The main ways to deposit money into Discover checking
Discover Bank offers four deposit methods for checking accounts: direct deposit from your employer or another bank, transfers from an external bank account you own, mobile check deposit through the Discover Bank app, and wire transfers. Which one you use depends on where the money is coming from and how quickly you need it in your account.
Direct deposit is the fastest and most hands-off option if your employer or a government agency (like Social Security) can send your paycheck directly to Discover. Mobile check deposit works if you have a physical check. Bank transfers work if the money is sitting in another bank account you control. Wire transfers are the slowest option and cost money, so most people use them only when the other three won't work.
Discover does not accept cash deposits at branches because Discover is an online-only bank with no physical locations. If you need to deposit cash, you'll need to move it to another bank first, then transfer it to Discover from there.
Key Takeaways
- Direct deposit from your employer or a government agency is the fastest deposit method and requires you to provide your Discover account and routing number once.
- Mobile check deposit through the Discover Bank app lets you photograph the front and back of a check and deposit it without visiting a bank.
- External bank transfers move money from another bank account you own into Discover, usually within one to three business days.
- Discover has no physical branches, so you cannot deposit cash directly; you must move cash to another bank first, then transfer it to Discover.
Setting up direct deposit with your employer
Direct deposit is the simplest deposit method because you set it up once and the money arrives automatically. Log into your Discover checking account online or through the app and find your account and routing number. Discover's routing number is 011000015. Your account number is unique to you and appears on any statements or in your account settings.
Give these two numbers to your employer's payroll department or to the government agency sending you benefits. They will enter the information into their system, and your next paycheck or benefit payment will go directly to Discover. The first deposit usually takes one to two pay cycles to process, so do not expect money on your next scheduled payday—it typically arrives on the second or third one after you submit the information.
If you want to verify the deposit worked before relying on it, some employers allow you to run a test deposit of a small amount first. Ask your payroll department whether they offer this option.
Depositing checks through the mobile app
The Discover Bank app includes a mobile check deposit feature that lets you photograph a check instead of mailing it or visiting a branch. Open the app, go to the deposit or transfer section, and select "Mobile Check Deposit." You will be asked to photograph the front and back of the check in good lighting so the app can read the numbers clearly.
The check must be made out to you, and you must sign the back of it before photographing. Write "For mobile deposit only" on the back as well. The app will show you the amount it detected and ask you to confirm before submitting. Once you submit, the check is deposited and the funds usually appear in your account within one business day, though it can take up to two.
After you deposit a check through the app, do not deposit it again in person or through the mail. Write "DEPOSITED" across the front of the physical check and keep it for your records for at least 30 days in case there is a problem. Do not throw it away when ready.
Transferring money from another bank account
If you have money in another bank and want to move it to Discover, you can set up an external bank transfer. Log into your Discover account and look for the transfer or move money section. Select the option to transfer from an external bank, and you will be asked to enter the routing number and account number of the bank you are transferring from.
Discover will ask you to verify that you own the external account by depositing two small amounts (usually under $1 each) into it, then asking you to confirm the amounts. This verification step protects you from someone else transferring money out of your account without permission. Once verified, you can transfer money whenever you want, and it usually arrives within one to three business days.
Some banks process transfers faster than others. If you need the money urgently, call the bank you are transferring from and ask whether they offer expedited transfers, which sometimes arrive the same day or next business day for an extra fee.
Wire transfers and other deposit methods
Wire transfers move money directly from another bank to Discover, usually within a few hours. However, wire transfers cost money—typically $15 to $30 depending on the bank sending the wire—and they cannot be reversed once sent. Use wire transfers only when you need money urgently and the other methods will not work.
To send a wire to your Discover account, you need to provide the sending bank with Discover's routing number (011000015), your Discover account number, and your full name as it appears on the account. Some banks require additional information like Discover's address or a SWIFT code. Call Discover customer service at 1-800-347-2000 if the sending bank asks for details you do not have.
Discover does not accept deposits through third-party payment apps like PayPal, Venmo, or Cash App directly into a checking account. If someone sends you money through one of these apps, it goes into the app's account first, and you have to transfer it to your bank from there.
Deposit limits and timing
Discover does not publish a daily or monthly deposit limit for checking accounts, but individual deposits over $10,000 trigger a federal reporting requirement. This is not a problem—it is normal and legal—but the bank will file a report with the government. It does not affect your account or your ability to deposit money.
Mobile check deposits have a per-check limit, usually $2,500 per check and $5,000 per day, though these limits can change. If you are depositing a larger check, use a wire transfer or mail it to Discover instead. Discover's mailing address for check deposits is on their website under "Contact Us."
Funds from direct deposit and external bank transfers usually appear within one to three business days. Mobile check deposits usually appear within one business day. Wire transfers appear within hours. Business days are Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays, so a deposit submitted on Friday evening may not appear until Tuesday.
Troubleshooting deposits that do not arrive
If money you deposited has not appeared after the expected timeframe, first check that you submitted the deposit correctly. For mobile checks, make sure the photograph was clear and the check was signed and endorsed properly. For bank transfers, confirm that you entered the routing and account numbers correctly—a single wrong digit will send the money to the wrong place.
If the deposit details were correct, contact Discover customer service at 1-800-347-2000. Have your confirmation number ready if you have one, and be prepared to describe what you deposited and when. Discover can trace the deposit and tell you where it is. If the money went to the wrong account by mistake, Discover can sometimes recover it, but this takes time and is not always possible.
For direct deposits that do not arrive, contact your employer or the agency sending the payment first. They may have entered your account number incorrectly, or the deposit may not have been processed yet. Ask them to confirm they have the right information and to check their records for whether the payment was sent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit cash into my Discover checking account?
No, Discover has no physical branches. If you have cash, deposit it into another bank account you own, then transfer it to Discover from there. Some banks let you deposit cash at their ATMs or branches even if you do not have an account with them, though they may charge a fee.
How long does a mobile check deposit take to show up?
Mobile check deposits usually appear within one business day, sometimes the same day if submitted early in the morning. Discover holds the funds for a few days before they are fully available, but you can usually see them in your account balance right away.
What if I deposit the same check twice by accident?
Discover's system is designed to catch duplicate deposits, but if one slips through, contact customer service when ready. They can reverse the duplicate deposit and return the money. This is why you should keep the physical check for at least 30 days after mobile deposit.
Do I need to provide my Social Security number to set up direct deposit?
Your employer or the agency sending the payment already has your Social Security number. You only need to give them your Discover account number and routing number. Discover will not ask for your Social Security number again during the deposit process.
Can someone else deposit money into my Discover account?
Yes, if they have your account number and routing number, they can send you money through a wire transfer or external bank transfer. They cannot deposit checks or cash on your behalf unless they have access to your account login.