The three ways to move money into Discover
You can deposit money into a Discover savings account through ACH transfer from another bank, wire transfer, or by mailing a check. Discover does not have physical branches or ATMs, so you cannot walk in or use a deposit envelope. The method you choose depends on how fast you need the money to arrive and whether you are moving money from another account you control or receiving it from someone else.
Each method has different timelines and requirements. ACH transfers are free but take one to three business days. Wire transfers arrive the same day or next business day but cost money. Mailed checks take the longest but cost nothing to send.
Key Takeaways
- ACH transfers from your bank to Discover are free and take one to three business days, making them the cheapest option for moving your own money.
- You will need your Discover account number and routing number to set up an incoming transfer, which you can find in your online account or by calling Discover.
- Wire transfers arrive faster but charge a fee on the receiving end, usually $0 to $10 depending on the amount and Discover's current policy.
- Mailed checks must be made payable to your name and include your account number on the back; processing takes seven to ten business days after Discover receives it.
- Discover will not accept third-party checks or checks older than six months, and the account holder's name must match the check payee exactly.
Setting up an ACH transfer from your current bank
An ACH transfer is the most common way to move money between banks. You log into your current bank's website or app, select the option to transfer money out (often labeled "Send Money," "Pay," or "Transfer"), and add Discover as the receiving bank. Your current bank will ask for Discover's routing number and your Discover account number.
Discover's routing number is 011000015. Your account number appears in your Discover online banking portal under account details, or you can call Discover at 1-800-347-2683 to confirm it. Once you enter these details and the amount, your bank will process the transfer. Most banks show the transfer as pending immediately, but the money does not arrive at Discover for one to three business days. Weekends and federal holidays add extra time.
Some banks limit how much you can transfer at once or how many transfers you can make per month. Check your bank's transfer limits before you start. If your bank does not offer outgoing ACH transfers online, you can call your bank and request a transfer by phone, though this may take longer.
Receiving a wire transfer into your Discover account
A wire transfer moves money faster than ACH but costs money. If someone else is sending you money or you need funds to arrive the same day, wire transfer is the option. The person sending the wire will need your Discover account number, routing number (011000015), and your full name as it appears on the account.
Wire transfers typically arrive within one business day, and many arrive the same day if sent before the bank's cutoff time (usually 2 p.m. Eastern). Discover may charge a fee to receive a wire transfer; this fee varies and you should contact Discover before the transfer to confirm the current amount. The sending bank also charges a fee on their end, usually $15 to $30.
To receive a wire, you do not need to do anything in advance except make sure your account is open and active. Give the sender your information and let them know to expect the fee. Once the wire arrives, it is final — you cannot reverse it, so make sure the sender has the correct account number.
Mailing a check to Discover
You can deposit a check by mail if you do not have access to another bank account or prefer not to use electronic transfers. The check must be made payable to your name (the account holder), and you must write your Discover account number on the back of the check. Do not sign the back; Discover will do that during processing.
Mail the check to the address Discover provides for check deposits. You can find this address by logging into your online account, calling 1-800-347-2683, or checking your account statements. Include a note with your account number if you are worried the number on the check back is unclear.
Processing takes seven to ten business days after Discover receives the check. Mail delivery itself adds two to five days, so plan for ten to fifteen business days total from the time you drop the check in the mail. Discover will not accept third-party checks (checks made out to someone else), post-dated checks, or checks older than six months. If the check is damaged, illegible, or the amount does not match what you wrote on your deposit slip, Discover will return it.
What happens if your transfer fails or is delayed
If an ACH transfer does not arrive within three business days, log into your Discover account and check the status. Discover shows pending transfers in your transaction history. If it shows as completed on Discover's end but you do not see the money, contact your sending bank — the problem is usually on their side.
If your sending bank says the transfer was rejected, the most common reasons are a wrong routing number, a wrong account number, or a mismatch between the account holder's name at your bank and the name on your Discover account. Correct the information and try again. Some banks also reject transfers if the account has been closed or if there is a fraud hold.
For wire transfers, if the money does not arrive within one business day, contact Discover immediately with the wire reference number (the sender should have this). Wire transfers are harder to recover if something goes wrong, so speed matters. For mailed checks, if more than fifteen business days have passed, call Discover to confirm they received it.
Limits on how much you can deposit
Discover does not publish a single deposit limit that applies to all customers. The amount you can transfer depends on your sending bank's limits, your account history with Discover, and Discover's fraud detection systems. Your first transfer may be smaller than later ones as Discover verifies the connection between accounts.
If you are moving a large amount, contact Discover before you transfer to ask whether there are any limits on your account. Wire transfers sometimes have higher limits than ACH transfers. If a transfer is rejected because it exceeds a limit, you can split it into multiple transfers over several days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit cash into a Discover savings account?
No. Discover has no physical locations or ATMs. You must transfer money from another bank account, receive a wire transfer, or mail a check. If you have cash, deposit it into your current bank first, then transfer it to Discover electronically.
Do I need to do anything in my Discover account before I transfer money in?
No. Your account is ready to receive transfers as soon as it is open. You do not need to set up anything on Discover's end. Just provide the sender with your routing number and account number, or set up the transfer from your other bank.
What if the name on my check does not match my Discover account name exactly?
Discover will likely reject the check. The payee name must match the account holder's name on file. If your name has changed or appears differently on different documents, contact Discover to update your account name before you mail the check.
Can someone else deposit money into my Discover account?
Yes, through ACH transfer or wire transfer. They will need your account number and routing number. For checks, the check must be made payable to your name, not theirs. They cannot deposit cash or use your debit card at an ATM because Discover has neither.
How do I know if my transfer went through?
Log into your Discover account online or in the app and check your transaction history. Pending transfers show with a status indicator. Once the money arrives, it appears as a completed deposit. You can also call Discover at 1-800-347-2683 to confirm the status of any transfer.