The fastest way to fund your Discover account
You can move money into a Discover savings account through ACH transfer (from another bank), wire transfer, or mobile check deposit. ACH is free and takes one to three business days. Wire transfer is faster—usually same day—but costs $15 to $25. Mobile check deposit (photographing a check through the app) is free and clears in one to two business days.
The method you choose depends on how quickly you need the money and whether you have a check or funds at another bank. Most people use ACH because it is free, but if you need money the same day, wire transfer is your only option.
Key Takeaways
- ACH transfer from another bank is free and takes one to three business days, making it the cheapest option for most transfers.
- Wire transfer costs $15 to $25 but typically completes the same business day if you initiate before the cutoff time (usually 2 p.m. ET).
- Mobile check deposit through the Discover app is free and takes one to two business days to clear.
- You will need your Discover account number and routing number (33000652) to receive an ACH or wire transfer from another bank.
- Transfers initiated on weekends or after business hours will process on the next business day.
Setting up an ACH transfer from another bank
To move money from a checking or savings account at another bank, log into that bank's website or app and look for "transfer funds" or "send money." You will be asked to add Discover as an external account. Discover's routing number is 33000652. Enter your Discover savings account number (found on statements or in the Discover app under account details).
The sending bank will verify the account by depositing two small amounts (usually under $1 each) into your Discover account within one to two business days. Once verified, you can transfer any amount up to your sending bank's daily limit. Most banks allow $5,000 to $25,000 per day, though this varies.
After verification, future transfers take one to three business days. The exact timing depends on your sending bank's processing schedule. Transfers sent on Friday afternoon may not arrive until Tuesday.
Initiating a wire transfer to Discover
Wire transfer is the fastest method but carries a fee. Contact your current bank and ask to send a domestic wire to Discover Bank. You will need to provide Discover's routing number (33000652), your Discover account number, and your full name as it appears on the Discover account.
Most banks charge $15 to $25 to send a wire. The money typically arrives the same business day if you initiate the transfer before 2 p.m. ET. Transfers sent after that time or on weekends will process the next business day.
Keep the wire confirmation number your bank provides. If the money does not arrive within one business day, contact Discover with this number so they can trace the transfer.
Using mobile check deposit
If you have a paper check, photograph both the front and back using the Discover mobile app. Open the app, tap "Deposit," and follow the prompts to take clear photos of each side. The check must be endorsed (signed on the back) before you photograph it.
Discover will display the deposit amount and an estimated arrival date—usually one to two business days. The check clears into your account automatically; you do not need to mail it or visit a branch. This method is free and works for most personal and business checks.
Do not deposit the same check twice. After you submit it through the app, either destroy it or write "deposited" across it. If you attempt to cash or deposit the check elsewhere, you may face fraud charges.
Transferring money from another Discover account
If you have multiple Discover accounts (such as a checking and savings account), you can move money between them instantly through the Discover app or website. Log in, select "Transfer," choose the source and destination accounts, and enter the amount. The transfer completes immediately and is free.
This is useful if you keep most of your money in checking for everyday use but want to move funds into savings to earn interest. You can set up recurring transfers to automate this process—for example, moving $200 to savings every payday.
What happens if your transfer fails or is delayed
ACH transfers occasionally fail if the account number or routing number is incorrect. Discover will notify you through the app or email, and the money will return to your sending bank within one to three business days. Check the account details and try again.
Wire transfers rarely fail, but if one does not arrive within one business day, contact Discover immediately with your wire confirmation number. Discover can contact the sending bank to locate the transfer. Do not assume the money is lost; tracing typically takes three to five business days.
If you deposit a check through the app and it is rejected (for example, because the check is post-dated or the image is unclear), Discover will notify you and you can resubmit or use another method.
Daily and monthly transfer limits
Discover does not impose a limit on how much you can transfer into your savings account per day or per month. However, your sending bank may have daily limits—typically $5,000 to $25,000 per transfer, though some banks allow higher amounts if you request them.
If you need to move a large sum, contact your sending bank to ask whether they can increase your daily limit temporarily or split the transfer across multiple days. Wire transfers are not subject to the same daily limits as ACH, so this method works well for large, one-time moves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer money from a credit card to my Discover savings account?
No. You cannot transfer directly from a credit card to a savings account. You must first move money from a credit card to a checking account (which some card issuers allow as a cash advance), then transfer from checking to Discover. Cash advances typically carry fees and high interest rates, so this is not recommended.
How long does it take for money to show up after I initiate a transfer?
ACH transfers take one to three business days. Wire transfers usually arrive the same business day if sent before 2 p.m. ET. Mobile check deposits clear in one to two business days. Transfers initiated on weekends or after business hours process on the next business day.
What if I enter the wrong account number when setting up an ACH transfer?
The transfer will fail and the money will return to your sending bank within one to three business days. Discover will notify you of the failure. Double-check your account number (found in the Discover app or on statements) and try again. Your Discover account number is different from your card number.
Is there a fee to transfer money into Discover savings?
ACH and mobile check deposits are free. Wire transfers cost $15 to $25, depending on your sending bank. Transfers between your own Discover accounts are free. Discover itself does not charge to receive money; only your sending bank may charge a fee.
Can I set up automatic recurring transfers into my Discover savings account?
Yes, if you are transferring from another Discover account. Log into the app, select "Transfer," and choose "Recurring." You can set it to repeat weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. For transfers from other banks, you must initiate each ACH transfer manually through your sending bank's website.