Discover Bank does not have physical branches, so you cannot walk into a location and deposit cash at a teller window
Discover is an online bank with no brick-and-mortar locations. This means there is no Discover branch where you can hand over cash to deposit. If you need to move cash into your Discover account, you will need to use one of the workarounds below — none of which involve walking into a Discover office.
The most practical routes depend on whether you have a checking account elsewhere, whether you have access to an ATM network, and how quickly you need the money in your account.
Key Takeaways
- Discover has no physical branches, so you cannot deposit cash directly at a Discover location.
- The fastest way to move cash into Discover is to deposit it at another bank you use, then transfer the money electronically to Discover.
- If you do not have another bank account, you can use a money order or cashier's check purchased with cash, then deposit that by mail or mobile app.
- Some Discover customers use ATM networks or third-party services, but these often charge fees or have limits on how much you can move.
- Discover's mobile app lets you deposit checks by photograph, but this does not work for cash.
Deposit cash at another bank, then transfer to Discover
If you have a checking or savings account at another bank — Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, a credit union, or any other institution with physical locations — you can deposit cash there and then move the money to Discover electronically.
Walk into that bank with your cash and deposit it into your account using the teller or an ATM (if the bank's ATM accepts cash deposits). Once the deposit clears, log into your Discover account online and set up an external transfer. You will need the routing number and account number of the bank where you just deposited the cash. Discover will pull the money from that account into your Discover account, usually within one to three business days.
This method works even if the other bank is not your primary account — you can open a basic savings account at any bank just to use it as a cash deposit point. Some banks offer accounts with no minimum balance and no monthly fee, which makes this a low-cost option if you do not already have another account open.
Use a money order or cashier's check
If you do not have access to another bank account, you can convert your cash into a money order or cashier's check, then deposit that into Discover using the mobile app or by mail.
Buy a money order or cashier's check at a grocery store, post office, bank, or check-cashing service. You will hand over your cash and receive a paper instrument made out to yourself or your Discover account. The fee for a money order is usually $1 to $3; a cashier's check may cost $5 to $15 depending on where you buy it.
Once you have the money order or check, open the Discover mobile app, go to Deposits, and photograph the front and back. Discover will deposit it into your account, typically within one to three business days. Alternatively, you can mail the money order or check to Discover's deposit address (which you can find in the app or by calling customer service). Mailed deposits take longer — usually five to ten business days — because they have to travel through the mail and then be processed.
ATM networks and third-party deposit services
Some online banks partner with ATM networks or third-party services to let customers deposit cash without visiting a physical bank branch. Discover does not currently offer this service, but it is worth checking the Discover website or calling customer service to confirm whether this has changed.
If Discover does offer a cash deposit partnership in the future, it would likely work through a network like Allpoint or MoneyLion, where you would visit a participating ATM or retail location, deposit your cash, and the money would appear in your Discover account within hours or one business day. These services sometimes charge a fee per deposit (typically $1 to $3) or have limits on how much you can deposit at once.
What not to do: mailing cash directly to Discover
Do not mail cash directly to Discover Bank. The mail is not secure, and cash can be lost, stolen, or go missing in transit. Discover will not accept cash sent through the mail, and if it arrives, the bank has no way to verify how much you sent or credit it to your account.
Always convert cash to a money order, cashier's check, or deposit it at another bank first. These methods create a paper trail and protect you if something goes wrong in the mail.
Timing and fees to expect
The speed of your deposit depends on which method you use. Depositing cash at another bank and transferring electronically is usually fastest — one to three business days total. Mobile check deposits (money order or cashier's check photographed through the app) also take one to three business days. Mailed deposits take five to ten business days because they have to be physically transported and processed.
Fees vary by method. Transferring from another bank is free. Money orders cost $1 to $3. Cashier's checks cost $5 to $15. ATM or third-party services, if available, typically charge $1 to $3 per deposit. None of these fees are charged by Discover itself — they come from the bank, post office, or service where you buy the money order or check.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit cash at a Discover ATM?
Discover does not own ATMs, and most ATMs that accept cash deposits are owned by banks or ATM networks. You cannot deposit cash at a random ATM and have it go into your Discover account. You would need to deposit at an ATM owned by another bank where you have an account, then transfer the money to Discover.
How long does it take for a mobile check deposit to show up?
Mobile deposits of checks or money orders typically appear in your Discover account within one to three business days. Discover may place a hold on the funds for a day or two while it verifies the deposit, so the money might not be available to spend immediately even though it shows in your balance.
What if I do not have another bank account?
Buy a money order or cashier's check with your cash at a post office, grocery store, or check-cashing service. Then photograph it in the Discover mobile app to deposit it. This works even if you have no other bank account. The fee is usually $1 to $3 for a money order.
Is there a limit to how much cash I can deposit?
Discover does not set a limit on how much you can deposit through mobile check deposits or transfers from other banks. However, the bank or service where you buy the money order or cashier's check may have limits, and very large cash deposits may trigger reporting requirements under federal law.
Can I deposit cash at a Discover credit card office?
Discover has customer service offices, but they do not handle cash deposits. Those offices handle credit card issues, not bank account deposits. Stick to the methods above — another bank account, money order, or cashier's check.