Tired of rushing to a Wells Fargo branch or ATM to deposit a check? In today's fast-paced world, convenience is key, and Wells Fargo understands that. That's why they offer a fantastic feature: mobile check deposit through their mobile banking app. This guide will walk you through every step, ensuring a smooth and successful deposit right from your phone.
Ready to ditch the drive and deposit your check with ease? Let's get started!
Step 1: Getting Prepared for Your Digital Deposit
Before you even open the Wells Fargo Mobile app, there are a few important things to take care of to ensure your check deposit goes smoothly.
Sub-heading: Check Your Eligibility and Limits
- Is your account eligible? Most Wells Fargo checking, savings, and money market accounts are eligible for mobile deposit. However, certain accounts might have restrictions. It's always a good idea to confirm your account's eligibility within the app or by contacting Wells Fargo customer service if you're unsure.
- Understand your deposit limits: Wells Fargo sets daily and per-check deposit limits for mobile deposits. These limits can vary based on your account type and banking history. You'll typically see your specific limits displayed within the app when you initiate a deposit. For example, if you're depositing a large check, you might encounter a higher limit than usual. Don't be surprised if these limits change periodically, so always check before you deposit a particularly large amount.
Sub-heading: Endorsing Your Check Correctly
This is a critical step! Improper endorsement is one of the most common reasons for a mobile deposit to be rejected.
- Sign the back of your check: Just like with a traditional deposit, you need to sign your name on the endorsement line on the back of the check.
- Write "For Mobile Deposit Only Wells Fargo": Below your signature, it's highly recommended to write "For Mobile Deposit Only Wells Fargo" (or a similar phrase like "For Mobile Deposit at WF"). This helps ensure the check can only be processed through the mobile app and adds an extra layer of security, preventing accidental re-deposit elsewhere. Some banks might even reject your mobile deposit if this specific endorsement isn't present.
Sub-heading: Optimizing Your Environment for Photos
The quality of your check photos is paramount.
- Find good lighting: Make sure you have bright, even lighting. Avoid shadows falling across the check, as this can make the image unclear. Natural daylight is often best.
- Choose a dark, flat surface: Lay your check on a solid, dark-colored, flat surface. This provides good contrast and helps the app's camera focus properly. Avoid patterned or reflective surfaces.
- Clean your phone's camera lens: A smudged lens can lead to blurry photos, so give it a quick wipe before you start.
Step 2: Opening the Wells Fargo Mobile App
Now that your check is ready and your environment is set, it's time to dive into the app.
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Download and log in: If you haven't already, download the Wells Fargo Mobile® app from your device's app store (available for iOS and Android). Once installed, open the app and sign in using your Wells Fargo Online® username and password. If you've enabled biometric authentication like Touch ID® or Face ID®, you can use that for a faster sign-in.
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Navigate to the deposit feature: Once logged in, you'll typically find a "Deposit Checks" or "Deposit" option prominently displayed on the main dashboard or within the app's menu. It's often located in the bottom navigation bar for quick access. Look for an icon that resembles a check or a dollar sign.
Step 3: Initiating Your Mobile Deposit
You're now on the brink of depositing your check!
Sub-heading: Agreeing to Terms and Conditions
- Review and accept: Before you can proceed, Wells Fargo will likely present you with the terms and conditions for remote check deposit. Take a moment to review them. You'll need to agree to these terms to continue.
Sub-heading: Selecting the Deposit Account
- Choose your destination: The app will prompt you to select which Wells Fargo account you want to deposit the check into (e.g., your checking account, savings account, etc.). Carefully select the correct account to avoid any unnecessary transfers later.
Sub-heading: Entering the Check Amount
- Input the exact amount: You'll be asked to enter the exact amount of the check. Double-check this figure to ensure accuracy. Even a small discrepancy can cause your deposit to be rejected.
Step 4: Capturing Your Check Photos
This is where your preparation from Step 1 truly pays off!
Sub-heading: Capturing the Front of the Check
- Position and capture: The app will activate your phone's camera and provide guidelines for positioning the check within the frame.
- Hold your device steady directly over the check, not at an angle.
- Ensure all four corners of the check are visible within the frame.
- The app is designed to auto-capture the image when it detects a clear and properly framed check.
- If auto-capture isn't working well, most apps offer a manual capture option (often a small camera icon) that allows you to tap to take the picture yourself.
- Make sure the check is detached from any check stub or cover letter.
Sub-heading: Capturing the Back of the Check
- Flip and repeat: Once the front is successfully captured, the app will guide you to turn the check over and capture the back.
- Repeat the same process: position the check carefully, ensure all corners are visible, and allow for auto-capture or use the manual option.
- Crucially, ensure your endorsement ("For Mobile Deposit Only Wells Fargo" and your signature) is clear and legible in the photo of the back of the check.
Sub-heading: Reviewing Your Images
- Verify clarity and readability: After capturing both images, the app will display them for your review. Take your time here. Zoom in if necessary. Make sure:
- All numbers and text on the check are clear and readable.
- There are no blurs or glares.
- The check amount is accurate.
- Your endorsement is fully visible.
- If the images are not satisfactory, you'll have the option to retake them. Don't proceed if the images are blurry or incomplete; it will likely lead to a rejected deposit.
Step 5: Submitting Your Deposit and Confirmation
You're almost there!
- Final review: The app will likely show you a summary of your deposit, including the account, the amount, and the images. Give it one last check.
- Tap "Submit" (or similar button): Once you're confident everything is correct, tap the submit button.
- Receive confirmation: Wells Fargo will provide immediate confirmation within the app that your deposit is processing. You'll also typically receive an email confirmation that your deposit has been received. Keep this confirmation for your records.
Step 6: What to Do After Depositing Your Check
Your job isn't quite done yet!
Sub-heading: Marking and Storing the Physical Check
- Write "Mobile Deposit" and the date: On the front of the physical check, write "Mobile Deposit" and the date you deposited it. This helps you keep track and prevents accidental re-deposit.
- Store safely: Keep the physical check in a secure place for a few days (Wells Fargo typically recommends 5 days). This is important in case there's any issue with the mobile deposit and the original check is required.
- Destroy the check: After the recommended holding period and once you've confirmed the funds are fully available in your account, shred or destroy the physical check securely. This prevents any unauthorized use.
Sub-heading: Monitoring Your Account for Funds Availability
- Check your available balance: While the deposit might be credited to your account right away, it doesn't mean the funds are immediately available for withdrawal or spending. Wells Fargo has specific cut-off times and funds availability policies.
- The cut-off time for Wells Fargo mobile deposits is generally 9 p.m. Pacific Time on business days.
- If you deposit before the cut-off time on a business day, your funds are typically available the next business day.
- If you deposit after the cut-off time or on a weekend/holiday, your deposit will be processed on the next business day, and the funds will generally be available the day after that.
- You'll be notified within the app or via email if a hold is placed on your deposit, indicating when the funds will become available. Common reasons for holds include large deposit amounts, new accounts, or frequent overdrafts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to check my mobile deposit limits with Wells Fargo?
You can usually find your specific mobile deposit limits within the Wells Fargo Mobile® app when you go to the "Deposit Checks" section and select the account you wish to deposit into. The limits are typically displayed on the "Enter Amount" screen.
How to endorse a check for Wells Fargo mobile deposit?
Sign the back of your check on the endorsement line, and below your signature, clearly write "For Mobile Deposit Only Wells Fargo" (or "For Mobile Deposit at WF").
How to ensure my check photos are clear for mobile deposit?
Place your check on a dark, flat, non-reflective surface in good, even lighting. Hold your phone steady directly over the check, ensuring all four corners are visible. Clean your camera lens before taking photos.
How to find the "Deposit Checks" feature in the Wells Fargo app?
Once you log into the Wells Fargo Mobile® app, look for a "Deposit Checks" or "Deposit" option on the main dashboard, often located in the bottom navigation bar.
How to know when my Wells Fargo mobile deposit funds will be available?
If you deposit on a business day before 9 p.m. Pacific Time, funds are generally available the next business day. Deposits made after this time or on non-business days will be processed the next business day, and funds will be available the day after that. Check your account activity in the app for precise availability.
How to resolve issues with blurry check photos during mobile deposit?
Retake the photos, ensuring good lighting, a dark background, a steady hand, and that all four corners of the check are within the frame. You might also try switching to a manual capture option if auto-capture isn't working.
How to confirm my Wells Fargo mobile deposit was successful?
After submitting, the app will provide an immediate confirmation message. You'll also typically receive an email confirmation from Wells Fargo. You can also check your account activity within the app to see the pending or posted deposit.
How to properly dispose of a physical check after mobile deposit?
After the funds are fully available in your account (Wells Fargo recommends holding the check for 5 days), shred or securely destroy the physical check to prevent any fraudulent use.
How to contact Wells Fargo customer service for mobile deposit issues?
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 the Wells Fargo website or within the mobile app.
How to find out my specific daily mobile deposit limit?
Your specific mobile deposit limits are displayed within the Wells Fargo Mobile® app itself, usually when you initiate the deposit process and select the account. These limits can vary for each customer.