Ally Bank does not have physical branches, so you cannot walk in and deposit cash at a teller window

Ally is an online-only bank. It has no branches anywhere in the United States. This means you cannot deposit cash directly with Ally staff. However, Ally does offer several ways to get cash into your account, and most of them work well if you know where to look.

The main routes are: using an ATM that Ally partners with, depositing through a third-party bank or credit union, or mailing a check instead. Which one works best depends on what you have available near you and how quickly you need the money in your account.

Key Takeaways

  • Ally's ATM network includes Allpoint ATMs and MoneyPass ATMs, where you can deposit cash without a fee at many locations.
  • You can also deposit cash at any branch of a partner bank or credit union, and Ally will credit your account within one to two business days.
  • If you have a check instead of cash, mailing it to Ally is free and takes about five to seven business days to clear.
  • Ally does not charge fees for deposits made through its partner networks, but some third-party institutions may charge their own fees.

Depositing cash at an Allpoint or MoneyPass ATM

Ally partners with two ATM networks: Allpoint and MoneyPass. Both allow you to deposit cash directly into your Ally account at thousands of ATMs across the country. You do not need to be a customer of the bank that owns the ATM.

To find a nearby ATM, log into your Ally account online or through the mobile app. Look for the ATM locator tool, enter your zip code or city, and filter for "deposit" capability. The app will show you Allpoint and MoneyPass locations near you, along with their addresses and hours. Allpoint ATMs are often found in grocery stores, pharmacies, and convenience stores. MoneyPass ATMs are typically in independent ATMs and some retail locations.

When you arrive at the ATM, insert your Ally debit card, enter your PIN, and select the deposit option. The machine will guide you through the rest. Deposits made before the ATM's cutoff time (usually 9 p.m. or 10 p.m.) post to your account the same day. Deposits made after that time or on weekends post the next business day.

Depositing cash at a partner bank or credit union branch

Ally has partnerships with certain banks and credit unions that allow you to deposit cash at their branches. The most common partner is Alliant Credit Union, which has branches in many states. Some regional banks also participate in this program, though the list changes over time.

To find out which banks near you accept Ally deposits, log into your Ally account and look for the "deposit locations" or "branch deposit" section. You can search by zip code. When you find a participating location, bring your Ally debit card and the cash you want to deposit. Tell the teller you want to deposit into your Ally account. They will process it like any other deposit. The funds typically appear in your account within one to two business days.

This method is useful if you prefer working with a person or if you have a large amount of cash. However, not every area has a participating branch nearby, so check availability first.

Mailing a check instead of depositing cash

If you have a check rather than cash, or if you cannot reach an ATM or partner branch, you can mail it to Ally. This is free and requires no special setup. Write the check to yourself, sign the back, and include a note with your Ally account number. Mail it to the address Ally provides in your account settings or on their website.

Checks typically take five to seven business days to clear after Ally receives them. This is slower than ATM or branch deposits, but it works if you have time. Keep a record of what you mailed and when, in case you need to follow up.

What to do if you cannot find a deposit location near you

If there are no Allpoint or MoneyPass ATMs and no partner branches within reasonable distance, you have a few options. One is to transfer money from another bank account you own. If you have a checking or savings account at a traditional bank, you can transfer funds from that account to Ally using Ally's transfer tool. This is free and takes one to three business days.

Another option is to ask a friend or family member to deposit the cash into their own bank account, then transfer it to you electronically. This works if you trust the person and they have online banking set up. A third option is to use a mobile payment app like Venmo or PayPal to move money around, though some of these services charge fees.

Fees and limits on cash deposits

Ally does not charge fees for deposits made through Allpoint or MoneyPass ATMs, or through partner bank branches. However, some third-party ATMs or institutions may charge their own fees. Always check the ATM screen or ask the teller before you deposit, so you know what you will owe.

Ally does not publish a daily or monthly limit on how much cash you can deposit. However, the ATM itself may have a limit — most ATMs accept deposits up to $5,000 or $10,000 per transaction, though this varies by machine. If you need to deposit more than that, you can make multiple deposits or use a partner branch, where a teller can process a larger amount.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deposit cash at any ATM?

No. You can only deposit cash at ATMs that are part of the Allpoint or MoneyPass networks, or at branches of banks and credit unions that partner with Ally. Depositing at other ATMs will not work. Use Ally's ATM locator to find participating machines near you.

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

Deposits made at an ATM before the cutoff time (usually 9 p.m. or 10 p.m.) post the same day. Deposits made after hours or on weekends post the next business day. Deposits made at a partner branch take one to two business days.

What if the ATM rejects my deposit?

ATMs occasionally reject cash for reasons like torn bills, incorrect denominations, or a full deposit slot. If this happens, try a different ATM or visit a partner branch instead. Keep your receipt and contact Ally if the machine kept your cash — they can investigate what happened.

Can I deposit cash if I do not have my debit card with me?

Most ATMs require your Ally debit card and PIN to process a deposit. If you do not have your card, you cannot use the ATM. Your best option is to visit a partner bank or credit union branch, where a teller can process the deposit with just your account number and ID.

Is there a limit to how much cash I can deposit at one time?

Ally itself does not set a limit, but the ATM may. Most ATMs accept up to $5,000 or $10,000 per transaction. If you need to deposit more, make multiple transactions or go to a partner branch, where a teller can handle larger amounts.