Several free and easy options can help you fund your new account quickly. Here’s a list of ways to get started with your Discover® Online Banking account.
Switching banks, or even just opening a new account, isn’t something people do on a whim. The decision can be driven by need, like moving to another state. Sometimes, it may result from learning more about different options. In other cases, the switch is about seeking better rates, lower or no fees, or digital access. In fact, 32% of retail banking customers nationwide say they are now open to changing their primary bank because of these concerns, per 2023 research from Rivel Banking Research.
If you’ve decided to switch to a Discover account, here’s what you need to know about getting it funded ASAP. Depending on the kind of account you’re opening—checking, savings, certificate of deposit (CD), or money market—your available options and the timing may vary.
1. Online transfer
Internal (from a Discover deposit account to a different Discover account)
If you have multiple eligible accounts at Discover (for example, a Cashback Debit and a Money Market Account), you can complete an online transfer between accounts. Just log in via the app or online banking portal and follow the simple prompts to make a transfer.
External (from an account at a different bank to a Discover account)
No minimum opening deposit is required to open a new Discover Cashback Debit or Online Savings Account. If you’re transferring funds from an account at another bank or institution and would like to initiate the transfer with Discover, we’ll need to verify you’re an owner of that account.
Here are three methods for completing the verification process with Discover:
Instant verification
With instant verification, you just need to provide details about your external account. These include your name, the account number, and the ABA routing number. With that information, Discover should be able to verify your account and transfer the funds.
Real-time verification
With this method, Discover will ask for your name, your account number, and the ABA routing number, and will also require your login information (user ID and password) that you use to sign in online to your external account. Discover will verify that your account is valid and transfer the desired amount.
Trial deposit
With trial deposit verification, Discover will request information about your external account and then make two small deposits to that account—typically a few cents each. It typically takes three to five business days for these small trial deposits to show up in your external account. You’ll then confirm the amounts of these deposits to successfully authenticate the account (once this happens, the deposits are reversed).
By going through any of the methods above, Discover will process the transfer of funds. If you opt to initiate an account transfer at your other bank, you’ll need to share Discover’s routing number—031100649—and your account number to add an initial deposit to your Discover account within 45 days of opening it.
Be aware that some banks may charge fees for outgoing transfers to other institutions. If you’re hoping to avoid that, check out other options for funding your account below.
2. Mobile check deposit
A smartphone and a paper check are all you need to make a mobile check deposit. First, you’ll download the Discover Mobile App (available for Android phones and iPhones, tablets, and smartwatches) and register for access to online banking. Once signed in, you can complete a mobile check deposit by following the prompts—which typically involve capturing a clear image of the front and back of the check made out to and endorsed by you.
3. Direct deposit
If you want to fund your new checking, savings, or money market account through direct deposit, you may be able to automatically enroll your Discover Bank account with Discover online or in the app. You may also be able to sign up directly through your employer or other payor, such as Social Security. Once you’re set up, please allow up to two pay cycles for your first deposit to appear in your account.
Tip: One perk of direct deposit through Discover Online Banking is Early Pay, which may allow you to have access to some or all of your qualifying direct deposits up to two days early.1
4. Add cash
If you’d like to fund your new checking or money market account with cash, you’ll need to wait for your debit card to arrive—usually up to 10 business days from account opening.
With your new contactless debit card and a minimum of $20 in hand, head to your nearest U.S.-based Walmart and ask a cashier to add cash directly to your account. You’ll insert or swipe your card, hand your money to the cashier, and receive a receipt. There is no fee for this service, and deposits are generally posted the same day.
Other funding options
If none of these options work for you, you can also fund a Discover Cashback Debit, Online Savings, CD, or Money Market Account by mailing in a check (payable to you) and deposit slip, or initiating a wire transfer.2
Now you’re ready to bank
You’ve funded your new account. Maybe you’ve even set up direct deposit or downloaded the mobile app. Regardless of how you bank, your bank should work for you, so make sure to check out all the benefits of a Discover Cashback Debit account.
Ready to make the switch? Click here to learn more about Discover’s Cashback Debit checking account.
1 The Early Pay feature is automatically available to checking, savings (excluding IRA savings) and money market customers who receive qualifying Automated Clearing House (ACH) direct deposits (such as salary, pension, or government benefits) from a business, government entity or other organization. At our discretion, and dependent on the timing of Discover’s receipt of the ACH direct deposit instructions, we may make funds from these qualifying ACH direct deposits available to you up to 2 days early. Certain ACH direct deposits are not eligible for Early Pay and other limitations and conditions apply – see our Deposit Account Agreement for more information. Deposits made by an individual using online banking or Peer-to-Peer (P2P) payments (such as Apple Pay Cash, Venmo®, Zelle ® and PayPal®) are not considered ACH direct deposits. There is no fee for Early Pay, and customers do not need to enroll in the feature.
2 Outgoing wire transfers are subject to a service charge. You may be charged a fee by a non-Discover ATM if it is not part of the 60,000+ ATMs in our no-fee network.
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