The main ways to deposit money into Discover checking
Discover Bank offers three primary deposit methods for checking accounts: mobile check deposit (photograph a check through the app), ACH transfer from another bank (move money electronically from an external account), and wire transfer (send money directly to your Discover account number). You cannot deposit cash or checks by mail at Discover branches because Discover operates as an online bank with no physical locations.
Mobile check deposit is the fastest and most common route for most people. You photograph the front and back of a check using the Discover mobile app, and the funds typically appear in your account within one business day. ACH transfers take two to three business days but cost nothing and work from any other bank account you own or control. Wire transfers arrive the same day but carry a fee and require you to provide your account details to the sender.
Each method has different requirements and timelines. The right choice depends on what you are depositing, how quickly you need the money, and whether you have access to the Discover app.
Key Takeaways
- Mobile check deposit through the Discover app is free and usually clears within one business day, making it the fastest option for most check deposits.
- ACH transfers from another bank account take two to three business days but are free and do not require you to have a physical check or the Discover app.
- Wire transfers deposit money the same day but charge a fee (typically $10 to $15) and require you to provide your Discover account and routing number to the sender.
- Discover has no physical branches, so you cannot deposit cash or mail checks directly to the bank.
- If you receive a paycheck, you can set up direct deposit by providing your employer with your Discover account and routing number.
Mobile check deposit through the Discover app
To deposit a check using mobile check deposit, open the Discover mobile app, navigate to the deposit or transfer section, and select "Mobile Check Deposit." Photograph the front and back of the check clearly, making sure all four corners and the entire written amount are visible. The app will read the check information automatically. Review the amount and confirm the deposit.
Funds from mobile check deposits typically post to your account within one business day. Discover may place a temporary hold on the funds while the check clears, but you can usually use the money immediately for transfers or bill payments even while the hold is in place. There is no fee for mobile check deposit.
Mobile check deposit works only for checks made out to you or to you and another person. The check must be signed on the back. After you deposit a check, do not spend it again or deposit it elsewhere — write "Deposited" on the back and keep it for your records for at least 30 days.
ACH transfer from another bank account
An ACH transfer moves money electronically from a checking or savings account at another bank into your Discover checking account. To set this up, log into your Discover account online or through the app, go to the transfer section, and select "Transfer from another bank." Enter the routing number and account number of the bank account you want to transfer from, then enter the amount and confirm.
The first ACH transfer from a new external account usually requires verification. Discover will deposit two small amounts (typically under $1 each) into that account within one to two business days. You then log into the external bank account, find those deposits, and enter the amounts into Discover to confirm you own that account. After verification, future transfers from that account are immediate.
ACH transfers take two to three business days to complete. There is no fee. This method works well if you are depositing money from your paycheck account at another bank or moving savings into Discover, but it is slower than mobile check deposit and requires you to have access to the other bank account.
Wire transfer to your Discover account
A wire transfer sends money directly from another bank to your Discover account on the same business day. To receive a wire, you need to provide the sender with your Discover account number and Discover's routing number (which you can find in the app or online account settings). The sender initiates the wire from their bank, and the money arrives in your Discover account by the end of that business day.
Discover charges a fee for incoming wire transfers, typically $10 to $15, though the exact amount may vary. The sender's bank may also charge a fee on their end. Wire transfers are useful when you need money urgently — for example, if you are closing on a home purchase or need to cover an unexpected expense — but the fees make them more expensive than ACH or mobile check deposit for routine transfers.
Once a wire transfer is sent, it cannot be reversed or recalled. Make sure the account number and routing number are correct before the sender initiates the transfer.
Direct deposit from your employer
If you receive a paycheck, you can set up direct deposit so your employer deposits your pay directly into your Discover checking account. To do this, ask your employer's payroll department for a direct deposit form. You will need to provide your Discover account number and Discover's routing number. Once your employer has this information, your paycheck will be deposited automatically on your regular pay date, usually two business days before the date printed on your pay stub.
Direct deposit is free and the most reliable way to get regular deposits into your account. There are no holds or delays — the money is available immediately. If you change banks, you will need to update your direct deposit information with your employer.
Depositing money from government benefits or tax refunds
If you receive Social Security, unemployment benefits, or a tax refund, you can have those payments deposited directly into your Discover checking account. For Social Security and unemployment, contact the agency administering your benefits and provide your Discover account and routing number. For tax refunds, enter your Discover account information when you file your tax return or amend your return if you have already filed.
These deposits work the same way as payroll direct deposit — the money arrives automatically on the scheduled date and is available immediately with no holds. This is the fastest and most secure way to receive these payments.
What to do if a deposit does not arrive
If a mobile check deposit does not post within two business days, log into your Discover app and check the status of the deposit. The app will show whether the check is pending, processed, or rejected. If the check was rejected, the app will explain why — common reasons include the check being illegible, unsigned, or already deposited elsewhere.
If an ACH transfer does not arrive within three business days, check your Discover account to confirm the transfer was actually initiated. If it was, contact Discover customer service with the transfer date and amount. If an incoming wire transfer does not arrive by the end of the business day, contact Discover immediately with the sender's bank name and the wire amount — wires can occasionally be delayed or routed incorrectly.
For any deposit issue, have the check image, transfer confirmation number, or wire details ready when you contact Discover. Customer service can trace the deposit and help recover it if it was sent to the wrong account or lost in transit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit cash into my Discover checking account?
No. Discover is an online bank with no physical branches, so you cannot deposit cash directly. If you need to convert cash to a bank deposit, withdraw cash from your Discover account at an ATM, or deposit cash into another bank account and then transfer it to Discover using ACH or mobile check deposit.
How long does it take for a check deposit to clear?
Mobile check deposits typically post within one business day. The funds may be available immediately for transfers and bill payments, but Discover may hold the funds for up to five business days before they are fully cleared, depending on the check amount and your account history.
What is Discover's routing number?
Discover's routing number is 011000015. You will need this number to set up direct deposit with your employer or to receive wire transfers. You can also find it in the Discover app under account settings or by calling customer service.
Can I deposit a check that is made out to someone else?
No. Mobile check deposit only works for checks made out to you or to you and another person. If a check is made out to someone else, that person must deposit it themselves or sign it over to you, though third-party check deposits are increasingly difficult to process at most banks.
Is there a limit on how much I can deposit?
Mobile check deposit typically has a daily limit of $2,500 and a monthly limit of $5,000, though these limits may vary based on your account history and Discover's current policies. ACH transfers and wire transfers have higher limits. Check your Discover account settings or contact customer service to confirm your specific limits.