off Time: If you deposit your check before 7 p.m. ET (Eastern Time) on a business day, the first $300 of your deposit will generally be available the next business day. The remainder (up to $25,000) is usually available on the second business day. Any amount over $25,000 will typically be available on the fifth business day.
Business Days: Remember that business days typically exclude weekends and federal holidays.
Deposit Limits: Ally Bank has limits for mobile deposits: up to $50,000 in a single day and up to $250,000 every 30 calendar days using Ally eCheck Deposit. If your check exceeds these limits, consider the mail-in option.
Step 3: Alternative Method – Depositing by Mail
While less common due to the convenience of mobile deposit, mailing a check is a viable option for larger deposits or if you simply prefer it.
Sub-heading: Proper Endorsement for Mail
Just like with mobile deposit, proper endorsement is crucial. Sign the back of the check and write "For Deposit Only" along with your Ally Bank account number.
Sub-heading: Address Your Envelope
Mail your endorsed check(s) to:
Ally Bank
P.O. Box 13625
Philadelphia, PA 19101-3625
You can order free envelopes and deposit slips through the Ally Mobile App or by logging into your online banking account. This ensures you have the correct mailing address and provides a convenient way to include your account details.
Sub-heading: Important Considerations for Mail Deposits
No Cash by Mail: Never send cash through the mail. Ally Bank does not accept cash deposits by mail.
No Dollar Limit: Unlike mobile deposits, there is no dollar limit on checks deposited by mail. This makes it a good option for very large checks.
Processing Time: Mail deposits will naturally take longer due to transit time. Once received, the processing times for funds availability will be similar to those for mobile deposits.
Step 4: Tracking Your Deposit
Once you've submitted your deposit, you'll want to keep an eye on its status.
Sub-heading: Checking Status in the Mobile App
Log In: Open the Ally Mobile App and log in.
Choose Your Account: Select the account where you deposited the check.
View Scheduled Activity/History: Look for options like "View Scheduled Activity" to see deposits that are in process or scheduled. For past deposits, tap "History" and then select "Deposits" to view your eCheck Deposit history for the past 120 days.
Sub-heading: Checking Status in Online Banking
Log In: Go to ally.com and log in to your online banking account.
Navigate to Deposits: Select "Deposits" from the main menu.
Go to "Activity": Here, you can view your deposit activity and status.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to Deposit a Check if I don't have a smartphone?
You can deposit a check by mailing it to Ally Bank at P.O. Box 13625, Philadelphia, PA 19101-3625.
How to Endorse a Check for Ally Mobile Deposit?
Sign the back of the check and write "For Mobile Deposit Only" underneath your signature, along with your Ally Bank account number.
How to Find My Ally Bank Account Number for Deposit?
You can find your account number by logging into your Ally Bank online banking account or mobile app, usually within your account details.
How to Handle a Check Larger than Ally's Mobile Deposit Limit?
If your check exceeds the $50,000 daily or $250,000 monthly mobile deposit limits, you'll need to deposit it by mail.
How to Know if My Ally Check Deposit Went Through?
Ally Bank will send you an email confirmation within one business day. You can also check the status in the Ally Mobile App under "View Scheduled Activity" or in online banking under "Deposits" and then "Activity."
How to Avoid Common Mobile Deposit Rejection Issues?
Ensure your check is properly endorsed, placed on a dark, non-reflective background with good lighting, and that all four corners are visible in a clear, focused image.
How to Order Free Deposit Slips and Envelopes from Ally?
You can order them through the Ally Mobile App (navigate to your account, then "More," then "Order Deposit Slips & Envelopes") or through online banking (log in, choose "Deposits," then "Check Deposits," then "Order deposit slips and envelopes").
How to Deposit Cash into Ally Bank?
Ally Bank does not accept cash deposits directly. You'll typically need to deposit cash into another bank account and then transfer the funds to your Ally Bank account. Some Allpoint+ ATMs may allow cash deposits if your card provider participates, but it's best to verify with Ally Bank directly.
How to Fund a New Ally CD with a Check?
Yes, you can use Ally eCheck Deposit to fund a new Certificate of Deposit (CD). If you have multiple checks for a CD, submit them all by 7 p.m. ET on the same business day for the total amount to be applied.
How to Check Funds Availability for My Ally Deposit?
Generally, the first $300 of your eCheck deposit is available the next business day, with the remainder (up to $25,000) available on the second business day. Amounts over $25,000 are typically available on the fifth business day. You'll receive an email confirmation with your deposit status.