Hey there! Looking to deposit money into your Ally Bank account? You've come to the right place! Ally Bank, being a prominent online-only bank, offers a variety of convenient ways to get your funds into your accounts, even without physical branches. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each method, step-by-step, ensuring a smooth and successful deposit experience.
Let's dive in and get your money where it needs to be!
Step 1: Understanding Your Deposit Options with Ally Bank
Before you begin, it's helpful to know the various ways you can deposit money into your Ally Bank account. Unlike traditional banks with physical branches, Ally offers digital-first solutions, along with some conventional methods for checks and transfers.
Sub-heading: Common Deposit Methods
Mobile Check Deposit (Ally eCheck Deposit℠): This is by far the most popular and convenient method for depositing checks. You simply use your smartphone or tablet to snap a picture of your endorsed check.
Online Transfers (ACH Transfers): Easily transfer funds from another bank account to your Ally Bank account. This is great for moving money between your different financial institutions.
Direct Deposit: Set up automatic deposits of your paycheck, government benefits, or other recurring income directly into your Ally Bank account.
Mail a Check: For those who prefer a more traditional approach, you can still mail checks to Ally Bank.
Wire Transfers: For larger sums or urgent transfers, you can initiate a wire transfer to your Ally Bank account.
Sub-heading: What You Can't Do (Important Note!)
Cash Deposits: It's crucial to understand that Ally Bank does not accept direct cash deposits at ATMs or any physical locations. If you have cash, you'll need to deposit it into another bank account first and then transfer it to Ally.
Depositing at Partner ATMs for Cash: While you can withdraw cash from Allpoint® or MoneyPass® ATMs with your Ally debit card, you cannot deposit cash into your Ally account through these ATMs. Some Allpoint+ locations might accept deposits if your card provider participates, but Ally Bank generally doesn't support cash deposits via ATMs.
Now that you're familiar with the options, let's get into the specifics of each.
Step 2: Depositing Checks with Ally eCheck Deposit℠ (Mobile & Online)
This is Ally Bank's flagship deposit method for checks, offering incredible convenience.
Sub-heading: Using the Ally Mobile App (Recommended!)
This is the quickest and easiest way to deposit a check.
Prepare Your Check:
Endorse it Properly: On the back of the check, sign your name exactly as it appears on the "Pay to the Order of" line.
Write "For Mobile Deposit Only": Below your signature, write "For Mobile Deposit Only" (or "For Ally eCheck Deposit Only"). This is a crucial step for security and to ensure your deposit is processed correctly.
Optional: You can also write your Ally account number below the endorsement for added clarity.
Open the Ally Mobile App:
Log in to your Ally Mobile App using your username and password or biometric authentication.
Navigate to Deposit Checks:
From your account dashboard, select the account you wish to deposit into (e.g., Ally Spending Account, Online Savings Account).
Look for and tap on the "Deposit Checks" option. This is usually prominently displayed.
Capture Images of Your Check:
The app will guide you to take pictures of both the front and back of your endorsed check.
Tips for Best Results:
Place the check on a dark, non-reflective background (avoid marble or granite).
Ensure the area is well-lit with no shadows on the check.
Make sure all four corners of the check are visible in the photo.
Hold your phone steady and directly above the check to avoid blurry images.
The app often provides a helpful frame to guide your alignment.
Enter the Check Amount:
Carefully type in the exact amount of the check as it appears numerically. Double-check for accuracy!
Review and Submit:
Review all the details to ensure they are correct: the images, the amount, and the chosen account.
Tap "Submit Deposit."
Confirmation:
You'll receive a confirmation message within the app, and often an email, indicating that your deposit has been submitted for processing.
Keep your physical check in a safe place until the funds are fully available in your account. Ally recommends keeping it for at least 14 days.
Sub-heading: Using Ally Online Banking (via Computer)
If you prefer using a desktop or laptop, you can also deposit checks online. This requires a scanner.
Prepare and Endorse Your Check:
Follow the same endorsement instructions as for mobile deposit: sign your name and write "For Mobile Deposit Only" on the back.
Scan Your Check:
Scan both the front and back of your endorsed check.
Scanner Tips:
Ensure all 4 corners of the check are visible.
Convert files to color or grayscale.
File size cannot exceed 1 MB.
Save the file as a JPG (PDFs are not accepted for eCheck deposit).
Minimum resolution is 200 DPI.
Log in to Ally Online Banking:
Go to Ally Bank's website and log in to your account.
Navigate to Check Deposits:
From the main menu, select "Deposits."
Then choose "Check Deposits" and select "Make a Deposit."
Upload Scanned Images:
Follow the prompts to upload the scanned images of the front and back of your endorsed check.
Enter the Check Amount:
Input the exact amount of the check.
Review and Submit:
Verify all the information and then submit your deposit.
Again, retain your physical check until the funds are fully available.
Sub-heading: Deposit Limits and Funds Availability for eCheck Deposit
Daily Limit: You can typically deposit up to $50,000 in a single business day using Ally eCheck Deposit.
30-Day Limit: The total deposit limit over a 30-calendar day period is generally up to $250,000.
Funds Availability:
If you deposit a check before 7 PM ET on a business day, Ally usually begins processing it that evening. The first $300 of your deposit is often available the next business day. The remainder (up to $25,000) is typically available on the second business day. Amounts over $25,000 may be available on the fifth business day.
Deposits made after 7 PM ET or on a non-business day will begin processing on the next business day.
You'll receive an email within 1 business day with your deposit status.
Step 3: Setting Up Online Transfers (ACH)
Transferring money electronically from another bank account to Ally is a common and efficient method.
Gather External Account Information:
You'll need the routing number and account number of the external bank account you wish to transfer funds from. Make sure it's an account you own.
Log in to Ally Online Banking:
Access your Ally Bank account online.
Initiate a Transfer:
Look for a section typically labeled "Transfers" or "Transfer Money."
Select the option to transfer to your Ally account from an external account.
Link Your External Account (if not already linked):
If you haven't transferred from this account before, you'll need to link it. This usually involves entering the routing and account numbers of the external bank.
Ally may use a verification process, such as sending small "micro-deposits" to the external account, which you'll need to confirm the amounts of in Ally's system. This can take a few business days.
Enter Transfer Details:
Specify the Ally account you want the money to go into.
Enter the amount you wish to transfer.
Choose the frequency (one-time or recurring).
Select the date you want the transfer to occur.
Review and Confirm:
Double-check all the transfer details.
Confirm the transfer.
Sub-heading: Transfer Times for ACH Transfers
ACH transfers typically take 1-3 business days to complete. The funds will usually be available in your Ally account on the settlement date.
Step 4: Setting Up Direct Deposit
This is ideal for regular income like paychecks, pensions, or government benefits. Your funds will automatically be sent to your Ally account.
Obtain Ally Bank's Routing Number and Your Account Number:
Ally Bank's Routing Number: The standard routing number for Ally Bank is 124003116.
Your Account Number: You can find your specific Ally account number by logging into your Ally online banking or mobile app and viewing your account details.
Access Your Employer's or Payment Provider's Direct Deposit Form/Portal:
Many employers have an online portal where you can manage your direct deposit information.
Alternatively, you might need to fill out a paper direct deposit form provided by your employer's HR or payroll department, or by the government agency.
Fill Out the Direct Deposit Information:
Provide Ally Bank's routing number (124003116).
Enter your specific Ally account number for the account you want the funds deposited into (e.g., your Spending Account for paychecks, or your Savings Account if you want a portion to go there).
Specify the amount or percentage of your pay you want to go to Ally (if you're splitting deposits).
Submit the Form:
Submit the completed form to your employer or payment provider as per their instructions.
Sub-heading: Early Direct Deposit with Ally Bank
Ally Bank offers "Early Direct Deposit," which means your eligible paycheck can be available up to 2 days before your regular payday. This is an automatic and free feature for Spending Accounts if your payment provider submits the deposit early. There's usually a limit of 8 early direct deposits per account per statement cycle, with each deposit being $10,000 or less.
Step 5: Mailing a Check to Ally Bank
While less immediate than mobile deposit, mailing a check is a reliable option, especially for larger checks or if you prefer a physical method.
Prepare Your Check:
Endorse it Properly: On the back of the check, sign your name and write "For Deposit Only" (or "For Ally Bank Deposit Only").
Write Your Account Number: Also include your Ally Bank account number on the back of the check.
Obtain Deposit Slips (Optional but Recommended):
You can order free deposit slips and envelopes through your Ally online banking account or mobile app.
Online: Log in, select "Deposits," then "Check Deposits," and choose "Order deposit slips and envelopes."
App: Log in, go to your account, then select "More," and then "Order Deposit Slips & Envelopes."
Mail Your Check To:
Place your endorsed check and an optional deposit slip in a secure envelope.
Mail it to the following address:
Ally Bank
P.O. Box 13625
Philadelphia, PA 19101-3625
Tracking:
Consider using a mail service with tracking for valuable checks.
Sub-heading: Mailed Check Processing Time
Processing time will depend on mail delivery, plus Ally's standard check processing times (similar to eCheck deposits for funds availability once received). There are generally no dollar limits on mailed checks.
Step 6: Receiving a Wire Transfer
Wire transfers are typically used for large, time-sensitive deposits. There is no fee for incoming domestic or international wire transfers to Ally Bank.
Provide Ally's Wire Transfer Details to the Sender:
For an incoming wire transfer, you'll need to provide the sender with the following information about Ally Bank and your account:
Bank Name: Ally Bank
Routing Number (ABA/Wire Code): 124003116
Your Ally Account Number: Your specific account number where you want the funds deposited.
Account Type: (e.g., Spending, Savings, Money Market)
Your Name and Address: As it appears on your Ally Bank account.
Confirm with the Sender:
Ensure the sender has all the correct details to avoid delays or issues.
Sub-heading: Wire Transfer Processing Time
Wire transfers are typically processed on the same business day if sent before the cut-off time (often 7 PM ET for domestic wires). Funds are usually available the same day they are received by Ally.
Step 7: Confirming Your Deposit
After making a deposit, it's always a good practice to confirm that the funds have been successfully received and are available.
Check Your Account Activity:
Log in to your Ally online banking or mobile app.
Navigate to your account history or transaction activity.
You should see the pending or posted deposit.
Check for Email Notifications:
Ally Bank typically sends email notifications when a deposit is received and when funds become available.
Review Funds Availability:
Be aware of the funds availability schedule for checks, as the full amount may not be immediately accessible.
By following these steps, you can confidently and easily deposit money into your Ally Bank account, taking full advantage of their convenient digital banking services!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to deposit cash to Ally Bank?
You cannot directly deposit cash to Ally Bank. You'll need to deposit cash into an account at a traditional bank or credit union that accepts cash deposits, and then transfer the funds to your Ally Bank account via an online (ACH) transfer.
How to make a mobile check deposit to Ally Bank?
To make a mobile check deposit, open the Ally Mobile App, select your account, tap "Deposit Checks," take clear photos of the front and back of your endorsed check (writing "For Mobile Deposit Only" and your signature), enter the amount, and submit.
How to set up direct deposit to Ally Bank?
To set up direct deposit, provide your employer or payment provider with Ally Bank's routing number (124003116) and your specific Ally Bank account number. You can usually do this through their online portal or by submitting a direct deposit form.
How to transfer money from another bank to Ally Bank?
Log in to your Ally Bank online account, go to the "Transfers" section, and initiate an external transfer from your linked bank account. You'll need the routing and account numbers of the external bank.
How to mail a check for deposit to Ally Bank?
Endorse your check with your signature and "For Deposit Only," optionally write your account number, and mail it to: Ally Bank, P.O. Box 13625, Philadelphia, PA 19101-3625.
How to find Ally Bank's routing number?
Ally Bank's standard routing number for deposits and transfers is 124003116. You can also find it in your online banking account details.
How to check the status of my Ally Bank deposit?
Log in to your Ally online banking or mobile app and check your account's transaction history. Ally also typically sends email notifications regarding deposit status and funds availability.
How to deposit a large check to Ally Bank?
For large checks, you can use Ally eCheck Deposit (up to $50,000 daily, $250,000 every 30 days) or mail the check to Ally Bank. There are generally no dollar limits for mailed checks.
How to use Zelle to deposit money to Ally Bank?
Zelle is typically used for sending and receiving money between individuals rather than making a deposit from an external account. If someone sends you money via Zelle to your Ally Bank account, it will appear as a deposit.
How to find an ATM that accepts cash deposits for Ally Bank?
Ally Bank does not offer cash deposits through ATMs. You cannot deposit cash into your Ally Bank account at any ATM, including Allpoint or MoneyPass network ATMs.