Ally Bank does not have physical branches, so you cannot walk in and deposit cash at a teller window

Ally is an online-only bank with no branches anywhere in the United States. This means there is no location where you can hand cash to a teller. If you need to deposit cash into an Ally account, you have three main routes: use an ATM that Ally partners with, transfer money from another bank account you control, or deposit a check instead.

The fastest option for most people is to deposit cash into a linked account at a different bank first, then transfer it to Ally. This takes one business day but works from anywhere. The ATM route is slower but keeps the money in the Ally system.

Key Takeaways

  • Ally has no physical branches, so you cannot deposit cash directly with a teller or at an Ally location.
  • You can deposit cash at an ATM that Ally partners with, though the money may take up to two business days to appear in your account.
  • The fastest way to get cash into Ally is to deposit it at your other bank first, then transfer it to Ally the next business day.
  • Ally does not charge fees for deposits made through partner ATMs or transfers from other banks.

Using a partner ATM to deposit cash

Ally partners with the Allpoint ATM network, which has over 55,000 ATMs worldwide. You can deposit cash at any Allpoint ATM that accepts deposits. Not every Allpoint machine takes deposits—some are withdrawal-only—so look for the deposit slot before you approach the machine.

When you deposit cash at an Allpoint ATM, the money enters a queue for processing. Ally typically posts the deposit within one to two business days, though the exact timing depends on when you deposit and whether it is a weekend or holiday. Deposits made after business hours or on weekends will not process until the next business day begins.

To find an Allpoint ATM near you, use the ATM locator on Ally's website or the Allpoint app. Search by your zip code or address, and filter for machines that accept deposits. Bring your Ally debit card and your PIN.

Transferring cash from another bank account

If you have a checking or savings account at another bank, you can deposit cash there, then transfer the money to Ally. This is often faster than waiting for an ATM deposit to clear, because bank-to-bank transfers usually post within one business day.

To do this, deposit the cash at your other bank using their ATM, teller, or mobile app. Once the deposit clears (usually the same day or next business day), log into your Ally account and set up an external transfer. You will need the routing number and account number of your other bank account. Ally will pull the money from that account and add it to your Ally account, typically by the next business day.

This method works best if you already have an account at a bank with physical branches or a robust ATM network. It adds one extra step but gives you more control over timing and lets you verify the deposit went through before moving the money.

Depositing checks instead of cash

If you have a check instead of cash, Ally's mobile app lets you deposit it by taking a photo. Open the Ally app, go to the deposit section, take a picture of the front and back of the check, and submit it. The check usually clears within one to two business days.

Mobile check deposit is often faster and more convenient than dealing with cash, especially if you are depositing a check from an employer or another organization. You do not have to visit an ATM or another bank. The only requirement is that the check be made out to you and that you have a smartphone with a camera.

What happens if you deposit cash at a non-partner ATM

If you use an ATM that is not part of the Allpoint network, Ally will not process the deposit. The machine may accept your card and appear to take the cash, but the transaction will fail or reverse. Your cash will be returned by the ATM, or you may need to contact the ATM operator to retrieve it.

Always confirm that an ATM is part of the Allpoint network before you attempt a deposit. Using the Allpoint locator tool takes 30 seconds and prevents this problem entirely.

ATM deposit limits and fees

Ally does not charge a fee for deposits made at Allpoint ATMs. However, some Allpoint ATMs are owned by third parties who may charge a fee for the transaction. This fee comes from your account after the deposit posts, so you will see it as a separate charge. The amount varies by ATM operator but is typically $1 to $3.

Ally does not publish a daily or monthly limit on how much cash you can deposit at an ATM. However, individual ATMs may have their own limits—some machines will not accept more than $500 or $1,000 in a single transaction. If you need to deposit a large amount of cash, you may need to make multiple deposits or use your linked bank account instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deposit cash at a Walmart or CVS ATM?

Only if that ATM is part of the Allpoint network. Many Walmart and CVS locations have Allpoint ATMs, but not all. Use the Allpoint locator to check whether a specific machine accepts deposits before you go.

How long does it take for cash deposited at an ATM to show up in my account?

Usually one to two business days. Deposits made after 5 p.m. or on weekends will not begin processing until the next business day. Ally will send you a notification when the deposit posts.

What if I deposit cash and it does not show up after two days?

Contact Ally customer service with the date, time, and location of the deposit, plus the amount. They can look up the transaction in the Allpoint system and tell you whether the deposit was received. If there was an error, they can help you trace the cash or resubmit the deposit.

Is it cheaper to transfer cash from another bank or use an ATM?

Transferring from another bank is usually free and faster. ATM deposits are free from Ally but may charge a fee from the ATM operator. If you want to avoid any fees, use your other bank account as a middleman.

Can I deposit cash using Ally's mobile app?

No, the Ally app only supports check deposits via photo. For cash, you must use an Allpoint ATM or transfer from another bank account.