The main ways to deposit money into Discover checking
Discover Bank offers three primary deposit methods: ACH transfers from another bank account, mobile check deposit through their app, and wire transfers. Which one you use depends on where the money is coming from, how fast you need it to arrive, and whether you have a physical check.
ACH transfers are the slowest but free and work from any bank. Mobile check deposit is fastest for checks and also free. Wire transfers arrive the same business day but cost money and require you to provide your Discover account details to whoever is sending the funds. Most people use ACH or mobile deposit for routine transfers.
Discover does not accept cash deposits at branches because it has no physical locations. You cannot deposit cash directly into a Discover checking account — you would need to deposit it at another bank first, then transfer it to Discover.
Key Takeaways
- ACH transfers from another bank are free and work from any U.S. bank account, but take three to five business days to arrive.
- Mobile check deposit through the Discover app is free and usually clears within one business day, but only works for checks.
- Wire transfers arrive the same business day but cost between $15 and $25 and require the sender to have your account and routing numbers.
- Discover has no physical branches, so you cannot walk in with cash or a check — all deposits happen electronically or through the app.
- Your Discover routing number is 011000015, which you will need to provide if someone else is sending you an ACH transfer or wire.
Setting up an ACH transfer from another bank
An ACH transfer moves money from your bank account at another institution into your Discover checking account. It is free and works from any U.S. bank, but it takes three to five business days. The money does not arrive when ready — plan accordingly if you need funds quickly.
To receive an ACH transfer, you need to give the sender your Discover account number and routing number (011000015). If you are initiating the transfer yourself from your other bank's website or app, you will add Discover as an external account. Most banks let you do this in their "Transfer" or "Move Money" section. You will enter your Discover account number, confirm the routing number, and usually wait one business day for the connection to verify before the transfer actually processes.
Once the external account is linked, you can transfer money whenever you want. The money typically arrives within three to five business days, though some banks are faster. You can see the transfer status in your Discover app under "Transfers" — it will show as pending until it clears.
Depositing checks through the mobile app
Mobile check deposit is the fastest way to deposit a physical check into your Discover account. You take a photo of the front and back of the check using the Discover app, and the check usually clears within one business day. This method is free and works from anywhere — you do not need to visit a branch or mail anything.
Open the Discover app, go to "Deposit a Check," and follow the prompts. You will photograph the front and back of the check in good lighting so the app can read the amount and routing number clearly. The app will show you what it read and ask you to confirm the amount before you submit. Once you submit, the check is deposited and you will see a pending transaction in your account.
After you deposit a check through the app, you should destroy it or write "VOID" across it so it cannot be deposited again. Depositing the same check twice is considered fraud. Most checks clear by the next business day, though some may take longer depending on the check amount or the bank it was drawn on.
Wire transfers into your Discover account
A wire transfer moves money from another bank directly into your Discover account on the same business day. Wire transfers are fast but not free — Discover charges between $15 and $25 per incoming wire, depending on whether it is domestic (within the U.S.) or international. Use a wire transfer only when you need money to arrive the same day and the sender is willing to pay the fee.
To receive a wire transfer, you need to provide the sender with your account number, routing number (011000015), and your full name as it appears on your account. Some senders will also ask for Discover's wire instructions or a SWIFT code if the transfer is coming from outside the U.S. You can find this information by calling Discover at 1-800-347-2000 or checking your account details in the app.
Wire transfers typically arrive within hours on the same business day, but only if the sender initiates the transfer before the cutoff time at their bank — usually 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. Eastern time. Transfers sent after the cutoff will arrive the next business day. Once the wire arrives, it is when ready available in your account.
What to do if a deposit is not showing up
If you sent money to your Discover account and it has not arrived, the first step is to check the timing. ACH transfers take three to five business days, so if you initiated it fewer than three days ago, it is still in transit. Mobile check deposits usually clear within one business day. Wire transfers should arrive the same business day if sent before the cutoff.
If the money is late, log into your Discover app and look at your transaction history under "Transfers" or "Pending Transactions." You should see the deposit listed as pending. If you do not see it at all, the transfer may not have been sent successfully from the other bank. Contact that bank to confirm the transfer was initiated and that they have the correct Discover account and routing numbers.
If the transfer shows as pending but has been longer than the expected timeframe, contact Discover directly at 1-800-347-2000. Have your account number and the date you initiated the transfer ready. Discover can trace the transfer and tell you where it is in the system.
Limits on how much you can deposit
Discover does not publish a single deposit limit that applies to all accounts. The limit depends on your account history, how long you have been a customer, and the deposit method. Mobile check deposits typically have a daily limit of $5,000 to $10,000, though this varies. ACH transfers and wire transfers may have higher limits.
If you are trying to deposit a large amount and are not sure whether it will go through, contact Discover before you attempt the transfer. You can call 1-800-347-2000 and ask about your specific limit. If your limit is too low for what you need to deposit, Discover may be able to increase it, or you may need to split the deposit across multiple days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit cash into my Discover checking account?
No. Discover has no physical branches, so you cannot deposit cash directly. You would need to deposit the cash at another bank first, then transfer the money to Discover using an ACH transfer or mobile deposit of a check you write to yourself.
How long does it take for money to show up after I deposit a check through the app?
Most checks clear within one business day of deposit. Some checks, especially large amounts or those drawn on smaller banks, may take up to two business days. You can see the expected clear date in your app when you submit the deposit.
What is Discover's routing number?
Discover's routing number is 011000015. You will need this number if someone is sending you an ACH transfer or wire transfer into your Discover checking account.
Can I deposit a check by mailing it to Discover?
Discover does not accept mailed checks. You must use the mobile check deposit feature in the app. This is faster and safer than mailing a physical check.
Do I get charged for receiving a deposit?
ACH transfers and mobile check deposits are free. Wire transfers cost $15 to $25 per incoming wire, depending on whether it is domestic or international. The fee is deducted from your account when the wire arrives.