The main ways to deposit money into Discover
Discover offers four primary deposit methods: ACH transfers from another bank, wire transfers, mobile check deposit, and transfers between your own Discover accounts. The method you choose depends on how quickly you need the money to arrive and whether you have a paper check or funds sitting elsewhere.
ACH transfers are the slowest but most common route—they typically take one to three business days and cost nothing. Wire transfers arrive the same day but carry a fee. Mobile check deposit is when ready to your account (though the funds may take a few days to fully clear). Transfers between your own Discover accounts happen when ready.
Discover does not accept cash deposits directly because it has no physical branches. If you need to deposit cash, you will need to move it through another bank first—deposit it at an ATM or branch of a bank you use, then transfer the funds to Discover via ACH.
Key Takeaways
- ACH transfers from another bank take one to three business days and are free, making them the cheapest option for most deposits.
- Mobile check deposit lets you photograph a check with the Discover app, and the funds appear in your account the same day, though clearing takes longer.
- Wire transfers arrive the same business day but cost money—Discover charges a fee to receive incoming wires, so confirm the amount before you send.
- You cannot deposit cash directly at Discover; deposit it at another bank first, then transfer it to Discover via ACH.
Setting up an ACH transfer from another bank
Log into your Discover account online or through the mobile app and look for the "Transfer Money" or "Move Money" option. You will need the routing number and account number from the bank you are transferring from. Discover's routing number is 011000015 if the other bank asks for it instead.
Enter the amount and select the date you want the transfer to happen. ACH transfers typically post within one to three business days, though some banks process them faster. If you are transferring from a major bank like Chase, Bank of America, or Wells Fargo, the transfer usually arrives within two business days.
If you have not linked the external bank account before, Discover may require you to verify it first. This usually means Discover will send two small deposits (typically under $1 each) to that account, and you will need to confirm the amounts to prove you own the account. This verification step can add one to two business days to your first transfer.
Using mobile check deposit
Open the Discover mobile app, find the "Mobile Check Deposit" or "Deposit Check" option, and photograph the front and back of your check. The app will read the check number, amount, and routing information automatically. Review the details to make sure they are correct, then submit.
The funds will appear in your Discover account the same day you deposit, but the check itself takes three to five business days to fully clear. This means you can use the money right away, but Discover may temporarily reverse the deposit if the check bounces during that clearing period. Do not spend money from a mobile check deposit until you see it has cleared.
Discover limits mobile check deposits to $10,000 per check and $25,000 per day. If you are depositing multiple checks, you will need to submit them separately. Some older checks or checks with unusual formatting may not scan properly—if the app rejects it, you will need to use a wire transfer or ACH instead.
Receiving a wire transfer
If someone is sending you money via wire, you will need to provide them with Discover's wire instructions. You can find these in your Discover account under "Transfer Money" or by calling Discover's customer service. The information includes Discover's routing number, your account number, and the Discover bank's address.
Wire transfers arrive the same business day if sent before the cutoff time (usually 2 p.m. Eastern). Discover charges a fee to receive incoming wires—this fee varies but is typically $10 to $15. The sender may also be charged a fee by their bank, so confirm the total cost before the wire is sent.
Once the wire arrives, the funds are when ready available in your account. Unlike ACH transfers or checks, wires do not require a clearing period. If you need money urgently and the sender is willing to pay the wire fee, this is the fastest option.
Transferring between your own Discover accounts
If you have multiple accounts at Discover—for example, a checking account and a savings account—you can move money between them when ready through the app or website. Log in, select "Transfer Money," choose the accounts you want to transfer between, enter the amount, and confirm.
These transfers happen when ready and are free. There are no daily limits on how much you can move between your own Discover accounts. This is useful if you keep money in a high-yield savings account but need quick access to funds in a checking account.
What to do if your deposit is delayed or rejected
ACH transfers sometimes fail if you entered the account or routing number incorrectly. If a transfer is rejected, Discover will notify you and the funds will return to the sending bank within one to three business days. Double-check the numbers and try again, or contact Discover's customer service to confirm the correct routing number.
Mobile check deposits can be rejected if the check image is blurry, the check is post-dated (dated in the future), or the check amount exceeds the daily limit. If the app rejects your check, try photographing it again in better lighting, or use a wire transfer if you need the money urgently.
Wire transfers rarely fail, but if one does not arrive within one business day, contact Discover when ready with the wire reference number. Discover can trace the wire and confirm whether it was sent to the correct account. If the sender's bank made an error, they will need to initiate a trace on their end.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit cash into my Discover savings account?
No, Discover has no physical branches or ATMs that accept cash deposits. You will need to deposit cash at another bank you use, then transfer the funds to Discover via ACH. This adds one to three business days to the process.
How long does an ACH transfer take?
Most ACH transfers take one to three business days. Some banks process them faster, so you may see the money arrive within 24 hours. Weekends and holidays do not count as business days, so a transfer initiated on Friday may not arrive until Tuesday.
Is there a limit on how much I can deposit?
Discover does not publish a single deposit limit, but individual methods have caps: mobile check deposits are limited to $10,000 per check and $25,000 per day. ACH and wire transfers may have limits depending on your account history and Discover's fraud prevention rules. Contact Discover if you need to deposit more than these amounts.
What happens if I deposit a check that bounces?
If a check you deposited via mobile deposit bounces, Discover will reverse the deposit and deduct the funds from your account. You will be notified, and the check will be returned to the person who wrote it. Discover may also charge you a fee for the returned check, typically $5 to $10.
Can I set up automatic recurring deposits?
Yes, you can set up recurring ACH transfers from another bank account. In the Discover app or website, select "Transfer Money," choose the external account, and look for an option to make the transfer recurring. You can set it to happen weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly on a date you choose.