The three ways to deposit money into Discover
You can deposit money into a Discover savings account through ACH transfer from another bank, wire transfer, or mobile check deposit. Discover does not have physical branches, so you cannot walk in with cash or a check. Each method takes a different amount of time and works best for different situations.
The most common route is an ACH transfer from your checking account at another bank — it is free, takes one to two business days, and works for any amount. Mobile check deposit lets you photograph a check and send it through the Discover mobile app, also free and usually posted within one business day. Wire transfer is fastest (same day) but costs money and is best reserved for large amounts or urgent transfers.
Key Takeaways
- ACH transfer from another bank is free, takes one to two business days, and works for routine deposits of any size.
- Mobile check deposit through the Discover app is free and usually posts within one business day, but only works for checks.
- Wire transfer arrives the same business day but costs a fee (typically $15 to $25) and requires you to contact Discover directly.
- You cannot deposit cash directly into Discover because it has no physical locations; you must transfer from another account you own.
- Set up ACH transfers once in the Discover app or online portal, and you can repeat them without re-entering information each time.
ACH transfer: the free and standard route
An ACH transfer moves money electronically from your checking or savings account at another bank into your Discover savings account. It is free, secure, and the method most people use for regular deposits. The transfer typically takes one to two business days to complete, though some banks process faster.
To set up an ACH transfer, log into your Discover account online or through the mobile app and look for "Transfer Money" or "Add Funds". Discover will ask for the routing number and account number of the bank you are transferring from. You can find these on a check, in your other bank's app, or by calling that bank's customer service. Once you enter this information, Discover may require a small verification deposit (usually under $1) to confirm the account is yours — you will see this deposit in your other bank's account within a few days, and Discover will ask you to confirm the amount to complete the link.
After the account is linked, you can initiate transfers of any amount, and the money will arrive within one to two business days. Some banks process ACH transfers faster than others, so the exact timeline depends on both Discover and your other bank. If you need the money sooner, use mobile check deposit or wire transfer instead.
Mobile check deposit: photograph and send
Mobile check deposit lets you photograph the front and back of a paper check using the Discover mobile app, then send it to Discover without visiting a bank. The check must be made out to you, and you must endorse (sign) the back. Discover typically posts the funds within one business day, though it can take up to two.
Open the Discover mobile app, find the deposit option (usually labeled "Mobile Check Deposit" or "Deposit a Check"), and follow the prompts to photograph both sides of the check. The app will show you what Discover sees and ask you to confirm the amount. Once you submit, Discover processes the image and credits your account. You should destroy or mark the original check as "deposited" to prevent accidental double-deposit.
There are limits on how many checks you can deposit per day and per month — these vary and Discover may update them, so check the app or your account terms. Mobile check deposit is free and works well for one-time checks or irregular deposits, but if you receive checks regularly, ACH transfer from your employer (direct deposit) is faster and requires no action on your part.
Wire transfer: same-day but with a fee
A wire transfer moves money from another bank to Discover on the same business day, but Discover charges a fee (typically $15 to $25 for incoming wires, though this varies). Wire transfer is best used when you need funds urgently or are moving a large sum and the fee is worth the speed.
To initiate a wire transfer into Discover, you must contact Discover directly by phone or through secure message in your online account — you cannot start a wire through the app. Discover will provide you with wire instructions, including the bank's routing number, your account number, and the reference information to include. You then contact your other bank and request an outgoing wire using these details. Your bank will charge its own outgoing wire fee (usually $15 to $30) on top of Discover's incoming fee, so the total cost is typically $30 to $55.
Wire transfers are irreversible once sent, so confirm all details with Discover before you instruct your bank. The money usually arrives within hours on the same business day, but if you initiate the wire after your bank's cutoff time (often 2 or 3 p.m.), it may not process until the next business day.
Direct deposit from your employer
If your employer offers direct deposit, you can have your paycheck deposited directly into your Discover savings account without any action beyond the initial setup. This is free, automatic, and usually arrives on payday or the day before. To set this up, ask your employer's payroll department for a direct deposit form, provide your Discover account number and routing number, and specify which account to deposit into.
Direct deposit is the fastest and most hands-off way to fund a Discover savings account if your income is regular. Once set up, the money appears on schedule without you having to remember to transfer it. If you change jobs or want to stop direct deposit to Discover, contact your new employer's payroll department or ask your current employer to cancel the arrangement.
What to do if a deposit does not arrive
If you initiated an ACH transfer and the money has not arrived after two business days, log into your Discover account and check the transfer status. Discover shows pending transfers in your account history, and you can see whether it is still processing or if there was an error. If the transfer shows as completed in Discover but you do not see the funds, contact Discover customer service — the delay may be on your other bank's end.
If you submitted a mobile check deposit and it has not posted after two business days, check the app for a status update. Discover may reject the image if it is blurry, cut off, or the check is damaged — the app will notify you and let you resubmit. If the deposit shows as accepted but the funds are not in your account, contact Discover with the deposit reference number from the app.
For wire transfers, contact Discover immediately if the money does not arrive on the same business day. Wire transfers rarely fail, but if there was an error in the routing or account number, Discover may need to trace the transfer with your other bank. This process can take several days, so act quickly if you suspect a problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit cash into Discover?
No. Discover has no physical branches, so you cannot deposit cash directly. You must transfer money from another bank account you own, or deposit a check through mobile check deposit. If you only have cash, deposit it into your checking account at another bank first, then transfer it to Discover.
How long does an ACH transfer take?
One to two business days is standard. Some banks process faster, so you may see the money arrive within 24 hours. Weekends and holidays do not count as business days, so a transfer initiated on Friday may not arrive until Tuesday.
Is there a limit on how much I can deposit?
ACH transfers and wire transfers have no stated daily limit from Discover, but your other bank may have limits on outgoing transfers. Mobile check deposit has daily and monthly limits that vary — check your app or account terms for the current amounts. If you need to deposit more than the limit allows, you can split the deposit across multiple days or use wire transfer.
What if I do not have a check to deposit?
Use ACH transfer from another bank account, direct deposit from your employer, or wire transfer. Mobile check deposit only works for paper checks made out to you.
Do I need to verify my other bank account before I can transfer?
Yes, on your first transfer from a new bank account. Discover may require a small verification deposit (under $1) that appears in your other bank account within a few days. You confirm the amount in the Discover app to complete the link. After that, you can transfer without re-verifying.