The main ways to deposit money into Discover
Discover offers four ways to move money into your savings account: ACH transfer from another bank, wire transfer, mobile check deposit, and transfers from other Discover accounts you hold. The method you choose depends on how fast you need the money to arrive and whether you have a paper check.
ACH transfers are the most common route and usually take one to three business days. Wire transfers arrive the same day but cost money. Mobile check deposit works if you have a physical check and a smartphone. Transfers between your own Discover accounts are when ready.
Discover does not accept cash deposits at branches because it has no physical locations — it is an online-only bank. If you need to deposit cash, you will need to move it to another bank first, then transfer it to Discover.
Key Takeaways
- ACH transfers from another bank take one to three business days and have no fee, making them the cheapest option for most deposits.
- Wire transfers arrive the same day but typically cost $15 to $25 and require you to contact Discover directly with the receiving bank details.
- Mobile check deposit lets you photograph a check with the Discover app, and the funds usually appear within one business day.
- You cannot deposit cash directly at Discover because it operates online only; you must deposit cash at another bank first.
ACH transfer from another bank account
An ACH transfer is an electronic move of money from a checking or savings account at another bank into your Discover account. This is the slowest method but costs nothing. The transfer takes one to three business days, depending on when you initiate it and your other bank's processing schedule.
To set up an ACH transfer, log into your Discover account online or through the mobile app. Go to the Transfer or Move Money section and select "Transfer from another bank." Discover will ask for the routing number and account number of the bank you are transferring from. You can find these on a check, in your other bank's app, or by calling that bank's customer service line.
After you enter those details, Discover may require you to verify the account by making two small test deposits to the external account. This verification step protects against fraud and usually takes one to two business days. Once verified, future transfers from that account are when ready to set up, though the actual money still takes one to three business days to arrive.
Wire transfer for same-day deposits
A wire transfer moves money from another bank into Discover on the same business day, but Discover charges a fee — typically $15 to $25 depending on whether the wire is domestic or international. Wire transfers are useful when you need funds urgently, such as to cover an overdraft or meet a important date.
To initiate a wire transfer, call Discover's customer service line. You will need to provide the bank you are sending from, the amount, and confirm Discover's wire receiving details. Discover will give you the routing number and account number to provide to your other bank. Your other bank will then process the wire, which usually clears the same business day if sent before 2 p.m. Eastern Time.
Wire transfers are irreversible once sent, so double-check the account number and amount before confirming with your other bank. If you make a mistake, the money may be sent to the wrong account and recovery is difficult.
Mobile check deposit through the app
If you have a paper check, you can photograph it using the Discover mobile app without visiting a bank. Open the app, find the Deposit Check or Mobile Deposit option, and take clear photos of the front and back of the check. The app will read the check number, amount, and routing information automatically.
After you submit the photos, Discover holds the check for a set period — usually 14 days — before destroying the image. Do not deposit the physical check anywhere else during this time. The funds typically appear in your account within one business day, though Discover may take longer if the check amount is unusually large or if there are any issues reading the image.
Mobile check deposit has a daily limit, which varies by account history and Discover's fraud detection rules. New accounts may have lower limits, such as $500 per day. As your account history with Discover grows, the limit may increase. You can check your current limit in the app.
Transfers between your own Discover accounts
If you hold multiple accounts at Discover — such as a checking account and a savings account — you can move money between them when ready at no cost. Log into your Discover account, select the Transfer or Move Money option, and choose the account you want to transfer from and the account you want to transfer to.
These transfers post when ready and do not count toward any daily transfer limits that may explore to external transfers. This is the fastest way to move money within Discover if you already have funds in another Discover account.
What to do if you need to deposit cash
Discover does not accept cash deposits because it operates online only and has no branch locations. If you have cash, you will need to deposit it at another bank first — either a bank where you have an account or a check-cashing service — and then transfer the funds to Discover using one of the methods above.
If you have a bank account at another institution, deposit the cash there, then use an ACH transfer to move it to Discover. If you do not have another bank account, you can use a check-cashing service to convert cash to a check, then use mobile check deposit to add it to Discover. Some check-cashing services also offer prepaid debit cards that you can link to Discover for transfers.
Timing and what to expect
| Deposit Method | Time to Arrive | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACH transfer | 1–3 business days | Free | Routine deposits with no time pressure |
| Wire transfer | Same business day | $15–$25 | Urgent deposits |
| Mobile check deposit | 1 business day | Free | Deposits of paper checks |
| Transfer between Discover accounts | when ready | Free | Moving money between your own Discover accounts |
Business days are Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays. If you initiate a transfer on a weekend or holiday, it will process on the next business day. Some banks process ACH transfers in batches at specific times of day, so the exact timing within the one- to three-day window depends on both Discover's schedule and your other bank's schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit checks at an ATM using Discover?
No. Discover has no ATMs that accept check deposits because it is an online-only bank. You can only deposit checks through the mobile app using the check deposit feature, or by mailing a check to Discover's address (which takes longer). Mobile deposit is faster and more convenient.
What happens if my ACH transfer fails?
If an ACH transfer fails, Discover will notify you of the reason — usually an incorrect account number, insufficient funds at the sending bank, or a closed account. You can correct the information and try again. Failed transfers do not charge a fee.
Is there a limit to how much I can deposit?
ACH transfers and wire transfers have no stated daily limit, but very large transfers may trigger fraud review and delay processing. Mobile check deposit has a daily limit that varies by account; check your app for your specific limit. Discover may increase your limit over time as your account history grows.
Can I deposit money from someone else's bank account?
No. ACH transfers must originate from a bank account in your name. If someone else wants to send you money, they must transfer it to an account they own, or send you a check that you can deposit via mobile deposit.
How do I know if my deposit went through?
Log into your Discover account online or through the app and check your transaction history. You will see the pending deposit listed with the date it is expected to post. Once the funds arrive, the status will change to posted and the money will be available to use.