Mobile banking has revolutionized how we manage our finances, and for many Wells Fargo customers, the ability to deposit checks from the comfort of their home or on the go is a game-changer. But a common question that arises is: how much can you actually mobile deposit with Wells Fargo? It's not a one-size-fits-all answer, as limits can vary. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Wells Fargo mobile deposit limits, how to use the feature, and what to do if you need to deposit a larger amount.
Ready to unlock the convenience of mobile deposits? Let's dive in!
Understanding Your Wells Fargo Mobile Deposit Limits
Wells Fargo sets mobile deposit limits for both daily and 30-day (rolling) periods. These limits are not universal and can depend on a few factors, including:
- Your Account History: Longer-standing customers with good account standing and a history of responsible banking may have higher limits.
- Account Type: Certain account types, particularly business accounts or premium personal accounts, might have higher default limits.
- Relationship with Wells Fargo: Your overall banking relationship, including other accounts you hold and your financial activity, can influence your limits.
Step 1: Discover Your Personal Mobile Deposit Limits
Before you attempt to deposit a check, the absolute first step is to know your specific limits. This isn't a secret, and Wells Fargo makes it easy to find within their mobile app.
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Engage with the App! Open your Wells Fargo Mobile® app on your smartphone or tablet. If you haven't already, sign in using your credentials (username and password, or biometric authentication like fingerprint/Face ID).
- Sub-heading: Where to Find the Numbers Once logged in, navigate to the mobile deposit section. This is typically found by selecting "Deposit" in the bottom bar or by using a "Deposit Checks" shortcut. As you initiate a deposit and select the account you wish to deposit into, the app will display your account's remaining daily and 30-day mobile deposit limits directly on the "Enter Amount" screen. This is where you'll see the exact figures that apply to you!
Step 2: Preparing Your Check for Mobile Deposit
Proper check preparation is crucial for a smooth mobile deposit. Skipping these simple steps can lead to delays or even rejection of your deposit.
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Sub-heading: Endorse It Right!
- Sign the back of your check. This is a fundamental banking practice.
- Write "For Mobile Deposit at Wells Fargo Only" below your signature. This is a critical step for Wells Fargo mobile deposits. Alternatively, some checks may have a pre-printed box that says "Check here if mobile deposit" – if so, simply check that box. This endorsement helps prevent the check from being deposited again by other means.
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Sub-heading: Ensure Picture Perfect Quality The Wells Fargo Mobile app relies on clear images of your check.
- Good Lighting: Make sure you have adequate, even lighting to avoid shadows or glare.
- Flat Surface: Place the check on a dark, flat, and contrasting surface to help the app identify the edges of the check.
- Steady Hand: Hold your device steady and capture all four corners of the check within the frame.
- Focus: Ensure the image is in focus, especially the check amount, payee, and routing/account numbers.
Step 3: Making the Mobile Deposit
Once your check is prepared, the actual deposit process within the app is straightforward.
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Sub-heading: The In-App Process
- Open the Wells Fargo Mobile app.
- Select "Deposit" (or "Deposit Checks").
- Choose the account you want the funds deposited into.
- Enter the exact check amount. Double-check this to ensure it matches the written and numerical amount on the check. The app will likely display your remaining daily and 30-day limits here.
- Take photos of the front and back of your endorsed check when prompted by the app. The app will guide you through this, often with an outline to help you frame the check correctly.
- Review the deposit details to ensure everything is accurate.
- Tap "Submit" to complete your deposit.
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Sub-heading: Confirmation is Key After submitting, you'll receive an on-screen confirmation that your deposit was received. You'll also typically get an email notification. This confirmation is important for your records.
Step 4: What to Do After Your Deposit
Your job isn't quite done after hitting "Submit." Following these post-deposit steps is good practice.
- Sub-heading: Mark and Store Your Check
- Write "Mobile Deposit" and the date on the front of the physical check. This helps prevent accidental re-deposits.
- Store the check in a safe place for 5 days. This is a crucial step! In rare instances, Wells Fargo might require the original check for verification.
- Destroy the check after 5 days. Shredding is recommended to protect your financial information.
Step 5: Understanding Funds Availability
While mobile deposits offer convenience, it's important to understand when your funds will actually be available for use.
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Sub-heading: Wells Fargo's General Availability Policy
- If you make your mobile deposit on a business day before 9 PM Pacific Time (PT), Wells Fargo will generally credit the deposit to your account the same business day, and the funds will typically be available the next business day.
- If you deposit after 9 PM PT on a business day, or on a weekend or federal holiday, the deposit will be processed on the next business day, and the funds will generally be available the day after that processing.
Example: A mobile deposit made on a Monday at 8:00 PM PT is usually available on Tuesday. A deposit made on a Friday at 10:00 PM PT will be processed on Monday (the next business day) and generally available on Tuesday.
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Sub-heading: Potential Holds on Funds While the above is the general policy, Wells Fargo (like all banks) can place a "hold" on deposited funds. This means the money is credited to your account, but you can't use it immediately. Common reasons for holds include:
- Large deposit amounts (especially exceeding your typical deposit patterns).
- New accounts or accounts with a history of frequent overdrafts.
- Suspicion of fraud or if a deposited check has been returned unpaid in the past.
- The check being from a foreign bank or not payable in U.S. dollars.
If a hold is placed, Wells Fargo will notify you (often on your deposit receipt or via email) with the date when the funds will become available. Generally, even with a hold, some portion of the funds (e.g., $225) may be made available sooner, as per federal regulations.
FAQs: How to...
Here are 10 common "How to" questions related to Wells Fargo mobile deposits, with quick answers:
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How to find my specific Wells Fargo mobile deposit limits?
- Open the Wells Fargo Mobile app, select "Deposit," choose an account, and your daily and 30-day limits will be displayed on the "Enter Amount" screen.
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How to endorse a check for Wells Fargo mobile deposit?
- Sign the back of your check and write "For Mobile Deposit at Wells Fargo Only" below your signature (or check the pre-printed mobile deposit box if available).
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How to ensure a clear photo of my check for mobile deposit?
- Place the check on a dark, flat surface with good, even lighting. Hold your device steady and ensure all four corners are within the frame and the image is in focus.
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How to check if my mobile deposit was successful?
- You'll receive an on-screen confirmation immediately after submitting, and typically an email notification from Wells Fargo.
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How to know when my mobile deposited funds will be available?
- Deposits made before 9 PM PT on a business day are usually available the next business day. Deposits made after 9 PM PT or on weekends/holidays are processed the next business day and available the day after.
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How to handle a check larger than my mobile deposit limit?
- You will need to deposit the check at a Wells Fargo ATM or a physical Wells Fargo branch.
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How to increase my Wells Fargo mobile deposit limit?
- While limits are typically system-generated, you can try contacting Wells Fargo customer service or visiting a branch to inquire about a limit increase, especially if you have a strong banking relationship.
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How to deal with a hold placed on my mobile deposit?
- Refer to your deposit receipt or notification for the availability date. If you have questions, contact Wells Fargo customer service to understand the reason for the hold.
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How to avoid issues with mobile deposits?
- Always endorse your check correctly, take clear photos, double-check the entered amount, and be aware of your daily and 30-day deposit limits.
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How to safely dispose of a check after mobile depositing it?
- Write "Mobile Deposit" and the date on the front of the check, store it securely for 5 business days, and then shred it.
