You can deposit a check into an Ally checking account, but not during account opening
Ally does not accept checks as a funding method when you first open an account. During the signup process, you can only fund your new checking account by transferring money from another bank account using your routing and account number, or by transferring from an existing Ally account if you have one.
Once your account is open and active, you can deposit checks into it using Ally's mobile app. The process works through mobile check deposit, which lets you photograph the front and back of a check and submit it electronically. This is the standard way Ally customers deposit checks after account opening.
If you want to fund your account with a check before it exists, you will need to use a different method to open the account first, then deposit the check once the account is live.
Key Takeaways
- Ally checking accounts can only be opened by transferring funds from another bank account or from an existing Ally account.
- Check deposits are available after your account opens, using the Ally mobile app to photograph and submit the check.
- Mobile check deposits typically post within one to two business days, though Ally may hold the funds longer on large or unusual deposits.
- If you do not have another bank account to transfer from, you can deposit a check at an ATM or bank branch first, then transfer that money to Ally.
How to open an Ally checking account without a check
To open an account, you need a source of funds that Ally accepts during signup. The most common route is a transfer from your existing bank account. You will provide your routing number and account number from that bank, and Ally will initiate an electronic transfer to fund your new account.
Ally requires a minimum opening deposit of $0 for most checking accounts, meaning you do not have to fund the account when ready during signup. However, you will still need to verify that you have access to another bank account by providing its details, even if you do not transfer money right away.
If you have another Ally account already open—such as a savings account—you can transfer from that account to fund your new checking account. This is often the fastest method because the transfer happens within Ally's system and posts almost when ready.
Depositing a check once your account is open
After your Ally checking account is active, you can deposit checks using the Ally mobile app. Open the app, navigate to the deposit or transfer section, select mobile check deposit, and photograph both the front and back of the check. The app will read the check amount and routing information automatically.
Ally typically posts mobile check deposits within one to two business days. The bank may place a temporary hold on the funds if the check is large, if it is from an unfamiliar bank, or if you have not used mobile deposit before. You can see the status of your deposit in the app.
There is no limit to how many checks you can deposit per day through the app, but Ally does have daily and monthly deposit limits. These limits vary and may change, so check the current terms in the app or on Ally's website.
What happens if you do not have another bank account
If you do not have an existing bank account to transfer from, you can deposit your check at a physical bank or credit union branch, or at an ATM that accepts check deposits. Once that check clears and the money is in an account you control, you can then transfer it to your new Ally account.
This adds a few days to the process—typically three to five business days for the check to clear at the first bank, plus one to two days for the transfer to Ally. If you need the money in your Ally account quickly, this is slower than opening with a transfer from an existing account.
Another option is to ask the person or organization who issued the check to send the funds by ACH transfer or wire instead. This is faster and avoids the check deposit step entirely, though it requires the other party to agree and have your Ally account details.
Mobile check deposit limits and holds
Ally's mobile check deposit feature has daily and monthly limits on the number and total amount of checks you can deposit. These limits exist to prevent fraud and manage risk. The exact limits depend on your account history and how long you have been with Ally.
New accounts typically have lower limits than established accounts. A new customer might be able to deposit up to $2,500 per day, while an account that has been open for a year or more might have a higher limit. Ally does not publish these limits publicly, so you will see your specific limit in the app when you attempt a deposit.
If a check exceeds your daily limit, you can deposit it on a different day, or you can contact Ally to request a temporary increase. Ally may also place a hold on the funds even if the check is within your limit, depending on the check amount and your account activity.
Alternatives to check deposit
If you prefer not to use mobile check deposit, you have other ways to move money into your Ally account. ACH transfers from another bank account are free and typically post within one to two business days. Wire transfers are faster—usually same-day or next-day—but Ally charges a fee to receive a wire.
You can also transfer money from another Ally account if you have one, or ask someone to send you money using a peer-to-peer payment app like Venmo or PayPal, then transfer that balance to your Ally checking account. None of these methods require a physical check.
If you receive checks regularly and want to avoid the mobile deposit process, you can ask your employer or the organization sending the check to set up direct deposit instead. This deposits the funds directly into your Ally account without any action on your part.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit a check at an Ally ATM?
Ally does not operate its own ATM network. You cannot deposit checks at Ally ATMs because Ally does not have physical ATMs. You must use the mobile app to deposit checks, or visit an ATM or branch of another bank to deposit the check there first.
How long does a mobile check deposit take to show up?
Mobile check deposits typically post within one to two business days. Ally may hold the funds longer if the check is large, from an unfamiliar bank, or if your account is new. You can see the expected posting date in the app when you submit the deposit.
What if my check deposit is rejected?
Ally may reject a check deposit if the image is unclear, if the check is damaged, if the amount does not match between the front and back, or if the check appears to be fraudulent. The app will tell you why the deposit was rejected. You can resubmit the check or contact Ally for help.
Can I deposit a check from a foreign bank?
Ally's mobile check deposit works only for checks drawn on U.S. banks. Foreign checks cannot be deposited through the app. You would need to deposit a foreign check at a physical bank branch and ask them to handle the international collection process, which takes several weeks.