Ally doesn't have physical branches, so you can't walk in with cash

Ally Bank is an online-only bank, which means there are no branches where you can hand a teller cash. If you need to deposit cash into your Ally checking account, you have to move it through another bank first — either your own second account at a traditional bank, or someone else's account at a bank that has ATMs or branches.

The most common route is to deposit cash at your local bank or credit union, then transfer the money electronically to Ally. This takes one to two business days. If you need the cash in your Ally account faster, you can ask someone with a bank account to deposit it for you, or use a third-party service like MoneyGram or Western Union, though those charge fees.

Key Takeaways

  • Ally has no physical locations, so you cannot deposit cash directly at a branch or ATM.
  • The cheapest way is to deposit cash at your own bank or credit union, then transfer the balance to Ally using online banking.
  • You can ask a trusted person to deposit cash into their own bank account and then send it to you via Ally's transfer tools, though this requires them to have a bank account.
  • Third-party money transfer services like MoneyGram and Western Union accept cash deposits and can send funds to Ally, but they charge fees ranging from a few dollars to 10 percent or more.
  • Transfers between banks typically clear within one to two business days; same-day transfers are rare and usually cost extra.

Deposit cash at your own bank, then transfer to Ally

If you have a checking or savings account at a traditional bank or credit union, this is the fastest and cheapest option. Deposit the cash at a teller, ATM, or mobile app (if your bank supports mobile check deposit for cash, though most do not). Once the deposit clears — usually the same day or next business day — log into your bank's online banking portal and set up a transfer to your Ally account.

You will need your Ally account number and routing number. Ally's routing number is 011000138. You can find your account number by logging into Ally online or calling their customer service line at 1-877-247-2559. Most banks let you set up external transfers for free through their website or mobile app. The transfer usually takes one to two business days to appear in your Ally account.

This method works even if your other bank is small or regional. As long as both banks are connected to the ACH (Automated Clearing House) network — which nearly all U.S. banks are — the transfer will go through.

Ask someone to deposit cash into their account and send it to you

If you don't have another bank account, you can ask a family member or trusted friend to deposit your cash into their account, then send it to your Ally account. They would log into their own bank's online banking and initiate a transfer to you using your Ally account number and routing number.

This method is free if both accounts are at banks on the ACH network, and it takes one to two business days. The person depositing the cash should keep a record of the deposit (receipt or screenshot) in case there are questions later about where the money came from. Be aware that large cash deposits — typically $10,000 or more in a single transaction — trigger federal reporting requirements, so your helper's bank may ask them questions about the source of the cash.

Use MoneyGram or Western Union for faster deposits

MoneyGram and Western Union are money transfer services that accept cash at thousands of locations (grocery stores, pharmacies, convenience stores, and their own offices). You hand over cash, provide your Ally account details, and the service sends the money to your bank. The transfer usually arrives within one business day, sometimes faster.

The catch is cost. MoneyGram and Western Union charge fees that vary by location and amount. A $100 transfer might cost $5 to $10; a $500 transfer might cost $15 to $25. Some locations charge a percentage of the total (up to 10 percent or more for small amounts). Before you hand over cash, ask the agent what the exact fee is. You can also check their websites — MoneyGram.com and WesternUnion.com both have fee calculators.

To use either service, you will need to provide your Ally account number and routing number (011000138). The service will ask for your name, address, and phone number. The money goes directly into your Ally account; you don't have to do anything on Ally's end except wait for it to arrive.

Ally ATM network access doesn't include cash deposits

Ally offers surcharge-free ATM access through the Allpoint network, which includes over 55,000 ATMs worldwide. However, these ATMs only let you withdraw cash — they do not accept cash deposits. You can use them to pull money out of your Ally account, but not to put money in.

Some credit unions and banks in the Allpoint network may have tellers or deposit services, but Ally itself does not operate any physical locations where you can deposit cash.

What to do if you receive a check instead of cash

If someone offers to pay you by check instead of cash, Ally's mobile app lets you deposit checks by taking photos of the front and back. This is free and usually takes one to two business days to clear. Open the Ally app, go to Deposits, select Mobile Check Deposit, and follow the prompts. You will need to endorse the back of the check (sign it) before you photograph it.

Ally also accepts checks by mail. You can mail a check to Ally Bank, Attn: Deposits, P.O. Box 1547, Sioux Falls, SD 57101. Mailed checks take longer — typically five to seven business days — so mobile deposit is faster if you have the option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deposit cash at an Ally ATM?

No. Ally ATMs through the Allpoint network only allow withdrawals. To deposit cash, you must use another bank's ATM or teller, or a third-party money transfer service.

How long does it take for a transfer from another bank to show up in my Ally account?

Most transfers take one to two business days. Weekends and holidays can add time. If you initiate a transfer on Friday evening, it may not arrive until Tuesday. Some banks offer same-day transfers for an extra fee, but Ally does not charge extra for receiving transfers.

What's Ally's routing number?

Ally's routing number is 011000138. You will need this when setting up a transfer from another bank. Your account number can be found in your Ally online banking portal or by calling 1-877-247-2559.

Do I have to report large cash deposits to Ally?

If you deposit cash at another bank first, that bank may report deposits of $10,000 or more to the federal government — this is standard practice, not a sign of wrongdoing. Ally will receive the transfer like any other and does not require you to report it separately.

Can I deposit cash at a different bank than the one where I have my main account?

Yes. You can deposit cash at any bank or credit union, even if you don't have an account there. Some banks charge a small fee for this (usually $2 to $5), so ask before you deposit. Once the cash is in any account, you can transfer it to Ally for free.