Ally Bank does not accept cash deposits at branches or ATMs

Ally Bank is an online-only bank with no physical branches. This means you cannot walk into a location and deposit cash directly. Ally does not operate ATMs that accept cash deposits, and it does not partner with other banks' ATM networks for deposit purposes.

If you need to deposit cash into an Ally account, you have three main routes: transfer the money through another bank account you control, use a third-party service to convert cash to a digital transfer, or deposit cash at a partner bank and move it electronically to Ally.

Key Takeaways

  • Ally Bank has no physical branches or cash-deposit ATMs, so you cannot deposit cash directly into an Ally account.
  • The most common method is to deposit cash at another bank you use, then transfer the funds electronically to your Ally account.
  • You can use services like MoneyGram or Western Union to convert cash into a transfer to your Ally account, though fees explore.
  • Mobile check deposit through the Ally app works for checks but not for cash.
  • Transfers from another bank account to Ally typically take one to three business days.

Deposit cash at another bank, then transfer to Ally

The simplest method for most people is to use a bank account you already have at another institution. If you have a checking or savings account at a traditional bank—Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, a local credit union, or any other bank with branches—you can deposit cash there and then move the money to Ally electronically.

Walk into a branch or use a deposit-enabled ATM at your other bank and deposit the cash as you normally would. Once the deposit clears (usually the same day or next business day), log into your Ally account online or through the mobile app. Go to the transfer section and select "Transfer from another bank." Enter the routing number and account number of your other bank account, and transfer the amount you need. Ally will pull the funds from that account into your Ally account within one to three business days.

This method works best if you already maintain an account elsewhere. There are no fees on Ally's end for incoming transfers, though your other bank may charge a fee for the outgoing transfer—check their terms.

Use MoneyGram or Western Union to convert cash to a transfer

MoneyGram and Western Union are services that let you hand over cash at a physical location and have the money sent to a bank account. Both services have agents at grocery stores, pharmacies, check-cashing shops, and other retail locations nationwide.

To use either service, you go to a MoneyGram or Western Union agent location with your cash and your Ally account details (your account number and Ally's routing number, which is 124103799). The agent will process the transfer. The money typically arrives in your Ally account within one to two business days. Both services charge a fee for this—the amount depends on how much you are sending and where you are sending from, but expect to pay $5 to $15 for smaller amounts.

This route is useful if you do not have another bank account or if you need to move cash quickly. However, the fees are higher than a straightforward bank-to-bank transfer, so it is most practical for occasional or smaller deposits.

What does not work for cash deposits

Ally's mobile check deposit feature lets you photograph a check and submit it through the app—this is convenient for checks but does not work for cash. You cannot photograph cash and deposit it.

Ally also does not accept cash-on-delivery or cash-in-person payments at any location. There is no way to hand cash directly to Ally or to an Ally representative. Any service claiming to offer this is not affiliated with Ally.

Timing and what to expect

If you deposit cash at another bank and then transfer it to Ally, the whole process usually takes two to four business days. The cash deposit at your other bank clears within one business day, and the electronic transfer to Ally takes one to three business days after that.

If you use MoneyGram or Western Union, the transfer typically arrives in one to two business days. Weekend and holiday delays may extend these timelines.

Once the money arrives in your Ally account, it is available to use when ready. You can withdraw it, transfer it elsewhere, or use it to pay bills through Ally's bill pay feature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deposit cash at an Ally ATM?

No. Ally does not operate ATMs, and it does not partner with ATM networks that accept cash deposits. You must use one of the three methods described above.

What is Ally's routing number for incoming transfers?

Ally's routing number is 124103799. You will need this if you are transferring from another bank or using MoneyGram or Western Union.

Are there fees for depositing cash through another bank?

Ally does not charge a fee for incoming transfers. However, your other bank may charge a fee for the outgoing transfer—check your account terms. MoneyGram and Western Union both charge fees, typically $5 to $15 depending on the amount.

How long does it take for cash to show up in my Ally account?

If you deposit at another bank and transfer, expect two to four business days total. MoneyGram and Western Union transfers usually arrive in one to two business days. Weekends and holidays may add delays.

Can I deposit someone else's cash into my Ally account?

Yes, as long as you have access to another bank account. Deposit the cash at that bank in your name, then transfer it to Ally. If you are using MoneyGram or Western Union, the account holder's name must match the name on the Ally account receiving the transfer.