The fastest ways to fund your Ally savings account
You can add money to your Ally savings account through ACH transfer from another bank, wire transfer, or mobile check deposit. ACH transfers are free and take one to two business days. Wire transfers arrive the same day but cost $10 to $15. Mobile check deposit through the Ally app is free and clears within one to two business days.
Ally does not accept cash deposits directly—you cannot walk into a branch or ATM and deposit cash because Ally is an online bank with no physical locations. If you need to deposit cash, you will need to move it through another bank first, then transfer it to Ally.
The method you choose depends on how quickly you need the money in your account and whether you have a check or funds at another bank. Most people use ACH transfer because it is free and reliable, even though it takes a couple of days.
Key Takeaways
- ACH transfer from another bank account is free, takes one to two business days, and works for most regular deposits.
- Wire transfer arrives the same business day but costs $10 to $15 and requires you to initiate it from your sending bank, not from Ally.
- Mobile check deposit through the Ally app is free and takes one to two business days to clear.
- Ally has no ATMs or branches, so you cannot deposit cash directly—you must move cash through another bank first.
- Direct deposit from your employer goes straight to Ally and is free, but you need to provide your Ally routing and account number to payroll.
Setting up ACH transfer from another bank
ACH transfer is the most common way to fund an Ally account. Log into your Ally account, go to the Transfers section, and select "Transfer from another bank." Ally will ask for the routing number and account number of the bank you are transferring from. You can find both on a check or by logging into your other bank's website.
The first transfer may take longer—up to five business days—while Ally verifies the account. After that, transfers usually clear in one to two business days. There is no fee on Ally's side, though your sending bank may charge a fee for outgoing transfers (most do not).
If you want to set up recurring transfers, you can do that in the same section. This is useful if you want to move money to savings on a regular schedule, like every payday.
Wire transfer for same-day funding
Wire transfer gets money into your Ally account on the same business day, but you initiate it from your other bank, not from Ally. Call your bank or log into their website and request a wire transfer to Ally. You will need Ally's routing number (012000402) and your Ally account number.
Wire transfers cost between $10 and $15 at most banks—sometimes more. The fee comes out of your sending bank's account, not from Ally. If you send the wire before your bank's cutoff time (usually 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. Eastern), it will arrive the same day. Wires sent after cutoff arrive the next business day.
Wire transfer is worth the cost only if you need the money urgently. For routine deposits, ACH transfer is free and only takes a day or two longer.
Mobile check deposit through the Ally app
If you have a paper check, you can deposit it without leaving home. Open the Ally app, tap "Deposit," and select "Mobile Check Deposit." Take a photo of the front and back of the check, and the app will process it. The check clears in one to two business days, and there is no fee.
Make sure the check is made out to you and that your photos are clear and show the entire check. Do not deposit the same check twice—once you submit it through the app, wait for it to clear before depositing it anywhere else.
If the deposit is rejected, Ally will notify you through the app. Common reasons include a blurry photo, a check that is too old (more than six months), or a check amount that exceeds Ally's daily or monthly limits for mobile deposits.
Direct deposit from your employer
Direct deposit is the easiest way to get money into your Ally account regularly because it happens automatically. You do not have to do anything except set it up once. Contact your employer's payroll department and provide them with your Ally routing number (012000402) and your account number. You can find both in the Ally app under Account Details.
Direct deposit is free and the money arrives on your payday, usually by early morning. Some employers offer early direct deposit, which can put money in your account a day or two before payday. Once you set it up, you do not need to do anything—the money will arrive on schedule every pay period.
Transferring money from another Ally account
If you have multiple Ally accounts (for example, a checking account and a savings account), you can transfer money between them instantly and for free. Log into your Ally account, go to Transfers, and select "Transfer between my accounts." Choose the account you are transferring from and the account you are transferring to, enter the amount, and confirm.
The transfer is immediate—the money moves right away and shows up in both accounts. This is useful if you want to move money from checking to savings or vice versa without waiting for an ACH transfer to clear.
What to do if a transfer fails or is delayed
If an ACH transfer does not arrive within two business days, log into your Ally account and check the status in the Transfers section. The transfer will show as pending, processing, or completed. If it shows as failed, Ally will tell you why—common reasons include an incorrect account number, insufficient funds in the sending account, or a mismatch between the account holder's name and the name on file at Ally.
Contact Ally customer service through the app or by phone if a transfer fails. They can help you troubleshoot the problem and resubmit the transfer with the correct information. Keep the confirmation number from your first attempt—it helps Ally track what went wrong.
For wire transfers, contact your sending bank if the money does not arrive the same day. Wire transfers are harder to reverse once sent, so act quickly if something goes wrong.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit cash directly into an Ally account?
No. Ally is an online bank with no branches or ATMs. You must deposit cash at another bank first, then transfer it to Ally through ACH or wire transfer. Some people use a local bank or credit union to deposit cash, then move the money to Ally.
How long does it take money to show up after I transfer it?
ACH transfers take one to two business days after you initiate them. Wire transfers arrive the same business day if sent before your bank's cutoff time. Mobile check deposits take one to two business days to clear. Direct deposit arrives on payday, usually by early morning.
Is there a limit to how much I can transfer to Ally at once?
Ally does not publish a single-transfer limit, but your sending bank may have one. Check with your bank about their outgoing transfer limits. Mobile check deposits have daily and monthly limits that vary—check the Ally app for your specific limits.
What is Ally's routing number?
Ally's routing number is 012000402. You need this when setting up direct deposit or wire transfer from another bank. You can also find it in the Ally app under Account Details.
Can I set up automatic transfers to my Ally savings account?
Yes. In the Transfers section of your Ally account, you can set up recurring ACH transfers from another bank on a schedule you choose—weekly, biweekly, monthly, or any interval you want. This is useful for automating savings without having to remember to transfer money each time.