The fastest way to deposit money into Ally is through an ACH transfer from another bank account you own

Ally does not have physical branches or ATMs, so you cannot walk in or use a cash deposit envelope. Instead, you move money in through ACH transfers (electronic transfers between banks), wire transfers, or by depositing a check through your phone. ACH transfers are free and take one to two business days. Wire transfers arrive the same day but cost $10 to receive. Mobile check deposit is free and takes one to two business days.

The method you choose depends on how fast you need the money to arrive and whether you have a check or cash. If you have cash, you will need to deposit it at another bank first, then transfer it to Ally. If you have a check, mobile deposit is the simplest route. If you need the money today, wire transfer is your only option.

Key Takeaways

  • ACH transfers from another bank account are free and take one to two business days, making them the cheapest option for regular deposits.
  • Mobile check deposit through the Ally app is free and takes one to two business days, and works for most personal checks.
  • Wire transfers cost $10 to receive but arrive the same business day if sent before the cutoff time (usually 2 p.m. Eastern).
  • Ally does not accept cash deposits directly; you must deposit cash at another bank first, then transfer the funds to Ally.
  • You will need your Ally account number and routing number (021000021) to receive transfers from other banks.

Setting up an ACH transfer from another bank

Log into your other bank's website or app and look for the option to send money to another bank. Most banks call this "Transfer funds," "Send money," or "Pay to another account." You will be asked to add Ally as a recipient bank. Enter Ally's routing number (021000021) and your Ally account number. Your other bank may ask for your name as it appears on the Ally account.

Once Ally is added as a recipient, you can enter the amount and choose the date you want the transfer to happen. Most banks let you schedule transfers for today or a future date. The transfer will appear in your Ally account within one to two business days. If you transfer on a Friday, the money typically arrives on Monday or Tuesday.

If your other bank does not have an online transfer option, call the bank's customer service line and ask them to set up an ACH transfer to your Ally account. You will need to provide your Ally routing number and account number over the phone.

Depositing a check through the Ally mobile app

Open the Ally Bank app on your phone and tap the menu or home screen to find "Mobile deposit" or "Deposit a check." Take a photo of the front and back of the check in good lighting—the app will guide you through the process. Make sure the check is endorsed (signed on the back) before you photograph it.

Enter the check amount and review the details. The app will show you when the funds will be available, usually one to two business days. Once you submit, the check is deposited. Write the date and "Deposited via mobile" on the check itself so you do not accidentally deposit it again at another bank.

Mobile deposit works for most personal checks, business checks, and government checks. It does not work for starter checks, checks that have already been deposited, or checks with damage or alterations. If the app rejects your check, you can mail it to Ally or try photographing it again in better lighting.

Sending a wire transfer to your Ally account

Wire transfers arrive on the same business day if sent before the cutoff time, usually 2 p.m. Eastern. You will need to provide the sending bank with Ally's routing number (021000021), your Ally account number, and your full name as it appears on the account. Some banks also ask for Ally's address: 2 East Main Street, Mesa, Arizona 85201.

The sending bank will charge you a fee to send the wire, typically $15 to $30. Ally charges $10 to receive the wire. The total cost is usually $25 to $40. If you are sending a large amount, the fee may be worth it for same-day arrival. For smaller amounts or if you can wait a day or two, ACH transfer is cheaper.

Once the wire is sent, you cannot cancel it. Make sure the account number and routing number are correct before you confirm. If you enter the wrong account number, the money may go to another Ally customer's account, and recovery can take weeks.

Mailing a check to Ally

If you cannot use mobile deposit, you can mail a check to Ally. Write your account number on the back of the check. Mail it to: Ally Bank, P.O. Box 15298, Wilmington, Delaware 19850-5298. Include a note with your name, account number, and phone number so Ally can match the check to your account.

Mailed checks take five to seven business days to arrive and be processed. This is the slowest method and should only be used if mobile deposit is not available to you. If you are mailing a check, send it via certified mail so you have proof of delivery.

Depositing cash at another bank, then transferring to Ally

If you have cash, deposit it at a bank where you have an account—your current bank, a credit union, or a bank that accepts cash deposits without an account. Once the cash is in that account, use ACH transfer (described above) to move it to Ally. This adds an extra step and takes longer, but it is the only way to get cash into Ally.

Some banks charge a fee for cash deposits if you are not a customer. Check with the bank first. If you do not have another bank account, you may be able to open a free checking account at a major bank like Chase, Bank of America, or Wells Fargo, deposit your cash there, and then transfer it to Ally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deposit cash directly into Ally?

No. Ally has no physical locations or ATMs. You must deposit cash at another bank first, then transfer the funds to Ally using ACH transfer. This takes two to three business days total.

How long does an ACH transfer take?

One to two business days. If you initiate the transfer on a Friday after 2 p.m. Eastern, it will not process until Monday, and the funds will arrive Tuesday or Wednesday.

What is Ally's routing number?

021000021. You will need this number when setting up transfers from another bank or receiving a wire transfer.

Can I deposit checks from other people into my Ally account?

Yes, as long as the check is made out to you or is a two-party check with your name on it. The check must be endorsed (signed on the back) before you photograph it for mobile deposit.

What happens if I send money to the wrong Ally account number?

The money will go to another customer's account. Contact Ally immediately and explain the error. Recovery can take two to four weeks and is not may provide. Always double-check the account number before confirming any transfer.