Feeling a little overwhelmed by the thought of depositing money into your online Ally Bank account? Don't worry, you're not alone! While online banks offer incredible convenience and often higher interest rates, the process of getting your money into them can sometimes feel a bit different from your traditional brick-and-mortar bank. But here's the good news: Ally Bank makes it surprisingly simple and flexible to deposit your funds.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through every popular method, step by step, so you can confidently manage your money with Ally. Let's get started!
Step 1: Understand Your Deposit Options with Ally Bank
Before we dive into the "how-to," it's crucial to know the various ways you can deposit money into your Ally Bank account. Ally, being an online-only bank, doesn't have physical branches for cash deposits. However, they offer a robust suite of digital and mail-in options.
Which type of money are you depositing? This will largely determine the best method for you. Are you dealing with a physical check, setting up your paycheck, or transferring funds from another bank?
Let's explore the common methods available:
Sub-heading: Ally eCheck Deposit℠ (Mobile and Online)
This is by far one of the most popular and convenient ways to deposit checks. You can do it right from your smartphone or computer.
Sub-heading: Electronic Transfers (ACH Transfers)
Ideal for moving money between your Ally account and accounts at other financial institutions. This is a common method for funding your Ally account from an external checking or savings account.
Sub-heading: Direct Deposit
The easiest way to ensure your regular income, like paychecks, goes directly into your Ally account.
Sub-heading: Wire Transfers
For larger, time-sensitive transfers, wire transfers are an option, though they come with specific requirements and potential fees.
Sub-heading: Mail-In Checks
Tip: Don’t rush — enjoy the read.
If you prefer the traditional route or have checks that don't qualify for mobile deposit, you can always mail them in.
Ready to choose your preferred method? Let's get into the details!
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| How To Deposit Money Into Ally Bank Account |
Step 2: Depositing Checks with Ally eCheck Deposit℠ (Mobile App & Online)
This is Ally's flagship method for check deposits, offering incredible ease and speed.
Sub-heading: Using the Ally Mobile App (Recommended for Speed and Ease)
This is the quickest way to deposit a check with Ally.
Step 2.1: Prepare Your Check for Deposit
Endorse Your Check Properly: This is crucial! On the back of the check, in the endorsement area, you must do the following:
Sign your name exactly as it appears on the "Pay to the Order of" line.
Below your signature, write "For Mobile Deposit Only."
Write your Ally Bank account number.
Ensure Good Lighting and Background: Find a well-lit area. Place the check on a dark, non-reflective background to provide good contrast for the camera. Make sure there are no shadows on the check.
Step 2.2: Log In to the Ally Mobile App
Open the Ally Mobile App on your smartphone or tablet.
Log in using your username and password.
Step 2.3: Navigate to Deposit Checks
Once logged in, select the account you wish to deposit the check into (e.g., Spending Account, Online Savings Account, Money Market Account).
Look for an option like "Deposit Checks" or "Make a Deposit."
Step 2.4: Capture Images of Your Check
The app will prompt you to take pictures of the front and back of your endorsed check.
Hold your device steady directly over the check, ensuring all four corners are visible and the information is clear and readable. The app often has a guide frame to help you.
Take the picture of the front first, then flip the check and take a picture of the back.
Step 2.5: Enter the Check Amount and Submit
After capturing the images, you'll be asked to enter the exact amount of the check. Double-check this for accuracy!
Review all the details on the screen to ensure they are correct.
Tap "Submit" to complete your deposit.
Step 2.6: Confirmation and Funds Availability
You'll receive an immediate confirmation within the app that your deposit is processing.
Ally will also send you an email within 1 business day with your deposit status.
Funds availability: Typically, the first $300 of your deposit will be available the next business day. The remainder (up to $25,000) will be available on the second business day. Amounts over $25,000 may take up to five business days. Always refer to Ally's official funds availability policy for the most up-to-date information.
Important: Keep your physical check in a safe place until the funds have fully cleared your account. It's recommended to hold onto it for a couple of weeks before shredding it.
Sub-heading: Depositing Checks Online (Using a Scanner)
If you prefer to use your computer, you can also deposit checks online.
Step 2.1: Prepare Your Check for Deposit
Just like with mobile deposit, endorse your check properly with your signature, "For Mobile Deposit Only," and your Ally Bank account number.
Scan both the front and back of your endorsed check. Ensure the images are clear, legible, and all four corners of the check are visible. Files must be saved as a JPG (not PDF) and cannot exceed 1 MB, with a minimum resolution of 200 DPI.
Step 2.2: Log In to Ally Online Banking
QuickTip: Save your favorite part of this post.
Go to the Ally Bank website (
ally.com).Log in using your username and password.
Step 2.3: Navigate to Check Deposits
From your dashboard, select "Deposits" and then choose "Check Deposits."
Select "Make a Deposit."
Step 2.4: Upload Scanned Images
Follow the on-screen prompts to upload the scanned images of the front and back of your endorsed check.
Step 2.5: Enter the Check Amount and Submit
Enter the exact amount of the check and review all the details.
Click "Submit" to complete your deposit.
Step 2.6: Confirmation and Funds Availability
You'll receive an online confirmation and an email from Ally regarding your deposit status. Funds availability will follow the same schedule as mobile deposits.
Step 3: Setting Up Electronic Transfers (ACH Transfers)
This is a fantastic way to move money between your Ally account and your accounts at other banks. It's generally free from Ally's side.
Step 3.1: Gather Necessary Information from Your Other Bank
You'll need the routing number and account number for the external bank account you want to link.
Know the type of account (checking or savings).
Step 3.2: Log In to Ally Online Banking
Go to
ally.comand log in to your account.
Step 3.3: Link an External Account
Navigate to the Transfers section.
Look for an option to "Add an External Account" or "Link External Account."
You will typically be asked to provide the routing number and account number of your external bank account.
Verification Process: Ally will usually verify ownership of the external account. This can be done instantly through a third-party service, or by sending small "micro-deposits" (usually a few cents) to your external account. If using micro-deposits, you'll need to check your external account statement in 1-3 business days for these small amounts and then return to Ally to confirm them. This verifies you own the account.
Step 3.4: Initiate the Transfer
Once your external account is linked and verified, go back to the Transfers section.
Select the "From" account (your external bank account) and the "To" account (your Ally Bank account).
Enter the amount you wish to transfer.
Choose the frequency (one-time or recurring) and the date of the transfer.
Step 3.5: Review and Confirm
Review all the transfer details carefully.
Click "Submit" or "Confirm" to initiate the transfer.
Step 3.6: Transfer Timing
Standard external transfers from an Ally Bank account to a non-Ally Bank account typically take three business days. Transfers are not processed on weekends or federal holidays. Some accounts may be eligible for next-day transfers based on account tenure and activity.
Step 4: Setting Up Direct Deposit for Your Income
Direct deposit is the most convenient way to receive your paychecks, government benefits, or other recurring income directly into your Ally Bank account.
Step 4.1: Obtain Ally Bank Account Information
You'll need your Ally Bank routing number (which is 124003116 for all Ally Bank accounts).
You'll also need your specific Ally Bank account number for the account you want the direct deposit to go into (e.g., your Spending Account or Online Savings Account). You can find this by logging into your Ally account online or through the mobile app.
Step 4.2: Access Your Employer's (or Payer's) Direct Deposit System
Most employers have an online portal or a paper form for setting up direct deposit.
Online Portal: Log in to your employer's payroll portal. Look for sections related to "Direct Deposit," "Payroll Information," or "Payment Preferences."
Paper Form: Request a direct deposit form from your employer's HR or payroll department. Ally also provides a generic direct deposit form on their website that you can fill out.
Step 4.3: Provide Ally Bank Details
Tip: Read mindfully — avoid distractions.
On the form or in the online portal, enter:
Bank Name: Ally Bank
Routing Number: 124003116
Account Number: Your specific Ally Bank account number
Account Type: Checking (for Spending Account) or Savings (for Savings/Money Market Account)
You may also be asked for your name and address.
Step 4.4: Specify Deposit Amount (Optional)
Many direct deposit systems allow you to split your deposit, sending a percentage or a specific dollar amount to one account and the remainder to another. If you only want your full paycheck deposited into your Ally account, select the "entire amount" option.
Step 4.5: Submit the Direct Deposit Information
Follow your employer's instructions for submitting the form or saving the changes in the online portal.
Important: It typically takes 1-2 pay cycles for direct deposit changes to take effect. Continue to monitor your old payment method until you see your funds arriving in your Ally account.
Step 5: Sending a Wire Transfer to Ally Bank
Wire transfers are used for larger sums of money or when funds need to be transferred very quickly. While Ally Bank doesn't charge incoming wire fees, the sending bank will likely charge a fee.
Step 5.1: Gather Sender and Recipient Information
The person or institution sending the wire will need the following information for your Ally Bank account:
Recipient Name: Your full name as it appears on your Ally Bank account
Recipient Address: Your current residential address associated with your Ally account
Recipient Bank Name: Ally Bank
Ally Bank's Routing Number: 124003116
Your Ally Bank Account Number: The specific account number you want the wire to go into
Ally Bank's Beneficiary Bank Address: Ally Bank 1100 Virginia Dr., Suite 150 Fort Washington, PA 19034
Type of Account: Checking (for Spending) or Savings (for Savings/Money Market)
Step 5.2: Initiate the Wire Transfer from the Sending Bank
The sender will need to contact their bank (either in person, by phone, or through their online banking portal if available for wires) and provide all the information gathered in Step 5.1.
They will also need to specify the amount to be transferred.
Step 5.3: Confirm Cut-Off Times and Fees
Advise the sender to confirm the wire transfer cut-off time with their sending bank. Wires initiated after the cut-off time will be processed the next business day.
Also, be aware of any fees charged by the sending bank for outgoing wire transfers. Ally Bank does not charge for incoming domestic wire transfers.
Step 5.4: Await Funds in Your Ally Account
Domestic wire transfers are typically processed within a few hours to one business day once sent, depending on the sending bank's processing times and cut-off.
Step 6: Mailing a Check to Ally Bank
For those instances where mobile or online check deposit isn't feasible (e.g., very large checks exceeding mobile deposit limits, or checks that are not suitable for scanning), you can mail a check to Ally Bank.
Step 6.1: Endorse Your Check Properly
On the back of the check, in the endorsement area, you must do the following:
Sign your name exactly as it appears on the "Pay to the Order of" line.
Below your signature, write "For Deposit Only" (you don't need "For Mobile Deposit Only" as it's not a mobile deposit).
Write your Ally Bank account number.
Ensure each check is properly endorsed with signatures of all payees.
Step 6.2: Obtain Deposit Slips and Envelopes (Optional but Recommended)
You can order free deposit slips and envelopes from Ally Bank through your online banking account or by calling customer service.
Online: Log in, choose "Deposits," then "Check Deposits," and then "Order deposit slips and envelopes."
App: Log in, head to your account, then select "More," and then "Order Deposit Slips & Envelopes."
While not strictly necessary (you can write your account number on the check itself), using a deposit slip can help ensure accuracy.
Step 6.3: Mail Your Check
Place your endorsed check(s) (and deposit slip, if using) in a secure envelope.
Mail it to the following address: Ally Bank P.O. Box 951 Horsham, PA 19044
Consider using a traceable mailing service (like Certified Mail) for larger amounts for your peace of mind.
Step 6.4: Funds Availability
Mailed checks will take longer to process due to mailing time and Ally's internal processing. Funds availability will be subject to Ally's standard check deposit holds once the check is received and processed. There are no dollar amount limits for mailed checks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions about depositing money into Ally Bank, with quick answers:
Tip: Focus on one point at a time.
How to deposit cash into Ally Bank?
Unfortunately, Ally Bank does not accept cash deposits directly. As an online-only bank, they don't have physical branches or partnerships with networks for cash deposits. You would need to deposit cash into an account at another bank and then transfer the funds to Ally.
How to find my Ally Bank routing and account number for direct deposit?
You can find your Ally Bank routing number (124003116) on the Ally Bank website, their direct deposit form, or by logging into your account. Your specific account number is available when you log into your Ally online banking account or mobile app under your account details.
How to use Ally eCheck Deposit℠?
Log into the Ally Mobile App or online banking, select "Deposit Checks," endorse your check "For Mobile Deposit Only" and sign it (plus your account number), take clear photos of both sides (or upload scanned images), enter the amount, and submit.
How to transfer money from another bank to Ally Bank?
Log into your Ally Bank account, navigate to "Transfers," link your external bank account (you'll need its routing and account number, and may have to verify with micro-deposits), then initiate a transfer from that linked account to your Ally account.
How to mail a check to Ally Bank?
Endorse your check with your signature, "For Deposit Only," and your Ally account number. Mail it to: Ally Bank, P.O. Box 951, Horsham, PA 19044.
How to know if my direct deposit to Ally Bank is set up correctly?
It typically takes 1-2 pay cycles for direct deposit to take effect. You'll know it's set up correctly when you see your income deposited directly into your Ally account on your usual payday. You can also contact your employer's payroll department for confirmation.
How to check the status of a mobile check deposit with Ally?
After submitting a mobile check deposit, you'll receive an instant in-app confirmation and an email from Ally within 1 business day regarding the deposit status. You can also view activity in the Ally Mobile App by selecting your account and tapping "View Scheduled Activity" or "History."
How to find an ATM that accepts Ally Bank deposits?
Ally Bank does not have its own ATMs for deposits, and generally, you cannot deposit cash or checks at an ATM for an Ally account. Ally's ATM network is primarily for withdrawals. For check deposits, use eCheck Deposit or mail. For cash, deposit elsewhere and transfer.
How to handle large check deposits with Ally Bank?
For very large checks exceeding the mobile deposit limit ($50,000 daily, $250,000 every 30 calendar days), you will need to mail the check to Ally Bank. There is no dollar limit for mailed checks.
How to get help with a deposit issue at Ally Bank?
If you encounter any issues with your deposit, the best course of action is to contact Ally Bank's customer service directly. They are available 24/7 by phone at 1-877-247-2559, or you can use their secure messaging system within online banking.
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