Ally Bank does not have physical branches, so you cannot walk in and hand a teller cash
Ally is an online-only bank with no branches or ATMs of its own. This means you cannot deposit cash directly at an Ally location. However, you have several ways to get cash into your Ally account, and most of them are free or low-cost.
The method you choose depends on how much cash you have, how quickly you need it in your account, and which other banks or services you can access. Some routes take minutes; others take a few business days.
Key Takeaways
- Ally has no physical branches or ATMs, so you must use a partner bank, ATM network, or third-party service to deposit cash.
- Depositing cash at an Allpoint ATM is free and usually posts to your account within one business day.
- If you have an account at another bank, you can withdraw cash there and transfer it to Ally electronically for free.
- MoneyGram and other money transfer services let you deposit cash but charge a fee, typically $2 to $5 depending on the amount.
- Mobile check deposit through the Ally app works only for checks, not cash, and is free.
Deposit cash at an Allpoint ATM for free
Allpoint is an ATM network that Ally partners with. You can deposit cash at any Allpoint ATM without a fee. Allpoint machines are located inside retail stores, grocery stores, and other businesses across the United States—there are over 55,000 of them. Use the Allpoint locator on their website or app to find one near you.
Walk up to the machine, insert your Ally debit card, and follow the on-screen prompts to deposit cash. The machine will count the bills, confirm the amount, and send the deposit to Ally. Most deposits post within one business day, though some may take up to two business days depending on the time you deposit and Ally's processing schedule.
This is the most straightforward option if you have access to an Allpoint ATM and do not need the money in your account the same day.
Withdraw cash from another bank and transfer it electronically
If you have a checking or savings account at another bank—Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, a credit union, or any other institution—you can withdraw cash there and then transfer the money to Ally using an electronic transfer. The transfer itself is free and usually takes one to three business days.
Log into your Ally account online or through the app, go to the transfer section, and select the option to transfer from an external bank. You will need the routing number and account number of the bank you are transferring from. Ally will guide you through linking that account. Once linked, you can transfer money back and forth between the two accounts.
This method works well if you already have another bank account and do not mind waiting a few days for the money to arrive.
Use MoneyGram or a similar money transfer service
MoneyGram, Western Union, and other money transfer services let you deposit cash and send it to your Ally account. You walk into a participating location (grocery stores, pharmacies, convenience stores), hand over cash, and provide your Ally account details. The service deposits the money into your account, usually within one business day.
These services charge a fee. MoneyGram fees typically range from $2 to $5 depending on the amount you are depositing. Western Union charges similarly. Check the fee before you complete the transaction, as it varies by location and amount.
This option is useful if you need to deposit a large amount of cash and do not have access to an Allpoint ATM or another bank account, but the fees make it more expensive than other methods.
Deposit a check instead if you have one
If someone gave you cash but you can convert it to a check—for example, a refund check or a paycheck—you can deposit the check into Ally for free using mobile check deposit. Open the Ally app, go to the deposit section, take photos of the front and back of the check, and submit it. The deposit usually posts within one to two business days.
This does not help if you only have physical cash, but it is worth knowing if you receive checks regularly and want to avoid fees or trips to an ATM.
What to do if you cannot access any of these methods
If you live in an area without Allpoint ATMs, do not have another bank account, and cannot reach a MoneyGram location, contact Ally customer service. Explain your situation and ask whether they can suggest alternatives or work with you on a solution. Ally's customer service is available by phone, chat, and email.
In rare cases, Ally may be able to help you find a workaround, though they cannot accept cash deposits directly. The sooner you contact them, the sooner you can resolve the issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Ally charge a fee to deposit cash at Allpoint ATMs?
No. Allpoint ATM deposits are free for Ally customers. Allpoint itself does not charge you, and Ally does not charge you. You only pay if the ATM is not part of the Allpoint network.
How long does it take for a cash deposit to show up in my Ally account?
Most deposits post within one business day. If you deposit after business hours or on a weekend, it may take until the next business day or the day after. Ally's processing schedule and the deposit method both affect timing.
Can I deposit cash using the Ally mobile app?
The Ally app lets you deposit checks by taking photos, but it does not have a feature to deposit cash directly. You must use an Allpoint ATM, a money transfer service, or another method to deposit physical cash.
What if I deposit cash at an Allpoint ATM but the machine does not give me a receipt?
Request a receipt before you leave the machine. If the machine malfunctions, contact Allpoint customer service with the ATM location and time of your deposit. They can investigate and confirm whether the deposit was processed. Ally can also help you track the deposit through your account.
Is it cheaper to use MoneyGram or to transfer from another bank?
Transferring from another bank is free and takes one to three business days. MoneyGram charges $2 to $5 and is faster. If you are not in a hurry and have another bank account, the free transfer is the better choice.