The fastest ways to transfer money to Ally
You can move money into an Ally savings account through ACH transfer (from another bank account), wire transfer, mobile check deposit, or by transferring between your own Ally accounts. ACH is free and takes one to two business days. Wire transfer is faster but costs money and requires your recipient routing number. Mobile check deposit is instant to your account but the funds may take a few days to clear.
The method you choose depends on how fast you need the money, whether you have a check, and whether you're moving money from another bank or within Ally itself. Most people use ACH because it's free and reliable, even though it's not the fastest option.
Key Takeaways
- ACH transfers from another bank are free and take one to two business days, making them the cheapest option for most transfers.
- Wire transfers arrive the same day but cost between $10 and $25, depending on whether the wire is incoming or outgoing.
- Mobile check deposit through the Ally app is instant to your account, though the funds clear within a few business days.
- You can transfer money between your own Ally accounts instantly at no cost through the Ally website or app.
- ACH transfers require the routing number of the bank you're sending from, not Ally's routing number.
Setting up an ACH transfer from another bank
To move money from a checking or savings account at another bank, you'll need to initiate an ACH transfer. Log into your Ally account online or through the mobile app, then look for the "Transfer" or "Move Money" section. Select "Transfer from another bank" and enter the routing number and account number of the bank account you're sending from.
Ally will ask you to verify the account by depositing two small amounts (usually under $1 each) into that external account, then confirm the amounts in your Ally account. This verification step takes one to two business days. Once verified, future transfers from that account are instant to set up, though the actual money still takes one to two business days to arrive.
If you're in a hurry and don't want to wait for verification, you can also call Ally customer service at the number on the back of your card or on their website. They may be able to verify the account over the phone, though this is not always available.
Wire transfers for same-day delivery
A wire transfer moves money the same business day it's sent, but Ally charges a fee. An incoming wire (money coming to Ally from another bank) typically costs $0, but the sending bank may charge you. An outgoing wire (money leaving Ally to another bank) costs $25. If you're receiving a wire into Ally, ask the person or business sending it to use Ally's wire routing number, which is different from the ACH routing number.
To send a wire from Ally, call their customer service line or use the wire transfer option in your online account if available. You'll need the recipient's full name, bank name, routing number, and account number. Have this information ready before you call, because the process moves quickly once you start.
Wire transfers are final once sent — you cannot cancel or reverse them. Make sure all the recipient information is correct before confirming. If you send money to the wrong account, you'll need to contact that bank and ask them to return it, which may not always be possible.
Mobile check deposit through the Ally app
If you have a paper check, you can deposit it instantly using the Ally mobile app without visiting a branch or ATM. Open the app, find "Deposit a Check" or "Mobile Deposit," and take photos of the front and back of the check. The app will read the check amount and routing information automatically.
The money appears in your account immediately, but it's held as "pending" until the check clears, which usually takes two to three business days. During this time, you can see the deposit in your balance, but Ally may place a hold on the funds if the check amount is large or if you're a new customer. Once the check clears, the hold lifts and you can withdraw the money.
There are limits on how many checks you can deposit per day and per month — these vary by account type, so check your account terms. If you exceed the limit, you'll need to deposit the check at an ATM or mail it to Ally instead.
Transferring between your own Ally accounts
If you have multiple accounts with Ally — for example, a checking account and a savings account — you can move money between them instantly at no cost. Log into your Ally account and select "Transfer Between My Accounts" or similar wording. Choose the account you're sending from and the account you're sending to, enter the amount, and confirm.
The money moves immediately and is available right away. There are no fees, no verification steps, and no delays. This is the fastest and cheapest way to move money if you already have accounts at Ally.
What to do if your transfer is delayed or fails
ACH transfers occasionally fail if the account number or routing number is wrong, or if the external bank rejects the transfer for security reasons. If this happens, Ally will send you a notification explaining why. Check that you entered the correct information, then try again or contact Ally customer service for help.
If a transfer is taking longer than expected, check the status in your Ally account. ACH transfers should arrive within one to two business days; if it's been longer, contact Ally. Wire transfers should arrive the same day; if not, call immediately because delays on wires are rare and usually mean something went wrong.
If you accidentally sent money to the wrong account, contact Ally right away. They can sometimes recall the transfer if it hasn't cleared yet, but this is not always possible. For wire transfers, contact the receiving bank and ask them to return the funds, though they are not required to do so.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer money to Ally from a credit card?
No. ACH transfers only work between bank accounts (checking and savings), not credit cards. If you need to move money from a credit card to Ally, you'll need to pay off the credit card first, then transfer the refund to your Ally account. Some credit card companies also allow you to transfer a balance to a different card, but this is not the same as depositing into a savings account.
How much money can I transfer at once?
ACH transfer limits vary by bank and by account type. Ally typically allows transfers up to $100,000 per day, but your external bank may have lower limits. Wire transfers have higher limits, often $250,000 or more per day. Check your account terms or contact Ally to confirm the limit for your specific account.
Do I need Ally's routing number to transfer money in?
No. When you're receiving money from another bank into Ally, you give the sending bank your Ally account number and your own bank's routing number — not Ally's. Ally's routing number is only used for outgoing wires and ACH payments. Your bank statement or Ally's website will show you which routing number to use for incoming transfers.
What happens if I transfer money on a weekend or holiday?
ACH transfers initiated on weekends or holidays are processed the next business day. The one to two business day timeline starts from when the transfer is processed, not when you submit it. Wire transfers also do not process on weekends or holidays, so a wire sent Friday evening will not arrive until Monday at the earliest.
Can I set up automatic transfers to Ally?
Yes. Once you've verified an external bank account, you can set up recurring ACH transfers on a schedule — weekly, biweekly, monthly, or on a specific date. This is useful for automatic savings. Set it up in your Ally account under "Recurring Transfers" or "Scheduled Transfers," and Ally will move the money on the date you choose.