Hey there! Got a check in hand and wondering how to get that money into your Ally Bank account without a trip to a physical branch? You've come to the right place! Depositing checks with Ally Bank is incredibly convenient, thanks to their robust online and mobile banking options. Forget the hassle of waiting in lines or finding an ATM that accepts deposits. Let's walk through the simple, step-by-step process to get your funds where they belong.
How to Deposit a Check in Ally Bank: Your Comprehensive Guide
Ally Bank, being an online-only bank, offers several convenient ways to deposit checks, primarily focusing on digital solutions. This guide will cover the most popular and efficient methods.
Step 1: Prepare Your Check for Deposit (Crucial First Step!)
Before you even think about snapping a picture or mailing anything, proper endorsement is key to a successful deposit. This is where many people make mistakes, so pay close attention!
Sub-heading: Understanding Endorsement
Endorsing a check means signing the back of it to legally transfer ownership of the funds to your bank account. Without proper endorsement, your deposit might be rejected or delayed.
Your Signature: On the back of the check, typically on the line provided near the top, you need to sign your name exactly as it appears on the "Pay to the Order of" line on the front of the check.
"For Mobile Deposit Only" or "For Deposit Only": This is a critical step for Ally Bank. Directly below your signature, you must write "For Mobile Deposit Only" if you're using the mobile app or online scanner. If you're mailing the check, you should write "For Deposit Only" and also include your Ally Bank account number. This ensures the check can only be deposited into your account and prevents potential fraud.
Your Ally Bank Account Number (for mailed checks): If you are mailing your check, always include your Ally Bank account number below your signature and the "For Deposit Only" endorsement.
Example of proper endorsement:
[Your Signature]
For Mobile Deposit Only
OR
[Your Signature]
For Deposit Only
[Your Ally Bank Account Number]
Step 2: Choose Your Preferred Deposit Method
Ally Bank offers two primary methods for depositing checks: mobile check deposit (via their app) and online check deposit (via their website using a scanner). For larger amounts or if digital methods aren't an option, mailing a check is also available.
Option A: Mobile Check Deposit (Recommended for Convenience)
This is by far the easiest and fastest way to deposit a check with Ally Bank. All you need is your smartphone or tablet and the Ally Mobile App.
Open the Ally Mobile App: Log in to your Ally Bank account using your username and password.
Navigate to Deposit Checks: Once logged in, select the account you wish to deposit into (e.g., Online Savings Account, Interest Checking Account, Money Market Account). You should see an option like "Deposit Checks" or "eCheck Deposit." Tap on it.
Prepare for Photos: The app will guide you through taking pictures of your check. Follow these tips for the best results:
Good Lighting: Ensure you are in a well-lit area. Avoid shadows falling on the check.
Dark, Non-Reflective Background: Place your endorsed check on a dark, non-reflective surface. Avoid busy patterns or shiny surfaces like marble or granite countertops.
All Four Corners Visible: Make sure the entire check, including all four corners, is clearly visible within the camera frame.
Focus and Clarity: Hold your device steady and allow the camera to focus to capture a clear, readable image of the check.
Capture Front and Back:
Front: Take a clear picture of the front of your endorsed check.
Back: Flip the check over and take a clear picture of the back of the endorsed check (with your signature and "For Mobile Deposit Only").
Enter Check Amount: Carefully enter the exact dollar amount of the check. Double-check this for accuracy!
Review and Submit: Before finalizing, review all the details: the check images, the amount, and the destination account. Once you're confident, tap "Submit" or "Make Deposit."
Confirmation: You'll typically receive an on-screen confirmation, and Ally Bank will also send you an email within one business day regarding the status of your deposit.
Option B: Online Check Deposit (Using a Scanner)
If you prefer using your computer or have a scanner readily available, you can deposit checks through Ally Bank's online banking portal.
Log In to Ally Online Banking: Go to ally.com and log in to your account.
Access Check Deposit: From your account dashboard, look for a section related to "Deposits" and then "Check Deposits." Select the option to "Make a Deposit."
Scan Your Check: You'll need to upload scanned images of both the front and back of your endorsed check. Ensure your scanned images meet the following specifications:
File Format: JPG only (no PDFs).
File Size: Cannot exceed 1 MB.
Resolution: Minimum 200 DPI.
Color/Grayscale: Files must be converted to color or grayscale.
All Four Corners Visible: Detach the check from your checkbook and ensure all four corners are visible in the scan.
Enter Check Amount: Just like with mobile deposit, carefully input the check's monetary value.
Submit Deposit: Review all the entered information and the uploaded images, then click to submit your deposit.
Confirmation: You will receive a confirmation message and a follow-up email from Ally Bank regarding your deposit status.
Option C: Mail a Check (For Larger Amounts or Special Cases)
While digital methods are preferred, sometimes mailing a check is necessary, especially for amounts exceeding mobile deposit limits.
Proper Endorsement: On the back of the check, sign your name, write "For Deposit Only," and clearly write your Ally Bank account number.
Prepare for Mailing: Place the properly endorsed check in a secure envelope. You can even order free deposit slips and envelopes from Ally Bank through their app or online banking if you wish.
Mail to the Correct Address: Send your check to the following address:
Ally Bank P.O. Box 13625 Philadelphia, PA 19101-3625Important Note: Do not send cash through the mail. This address is specifically for checks.
Step 3: Understand Funds Availability
Once you've made your deposit, you'll naturally want to know when your money will be available. Ally Bank has specific cut-off times and availability policies.
Cut-off Time: If you deposit a check before 7 PM ET (Eastern Time) on a business day, Ally Bank will begin processing your deposit that evening. If deposited after 7 PM ET or on a non-business day (weekends, holidays), processing will begin on the next business day.
Funds Availability:
Next Business Day: The first $300 of your deposit is generally available on the next business day.
Second Business Day: The remainder of the deposit (up to $25,000) will typically be available on the second business day.
Fifth Business Day: Any amount over $25,000 will usually be available on the fifth business day.
Keep in mind that these are general guidelines, and certain factors (like large deposits, new accounts, or checks with unusual characteristics) may lead to holds on funds as per Ally Bank's deposit agreement. You can always view your deposit activity and status within the Ally Mobile App or online banking.
Step 4: What to Do After Deposit
Keep the Check Safe: Once you've successfully deposited the check via mobile or online, do not immediately destroy it. It's a good practice to write "Electronically Deposited" and the date on the front of the check. Keep the physical check in a secure place for a short period (Ally Bank suggests 5-14 days) in case there are any issues with the deposit, then shred it. This prevents anyone from trying to deposit it again.
Monitor Your Account: Regularly check your Ally Bank account online or through the app to confirm the deposit has been processed and the funds are available.
10 Related FAQ Questions (Starting with 'How to')
Here are some common questions related to depositing checks with Ally Bank:
How to check the status of my Ally Bank check deposit?
You can view your eCheck Deposit activity by logging into the Ally Mobile App (choose your account, then tap "View Scheduled Activity" for in-process or scheduled activity, or "History" and select "Deposits" for past activity) or online banking (log in, select "Deposits," then go to "Activity").
How to endorse a check for mobile deposit with Ally Bank?
On the back of the check, sign your name and then write "For Mobile Deposit Only" directly below your signature.
How to find my Ally Bank account number for check deposit?
You can find your account number by logging into your Ally Bank account online or via the mobile app. It's usually visible in your account details.
How to handle a check that is too large for Ally Bank's mobile deposit limit?
If your check exceeds the mobile deposit limit ($50,000 per day or $250,000 per 30 calendar days), you will need to mail the check to Ally Bank at P.O. Box 13625, Philadelphia, PA 19101-3625.
How to order deposit slips and envelopes from Ally Bank?
You can order free deposit slips and envelopes through the Ally Mobile App (go to your account, then select "More," and "Order Deposit Slips & Envelopes") or online banking (log in, choose "Deposits," then "Check Deposits," and "Order deposit slips and envelopes").
How to ensure a successful mobile check deposit with Ally Bank?
Ensure good lighting, place the check on a dark, non-reflective background, make sure all four corners are visible, and endorse the check properly with "For Mobile Deposit Only" and your signature.
How to deposit multiple checks into Ally Bank?
For mobile deposits, you will need to deposit each check individually. If mailing, you can include multiple properly endorsed checks in one envelope.
How to deal with a rejected Ally Bank check deposit?
If your deposit is rejected, Ally Bank will typically notify you via email with the reason. Review the reason, correct any issues (like improper endorsement or poor image quality), and attempt the deposit again or consider mailing the check.
How to fund a new Ally Bank CD with a check?
Yes, you can use Ally eCheck Deposit to fund a new Certificate of Deposit (CD). If you have multiple checks, ensure they are all submitted by 7 p.m. ET on the same business day for the total amount to be applied to your new CD.
How to contact Ally Bank if I have issues with a check deposit?
You can contact Ally Bank customer support by calling 1-877-247-2559 (available 24/7), by logging in to chat, or by sending a secure message through your online account.
