Mobile banking has revolutionized how we manage our finances, making once tedious tasks like depositing a check as simple as snapping a photo. If you're a Wells Fargo customer, their mobile app offers a seamless way to deposit checks from the comfort of your home, office, or anywhere you have an internet connection.
Are you ready to say goodbye to bank lines and ATM trips for your check deposits? Let's dive into a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on how to deposit a check using the Wells Fargo mobile app!
Depositing a Check on the Wells Fargo App: Your Step-by-Step Guide
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from preparing your check to confirming your deposit.
Step 1: Get Ready! Prepare Your Phone and Your Check
Before you even open the app, there are a couple of crucial things to take care of. This initial preparation is key to a smooth and successful deposit!
Sub-heading 1.1: Ensure You Have the Wells Fargo Mobile App
First things first, make sure you have the official Wells Fargo Mobile® app installed on your smartphone or tablet. If you don't, you can easily download it from:
- The Apple App Store for iOS devices
- The Google Play Store for Android devices
Make sure your app is updated to the latest version to ensure you have access to all the features and the best security.
Sub-heading 1.2: Endorse Your Check Properly
This is perhaps the most critical step for any mobile check deposit. An improperly endorsed check can lead to delays or even a rejected deposit.
Here's how to endorse your check for Wells Fargo mobile deposit:
- Sign the back: Flip your check over to the back. Locate the endorsement area (usually a designated line or box). Sign your name exactly as it appears on the "Pay to the order of" line on the front of the check.
- Add the restrictive endorsement: Below your signature, you must write "For Mobile Deposit at Wells Fargo Only". This restrictive endorsement ensures that the check can only be deposited into your Wells Fargo account via the mobile app, adding an extra layer of security.
- Check the box (if available): Some checks have a pre-printed box that says "Check here if mobile deposit." If your check has this, you can simply check this box instead of writing out the phrase "For Mobile Deposit at Wells Fargo Only."
Pro Tip: Use a dark ink pen for your signature and endorsement to ensure it's clearly visible in the photo.
Step 2: Log In and Initiate the Deposit
Now that your check is ready, it's time to open the Wells Fargo app and start the deposit process.
Sub-heading 2.1: Open the Wells Fargo Mobile App
Launch the Wells Fargo Mobile app on your device.
Sub-heading 2.2: Sign On to Your Account
You'll need to sign on using your Wells Fargo username and password. If you have biometric authentication enabled (like fingerprint or facial recognition), you can use that for a faster sign-on.
Sub-heading 2.3: Find the Deposit Option
Once logged in, look for the "Deposit" option. It's typically located in the bottom navigation bar or accessible through a "Deposit Checks" shortcut on the main screen. Tap on this option to proceed.
Step 3: Enter Deposit Details
This step involves providing the app with information about the check you're depositing.
Sub-heading 3.1: Select the Deposit Account
You'll be prompted to choose which of your Wells Fargo accounts you want the check to be deposited into (e.g., checking or savings). Tap on the desired account from the "Deposit To" dropdown menu. If you have only one eligible account, it might be pre-selected.
Sub-heading 3.2: Enter the Check Amount
Carefully enter the exact amount of the check into the designated field. Double-check this amount to ensure it matches the written and numerical amounts on your physical check. An incorrect amount can cause processing issues. Your remaining daily and 30-day mobile deposit limits might also be displayed here.
Step 4: Take Photos of Your Check
This is where your phone's camera comes into play. Good quality photos are essential for the app to correctly read your check.
Sub-heading 4.1: Position Your Check for the Front Photo
- Place your endorsed check on a dark-colored, plain surface that is well-lit. Avoid busy patterns or reflective surfaces.
- Make sure there are no shadows falling on the check. Natural light is often best, but good artificial lighting works too.
- Position your phone's camera directly over the check, not at an angle.
- Ensure all four corners of the check are visible within the guides on your mobile device's camera screen.
Sub-heading 4.2: Capture the Front Image
The app will usually have an auto-capture feature that takes the photo automatically once the check is correctly positioned. If not, tap the camera icon to manually capture the image.
Sub-heading 4.3: Position Your Check for the Back Photo
- Flip the check over to the back side, ensuring your signature and restrictive endorsement are clearly visible.
- Repeat the same positioning guidelines as for the front photo: dark surface, good lighting, camera directly overhead, all four corners visible.
Sub-heading 4.4: Capture the Back Image
Again, let the app auto-capture or manually take the photo of the back of the check.
Important Photo Tips:
- Keep your phone steady to avoid blurry images.
- Detach the check from any check stub or cover letter.
- Ensure the entire check is within the frame, with no edges cut off.
Step 5: Review and Submit Your Deposit
You're almost there! This final step ensures everything is correct before sending it off.
Sub-heading 5.1: Review Deposit Information
The app will display a summary of your deposit, including the account selected and the amount entered. Carefully review all the details to ensure they are accurate. If anything is incorrect, you'll have the option to go back and make corrections.
Sub-heading 5.2: Submit Your Deposit
Once you've confirmed all the information is correct, tap the "Deposit" or "Submit" button.
Sub-heading 5.3: Confirmation
You will receive an on-screen confirmation message indicating that your deposit has been successfully received. Wells Fargo will also send a deposit confirmation to your primary email address and your Wells Fargo Online® Message Center secure mailbox.
Step 6: What to Do After Depositing Your Check
The process isn't quite over once you hit submit. A couple of post-deposit steps are crucial for security and record-keeping.
Sub-heading 6.1: Mark Your Check
Write "Mobile Deposit" and the date on the front of your physical check. This helps prevent accidental re-deposit and serves as a record.
Sub-heading 6.2: Securely Store and Then Destroy the Check
Securely store the physical check for 5 days after your deposit. This allows sufficient time in case the original check is required for any reason (e.g., if there's an issue with the images). After 5 days, it's recommended to shred or safely destroy the check to protect your financial information.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to Check the Status of My Mobile Deposit?
You can view the status of your deposit in the Account Activity for the appropriate account within the Wells Fargo Mobile app or Wells Fargo Online®. Your deposit amount will appear in your available balance when the funds are fully available.
How to Know When My Funds Will Be Available?
If you make your deposit on a business day before the Wells Fargo Mobile app's cutoff time (typically 9 p.m. Pacific Time), Wells Fargo generally credits the deposit to your account the same business day, and funds are often available the next business day. If you deposit after the cutoff time or on a non-business day (weekend or federal holiday), it will be credited on the next business day, and funds will generally be available the day after that. However, holds can occur for various reasons.
How to Find My Mobile Deposit Limits?
When you are entering the check amount in the Wells Fargo Mobile app, your remaining daily and 30-day mobile deposit limits will typically be displayed on the screen. These limits can vary based on your account history and relationship with Wells Fargo.
How to Deal with a Mobile Deposit Hold?
Wells Fargo's general policy is to make deposited funds available on the first business day after they receive the deposit. However, in some cases, a hold may be placed on the funds, delaying availability for up to 7 business days. Common reasons include large deposit amounts, frequent overdrafts, or indications that a check may not be paid. If a hold is placed, you'll receive a notification with details about the amount held and when it will be available.
How to Get a Good Picture for Mobile Deposit?
Place your check on a dark, plain, well-lit surface. Position your camera directly over the check, not at an angle. Ensure all four corners of the check are within the guides on your mobile device's camera screen. Keep your hand steady to avoid blur.
How to Endorse a Check for Mobile Deposit?
Sign the back of your check and write "For Mobile Deposit at Wells Fargo Only" below your signature. Alternatively, if available, check the pre-printed box that reads "Check here if mobile deposit."
How to Deposit a Two-Party Check?
For checks made out to more than one person, generally, all payees listed on the check need to endorse it (sign the back) before it can be deposited. Check with Wells Fargo directly if you have specific questions about two-party checks and mobile deposit.
How to Avoid Mobile Deposit Errors?
Ensure you endorse the check correctly, enter the exact amount, and take clear, well-lit photos with all four corners visible. Double-check all details before submitting.
How to Know if My Account is Eligible for Mobile Deposit?
Most Wells Fargo checking and savings accounts are eligible for mobile deposit. However, some accounts may have restrictions. If you don't see the "Deposit" option in your app, or if you encounter an error, you may need to contact Wells Fargo customer service to confirm your account's eligibility.
How to Contact Wells Fargo for Mobile Deposit Support?
If you have any issues or questions regarding your mobile deposit, you can contact Wells Fargo customer service by calling the number on the back of your debit card, or by finding their contact information on their official website (wellsfargo.com).