Ever found yourself holding a stack of cash, wondering how to get it into your Ally Bank account? You're not alone! As a leading online-only bank, Ally offers fantastic rates and convenient digital tools, but cash deposits can be a bit tricky since there are no physical branches. But don't worry, it's certainly not impossible! This comprehensive guide will walk you through the various options available to help you deposit cash into your Ally Bank account, step by step.
Ready to turn that tangible cash into digital funds accessible from anywhere? Let's dive in!
Understanding the Ally Bank Difference
Before we get into the "how-to," it's important to understand why depositing cash into an Ally Bank account isn't as straightforward as walking into a traditional brick-and-mortar bank. Ally Bank operates exclusively online. This means they don't have physical branches or their own network of ATMs that accept cash deposits. This operational model allows them to offer highly competitive interest rates and lower fees, but it also necessitates alternative methods for cash deposits.
Your Options for Depositing Cash into Ally Bank
Since Ally Bank doesn't directly accept cash, the process involves a middleman or a conversion of your cash into a form that Ally can accept. Here are the primary methods:
Step 1: Indirect Cash Deposit Methods – The Most Common Approaches
This step focuses on converting your cash into a format that Ally Bank readily accepts, primarily checks or electronic transfers.
Sub-heading 1.1: Using a Money Order or Cashier's Check
This is often the most reliable and secure way to deposit cash into your Ally Bank account indirectly.
What you'll need: Your cash, your Ally Bank account number, and potentially your routing number.
Where to get it:
Post Office: USPS offers money orders for a small fee. They are generally reliable and widely available.
Grocery Stores/Pharmacies: Many large grocery store chains and pharmacies (like Walmart, Kroger, CVS, Walgreens) offer money order services. Fees can vary.
Other Banks/Credit Unions: If you have an account at another financial institution, you can often purchase a cashier's check from them using your cash. This is usually more expensive than a money order but offers a higher level of security as it's drawn directly from the bank's funds.
Step-by-Step Guide for Money Order/Cashier's Check:
Gather your cash: Make sure you have the exact amount you wish to deposit, plus a small fee for the money order or cashier's check.
Locate a service provider: Find a Post Office, grocery store, pharmacy, or another bank/credit union near you that sells money orders or cashier's checks.
Purchase the money order/cashier's check:
For a Money Order: Fill out the money order with your Ally Bank as the payee. Crucially, keep your receipt! This is your proof of purchase.
For a Cashier's Check: Request a cashier's check made payable to yourself or "Ally Bank" and your account number. Confirm with the teller how they prefer it written.
Endorse the money order/cashier's check (if applicable): If the money order or cashier's check is made out to you, you must endorse it on the back. Write "For Mobile Deposit Only to Ally Bank Account [Your Account Number]" below your signature.
Deposit the check into your Ally Bank account:
Using Ally eCheck Deposit (Mobile App or Online): This is the easiest and fastest method.
Open the Ally Mobile App.
Log in to your account.
Select the account you want to deposit into.
Tap "Deposit Checks."
Follow the prompts to take clear photos of the front and back of the endorsed money order/cashier's check. Make sure all four corners are visible and the image is well-lit.
Enter the deposit amount and submit.
Important Note: Write "For Mobile Deposit Only" on the back of the check below your endorsement.
Mailing the Check: If for some reason the mobile deposit doesn't work, or you prefer this method, you can mail the endorsed money order/cashier's check to Ally Bank.
Write "For Deposit Only" and your Ally Bank account number on the back of the endorsed check.
Mail it to: Ally Bank P.O. Box 13625 Philadelphia, PA 19101-3625
Ally recommends using their free deposit slips and envelopes, which you can order through their app or online banking.
Sub-heading 1.2: Using a Green Dot MoneyPak
Green Dot MoneyPaks allow you to load cash onto them at various retail locations and then transfer those funds to eligible debit or prepaid cards. While MoneyPak often advertises direct-to-bank functionality, it's essential to check if your specific Ally Bank debit card is eligible. In many cases, it's primarily for prepaid cards.
What you'll need: Your cash, your Ally Bank debit card number (if eligible), and access to MoneyPak.com.
Where to get it: Thousands of retailers nationwide, including Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, 7-Eleven, and many more. Look for the Green Dot display.
Step-by-Step Guide for Green Dot MoneyPak (if eligible):
Purchase a MoneyPak: Go to a participating retail store and purchase a MoneyPak. You'll pay the cash amount you want to deposit plus a flat fee (typically around $5.95). Load between $20 and $500 per MoneyPak.
Keep your receipt and the MoneyPak card: The MoneyPak number on the back is crucial. Treat it like cash!
Visit MoneyPak.com: If it's your first time, you'll need to create a secure login, which may require personal information like your SSN and date of birth for verification.
Enter the MoneyPak number: Follow the prompts on MoneyPak.com to enter the MoneyPak number from the back of the card.
Select your card/bank: If your Ally Bank debit card is eligible, you'll be able to select it as the recipient.
Transfer the funds: Confirm the transfer. The funds should arrive in your Ally account within minutes.
Caution: Always verify that your specific Ally Bank account/debit card is eligible for MoneyPak transfers directly to the bank. It's often designed more for prepaid cards.
Step 2: Less Common or Indirectly Applicable Methods
These methods don't directly handle cash but can be part of a strategy to get cash into your Ally account if you have other bank accounts.
Sub-heading 2.1: Depositing into Another Bank and Transferring
If you have an account with a traditional bank or credit union that accepts cash deposits, you can use that as an intermediary.
What you'll need: Your cash, your other bank account, and your Ally Bank account details (routing and account number).
Step-by-Step Guide:
Deposit cash at your other bank: Go to a branch or ATM of your other bank and deposit the cash into your account there.
Initiate an electronic transfer to Ally Bank: Once the cash is available in your other bank account, you can transfer it to your Ally Bank account.
External Transfer: Log in to your other bank's online banking or mobile app. Look for an "external transfer" or "link external accounts" option. You'll typically need to add Ally Bank as an external account using your Ally routing and account numbers. This may involve a small test deposit/withdrawal for verification.
Ally's Online Transfer Feature: Alternatively, you can initiate the transfer from your Ally Bank account. Log in to Ally online banking or the mobile app, go to "Transfers," and set up a transfer from your linked external bank account.
Note: External transfers can take 1-3 business days to process.
Sub-heading 2.2: Using Zelle (for receiving money from others)
While Zelle is great for sending and receiving money, it's not designed for depositing your own physical cash. However, if someone else owes you money in cash, they could potentially send you the equivalent amount via Zelle if their bank supports it, and you have Zelle linked to your Ally account.
What it is: Zelle is a peer-to-peer payment service integrated into many banking apps, including Ally Bank's. It allows for fast transfers between bank accounts using just an email address or U.S. mobile number.
How it works for receiving money:
Enroll with Zelle at Ally Bank: If you haven't already, enroll your email address or U.S. mobile number with Zelle through your Ally Bank online banking or mobile app.
Provide your Zelle-registered email/phone to the sender: The person paying you can then send the funds directly to your Ally Bank account via Zelle.
Important: Zelle is generally free for consumers. Funds typically arrive in minutes if both parties are enrolled.
Step 3: What Doesn't Work for Cash Deposits with Ally Bank
It's equally important to know what methods won't work to avoid frustration.
Sub-heading 3.1: No Direct ATM Cash Deposits
Ally Bank is part of the Allpoint ATM network, which offers fee-free withdrawals. However, these ATMs do not accept cash deposits for Ally Bank accounts. While some Allpoint+ ATMs do accept cash deposits, it's crucial to confirm if they work specifically for Ally Bank, as Ally's official stance is that they don't accept cash. Generally, assume you cannot deposit cash directly at an Allpoint ATM into your Ally account.
Sub-heading 3.2: No In-Person Branch Deposits
As an online-only bank, Ally Bank does not have any physical branches where you can walk in and deposit cash over the counter.
Key Considerations and Best Practices
Fees: Be aware of any fees associated with purchasing money orders or using services like MoneyPak. Factor these into your total deposit.
Limits: Money orders and MoneyPaks often have daily or per-transaction limits. Ally Bank also has limits for mobile check deposits (e.g., $50,000 per day and $250,000 every 30 days for eCheck Deposit).
Security: When handling cash, money orders, or MoneyPaks, always prioritize your security. Keep receipts, and ensure you're using official and reputable services.
Funds Availability: While mobile check deposits with Ally are usually fast for initial amounts (e.g., $300 available next business day), larger amounts might have longer holds. Mailed checks can take several business days to clear.
"For Mobile Deposit Only" Endorsement: This is a critical step for mobile check deposits. Forgetting it can lead to your deposit being rejected.
Digital Alternatives: For future income, consider setting up direct deposit with your employer or recurring transfers from other linked bank accounts. These are the easiest and most efficient ways to get funds into your Ally Bank account without dealing with physical cash.
Depositing cash into your Ally Bank account might require an extra step or two, but by understanding the available methods, you can easily manage your finances with this popular online bank. Choose the method that feels most convenient and secure for your needs.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 "How to" FAQ questions with quick answers related to depositing cash into an Ally Bank account:
How to Check if My Ally Bank Debit Card is Eligible for Green Dot MoneyPak Deposits?
You should contact Green Dot support or visit MoneyPak.com and enter your card details to verify eligibility, as Ally Bank doesn't directly endorse this as a primary deposit method for cash.
How to Order Free Deposit Slips and Envelopes from Ally Bank?
Log in to your Ally Bank online banking, navigate to the "Deposits" section, then "Check Deposits," and look for the option to "Order deposit slips and envelopes." You can also order them through the Ally mobile app or by calling customer service.
How to Find the Ally Bank Routing Number for Transfers?
Ally Bank's routing number is 124003116. You can also find it by logging into your Ally online banking or mobile app, usually under your account details or in the "Direct Deposit" section.
How to Set Up Direct Deposit to My Ally Bank Account?
Log in to your Ally Bank account, go to their direct deposit page, and choose "Set Up Automatically" to digitally connect with your employer/payment provider, or download a pre-filled form to give to them.
How to Check the Status of My Ally eCheck Deposit?
You will receive an email alert from Ally Bank within 1 business day confirming the status of your eCheck Deposit. You can also view activity in online banking by going to "Deposits" and then "Activity," or in the Ally Mobile App.
How to Transfer Money from Another Bank to Ally Bank?
You can initiate an external transfer either from your other bank's online banking (adding Ally as an external account) or by logging into your Ally Bank account and setting up a transfer from your linked external account.
How to Find an Allpoint ATM for Withdrawals (Not Deposits) for Ally Bank?
Use the ATM locator on Ally Bank's website (
ally.com/bank/find-atms/
How to Contact Ally Bank Customer Service for Deposit Questions?
You can call Ally Bank's customer service at 1-877-247-2559 (available 24/7) or log in to send a secure message via online banking or the mobile app.
How to Endorse a Money Order or Cashier's Check for Mobile Deposit to Ally Bank?
Sign the back of the check, and below your signature, write "For Mobile Deposit Only to Ally Bank Account [Your Account Number]".
How to Deal with Large Cash Deposits if Money Order/MoneyPak Limits Are Too Low?
For very large cash amounts, your best bet is to deposit the cash into an account you hold with a traditional bank or credit union that accepts cash, and then initiate an electronic transfer or wire transfer from that institution to your Ally Bank account.
