Ready to boost your Ally Bank balance? Whether you're looking to grow your savings, manage your spending, or fund an investment, getting money into your Ally Bank account is simpler than you might think! As an online-only bank, Ally offers a variety of convenient digital and traditional methods to make deposits. Let's dive in and explore all the ways you can add funds to your Ally Bank accounts, step-by-step.
Step 1: Understand Your Ally Bank Accounts
Before you begin, it's helpful to know which Ally Bank account you're trying to fund. Ally offers several popular account types, and while many deposit methods are universal, some might be more suitable for a specific account.
Ally Online Savings Account (OSA): Perfect for building your emergency fund or saving for specific goals with competitive interest rates.
Ally Interest Checking Account (Spending Account): Your everyday spending account, offering interest and features like Ally Card Controls.
Ally Money Market Account: A hybrid account offering checking features with higher interest rates than a traditional savings account.
Ally Certificates of Deposit (CDs): Fixed-term savings accounts with generally higher interest rates.
Knowing your account type will help you choose the most efficient deposit method.
Step 2: Choose Your Deposit Method – The Digital Age of Funding
Ally Bank excels in digital convenience. Here are the most popular and often quickest ways to add money to your account electronically.
Sub-heading: Mobile Check Deposit (Ally eCheck Deposit℠)
This is arguably one of the easiest and most popular ways to deposit a check. All you need is your smartphone and the Ally Mobile App.
Get the App: If you haven't already, download the Ally Mobile App from your device's app store (available for iOS and Android).
Log In: Open the app and securely log in to your Ally Bank account using your username and password.
Navigate to Deposits: Once logged in, select the account you wish to deposit into, then look for and tap the "Deposit Checks" option.
Prepare Your Check for Endorsement: This is a crucial step to ensure your deposit is accepted. On the back of your check, you must do the following:
Sign your name: Endorse the check with your signature.
Write "For Mobile Deposit Only": This phrase is mandatory for mobile deposits.
Write your Ally Bank account number: Include the full account number for the account you are depositing into.
Snap Those Pictures: The app will guide you to take clear pictures of both the front and back of your endorsed check.
Tip: Ensure you're in a well-lit area, place the check on a dark, non-reflective background, and make sure all four corners of the check are visible in the photo. Avoid shadows.
Enter the Amount: Carefully enter the exact dollar amount of the check.
Review and Submit: Double-check all the information you've entered and the images. Once you're confident, tap "Submit Deposit."
Important Notes on Mobile Deposits:
Limits: You can typically deposit up to $50,000 in a single business day and $250,000 every 30 calendar days using Ally eCheck Deposit.
Funds Availability: If you deposit a check before 7 p.m. ET on a business day, the first $300 of your deposit will often be available the next business day, with the remainder becoming available on the second business day (up to $25,000). Amounts over $25,000 may take longer. Always refer to Ally's Funds Availability Policy for precise details.
Keep the Check: It's a good practice to hold onto the physical check for a few business days after a successful mobile deposit, just in case there are any issues.
Sub-heading: Online Check Deposit (Using a Scanner)
If you prefer to use a computer or have a scanner, you can also deposit checks online.
Log In to Online Banking: Go to ally.com and log in to your account.
Navigate to Deposits: Select "Deposits" from the menu, then "Check Deposits," and finally "Make a Deposit."
Prepare and Scan Your Check: Similar to mobile deposit, endorse your check with your signature, "For Mobile Deposit Only," and your Ally Bank account number. Then, scan both the front and back of the check.
Image Specifications: Files must be saved as a JPG (not a PDF) and cannot exceed 1 MB. Minimum resolution is 200 DPI. Ensure files are converted to color or grayscale.
Upload Images and Enter Amount: Upload the scanned images and enter the check amount.
Submit: Review the details and submit your deposit.
Sub-heading: External Transfers (Linking Accounts)
This is a fantastic way to move money between your Ally Bank account and an account you hold at another financial institution.
Log In: Access your Ally Bank online banking account.
Go to Transfers: Look for the "Transfers" option, then select "Bank Transfers."
Link Other Accounts: Choose the option to "+ Link other accounts."
Provide Account Details: You'll need the routing number, account number, and account type (checking or savings) for the external account you wish to link.
Verify Ownership: Ally will typically verify ownership of the external account. This might be instantaneous through a third-party service, or it could involve small "micro-deposits" that Ally sends to your external account. If using micro-deposits, you'll need to verify the amounts in your external account within a few days back on the Ally website.
Set Up Your Transfer: Once linked and verified, you can initiate a one-time or recurring transfer. Select which account to withdraw from and which to deposit into, the amount, and the frequency/date.
Review and Submit: Confirm all details and submit the transfer.
Key Points on External Transfers:
Fees: Ally Bank generally does not charge fees for sending or receiving transfers from other financial institutions.
Timing: Standard external transfers usually take three business days. Next-day transfers may be available depending on account tenure and activity. Transfers are not processed on weekends or federal holidays.
Sub-heading: Zelle®
Zelle® is a fast, safe, and easy way to send and receive money with friends, family, and others you trust, directly between bank accounts in the U.S.
Enroll in Zelle®: If you haven't already, enroll your U.S. mobile number or email address through the Ally Mobile App or online banking.
Navigate: In the app, go to Profile, then Zelle® Settings, or online, go to Payments, then Send Money with Zelle®.
Receive Money: If someone sends you money via Zelle® to your enrolled email or phone number, it will typically be deposited directly into your linked Ally Bank account within minutes, without any further action needed from you.
Request Money (Optional): You can also request money from someone using their email address or mobile number through the Zelle® feature.
Important: Zelle® is intended for sending money to people you know and trust. Always be cautious when using Zelle® to avoid scams.
Sub-heading: Direct Deposit
For recurring income like your salary, government benefits, or pension, direct deposit is the most convenient and reliable option.
Find Your Ally Bank Direct Deposit Information: You'll need Ally's routing number (which is 124003116) and your specific Ally Bank account number. You can find this easily by logging into your Ally online banking or mobile app, usually within your account details or on a dedicated direct deposit setup page.
Provide to Your Employer/Payer:
Automated Setup: Ally often provides an option to set up direct deposit automatically by digitally connecting with your employer or payment provider through their online banking. This can be very quick.
Manual Form: If automated setup isn't available, you'll typically fill out a direct deposit form provided by your employer or payer. This form will ask for your bank's name (Ally Bank), routing number, and your account number. You may also be asked to provide a voided check, which you can often generate or find information for within your Ally online account.
Submit the Form: Give the completed form to your employer's HR or payroll department, or your payment provider.
Timing: It usually takes 1-2 pay cycles for direct deposit to take effect after you've set it up.
Step 3: Traditional Deposit Methods – When Digital Isn't an Option
While Ally is primarily digital, they still provide traditional ways to deposit funds, particularly for checks.
Sub-heading: Mail a Check
If you have a physical check and prefer not to use mobile or online deposit, or if your check exceeds the mobile deposit limits, you can mail it to Ally Bank.
Endorse Your Check: On the back of the check, you must:
Sign your name: Endorse the check with your signature(s).
Write "For Deposit Only": This ensures the check can only be deposited into your account.
Write your Ally Bank account number: Include the full account number for the account you are depositing into.
Prepare Your Envelope: Place the endorsed check in a secure envelope.
Mail to Ally Bank: Send your check to the following address:
Ally Bank ATTN: Deposit Operations 1100 Virginia Dr., Suite 150 Fort Washington, PA 19034
No Dollar Limit: There is no dollar deposit limit on mailed checks.
Processing Time: Mailed checks will take longer to process due to mailing time.
Sub-heading: Wire Transfers (Incoming)
For larger sums of money, especially from another financial institution, an incoming wire transfer can be a reliable option.
Gather Necessary Information: To receive a wire transfer, the sender will need specific details about your Ally Bank account:
Your Name and Address
Ally Bank's Name: Ally Bank
Ally Bank's Routing Number (ABA Code): 124003116
Your Ally Bank Account Number
Account Type: (e.g., Checking, Savings)
Provide to Sender: Give this information to the person or institution that will be sending the wire.
Fees: Ally Bank does not charge a fee for incoming domestic wire transfers.
Timing: Domestic wire transfers typically process within the same business day if sent before the sender's bank's cutoff time. International incoming wires may take longer.
Step 4: What About Cash?
This is a common question for online banks. Ally Bank does not directly accept cash deposits. Since they don't have physical branches, you cannot walk into a branch and deposit cash.
Sub-heading: Depositing Cash to Ally Bank (Indirectly)
While you can't deposit cash directly, there are a few indirect ways to get cash into your Ally Bank account:
Deposit Cash at Another Bank, Then Transfer: Deposit your cash at a traditional bank account you hold elsewhere. Once the cash is available in that account, you can then transfer it to your Ally Bank account via an external transfer (as described in Step 2).
Money Order: Convert your cash into a money order (available at post offices, some grocery stores, etc.). You can then deposit this money order into your Ally Bank account using mobile check deposit or by mailing it.
Allpoint+ ATMs (Limited Option): While Ally Bank doesn't have its own ATMs for cash deposits, some Allpoint+ ATMs (a subset of the larger Allpoint network) do offer cash deposit capabilities for participating banks. However, it's essential to verify if your specific Ally Bank account is eligible for cash deposits at these ATMs. You would need to use the Allpoint ATM locator and filter for "Allpoint+ locations" and then verify with Ally Bank directly if your account supports this. Most Ally Bank users will find the other methods more reliable for cash.
Step 5: Monitoring Your Deposits
After initiating a deposit, it's good practice to keep an eye on your Ally Bank account to ensure the funds arrive as expected.
Ally Mobile App: Log in to the app, choose your account, and tap "View Scheduled Activity" to see pending deposits. You can also view "History" and select "Deposits" to see past eCheck Deposit history for up to 120 days.
Online Banking: Log in to ally.com, select "Deposits," and then go to "Activity."
Email Notifications: Ally will often send you an email within 1 business day with your deposit status.
By following these detailed steps and understanding the various options, you'll be able to confidently and efficiently add money to your Ally Bank accounts.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions about adding money to Ally Bank accounts, with quick answers:
How to find my Ally Bank routing number? Your Ally Bank routing number is 124003116. You can also find it by logging into your Ally online banking account or mobile app, usually within your account details or on the direct deposit setup page.
How to deposit cash into Ally Bank? You cannot directly deposit cash at Ally Bank as they are an online-only bank without physical branches. The best indirect methods are depositing cash at another bank first and then transferring it to Ally, or purchasing a money order with cash and depositing the money order via mobile or mail. Some Allpoint+ ATMs may offer cash deposit for specific accounts, but it's best to confirm with Ally directly.
How to deposit a check using the Ally mobile app? Open the Ally Mobile App, log in, select your account, tap "Deposit Checks," endorse the back of your check with your signature, "For Mobile Deposit Only," and your account number, then take clear photos of the front and back of the check, enter the amount, and submit.
How to set up direct deposit with Ally Bank? Provide your employer or payer with Ally Bank's routing number (124003116) and your Ally Bank account number. You can often set this up digitally through Ally's online banking or by providing a physical direct deposit form.
How to link an external bank account to Ally Bank for transfers? Log in to Ally online banking, go to "Transfers" then "Bank Transfers," select "+ Link other accounts," and provide the routing number, account number, and account type of the external account. Ally will then verify ownership, sometimes using micro-deposits.
How to send a wire transfer to my Ally Bank account? Provide the sender with your full name and address, Ally Bank's name (Ally Bank), Ally's routing number (124003116), your Ally Bank account number, and your account type (e.g., Checking).
How to mail a check to Ally Bank? Endorse the back of your check with your signature(s), "For Deposit Only," and your Ally Bank account number. Then, mail it to: Ally Bank, ATTN: Deposit Operations, 1100 Virginia Dr., Suite 150, Fort Washington, PA 19034.
How to know when my mobile deposit will be available? Generally, if deposited before 7 p.m. ET on a business day, the first $300 of your mobile deposit may be available the next business day, with the remainder (up to $25,000) available on the second business day. Amounts over $25,000 may take longer. You'll receive an email notification from Ally.
How to use Zelle to add money to Ally Bank? Ensure your U.S. mobile number or email address is enrolled with Zelle through your Ally Bank app or online banking. When someone sends you money via Zelle to that enrolled contact, it will automatically be deposited into your linked Ally Bank account within minutes.
How to find my Ally Bank account number for deposits? Your Ally Bank account number can be found by logging into your Ally online banking account or mobile app. It's usually visible in your account summary or details section for each specific account.
