You've chosen wisely! Ally Bank is a popular online-only bank known for its competitive rates and user-friendly digital tools. But if you're used to traditional brick-and-mortar banks, you might be wondering: How exactly do I get my money into Ally Bank? Fear not! While there aren't physical branches to walk into, Ally Bank offers several convenient and secure ways to deposit funds. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each method, step-by-step, to make your deposit experience as smooth as possible.
Let's dive in and get your money working for you with Ally Bank!
A Comprehensive Guide to Depositing Funds in Ally Bank
Step 1: Understand Your Deposit Needs & Options
Before we begin, let's figure out what kind of deposit you're making. Are you depositing a physical check, setting up your paycheck to go directly into your account, or transferring funds from another bank? Ally Bank offers distinct methods for each, and knowing your needs will help us choose the most efficient path.
It's important to remember that Ally Bank does not accept cash deposits directly. We'll cover alternative solutions for cash later, but for now, focus on checks and electronic transfers.
Step 2: Choose Your Deposit Method
Ally Bank provides several reliable ways to deposit funds. Let's explore each in detail:
Sub-heading: Ally eCheck Deposit℠ (Mobile App or Online)
This is by far the most popular and convenient way to deposit checks with Ally Bank. It's essentially like using your smartphone or scanner to send a digital image of your check.
A. Using the Ally Mobile App (Recommended for Checks)
Preparation is Key:
Endorse Your Check Properly: On the back of your check, sign your name (or all payees' names if it's a joint check). Below your signature(s), write "For Mobile Deposit Only" and your Ally Bank account number. This is a crucial step for security and proper processing.
Ensure Check Quality: Make sure the check is dated within the last 180 days, payable to you, and drawn on a U.S. bank in U.S. dollars.
Clear Your Space: Find a well-lit area with a plain, dark background for taking photos. Avoid shadows.
Accessing the Deposit Feature:
Log In: Open the Ally Mobile App on your smartphone or tablet and log in to your account.
Navigate to Deposits: From your account dashboard, select the account you wish to deposit into. Then, look for and tap on "Deposit Checks" or a similar option.
Capturing Your Check Images:
Front of Check: Position your phone directly over the front of the endorsed check. Ensure all four corners are visible and the entire check is within the frame. The app will guide you. Take a clear, well-lit photo.
Back of Check: Flip the check over to the endorsed side and repeat the process, taking a clear photo of the back.
Enter Deposit Details and Submit:
Enter Amount: Carefully enter the exact dollar amount of the check. Double-check this to prevent errors.
Review and Confirm: The app will display a summary of your deposit. Review all the details, especially the amount and the account you're depositing into.
Submit Deposit: Once you're confident everything is correct, tap "Submit Deposit."
What Happens Next:
You'll receive an email confirmation from Ally Bank within one business day regarding your deposit status.
Funds Availability: If you deposit a check before 7 PM ET on a business day, processing typically begins that evening. Deposits made after 7 PM ET or on non-business days will begin processing on the next business day. Funds availability may vary based on the check type and your account history, but Ally often makes a portion of the funds available quickly.
B. Using Ally Online (Computer & Scanner)
Preparation is Key:
Endorse Your Check Properly: Just like with the mobile app, endorse the back of your check with your signature(s), "For Mobile Deposit Only," and your Ally Bank account number.
Scanner Setup: Ensure your scanner is properly connected to your computer and configured to produce clear images.
Accessing the Online Deposit Feature:
Log In: Go to ally.com on your computer and log in to your account.
Navigate to Deposits: From the main menu, select "Deposits" and then "Check Deposits." You'll then choose "Make a Deposit."
Scanning and Uploading Images:
Scan Front and Back: Scan both the front and back of your endorsed check. Make sure all four corners are visible, the images are in color or grayscale, and the file size does not exceed 1 MB (JPG format is typically required, no PDFs). Aim for a minimum resolution of 200 DPI.
Upload: Upload the scanned images when prompted.
Enter Deposit Details and Submit:
Enter Amount: Carefully input the check amount.
Review and Confirm: Review all the deposit details on the screen.
Submit Deposit: Click "Submit Deposit" to complete the process.
What Happens Next:
Similar to mobile deposits, you'll receive an email confirmation, and funds availability will follow the same processing times.
Important Note: For Ally eCheck Deposit℠, there are limits: you can deposit checks totaling up to $50,000 in a single business day and up to $250,000 every 30 calendar days.
Sub-heading: Direct Deposit (For Paychecks & Recurring Payments)
This is the most convenient way to receive regular income, like your salary, government benefits, or recurring payments, directly into your Ally Bank account.
Gather Necessary Information: You'll need your Ally Bank account number and Ally's routing number.
Ally Bank Routing Number: 124003116
Your Account Number: You can find this by logging into your Ally Bank account online or through the app, usually in your account details.
Set Up Direct Deposit: There are typically three ways to do this:
A. Connect Automatically from Ally's Direct Deposit Settings:
Log In: Access your Ally Bank account online or via the app.
Navigate: Look for a "Direct Deposit" section or similar settings. Ally often has a dedicated page for setting this up.
Search and Connect: You may be able to search for your employer or payment provider and connect directly within the Ally platform. This is often the quickest method.
B. Download a Pre-filled Form for Your Employer:
Log In: Log into your Ally Bank account.
Download Form: Ally often provides a pre-filled direct deposit form that you can download. This form will already contain your routing and account numbers.
Submit to Employer: Print this form and provide it to your employer's payroll department or the entity sending you payments.
C. Manually Provide Information to Your Employer/Payer:
Access Payer's Portal: Log into your employer's payroll portal, or contact your payment provider directly.
Enter Details: Input Ally's routing number (124003116) and your Ally Bank account number into their system where prompted for direct deposit information.
Confirmation and Waiting Period:
It typically takes 1-2 pay cycles for new direct deposit arrangements to take effect.
Early Direct Deposit: A fantastic benefit of Ally's Spending Account is the possibility of receiving your paycheck up to two days early! This happens automatically if your payment provider submits the deposit details early.
Sub-heading: Wire Transfers
Wire transfers are ideal for sending large sums of money quickly, especially from another financial institution.
Incoming Domestic Wires:
Ally Bank does not charge a fee for incoming domestic wire transfers.
You'll need to provide the sender with the following information:
Ally Bank Routing Number: 124003116
Ally Bank's Name: Ally Bank
Your Account Name: Your name as it appears on your Ally Bank account.
Your Ally Bank Account Number: Your specific account number.
Incoming International Wires:
Ally Bank does not accept international wire transfers directly. If someone is sending you funds from outside the U.S., they would typically need to use a third-party service that can convert the currency and then initiate a domestic wire to your Ally account, or use an alternative method.
Sub-heading: Mail a Check
For those who prefer traditional methods or have checks that cannot be deposited via eCheck Deposit, mailing a check is an option.
Endorse Your Check:
On the back of the check, sign your name (or all payees' names). Below the signature(s), write "For Deposit Only" and your Ally Bank account number.
Address the Envelope:
Mail your endorsed check to:
Ally Bank P.O. Box 13625 Philadelphia, PA 19101-3625
Optional: Order Deposit Slips and Envelopes:
You can order free deposit slips and pre-paid envelopes through the Ally Mobile App (Go to your account, then "More," then "Order Deposit Slips & Envelopes") or online (Log in, "Deposits," "Check Deposits," then "Order deposit slips and envelopes").
Important: There are no dollar amount limits for checks deposited by mail.
Step 3: Handling Cash Deposits (Indirect Methods)
Since Ally Bank is an online-only bank, they do not accept direct cash deposits. However, there are several workarounds:
Deposit at Another Bank/Credit Union and Transfer:
The most common method is to deposit your cash into an account you hold at a traditional bank or credit union that has physical branches.
Once the cash clears, you can then transfer the funds electronically from that account to your Ally Bank account. This can be done via ACH transfer (usually free, takes 1-3 business days) or a wire transfer (faster but may incur a fee from the sending bank).
Purchase a Money Order:
You can use cash to purchase a money order at places like post offices, Western Union locations, or some grocery stores.
Then, you can deposit this money order into your Ally Bank account using the Ally eCheck Deposit℠ feature via the mobile app or by mailing it in. Treat it like a regular check.
Purchase a Cashier's Check:
Similar to a money order, you can use cash to obtain a cashier's check from a traditional bank.
Deposit the cashier's check into your Ally Bank account using the Ally eCheck Deposit℠ or by mailing it.
Allpoint+ ATMs (Limited Availability for Deposits):
Ally Bank is part of the Allpoint ATM network, which offers surcharge-free withdrawals at over 55,000 ATMs.
Some select Allpoint+ ATMs now allow cash deposits. You would need to use the Allpoint ATM locator (available on their website or app) and filter for "deposit-enabled" locations.
Crucially, your card provider must participate in Allpoint+ deposits for this to work. Contact Ally Bank to confirm if your account supports Allpoint+ deposits, as this feature is not universally available for all Ally accounts or at all Allpoint ATMs. Look for prominent Allpoint+ signage on the ATM itself.
Step 4: Confirming Your Deposit
After making a deposit, it's always a good idea to confirm that it has been received and processed.
Check Your Ally Account: Log in to your Ally Bank account online or via the mobile app. Your recent transactions will show pending or completed deposits.
Email Notifications: Ally Bank sends email notifications regarding deposit status. Keep an eye on your inbox.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 related FAQs to help you navigate your Ally Bank deposits with ease:
How to deposit a check using the Ally Bank mobile app?
To deposit a check using the Ally Bank mobile app, simply log in, select "Deposit Checks," take clear photos of the front and back of your endorsed check (with "For Mobile Deposit Only" and your account number), enter the amount, and submit.
How to set up direct deposit with Ally Bank?
You can set up direct deposit by logging into your Ally account and using their direct deposit setup page to connect automatically with your employer, download a pre-filled form for your employer, or manually provide Ally's routing number (124003116) and your account number to your employer's payroll department.
How to find my Ally Bank account and routing numbers?
Your Ally Bank account number can be found by logging into your online banking or mobile app and viewing your account details. Ally Bank's routing number is 124003116.
How to mail a check to Ally Bank for deposit?
Endorse your check with "For Deposit Only" and your account number, then mail it to: Ally Bank, P.O. Box 13625, Philadelphia, PA 19101-3625. You can also order free deposit slips and envelopes from Ally.
How to deposit cash into my Ally Bank account?
Ally Bank does not accept direct cash deposits. You can deposit cash into an account at a traditional bank or credit union and then transfer the funds to Ally, purchase a money order or cashier's check with cash and deposit that like a check, or check for participating Allpoint+ ATMs that accept cash deposits (though this is limited).
How to make a wire transfer to Ally Bank?
To receive a domestic wire transfer, provide the sender with Ally Bank's routing number (124003116), Ally Bank's name, your name, and your Ally Bank account number. Ally Bank does not accept incoming international wire transfers directly.
How long does it take for a mobile check deposit to clear with Ally Bank?
If you deposit a check via Ally eCheck Deposit℠ before 7 PM ET on a business day, processing begins that evening. Funds availability varies, but Ally often makes a portion of the funds available quickly, with the full amount typically clearing within 1-5 business days depending on the check.
How to check the status of my Ally Bank deposit?
You can check the status of your Ally Bank deposit by logging into your online banking or mobile app and reviewing your transaction history. Ally also sends email notifications regarding your deposit status within one business day.
How to get free deposit slips and envelopes from Ally Bank?
You can order free deposit slips and envelopes through the Ally Mobile App (navigate to your account, then "More," then "Order Deposit Slips & Envelopes") or online (log in, "Deposits," "Check Deposits," then "Order deposit slips and envelopes").
How to use Zelle to receive money in my Ally Bank account?
Zelle is integrated directly into the Ally Bank app, allowing you to send and receive money from friends and family. If someone sends you money via Zelle to your enrolled email or U.S. mobile number, it will go directly into your linked Ally Bank account, typically within minutes, without any further action needed from you.
