The three ways to add money to your Discover savings account
You can move money into your Discover savings account in three main ways: transfer from another bank account you own, deposit a check through the mobile app, or transfer money from a Discover checking account if you have one. Discover does not have physical branches, so you cannot walk in and hand over cash — all deposits happen online or through the app.
The method you choose depends on what you have available right now. If you have cash, you will need to deposit it into another bank account first, then transfer it to Discover. If you have a check, the mobile app is usually fastest. If the money is already at another bank, a transfer takes one to three business days.
Key Takeaways
- You can transfer money from any other bank account you own by linking it to your Discover account through the website or app.
- Mobile check deposit lets you photograph a check and deposit it without mailing anything, usually within one business day.
- Transfers from another bank take one to three business days because the banks coordinate behind the scenes.
- Discover does not accept cash deposits directly, so cash must go into another bank account first.
Transferring money from another bank account
This is the most common way to add money if you have a checking account elsewhere. Log into your Discover account on the website or app, find the transfer or move money section, and select "transfer from external account." Discover will ask for the routing number and account number of the bank you want to transfer from.
You can find your routing number and account number on a check from that bank, or by logging into that bank's website. Once you enter these details, Discover will send two small test deposits to that account — usually $0.01 and $0.02 — to confirm you own it. You will need to log into the other bank and tell Discover what those amounts were. This takes a few days but only happens once per account you link.
After the test deposits clear, you can transfer money whenever you want. The transfer itself takes one to three business days. Discover will show the transfer as pending in your account right away, but the money will not be available to earn interest until it fully clears.
Depositing a check through the mobile app
If someone gave you a check, you can deposit it without going to a bank branch. Open the Discover mobile app, tap the deposit or camera icon, and photograph the front and back of the check. The app will read the check amount automatically and ask you to confirm it.
Discover usually credits mobile check deposits within one business day. The check itself does not need to be mailed anywhere — the app converts your photos into a digital deposit. Make sure the check is signed on the back and that your photos are clear enough to read the amount and the bank routing information at the bottom.
Transferring from a Discover checking account
If you have both a Discover checking and savings account, moving money between them is when ready. Log into your Discover account, select the transfer option, choose your checking account as the source and your savings account as the destination, and enter the amount. The money appears in your savings account when ready and starts earning interest right away.
This is useful if you receive a paycheck or other deposits into your checking account and want to move the money to savings where it earns more interest. You can set up recurring transfers so money moves automatically on a schedule you choose.
What to do if you have cash
Discover does not accept cash deposits because it has no physical locations. If you have cash, you will need to deposit it into another bank account first — either a checking account at another bank, or at a bank branch if you have a local account elsewhere.
Once the cash is in that account, you can transfer it to Discover using the external transfer method described above. Some people keep a small checking account at a local bank or credit union just for this reason, especially if they receive cash payments or need to deposit checks occasionally.
How long transfers take and what to expect
External transfers from another bank take one to three business days. Weekends and holidays do not count as business days, so a transfer you start on Friday afternoon might not clear until Tuesday. Discover will show the transfer as pending in your account as soon as you request it, but you cannot withdraw the money or earn interest on it until it fully clears.
Mobile check deposits are usually faster — most clear within one business day. Transfers between your own Discover accounts are when ready. If you need money urgently, mobile check deposit is your fastest option. If you are moving money from savings to checking within Discover, it arrives when ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer money from a credit card to my Discover savings account?
No. Credit cards and bank accounts are different systems, and you cannot transfer directly from a credit card. You would need to use the credit card to pay down a balance or withdraw cash, then deposit that money into a bank account, then transfer it to Discover. This is not recommended because credit card cash advances usually charge high fees.
What if my transfer from another bank fails or gets rejected?
Discover will send you a message explaining why. Common reasons include entering the wrong routing or account number, or the other bank blocking the transfer. Log back into your Discover account, check that the account details are correct, and try again. If the problem continues, contact Discover customer service through the app or website.
Do I need to verify my identity before I can transfer money in?
Discover verifies your identity when you open the account. When you link a new external bank account, Discover sends test deposits to confirm you own it, but this is not a full identity check. If Discover suspects fraud, it may ask for additional information before processing a large transfer.
Can someone else deposit money into my Discover savings account?
Yes, if they know your account and routing number. They can transfer money from their own bank account to yours using their bank's transfer system. You would give them your Discover routing number and your account number, and they would initiate the transfer from their side. The money takes one to three business days to arrive.