Feeling overwhelmed by the idea of putting money into an online bank like Ally? Don't be! It's actually simpler than you might think, and with Ally's digital-first approach, you have a variety of convenient ways to get your funds where they need to be. Let's break down how to put money into Ally Bank, step by step, so you can start making your money work smarter for you.
Step 1: Determine Your Preferred Deposit Method
First things first, let's figure out how you want to move your money. Ally Bank offers several options, each with its own advantages. Think about what's most convenient for you right now.
Sub-heading: Option A: Direct Deposit (The Easiest for Regular Income)
If you're looking to deposit your paycheck or other recurring income, direct deposit is the gold standard. It's automated, reliable, and often allows you to get paid up to two days sooner!
Sub-heading: Option B: Ally eCheck Deposit℠ (For Checks on the Go)
Got a paper check? No problem! Ally's mobile eCheck Deposit service is incredibly handy, allowing you to deposit checks using just your smartphone or a scanner.
Sub-heading: Option C: Electronic Transfers (Moving Money Between Banks)
This is ideal for transferring funds from another bank account you hold, whether it's a one-time transfer or a recurring one.
Sub-heading: Option D: Zelle® (Quick Transfers to Friends and Family)
If someone owes you money and they use Zelle®, this is a super fast way to get it into your Ally account.
Sub-heading: Option E: Mail a Check (The Traditional Route)
While less common with online banks, mailing a check is still an option if none of the digital methods suit your needs.
Sub-heading: Option F: Wire Transfer (For Larger, Time-Sensitive Transfers)
Wire transfers are generally used for large sums of money that need to be moved quickly and securely, often with associated fees.
Step 2: Gather Your Necessary Information
No matter which method you choose, you'll need some basic information to ensure your money lands in the right place. Have these details ready:
Your Ally Bank Account Number: This is unique to your specific Ally account (e.g., Spending Account, Online Savings Account, Money Market Account). You can find this by logging into your Ally online banking or mobile app.
Ally Bank Routing Number: Ally Bank's routing number is 124003116. This is crucial for all electronic transfers.
Recipient Information (if applicable): If you're receiving money via Zelle or an external transfer, the sender will need your registered email address or U.S. mobile number for Zelle, or your Ally Bank routing and account numbers for external transfers.
Step 3: Execute Your Chosen Deposit Method
Let's dive into the specifics of each method:
Sub-heading: For Direct Deposit:
Log In to Ally: Head to the Ally Bank website or open your Ally mobile app.
Navigate to Direct Deposit Setup: Look for a section related to "Direct Deposit" or "Add Money." Ally makes it easy to find this on their direct deposit page.
Choose Your Setup Method:
Automatic Setup (Recommended): Ally often allows you to digitally connect with your employer or payment provider for a seamless setup. Follow the on-screen prompts, which may involve logging into your payroll portal.
Manual Setup (Using a Form): If the automatic method isn't available, or you prefer a paper trail, you can download a pre-filled Ally direct deposit form from their website. This form will have Ally's routing number and space for your account number.
Provide to Payer: Give this form (or the routing and account numbers directly) to your employer's HR or payroll department, or your payment provider.
Confirmation: It typically takes 1-2 pay cycles for direct deposit to take effect. You'll receive a confirmation when it's set up.
Sub-heading: For Ally eCheck Deposit℠ (Mobile Check Deposit):
Endorse Your Check: Crucially, before taking a picture, sign the back of your check and write "For Mobile Deposit Only" below your signature. Also, it's a good idea to write your Ally account number.
Open Ally Mobile App: Log in to the Ally Mobile App.
Select "Deposit Checks": Choose the account you want to deposit into and tap on the "Deposit Checks" option.
Snap Photos: Take clear, well-lit photos of both the front and back of your endorsed check. Ensure all four corners are visible and the numbers are legible. Avoid shadows!
Enter Amount: Input the exact amount of the check.
Submit: Review the details and submit your deposit.
Hold Onto Your Check: Keep the physical check for a few days after the deposit is confirmed in case of any issues. Ally may advise you on how long to retain it.
Note on Limits: Ally eCheck Deposit generally has limits of up to $50,000 per day and $250,000 every 30 calendar days.
Sub-heading: For Electronic Transfers (External Transfers):
Log In to Ally (or Your Other Bank): You can initiate an external transfer either from your Ally Bank account or from the online banking portal of your other financial institution.
Link External Account: If you haven't already, you'll need to link your external bank account to your Ally account. This usually involves providing the other bank's routing number and your account number there. Ally may use micro-deposits (small deposits that you verify) to confirm ownership.
Initiate Transfer:
From Ally: Go to the "Transfers" section, select "External Transfers," and choose the accounts you're transferring money between.
From Other Bank: Look for options like "External Transfers," "Link Accounts," or "Transfer to Another Bank."
Enter Details: Specify the amount you want to transfer, the frequency (one-time or recurring), and the date.
Review and Confirm: Double-check all the information before confirming the transfer.
Processing Time: External transfers typically take 1-3 business days to process.
Sub-heading: For Zelle®:
Enroll in Zelle® (if not already): Log into your Ally Bank account online or via the mobile app. Navigate to the "Payments" menu and select "Send Money with Zelle®." You'll need to enroll your U.S. mobile number or email address.
Receive Money: If someone sends you money via Zelle to your enrolled email or phone number, it will typically arrive in your Ally account within minutes. You don't need to do anything else!
Verify Enrollment: If you've previously enrolled your email or phone number with Zelle at another bank, you'll need to transfer that enrollment to Ally Bank within the Zelle settings to receive funds there.
Sub-heading: For Mailing a Check:
Endorse Your Check: Sign the back of your check and write "For Deposit Only" along with your Ally Bank account number.
Prepare for Mailing: Place the endorsed check in an envelope.
Mail to Ally: Send the check to the following address:
Ally Bank
ATTN: Deposit Operations
1100 Virginia Dr., Suite 150
Fort Washington, PA 19034
Processing Time: Mailed checks will take longer to process due to postal delivery times.
Sub-heading: For Wire Transfer (Incoming):
Obtain Ally's Wire Transfer Information: You'll need to provide the sender with specific wire transfer instructions for Ally Bank. This typically includes:
Ally Bank's ABA Routing Number for Wires: You can find this by contacting Ally directly or looking in your online banking portal's wire transfer section. It may be different from the ACH routing number.
Ally Bank's Name: Ally Bank
Your Account Name: Your full name as it appears on your Ally account
Your Ally Account Number: Your specific Ally account number
Provide to Sender: Give these instructions to the person or institution sending you the wire.
Confirmation: Wire transfers are generally faster, often settling within the same business day if sent within cut-off times.
Step 4: Monitor Your Deposit
After you've initiated your deposit, it's always a smart habit to monitor your Ally Bank account to ensure the funds arrive as expected.
Online Banking/Mobile App: Log in to your Ally account. You can usually view pending deposits or check your transaction history to see when the funds become available.
Email Notifications: Ally often sends email notifications when a deposit is successfully processed.
Step 5: Understand Funds Availability
While most digital deposits are quick, the full amount may not be immediately available. Ally Bank, like other financial institutions, has a funds availability policy.
eCheck Deposit: Typically, the first $300 of a mobile check deposit is available on the next business day, with the remainder available on the second business day (up to $25,000). Amounts over $25,000 may take up to five business days.
Direct Deposit & Zelle: Funds from direct deposits and Zelle transfers are usually available on the same or next business day.
External Transfers: These generally take 1-3 business days to clear.
Mailed Checks: Funds availability will depend on when the check is received and processed.
Always refer to Ally Bank's official Deposit Agreement for the most up-to-date and detailed information on funds availability.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about putting money into Ally Bank, with quick answers:
How to find 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.
How to deposit cash into Ally Bank?
Ally Bank does not accept direct cash deposits at ATMs or branches. As an online-only bank, you'll need to convert cash to a check or use another method like a money order, then deposit it via mobile check deposit or mail. Some Allpoint+ ATMs (a network Ally participates in for cash access) may allow cash deposits if your account provider supports it, but Ally does not currently offer this for cash deposits through their standard accounts.
How to set up direct deposit with Ally Bank?
You can set up direct deposit by logging into your Ally online banking, finding the "Direct Deposit" section, and either using their automatic digital setup or downloading a pre-filled direct deposit form to give to your employer or payment provider.
How to make a mobile check deposit with Ally Bank?
Endorse your check with your signature and "For Mobile Deposit Only," then use the Ally mobile app's "Deposit Checks" feature to snap photos of both sides and enter the amount.
How to transfer money from another bank to Ally Bank?
Log in to your Ally Bank account (or your other bank's online portal), navigate to "External Transfers," link your external account (if not already linked), and initiate the transfer using the other bank's routing and account numbers.
How to receive money via Zelle® into my Ally Bank account?
Enroll your U.S. mobile number or email address with Zelle through your Ally Bank online banking or mobile app. Once enrolled, money sent to that contact information will automatically deposit into your Ally account.
How to mail a check to Ally Bank for deposit?
Endorse the check with "For Deposit Only" and your Ally account number, then mail it to: Ally Bank, ATTN: Deposit Operations, 1100 Virginia Dr., Suite 150, Fort Washington, PA 19034.
How to receive a wire transfer to my Ally Bank account?
Provide the sender with Ally Bank's specific wire transfer routing number (which may differ from the ACH routing number), Ally Bank's name, your full name as it appears on your account, and your Ally account number.
How to check the status of a pending deposit with Ally Bank?
Log in to your Ally online banking or mobile app and check your account activity or pending transactions. Ally often sends email confirmations once a deposit is processed.
How to understand funds availability for Ally Bank deposits?
Funds availability varies by deposit type. Generally, direct deposits and Zelle transfers are quickest, while mobile check deposits may have initial hold amounts before the full sum is available. Always refer to Ally's official Deposit Agreement for detailed availability schedules.
