Ready to stash some cash (or checks!) into your Ally Bank account? Excellent choice! Ally Bank, being a prominent online-only bank, offers a variety of convenient ways to make deposits, even without physical branches. Let's dive into the various methods, step by step, to get your money where it needs to be.
How Do You Make Deposits to Ally Bank? A Comprehensive Guide
Making deposits to your Ally Bank account is generally a straightforward process, designed for the digital age. While you won't find traditional branch tellers, Ally provides robust online and mobile tools, along with options for mailing checks and setting up automated transfers.
Step 1: Understand Your Deposit Needs
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let's figure out what you need to deposit. Are we talking about a physical check, cold hard cash, or money from another bank account? Knowing this upfront will help you choose the most efficient method.
Got a check? Great! Ally's mobile check deposit is incredibly popular.
Need to deposit cash? This requires a slightly different approach since Ally doesn't handle cash directly.
Transferring from another bank? This is a common and easy way to move funds.
Setting up regular payments? Direct deposit is your best friend.
Once you have a clear picture of your deposit type, let's explore the specific steps for each.
Step 2: Depositing Checks with Ally eCheck Deposit℠ (Mobile & Online)
This is by far the most popular and convenient way to deposit checks with Ally. You can do it right from your smartphone or by scanning a check with your computer.
Sub-heading 2.1: Using the Ally Mobile App (Recommended for Speed and Ease)
This is the fastest and easiest way to deposit a check.
Log In: Open the Ally Mobile App on your smartphone or tablet and securely log in using your username and password or biometric authentication (fingerprint/Face ID).
Select Your Account: From the main dashboard, tap on the account where you wish to deposit the check (e.g., Ally Spending Account, Online Savings Account, Money Market Account).
Initiate Deposit: Look for and tap on the "Deposit Checks" option. This is usually prominently displayed.
Prepare Your Check for Endorsement: This is a crucial step to ensure your deposit is accepted. On the back of the check, you must do three things:
Sign your signature(s) as the payee.
Write "For Mobile Deposit Only" clearly below your signature.
Write your Ally Bank account number.
Capture Images of Your Check: The app will guide you through taking photos of the front and back of your endorsed check.
Tip for Success: Place the check on a dark, non-reflective background in a well-lit area. Ensure all four corners are visible, and there are no shadows. Make sure the routing and account numbers are clearly readable.
Enter Deposit Amount: Carefully enter the exact dollar amount of the check.
Review and Submit: Double-check all the information you've entered. Once satisfied, tap "Submit Deposit."
Confirmation: You'll receive a confirmation message in the app, and Ally will also send you an email within one business day with your deposit status.
Sub-heading 2.2: Depositing Checks Online via Computer (Scanner Required)
If you prefer using your computer or don't have a smartphone handy, you can also deposit checks online.
Log In: Go to Ally.com and log in to your online banking account.
Navigate to Deposits: Once logged in, select "Deposits" from the menu, then go to "Activity."
Initiate eCheck Deposit: Look for the option to make an eCheck Deposit.
Prepare Your Check: Similar to the mobile app, you must endorse the back of your check with your signature(s), "For Mobile Deposit Only," and your Ally Bank account number.
Scan Your Check: Use a scanner to create clear images of both the front and back of your endorsed check.
Specifications: Ensure the file is a JPG (not PDF) and doesn't exceed 1 MB. Minimum resolution should be 200 DPI, and convert files to color or grayscale.
Upload Images: Upload the scanned images of your check as prompted.
Enter Deposit Amount: Enter the precise amount of the check.
Review and Submit: Verify all details before clicking "Submit."
Confirmation: You'll receive confirmation online and via email.
Key Notes for Check Deposits:
Deposit Limits: Ally eCheck Deposit allows up to $50,000 in a single business day and up to $250,000 every 30 calendar days.
Funds Availability: If you deposit a check before 7 p.m. ET on a business day, the first $300 is usually available the next business day, and the remainder (up to $25,000) on the second business day. Amounts over $25,000 may be available on the fifth business day.
What to Do with the Check: Keep your physical check in a safe place for a short period (Ally recommends 14 days) after successful deposit, then shred it. Do not attempt to deposit it again!
Step 3: Transferring Money from Another Bank Account
This is a common and highly effective way to fund your Ally account, especially if you're transferring larger sums or setting up recurring deposits.
Sub-heading 3.1: Linking External Accounts for Transfers
Before you can transfer, you'll need to link your external bank account to your Ally Bank account.
Log In: Access your Ally Bank online banking account at Ally.com.
Go to Transfers: Choose "Transfers" from the main menu, then select "Bank Transfers."
Link Other Accounts: Look for and click on "Link other accounts."
Enter External Account Details: You'll need to provide the following information for your other bank account:
Bank name
Routing number
Account number
Account type (checking or savings)
You may also be able to provide a nickname for the account to easily identify it.
Account Verification: Ally will verify account ownership. This can sometimes be instantaneous if you provide login information for the external bank. Otherwise, Ally will make small trial deposits (less than $1.00 each) into your external account within three business days.
Action Required: You'll then need to verify these small deposit amounts within your Ally Bank account to confirm ownership. This step is critical for security.
Account Linked! Once verified, your external account is linked and ready for transfers.
Sub-heading 3.2: Making One-Time or Recurring Transfers
Now that your accounts are linked, transferring money is a breeze.
Log In: Log back into your Ally Bank online banking account.
Go to Transfers: Select "Transfers" and then "Bank Transfers."
Choose Accounts: Select the account where the money is coming from (your external bank) and the Ally Bank account where the money is going to.
Enter Amount: Input the amount you wish to transfer.
Set Frequency: Choose whether it's a one-time transfer or a recurring transfer (e.g., weekly, bi-weekly, monthly). For recurring transfers, specify the frequency and start date.
Review and Submit: Carefully review all transfer details and confirm.
Processing Time: Standard external transfers from another bank to Ally typically take three business days. Keep in mind that transfers are not processed on weekends or federal holidays.
Step 4: Setting Up Direct Deposit (for Paychecks & Benefits)
For regular income like paychecks, government benefits, or retirement payments, direct deposit is the most efficient and reliable method.
Obtain Ally's Routing and Your Account Number: You'll need two key pieces of information for direct deposit:
Ally Bank Routing Number: This is 124003116.
Your Ally Bank Account Number: This can be found by logging into your Ally Bank account online or via the mobile app, under your account details.
Access Your Employer/Payer's Direct Deposit Form/Portal:
Many employers and payment providers offer an online portal where you can set up or modify your direct deposit information. This is often the quickest way.
Alternatively, you may need to fill out a physical direct deposit form. Ally provides a generic direct deposit form on their website that you can download and print.
Fill Out the Form/Portal: Provide the requested information:
Your full name and address.
Your Ally Bank Routing Number (124003116).
Your Ally Bank Account Number.
Specify the deposit options: You can often choose to deposit your entire amount, a specific dollar amount, or a percentage of your payment into your Ally account. You might also be able to split deposits between multiple Ally accounts (e.g., a portion to checking, a portion to savings).
Sign and Submit (if applicable): If it's a physical form, sign and date it. Submit the completed form to your employer's HR or payroll department, or the relevant payment provider.
Wait for Processing: It typically takes 1-2 pay cycles for direct deposit to take effect. Continue to monitor your Ally account to ensure the deposits are coming through correctly.
Step 5: Depositing Cash (Indirectly)
Ally Bank does not accept direct cash deposits. Since Ally is an online-only bank, they do not have physical branches where you can walk in and hand over cash. However, there are a couple of indirect ways to get cash into your Ally account:
Sub-heading 5.1: Using an Allpoint+ ATM (Limited Availability)
The Allpoint network, which Ally Bank partners with for surcharge-free ATM access, has a growing number of "Allpoint+" ATMs that allow cash deposits.
Locate an Allpoint+ ATM: Use the Allpoint ATM locator on their website or app. Crucially, filter for ATMs that accept deposits (look for "Allpoint+"). These are typically found at select retail stores like CVS and Walgreens in major metropolitan areas.
Verify Deposit Functionality: Not all Allpoint ATMs are "Allpoint+". Make sure the ATM itself clearly displays "Allpoint+" signage indicating deposit capabilities.
Initiate Deposit: Insert your Ally Bank debit card into the Allpoint+ ATM.
Follow On-Screen Prompts: The ATM will guide you through the cash deposit process.
Keep Receipt: Always keep your receipt for your records.
Sub-heading 5.2: Depositing Cash at Another Bank, Then Transferring
This is the most common indirect method for cash deposits.
Deposit Cash at Another Bank: If you have an account at another bank with a physical branch (e.g., a local credit union, traditional bank), deposit your cash there.
Transfer to Ally: Once the cash clears in that account, initiate an external transfer from that bank to your Ally Bank account (as described in Step 3).
Step 6: Depositing by Mail (for Checks Only)
While less common due to the convenience of mobile deposit, you can still mail checks to Ally Bank.
Endorse Your Check: On the back of the check, you must sign your signature(s) and write "For Deposit Only" along with your Ally Bank account number.
Prepare for Mailing: Place the properly endorsed check in a secure envelope.
Mail to Ally: Address the envelope to:
Ally Bank ATTN: Deposit Operations P.O. Box 13625 Philadelphia, PA 19101-3625
No Dollar Limit: Unlike eCheck deposits, there is no dollar limit on mailed checks.
Processing Time: Mailed check deposits will take longer to process due to mail delivery times.
Step 7: Wire Transfers (for Larger, Time-Sensitive Transfers)
Wire transfers are typically used for large, time-sensitive transfers, often for real estate transactions or business dealings.
Sub-heading 7.1: Receiving an Incoming Domestic Wire Transfer
Ally Bank does not charge fees for incoming domestic wire transfers. You'll need to provide the sender with specific information:
Bank Name: Ally Bank
Ally Bank Routing Number: 124003116
Your Ally Bank Account Number: (Your specific account number)
Account Type: (e.g., Checking, Savings)
Your Name and Address: As it appears on your Ally Bank account.
Sub-heading 7.2: Receiving an Incoming International Wire Transfer
Ally Bank does not charge fees for incoming international wire transfers either. You'll need to provide the sender with:
Bank Name: Ally Bank
SWIFT/BIC Code: ALBKUS33 (This is Ally's SWIFT code)
Ally Bank Routing Number: 124003116
Your Ally Bank Account Number: (Your specific account number)
Account Type: (e.g., Checking, Savings)
Your Name and Address: As it appears on your Ally Bank account.
Purpose of Transfer: (Some international transfers require this)
Important Considerations for Wires:
Cut-off Times: For domestic wire transfers, the cut-off time is typically before 7 PM ET on business days. Wires initiated after this time will be processed the next business day.
Fees: While Ally doesn't charge for incoming wires, the sending institution may charge a fee.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 related FAQ questions, all starting with "How to," with quick answers:
How to check my deposit status with Ally Bank? You can check your deposit status by logging into the Ally Mobile App and tapping "View Scheduled Activity" or by logging into online banking at Ally.com, selecting "Deposits," and then going to "Activity."
How to endorse a check for mobile deposit with Ally? On the back of the check, sign your signature, write "For Mobile Deposit Only," and then write your Ally Bank account number.
How to find my Ally Bank routing number? Ally Bank's routing number is 124003116. You can also find it in your online banking account details.
How to link an external bank account to Ally Bank? Log in to Ally online banking, go to "Transfers" > "Bank Transfers" > "Link other accounts," and follow the prompts to enter your external bank's routing and account number, then verify ownership.
How to deposit cash into my Ally Bank account? Ally Bank does not accept direct cash deposits. You can deposit cash at an Allpoint+ ATM (if available and your account supports it) or deposit cash into an account at another bank and then transfer it to Ally.
How to set up direct deposit for my paycheck with Ally Bank? Provide your employer's payroll department with Ally Bank's routing number (124003116) and your Ally Bank account number. They may require a direct deposit form.
How to view my mobile deposit limits with Ally Bank? Your Ally eCheck Deposit limits are typically $50,000 per business day and $250,000 every 30 calendar days. You can also find this information in Ally's Help Center.
How to mail a check for deposit to Ally Bank? Endorse the check with your signature, "For Deposit Only," and your Ally Bank account number, then mail it to Ally Bank, ATTN: Deposit Operations, P.O. Box 13625, Philadelphia, PA 19101-3625.
How to receive a wire transfer to my Ally Bank account? Provide the sender with Ally Bank's name, routing number (124003116), your Ally Bank account number, your name and address, and for international wires, the SWIFT/BIC code (ALBKUS33).
How to get help with a deposit issue at Ally Bank? You can contact Ally Bank's customer service 24/7 by calling 1-877-247-2559 or by using their online chat feature within the Ally Mobile App or website.
