The main ways to deposit money into Discover Bank
Discover Bank accepts deposits through ACH transfers from another bank account, wire transfers, and mobile check deposit using the Discover Bank mobile app. You cannot walk into a branch and hand over cash — Discover has no physical locations. The method you choose depends on how fast you need the money to arrive and whether you have a check to deposit.
ACH transfers are the slowest but free. Wire transfers arrive the same business day but cost money. Mobile check deposit is fast and free if you have a check. Each method requires you to be logged into your Discover Bank account or have your account number and routing number ready.
Key Takeaways
- ACH transfers from another bank account are free but take one to three business days to arrive in your Discover account.
- Wire transfers arrive the same business day but Discover charges a fee to receive incoming wires (the amount varies and you should confirm the current fee before sending).
- Mobile check deposit through the Discover Bank app is free and typically clears within one to two business days.
- You will need your Discover account number and routing number (01600013) to receive transfers from outside banks.
ACH transfers from another bank account
An ACH transfer moves money electronically from your bank account at another institution directly into your Discover Bank account. This is the most common deposit method and costs nothing. Log into your account at the other bank, find the option to send money to an external account, and enter your Discover account number and Discover's routing number (01600013). The transfer usually takes one to three business days.
The first time you set up an ACH transfer to Discover, the other bank may require you to verify that you own the Discover account. This verification can happen through small test deposits (the bank sends you two small amounts, you report them back) or through a one-time code. Once verified, future transfers are faster. If you are moving a large sum, check whether your sending bank has daily or monthly transfer limits — many do, and you may need to split the deposit across multiple days.
Wire transfers for same-day arrival
A wire transfer moves money the same business day, usually within hours. You initiate it at your current bank and provide them with Discover's routing number (01600013) and your Discover account number. Discover charges a fee to receive incoming wire transfers; the amount varies and you should contact Discover before sending to confirm the current fee.
Wire transfers are irreversible once sent, so double-check the account number and routing number before you authorize the transfer. If you send money to the wrong account, you cannot get it back through Discover's system. Wire transfers are most useful when you need funds immediately — for example, to cover an overdraft or meet a same-day deadline. For routine deposits, ACH transfers are cheaper.
Mobile check deposit through the app
If you have a paper check, you can deposit it without visiting a bank by using the Discover Bank mobile app. Open the app, find the deposit or mobile check option, take photos of the front and back of the check, and submit. Discover typically credits the funds within one to two business days. The check must be made out to you, and the amount must match what you are depositing — you cannot deposit a check for more than the amount written and keep the difference.
Mobile check deposit has limits. Discover sets a maximum per check and a maximum per day; these limits change and you should check the app or contact Discover for current numbers. Once you submit the photos, do not deposit the physical check anywhere else. Write "Mobile Deposited" on the back and keep it for your records for at least 30 days in case Discover needs to verify the deposit.
Setting up external transfers for the first time
Before you can receive money from another bank, you need to provide that bank with your Discover account number and Discover's routing number. Discover's routing number is 01600013. Your account number is the number on your Discover debit card or in your online account settings.
When you enter this information at another bank for the first time, that bank may require verification. Some banks send two small test deposits (usually under $1 each) and ask you to report the amounts back. Others use a one-time code sent to your email or phone. This verification step protects against fraud and usually takes one to two business days. After verification, you can transfer money freely without repeating the process.
Timing and when money becomes available
The time it takes for a deposit to show up in your account depends on the method. ACH transfers take one to three business days. Wire transfers arrive the same business day. Mobile check deposits typically clear within one to two business days. "Business day" means Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays — so a transfer sent on Friday afternoon may not arrive until Tuesday.
Even after money appears in your account, there can be a difference between when you see it and when you can spend it. Discover may place a hold on a deposit for a few days, especially for large amounts or mobile check deposits. You can see the hold in your account details. During the hold period, the money counts toward your balance but you cannot withdraw it. Once the hold lifts, the money is fully available.
What to do if a deposit does not arrive
If you sent an ACH transfer and it has been more than three business days, log into the sending bank's account and look for the transaction history. It should show whether the transfer was sent, rejected, or pending. If it was rejected, the sending bank will tell you why — usually a mismatched account number or a problem with the receiving account. Contact Discover to confirm your account number and routing number are correct, then try again.
If you sent a wire transfer and it did not arrive the same day, contact Discover immediately. Wire transfers are supposed to arrive within hours, and a delay suggests the money may have gone to the wrong account. Discover can help trace the wire, but the sooner you report it, the better. For mobile check deposits that do not appear within two business days, check the app to see if Discover rejected the deposit — this usually means the image quality was poor or the check information did not match your account. You can resubmit with clearer photos.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit cash into my Discover Bank account?
No. Discover has no physical branches, so you cannot deposit cash directly. You can withdraw cash from an ATM using your Discover debit card, but to deposit cash, you must first transfer it to another bank account you own, then transfer it from there to Discover using ACH or wire transfer.
What is Discover's routing number?
Discover's routing number is 01600013. You need this number when setting up transfers from another bank. Your account number is specific to you and appears on your debit card or in your online account settings.
How much can I deposit at one time?
ACH transfers and wire transfers have no stated per-transaction limit from Discover's side, but your sending bank may have daily or monthly limits. Mobile check deposits have per-check and per-day limits that vary; check the app or contact Discover for current numbers. Large deposits may trigger fraud review, which can delay availability.
Do I have to pay a fee to deposit money into Discover?
ACH transfers and mobile check deposits are free. Wire transfers charge a fee to receive the money; the amount varies and you should confirm the current fee before sending. Discover does not charge to receive ACH transfers or mobile check deposits.
What happens if I deposit a check made out to someone else?
Mobile check deposit will reject it. The check must be made out to you or to you and another person. If the check is made out to someone else entirely, you cannot deposit it into your account — the other person must deposit it into theirs, or they must sign it over to you in writing (a process called endorsement), though many banks no longer accept third-party checks.