Discover doesn't accept cash deposits at branches because it has no physical locations
Discover is an online-only bank with no branch network, so you cannot walk in and deposit cash directly. Instead, you'll need to move cash into a linked checking account at another bank first, then transfer the money to Discover. The most common route is depositing cash at your primary bank's ATM or teller, then using an ACH transfer or Discover's mobile app to move the funds over.
This two-step process takes a few days but costs nothing. If you need the money in your Discover account quickly, you can deposit cash at your other bank's ATM the same day and initiate the transfer immediately—the funds typically arrive within one to three business days.
Key Takeaways
- Discover has no physical branches, so you must deposit cash at another bank first and then transfer it to Discover.
- The fastest method is depositing cash at your primary bank's ATM or teller, then using an ACH transfer from that bank's website or app.
- You can also use a third-party service like MoneyGram or a check deposited at your other bank if you need an alternative route.
- ACH transfers from a linked bank account to Discover typically take one to three business days and carry no fee.
- Never send cash through the mail to Discover or any online bank—use only bank-to-bank transfers or in-person deposits at a physical bank location.
Deposit cash at your primary bank, then transfer to Discover
Start by depositing the cash into a checking or savings account at a bank where you already have an account—this might be your employer's bank, a credit union, or any institution with physical locations. Use an ATM if you prefer not to speak to a teller, or go to a branch during business hours. The deposit posts immediately or within one business day.
Once the cash is in your other bank account, log into that bank's website or mobile app and set up an ACH transfer to your Discover account. You'll need your Discover account number and Discover's routing number (which is 042000013 for ACH transfers). Enter the amount and confirm the transfer. The money will arrive in your Discover savings account within one to three business days at no cost.
Link your Discover account to your other bank for transfers
Before you can transfer money from another bank to Discover, you need to link the two accounts. In Discover's mobile app or website, go to the transfer or funding section and select "Add External Account." Enter your other bank's routing number, your account number at that bank, and your account type (checking or savings).
Discover will verify the account by depositing two small amounts (usually under $1 each) into that account within one to two business days. Check your other bank's account and enter those two amounts back into Discover to confirm the link. Once verified, you can transfer money between the accounts instantly or schedule transfers for future dates.
Use a third-party service if you don't have another bank account
If you have no other bank account to deposit cash into, you can use MoneyGram or a similar money transfer service. Find a MoneyGram location (often at Walmart, grocery stores, or pharmacies), give the agent your cash, and ask them to send it to your Discover account. You'll pay a fee—typically $5 to $15 depending on the amount—and the money arrives within one to three business days.
This route is slower and more expensive than a standard bank transfer, so use it only if you have no other option. You'll need to provide your Discover account number and routing number to the MoneyGram agent, and Discover will need to receive the transfer as an ACH deposit, which means the timing is the same as a regular bank transfer.
What happens if you try to mail cash to Discover
Do not mail cash to Discover or any online bank. Cash sent through the mail can be lost, stolen, or delayed indefinitely, and Discover will not be responsible for it. If the envelope arrives damaged or empty, you have no proof of what you sent and no way to recover the money.
Discover's mailing address is for statements and documents only, not for deposits. If you accidentally mail cash, contact Discover immediately to report it, but understand that recovery is unlikely. Stick to bank-to-bank transfers or in-person deposits at a physical bank—these methods are secure, traceable, and free.
Timing and fees for cash deposits to Discover
An ACH transfer from your other bank to Discover takes one to three business days and costs nothing. If you deposit cash on a Friday evening, the transfer won't post to your other bank until Monday, and then Discover won't receive it until Tuesday or Wednesday. Weekends and holidays add extra days, so plan accordingly if you need the money by a specific date.
Discover does not charge a fee for incoming ACH transfers. Your other bank may charge a fee for outgoing transfers if you exceed a monthly limit (usually six transfers per month for savings accounts), but most banks allow unlimited transfers to external accounts. Check your bank's transfer policy before you move the money.
Mobile check deposit as an alternative
If someone gives you a check instead of cash, you can deposit it directly into Discover using mobile check deposit. Open the Discover app, go to Deposits, select Mobile Check Deposit, and take photos of the front and back of the check. The deposit posts within one to three business days and costs nothing.
This avoids the need to deposit the check at another bank first. However, if you have only cash, you must convert it to a bank deposit or money transfer first—there is no way to photograph cash and deposit it remotely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit cash directly at a Discover branch?
No. Discover has no physical branches anywhere in the United States. You must deposit cash at another bank first, then transfer the funds to Discover using an ACH transfer or the Discover mobile app.
How long does it take for cash to show up in my Discover account?
If you deposit cash at your other bank on a business day, the transfer to Discover typically takes one to three business days. Weekend and holiday delays can extend this to four or five days. The exact timing depends on when your other bank processes the transfer and when Discover receives it.
Is there a fee to transfer cash from my other bank to Discover?
Discover charges no fee for incoming ACH transfers. Your other bank may charge a fee if you exceed six outgoing transfers per month from a savings account, but most banks allow unlimited transfers to external accounts. Check your bank's terms to be sure.
What if I don't have a bank account anywhere else?
You can use MoneyGram or a similar money transfer service to send cash to your Discover account. You'll pay a fee of $5 to $15 depending on the amount, and the money arrives within one to three business days. This is more expensive than a bank transfer but works if you have no other option.
Can I deposit cash using Discover's mobile app?
No. Discover's mobile app does not accept cash deposits directly. You can use mobile check deposit if you have a check, but cash must be deposited at another bank first. Once it's in your other bank account, you can transfer it to Discover through the app.