Feeling ready to boost your savings or manage your everyday spending with Ally Bank? Excellent choice! Ally is known for its competitive interest rates and user-friendly online experience. But if you're wondering how exactly to get your hard-earned cash into your Ally account, you've come to the right place. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every popular method, step-by-step, making the process smooth and stress-free. Let's get started!
How to Put Money in Ally Bank: Your Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Ally Bank, being an online-only bank, doesn't have physical branches for traditional cash deposits. However, they offer a variety of convenient and secure ways to get your funds into your account. We'll cover everything from digital transfers to old-school checks.
Step 1: Decide on Your Deposit Method – What's Best for You?
Before we dive into the "how-to," let's consider your specific needs. Do you have a physical check? Want to set up recurring payments? Need to transfer from another bank? Knowing your situation will help you choose the most efficient method.
Are you looking to deposit a paper check? Ally eCheck Deposit (mobile app or scanner) is your go-to.
Do you want to transfer money from another bank account? ACH transfers are common and usually free.
Is your paycheck coming in? Direct deposit is the easiest way to automate income.
Do you need to deposit cash? This is the trickiest with online banks, but there are indirect methods.
Are you sending a large sum? A wire transfer might be necessary.
Step 2: Depositing Checks with Ally eCheck Deposit℠
This is one of the most popular and convenient ways to deposit checks into your Ally Bank account. It's fast, secure, and can be done from anywhere with your smartphone or a scanner.
Sub-Step 2.1: Using the Ally Mobile App (Most Popular)
This is typically the easiest and quickest way to deposit a check.
Log In to the Ally Mobile App: Open the Ally Bank app on your smartphone or tablet and securely log in using your credentials.
Navigate to Deposits: Once logged in, select the account you wish to deposit into (e.g., Online Savings Account, Interest Checking Account, Money Market Account). Look for and tap the "Deposit Checks" option.
Endorse Your Check Properly: This is a crucial step. On the back of your check, you must do three things:
Sign your name(s).
Write "For Mobile Deposit Only."
Write your Ally Bank account number. Proper endorsement ensures your deposit is accepted without delays.
Capture Images of Your Check:
Place your endorsed check on a dark, non-reflective background. Avoid patterned surfaces like marble or granite.
Ensure good lighting and no shadows are cast on the check.
Hold your device steady directly over the check, making sure all four corners are visible in the camera frame. The app will often automatically capture the image when it's clear.
Take a picture of the front of the check first, then the back.
Enter the Deposit Amount: Carefully type in the exact amount of the check. If the written amount differs from what you enter, Ally will adjust it on their end.
Review and Submit: Double-check all the details – the account selected, the amount, and the clarity of the images. Once you're satisfied, tap "Submit" to complete your deposit. You'll receive a confirmation that your deposit is processing.
Important Notes for eCheck Deposit:
Deposit Limits: You can typically deposit up to $50,000 in a single day and up to $250,000 every 30 calendar days. If your check exceeds these limits, you'll need to mail it (see Step 2.2).
Availability of Funds: If you deposit before 7 PM ET on a business day, the first $300 of your deposit will usually be available the next business day, with the remainder (up to $25,000) on the second business day. Amounts over $25,000 may be available on the fifth business day.
Check Requirements: Ensure checks are dated within 180 days, payable to you, and drawn on a U.S. bank in U.S. dollars. Certain checks, like third-party checks or those with alterations, cannot be deposited via eCheck.
Sub-Step 2.2: Using a Scanner for Online Deposit
If you prefer to use a computer or have a large number of checks, you can scan them.
Endorse Your Check: As above, sign, write "For Mobile Deposit Only," and your account number on the back.
Scan Both Sides: Scan both the front and back of your endorsed check.
Scan Tips: Ensure all four corners are visible, the file is saved as a JPG (not PDF), the file size doesn't exceed 1 MB, and the minimum resolution is 200 DPI. Convert files to color or grayscale.
Log In to Ally.com: Access your Ally Bank account through their website.
Upload Images and Submit: Navigate to the "Deposits" section, then "Check Deposits." You'll be prompted to upload your scanned images and enter the deposit amount. Review and submit.
Step 3: Transferring Money from Another Bank (ACH Transfers)
This is a common way to move funds between your Ally account and an account at another financial institution. ACH transfers are usually free for incoming transfers to Ally.
Sub-Step 3.1: Linking External Accounts Through Ally Bank
Log In to Ally Bank: Access your Ally Bank account online or via the mobile app.
Navigate to Transfers: Look for a "Transfers" or "Move Money" section.
Add External Account: Select the option to link an external account. You'll typically need the account number and routing number of the external bank account.
Verify External Account: Ally Bank will usually perform a small test deposit (e.g., two small deposits of a few cents) into your external account. You'll then need to verify these amounts in your Ally Bank account to confirm ownership. This step ensures security.
Initiate Transfer: Once the external account is linked and verified, you can initiate a transfer from your Ally account to the external account, or from the external account to your Ally account. Choose the amount and frequency (one-time or recurring).
Sub-Step 3.2: Initiating a Transfer from Your Other Bank
You can also initiate the transfer from your non-Ally bank's online banking platform.
Log In to Your Other Bank's Online Banking: Access the online banking portal for the bank you want to transfer money from.
Find External Transfer Option: Look for a "Transfers," "External Transfers," or "Add External Account" section.
Add Ally Bank as a Payee/Recipient: You'll need Ally Bank's routing number and your specific Ally Bank account number.
Ally Bank Routing Number: 124003116
Your Ally Account Number: This can be found by logging into your Ally account details.
Verify (if required): Your other bank may also require a small test deposit verification process similar to Ally's.
Initiate Transfer: Once Ally is added as a linked account, you can initiate a transfer from your other bank account to your Ally Bank account.
Transfer Timing (ACH): Standard ACH transfers typically take 1-3 business days to process. Next-day transfers might be available depending on the initiating bank and cutoff times. Weekends and federal holidays can delay processing.
Step 4: Setting Up Direct Deposit (For Paychecks and Recurring Payments)
Direct deposit is arguably the easiest and most consistent way to fund your Ally Bank account, especially for paychecks, government benefits, or recurring income.
Gather Ally Account Information: You'll need:
Ally Bank Routing Number: 124003116
Your Specific Ally Account Number: (for your Spending, Savings, or Money Market account)
Access Your Employer's/Payer's Direct Deposit System:
Many employers offer an online portal where you can manage your direct deposit settings. This is often the quickest way.
Alternatively, your employer or payment provider might require a physical direct deposit form.
Complete the Direct Deposit Form/Fields:
Fill in your personal information.
Enter Ally Bank's routing number (124003116).
Enter your Ally Bank account number for the account you want the funds deposited into.
Specify the deposit amount – usually "entire net pay" or a specific dollar amount/percentage if you want to split your deposit across multiple accounts (if your employer allows).
Sign and date the form (if applicable).
Submit the Form:
If using an online portal, submit electronically.
If using a physical form, submit it to your employer's payroll department or the relevant payment provider.
Confirmation: It typically takes 1-2 pay cycles for direct deposit to take effect. Keep an eye on your Ally account to confirm the first deposit.
Ally Bank's Early Direct Deposit: A significant benefit of using Ally's Spending Account is the possibility of receiving your paycheck up to two days early! This happens when Ally receives payment details early from your employer.
Step 5: Depositing Cash (Indirect Methods)
Since Ally Bank is online-only, you cannot directly deposit physical cash at an Ally branch or ATM. However, you have a couple of indirect options:
Sub-Step 5.1: Deposit Cash into Another Bank Account, Then Transfer to Ally
This is the most common workaround.
Deposit Cash at a Physical Bank/Credit Union: If you have an account with a traditional bank or credit union that has physical branches, deposit your cash there.
Transfer to Ally via ACH: Once the cash is in your linked external account, initiate an ACH transfer to your Ally Bank account (refer back to Step 3).
Sub-Step 5.2: Using Money Orders
Purchase a Money Order with Cash: You can purchase money orders at places like post offices, Western Union, or many grocery stores and convenience stores. There will usually be a small fee.
Deposit the Money Order via eCheck or Mail: Treat the money order like a check and deposit it into your Ally account using the Ally eCheck Deposit feature (Step 2.1) or by mailing it (Step 2.3).
Important: Be mindful of any fees associated with purchasing money orders and any daily limits.
Step 6: Sending Money via Wire Transfer
Wire transfers are generally used for larger sums of money or when you need funds to be available very quickly. While incoming wire transfers to Ally Bank are usually free, outgoing wire transfers from Ally typically incur a fee.
Obtain Ally Bank's Wire Transfer Information:
Ally Bank's Wire Routing Number (ABA): 072014477 (Note: This is different from the ACH routing number)
Ally Bank's Beneficiary Name: Ally Bank
Ally Bank's Beneficiary Address: 200 West Civic Center Dr, Sandy, UT 84070 (or other appropriate address provided by Ally for wire transfers)
Your Ally Account Number: The specific account number where you want the wire to be deposited.
Your Name and Address: As the ultimate recipient of the funds.
Initiate the Wire Transfer from the Sending Bank:
Go to your other bank (the sending bank), either in person, via their online portal, or by phone.
Provide them with all the Ally Bank wire transfer details you gathered.
Confirm any fees charged by the sending bank.
Confirmation and Tracking: The sending bank should provide you with a confirmation number. Domestic wire transfers typically process within a few hours to one business day.
Wire Transfer Cut-off Times: Be aware that banks have cut-off times for wire transfers. If you initiate a domestic wire transfer after Ally's cut-off time (typically 7 PM ET on business days), it will be processed the next business day.
Step 7: Mailing a Check to Ally Bank
While less immediate than eCheck Deposit, mailing a check is a reliable option, especially for checks exceeding mobile deposit limits or if you prefer traditional mail.
Endorse Your Check Properly: On the back of your check, you should endorse it with your signature(s) and "For Deposit Only" along with your Ally Bank account number.
Prepare for Mailing: Place the endorsed check in a secure envelope. You can also order deposit slips and envelopes through your Ally Bank account online or via the app.
Mail to the Ally Bank Deposit Address:
Ally Bank
P.O. Box 13625
Philadelphia, PA 19101
Important Notes for Mailed Checks:
There are no dollar deposit limits on mailed checks.
Make sure each check is properly endorsed with signatures of all payees.
It will take longer for mailed checks to be processed due to mail delivery times and internal processing.
Do not send cash through the mail.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to deposit cash into Ally Bank?
You cannot directly deposit cash into Ally Bank as it is an online-only bank. The best way is to deposit the cash into an account at another bank or credit union, and then transfer the funds to Ally Bank via ACH transfer. Alternatively, you can purchase a money order with cash and then deposit the money order using Ally eCheck Deposit or by mail.
How to use Ally eCheck Deposit?
Log into the Ally Mobile App, select your account, tap "Deposit Checks," endorse your check with "For Mobile Deposit Only" and your signature/account number, take clear photos of the front and back of the check, enter the amount, and submit.
How to transfer money from another bank to Ally Bank?
You can link your external bank account to your Ally Bank account through Ally's online banking platform. Once linked and verified (usually with small test deposits), you can initiate an ACH transfer from your external account to Ally. Alternatively, you can initiate the transfer from your other bank's online banking system by providing Ally's routing number (124003116) and your Ally account number.
How to set up direct deposit with Ally Bank?
Provide your employer or payment provider with Ally Bank's routing number (124003116) and your specific Ally Bank account number. Many employers have online portals for this, or you may need to fill out and submit a physical direct deposit form.
How to find my Ally Bank routing number?
Ally Bank's general routing number for ACH transfers and direct deposits is 124003116. For incoming wire transfers, the routing number is 072014477. You can also find your routing number by logging into your Ally Bank account online or on the mobile app, usually under "Account Details."
How to mail a check to Ally Bank?
Endorse your check with your signature, "For Deposit Only," and your Ally account number. Mail the check to: Ally Bank, P.O. Box 13625, Philadelphia, PA 19101.
How to deposit a large check into Ally Bank?
For checks exceeding the Ally eCheck Deposit limits ($50,000 daily, $250,000 every 30 days), you will need to mail the check to Ally Bank at the address provided above. There are no dollar limits for mailed checks.
How to get a physical deposit slip for Ally Bank?
Since Ally Bank is an online-only bank, you typically won't use physical deposit slips in the traditional sense. However, you can order deposit slips and envelopes directly through your Ally Bank account online or via their mobile app if you plan to mail checks.
How to check the status of my Ally Bank deposit?
You can view your deposit activity by logging into your Ally Bank account online or through the mobile app. Look for "Deposits" or "Activity" to see your "In Process" or "Scheduled" deposits, as well as your deposit history.
How to get money into Ally Bank quickly?
For the fastest way to get funds into Ally Bank, an incoming wire transfer is typically the quickest for large sums, often settling within hours. For checks, Ally eCheck Deposit is much faster than mailing. For regular income, direct deposit allows for potentially early access to funds.