The main ways to deposit into Discover checking
Discover Bank accepts deposits through mobile check deposit, ACH transfers from another bank, wire transfers, and transfers from other Discover accounts. You cannot deposit cash or checks in person because Discover has no physical branches. The fastest method depends on where your money is coming from and how soon you need it available.
Mobile check deposit is the most common route for most people: you photograph the front and back of a check using the Discover mobile app, and the funds typically post within one business day. ACH transfers from your employer or another bank account take one to three business days. Wire transfers arrive the same day but cost money. Transfers between your own Discover accounts are instant.
You will need your Discover checking account number and routing number for most deposits. You can find both in the Discover mobile app, on your debit card, or by calling Discover customer service at the number on the back of your card.
Key Takeaways
- Mobile check deposit through the Discover app is free and usually posts within one business day.
- ACH transfers from another bank or your employer take one to three business days and are free.
- Wire transfers arrive the same day but typically cost $15 to $25 depending on whether you are sending or receiving.
- You cannot deposit cash at Discover because there are no branches; you must use a mobile check deposit, transfer, or wire.
- Your Discover routing number is 011000015 for ACH transfers, though the app will show you the correct number for your specific transfer type.
Mobile check deposit through the Discover app
Open the Discover mobile app, tap the menu icon, and select "Mobile Check Deposit" or "Deposit a Check." You will be asked to photograph the front and back of the check under good lighting. The app will read the check amount and routing number automatically. Review the details, confirm the deposit amount, and submit.
Discover will hold the funds for one business day before they post to your account. You can check the status of your deposit in the app under "Recent Deposits" or "Transaction History." Once posted, the money is available to spend. Keep the physical check for at least 30 days in case Discover needs to verify it, then destroy it by shredding.
There are daily and monthly limits on mobile check deposits. As of now, Discover allows up to $2,500 per check and $5,000 per day, though these limits can change. If you need to deposit more, you can submit multiple checks on different days or use a wire transfer instead.
ACH transfers from another bank or employer
An ACH transfer moves money electronically from another bank account to your Discover checking account. This is how direct deposit from your employer works, and it is also how you can transfer money from a savings account at another bank.
To set up an ACH transfer, you will need your Discover account number and routing number. The routing number for Discover Bank is 011000015. Provide these to your employer's payroll department or to the other bank where your money is held. The sending bank will initiate the transfer, which usually takes one to three business days to post.
ACH transfers are free and there are no daily limits. Once the transfer posts, the money is available immediately. You can also initiate an ACH transfer from Discover's side by linking another bank account in the Discover app, though this requires verification and takes a few days to set up.
Wire transfers for same-day deposits
A wire transfer sends money directly from another bank to your Discover checking account on the same business day. Wire transfers are faster than ACH but cost money—typically $15 to $25 depending on whether you are sending the wire (outgoing) or receiving it (incoming). Some banks charge both the sender and receiver.
To receive a wire, you will need to provide the sender with your Discover account number, routing number (011000015), and your full name as it appears on the account. The sender initiates the wire through their own bank. Discover will receive the funds the same business day, usually within a few hours, and they will post to your account immediately.
Wire transfers cannot be reversed once sent, so confirm all details with the sender before they initiate. If the routing number or account number is wrong, the wire may go to the wrong account or be rejected. Call Discover customer service if a wire you were expecting does not arrive within a few hours of the scheduled time.
Transfers between your own Discover accounts
If you have multiple accounts at Discover—such as a savings account and a checking account—you can transfer money between them instantly using the Discover app or website. Open the app, select "Transfer," choose the account you want to send from and the account you want to send to, enter the amount, and confirm.
The transfer posts immediately and there are no fees. This is the fastest way to move money if you already hold the funds at Discover. You can transfer as much as you want, and there are no daily limits for transfers between your own accounts.
What to do if a deposit does not post
If you submitted a mobile check deposit and it has not posted after two business days, check the app to see if Discover is asking for more information. Sometimes the app will flag a check if the image is blurry, the amount is unclear, or the signature is missing. If you see a message asking you to resubmit, photograph the check again under better lighting and try again.
If an ACH transfer or wire transfer does not arrive on time, contact the sending bank first to confirm they initiated it correctly. Ask them for the confirmation number and the exact date and time they sent it. Then call Discover customer service with that information. Discover can trace the transfer and tell you where it is in the system.
If a wire transfer was sent to the wrong account, contact Discover immediately. The bank may be able to recall it, but this depends on whether the receiving bank has already released the funds. The sooner you report it, the better your chances of recovery.
Deposit limits and holds
Mobile check deposits are limited to $2,500 per check and $5,000 per day. These limits exist to reduce fraud and are set by Discover. If you need to deposit more than $5,000, you can submit checks on separate days or use a wire transfer, which has no limit.
Discover typically holds mobile check deposits for one business day before they post. This means if you deposit a check on Monday, it will be available Tuesday. Weekends and bank holidays extend the hold. ACH transfers take one to three business days depending on the sending bank. Wire transfers post the same day.
If you deposit a check for more than $5,000 or if Discover suspects fraud, the bank may place a longer hold on the funds. You will see a notification in the app if this happens. The hold is usually lifted within five to seven business days once Discover verifies the check.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit cash into my Discover checking account?
No. Discover has no physical branches, so you cannot deposit cash directly. If you need to deposit cash, you can transfer it to another bank account you own, then use ACH to move it to Discover. Alternatively, some retailers like Walmart allow you to deposit cash into a bank account at their customer service desk for a fee.
How long does a mobile check deposit take to post?
Usually one business day. If you deposit on a weekday before the cutoff time (typically 5 p.m. ET), it posts the next business day. Deposits submitted on weekends or after the cutoff post the following business day. You can check the status in the Discover app under "Recent Deposits."
What is Discover's routing number for ACH transfers?
The routing number is 011000015. Use this when setting up direct deposit from your employer or when transferring money from another bank. The Discover app will also show you the correct routing number for your specific transfer type if you are unsure.
Can I deposit a check written to someone else?
No. The check must be written in your name or the name on your Discover account. If a check is written to someone else, that person must deposit it into their own account. Depositing a check written to another person is considered fraud.
What happens if I deposit a check that bounces?
Discover will reverse the deposit and deduct the funds from your account. You will also be charged a returned deposit fee, typically $25 to $35. If your account balance goes negative, you may be charged overdraft fees as well. Contact Discover immediately if you believe a check you deposited will bounce so you can withdraw it before posting.