Discover Bank does not have physical branches, so you cannot walk in and deposit cash at a teller window
Discover is an online-only bank. It has no branches anywhere in the United States. That means there is no location where you can hand cash to a teller or use a deposit envelope. If you need to put cash into a Discover checking or savings account, you will need to use one of the workarounds below — none of which involve walking into a Discover building.
The most common option is to deposit the cash into another bank account you control, then transfer the money to Discover electronically. This takes a few extra steps but works reliably. A few other methods exist, though they come with fees or limits.
Key Takeaways
- Discover has no physical branches, so cash deposits must happen through a third-party bank or service.
- The cheapest route is to deposit cash at a bank where you already have an account, then transfer the money to Discover for free using your account number and routing number.
- If you do not have another bank account, you can use a money transfer service like MoneyGram or Western Union, though these charge a fee.
- Discover does not accept cash deposits by mail, and there is no way to deposit cash directly into a Discover account online.
- Some employers and payroll services allow direct deposit to Discover, which bypasses the cash deposit problem entirely if your income is regular.
Deposit cash at another bank, then transfer it to Discover
If you have a checking or savings account at any other bank — Chase, Bank of America, a credit union, a local bank — you can deposit your cash there and then move the money to Discover electronically at no cost.
Walk into the branch or use the ATM to deposit the cash into that account. Once the deposit clears (usually the next business day), log into your Discover account online or through the Discover mobile app. Go to the transfer section and select "transfer from external account." Enter the account number and routing number of the bank where you just deposited the cash. Discover will verify the account by sending two small test deposits, which takes one to two business days. After verification, you can transfer money from that account to Discover whenever you need to.
This method is free and works for any amount. The only requirement is that you have access to another bank account. If you do not, the options below are your alternatives.
Use a money transfer service like MoneyGram or Western Union
MoneyGram and Western Union are services that let you hand cash to an agent at a physical location, and the money appears in a bank account you specify. Both have thousands of locations in grocery stores, pharmacies, and standalone offices.
You will need to provide the agent with your Discover account number and routing number (both visible on your Discover debit card or in the app under account details). The agent will charge you a fee — typically $5 to $15 depending on the amount and location — and the money will arrive in your Discover account within one to two business days. MoneyGram and Western Union do not have a maximum, but individual locations may have daily limits.
This option costs money, so use it only if you have no other bank account and need the cash in Discover urgently. For regular deposits, the free transfer method above is better.
Set up direct deposit from your employer or payroll service
If you receive a paycheck, you can ask your employer or payroll department to send it directly to your Discover account. This bypasses the cash deposit problem entirely because the money arrives as an electronic transfer, not cash.
You will need to provide your employer with your Discover account number and routing number. Discover's routing number is 042000013. Your account number is on your debit card or in the app. Once set up, direct deposit is free and automatic. This works for regular paychecks, government benefits, and some other recurring payments.
What does not work: cash deposits by mail or online
Discover does not accept cash in the mail. Do not send cash to Discover — it will not arrive, or if it does, Discover will not credit it to your account. Mailing cash is also a security risk because it can be lost or stolen in transit.
There is also no way to deposit cash online. Discover does not have a mobile check deposit feature for cash (only for checks), and you cannot upload a photo of cash or wire cash directly through the app. The methods in this article are the only ways to get cash into a Discover account.
Timing and what to expect after you deposit
If you deposit cash at another bank and transfer it to Discover, the cash deposit usually clears the next business day. The transfer from that bank to Discover then takes one to three business days, depending on the banks involved. In total, expect the money to appear in your Discover account within two to four business days from the time you hand the cash to the teller.
Money transfer services like MoneyGram and Western Union are faster — usually one to two business days. Direct deposit is the fastest and most reliable, arriving on the scheduled payday with no extra steps.
Once the money lands in your Discover account, it is available to spend or transfer immediately. Discover does not hold deposited funds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit cash at a Discover ATM?
No. Discover ATMs only dispense cash; they do not accept deposits. This is true for all Discover ATMs, whether they are standalone or inside another business. You must use one of the methods above to deposit cash.
What if I do not know my Discover routing number?
Discover's routing number is 042000013. Your account number is on your debit card or visible in the Discover app under account details. You will need both to set up a transfer from another bank or to use a money transfer service.
Is there a limit to how much cash I can deposit?
If you deposit at another bank first, there is no limit — you can deposit as much cash as that bank allows. Money transfer services like MoneyGram and Western Union may have daily or per-transaction limits that vary by location. Ask the agent before you hand over the cash.
Can I deposit someone else's cash into my Discover account?
Yes, as long as you deposit it into your own account at another bank first. You cannot deposit cash in someone else's name directly into your Discover account using a money transfer service, because the service will verify that the account holder matches the person depositing the cash.
What happens if I deposit cash and then close the other bank account?
If you close the account before the transfer to Discover completes, the transfer may fail or be reversed. Wait until the transfer is complete and the money is in your Discover account before closing the other account. This usually takes two to four business days.