Tired of making special trips to the bank just to deposit a check? In today's digital age, that's often a thing of the past! If you're an Ally Bank customer, you're in luck, because they offer a fantastic and convenient service called Ally eCheck Deposit℠ that lets you deposit checks right from your smartphone or computer. No more waiting in lines, no more driving across town – just a few simple steps from the comfort of your home or on the go!
Let's dive into how you can easily deposit a check online with Ally Bank.
Your Comprehensive Guide to Depositing Checks Online with Ally Bank
Step 1: Are You Ready to Go Digital? Let's Get Prepared!
Before you even think about snapping a picture of your check, let's make sure you have everything in order. This is a crucial first step that many people overlook!
What You'll Need:
Your Endorsed Check: This is perhaps the most important item. Make sure your check is properly signed on the back by all payees.
The Magic Words: Below your signature(s) on the back of the check, you MUST write "For Mobile Deposit Only" (or "For Deposit Only"). Without this, your deposit could be rejected!
Your Ally Bank Account: Obviously, you'll need an active Ally Bank checking, savings, or money market account to deposit into.
A Mobile Device or Computer with a Scanner:
For Mobile Deposits: The Ally Mobile App installed on your smartphone (iOS or Android).
For Online Deposits (Computer): A functioning scanner connected to your computer.
Good Lighting and a Dark Background (for mobile deposits): This helps the app capture a clear image of your check.
Important Check Requirements:
The check must be dated within the last 180 days.
It must be payable to you (the account holder or joint account holders).
It must be drawn on a U.S. bank in U.S. dollars.
Step 2: Choosing Your Deposit Method – Mobile App or Online Banking?
Ally Bank provides two convenient ways to deposit your check remotely. Pick the one that best suits your current situation!
Sub-heading: Option A: Using the Ally Mobile App (Recommended for Ease)
This is by far the most popular and often the quickest method.
Log In to the Ally Mobile App: Open the app on your smartphone and securely log in using your credentials.
Select Your Account: From your account dashboard, tap on the account where you wish to deposit the check (e.g., your Spending Account or Online Savings Account).
Initiate Deposit: Look for the "Deposit Checks" option and tap on it.
Prepare for Capture: The app will guide you. Find a well-lit area and place your endorsed check on a dark, non-reflective background. Make sure all four corners of the check are visible and that there are no shadows.
Snap Pictures:
Front of the Check: Position your phone directly over the check. The app usually provides a frame. Tap the screen to focus if needed. Take a clear picture of the front.
Back of the Check: Flip the check over and take a clear picture of the back, ensuring your endorsement and "For Mobile Deposit Only" are clearly visible.
Enter the Amount: Carefully enter the exact dollar amount of the check. Double-check this to avoid any delays!
Review and Submit: The app will present a summary of your deposit. Review all the details, ensure the images are clear, and then tap "Submit" or "Make Deposit."
Sub-heading: Option B: Using Ally Online Banking via a Computer (Requires a Scanner)
If you prefer using your computer or have a scanner readily available, this option is for you.
Log In to Ally.com: Open your web browser and go to the Ally Bank website (ally.com). Log in to your online banking account.
Navigate to Deposits: Once logged in, look for a "Deposits" or "Transfer & Payments" section in the main menu.
Choose Check Deposits: Within the deposits section, select "Check Deposits" and then "Make a Deposit" or a similar option.
Prepare Your Scans: You'll need high-quality scanned images of both the front and back of your properly endorsed check.
Scanner Tips:
All four corners of the check must be visible. Detach the check from its checkbook.
Files must be converted to color or grayscale.
File size cannot exceed 1 MB.
File must be saved as a JPG (no PDFs!).
Minimum resolution should be 200 DPI.
Upload Images: Follow the prompts to upload the scanned images of the front and back of your check from your computer.
Enter the Amount: Just like with the app, carefully enter the exact amount of the check. Accuracy is key here!
Confirm and Submit: Review the details of your deposit, confirm the images are correct, and then submit your deposit.
Step 3: What Happens Next? Understanding Funds Availability and Notifications
You've submitted your deposit! Now what? Ally Bank is generally very efficient with its eCheck Deposit service.
Sub-heading: Deposit Confirmation
You will typically receive an email confirmation from Ally Bank within one business day, letting you know the status of your deposit (accepted, held, or rejected).
Sub-heading: Funds Availability
Cut-off Time: The cut-off time for Ally eCheck Deposit is generally 7:00 PM ET (Eastern Time) on a business day.
If you deposit before 7:00 PM ET on a business day, Ally will begin processing your deposit that evening.
If you deposit after 7:00 PM ET on a business day, or on a weekend/holiday, processing will begin on the next business day.
Typical Availability:
The first $300 of your deposit is usually available by the next business day.
Up to $24,700 may be available on the second business day.
Any amount over $25,000 may be available on the fifth business day.
Holds: In some cases, Ally Bank may place a longer hold on your funds. This can happen if:
They believe the check may be returned unpaid.
The check is for a very large amount (over $25,000).
The check was previously deposited and returned unpaid.
You have repeatedly overdrawn your account in the last six months.
Rest assured, if a hold is placed, Ally Bank will notify you.
Sub-heading: Viewing Your Deposit Activity
Ally Mobile App: Log in, choose your account, and tap "View Scheduled Activity" for in-process or scheduled deposits. For past deposits, tap "History" and then select "Deposits."
Online Banking: Log in to ally.com, select "Deposits," and then go to "Activity." You can typically view activity for the past 120 days.
Step 4: After Deposit – Keeping Records and Best Practices
Once your deposit is complete and funds are available, it's good practice to follow a few simple steps.
Keep the Physical Check: Do not immediately destroy the physical check. Ally Bank recommends keeping it in a secure place for a period of time (e.g., 7-14 days) after the funds have cleared and been fully credited to your account. This is a safety measure in case there are any issues with the digital image.
Mark the Check: Once you're sure the deposit is complete and confirmed, write "VOID" across the front of the physical check. This prevents accidental re-deposits.
Shred the Check: After the recommended holding period and after marking it void, shred the check to protect your personal and financial information. Do not just throw it in the trash.
Monitor Your Account: Regularly check your Ally Bank account statement to ensure the deposit was processed correctly and the funds are reflected accurately.
Why Choose Ally eCheck Deposit? The Benefits Are Clear!
Convenience: Deposit checks anytime, anywhere, without needing to visit a physical branch or ATM. This is especially beneficial for an online-only bank like Ally.
Speed: Funds become available relatively quickly, often within one or two business days for smaller amounts.
Security: Ally Bank uses secure encryption and protocols to protect your financial information during the deposit process.
No Fees: It's a free service provided by Ally Bank!
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some common questions you might have about Ally Bank's online check deposit:
How to Endorse a Check for Ally Mobile Deposit?
Simply sign your name (or all payees' names) on the back of the check, and below the signature(s), write "For Mobile Deposit Only" or "For Deposit Only."
How to Check the Status of My Ally eCheck Deposit?
You can check the status by logging into the Ally Mobile App and going to "View Scheduled Activity" or "History" under your account, or by logging into Ally.com and going to "Deposits" then "Activity." You'll also typically receive an email notification.
How to Deposit a Large Check with Ally Bank Online?
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. For larger checks, be aware that some funds may be held for a few extra business days, typically amounts over $25,000.
How to Deal with a Rejected Ally Online Check Deposit?
If your deposit is rejected, Ally Bank will typically notify you via email with the reason. Common reasons include unclear images, improper endorsement, or the check being made out to someone other than the account holder. You may need to resubmit with corrected information or explore alternative deposit methods.
How to Know When My Funds Will Be Available from an Ally Online Deposit?
Generally, the first $300 is available the next business day, with the remainder (up to $24,700) available on the second business day. Amounts over $25,000 may be available on the fifth business day. Refer to Ally's funds availability policy for details, which can be found in their deposit agreement.
How to Deposit Multiple Checks Online with Ally Bank?
You'll need to deposit each check individually through the Ally Mobile App or online banking. Each check requires its own separate photo/scan submission.
How to Scan a Check Properly for Ally Online Deposit?
Ensure all four corners are visible, the image is in color or grayscale, saved as a JPG, not exceeding 1 MB, and has a minimum resolution of 200 DPI. Good lighting and a dark background are essential.
How to Fund a New Ally CD with eCheck Deposit?
Yes, you can use Ally eCheck Deposit to fund a new Certificate of Deposit (CD). If you have multiple checks for the CD, ensure you submit them all by 7:00 PM ET on the same business day.
How to Find My Ally Bank Account Number for Deposit?
You can find your Ally Bank account number by logging into your online banking account or the mobile app, usually within your account details or on the direct deposit setup page.
How to Contact Ally Bank for Mobile Deposit Issues?
You can contact Ally Bank's customer service 24/7 via phone or online chat for assistance with any mobile deposit issues or questions. Their contact information is readily available on their website and app.