You've got a check with two names on it, and you're wondering how to get those funds into your Wells Fargo account. It can seem a bit tricky, but don't worry, we're going to break it down step-by-step. The key here is understanding the endorsement rules and the different ways Wells Fargo allows deposits.
Let's dive in!
Navigating the Waters: Depositing a Two-Name Check at Wells Fargo
Depositing a check made out to two people can be a common scenario, whether it's a joint refund, a gift, or payment for shared services. Wells Fargo, like most banks, has specific protocols to ensure the funds are handled correctly and securely. The method you choose – mobile, ATM, or in-person – will dictate some of the nuances.
Step 1: Engage with Your Check – Who's on It and How?
Before you even think about heading to the bank or opening your app, take a close look at the check. This is the most crucial first step!
Sub-heading: Deciphering the Payee Line
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"And" vs. "Or": This little word makes a huge difference.
- If the check reads "John Doe AND Jane Smith," it means both individuals must endorse the check. This signifies that the funds are intended for both parties collectively.
- If the check reads "John Doe OR Jane Smith," it means either John or Jane can endorse and deposit the check. This offers more flexibility.
- No "And" or "Or": If the names are simply listed with a comma (e.g., "John Doe, Jane Smith") or stacked on separate lines without a connector, it's generally interpreted as "OR" by the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC 3-110(d)). This means either payee can likely deposit it. However, some banks, including Wells Fargo, may still prefer or even require both endorsements for checks with simply listed names, especially for larger amounts. It's always best to err on the side of caution.
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Are Both Names on Your Wells Fargo Account? This is another critical factor.
- Yes, it's a joint account with both names: This is the easiest scenario. As long as both names on the check match the names on your joint Wells Fargo account, the process is usually straightforward.
- No, only one name is on the Wells Fargo account: This makes it a "third-party check" scenario. Depositing a check made out to someone else (even if you're one of the payees) into an account where they are not a named owner can be more challenging and may require specific actions or even a different approach altogether. Wells Fargo is generally strict on this to prevent fraud.
Step 2: Endorsing Your Check Properly
Endorsement is the act of signing the back of the check to authorize its deposit or transfer. For checks with two names, this step is paramount.
Sub-heading: The Power of the Signature
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For "AND" Checks (or ambiguous checks where both names are preferred):
- Both individuals named on the check must sign their names on the back of the check, exactly as they appear on the payee line. There's typically a designated endorsement area.
- Below the signatures, it's a good practice to write "For Deposit Only" and your Wells Fargo account number.
- Example:
---------------------------------- [Signature of John Doe] [Signature of Jane Smith] For Deposit Only Wells Fargo Account: XXXXXXXXXX ----------------------------------
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For "OR" Checks (or ambiguous checks where one name is sufficient and your bank confirms this):
- Only one of the individuals named on the check needs to sign their name.
- Again, it's wise to add "For Deposit Only" and your Wells Fargo account number.
- Example:
---------------------------------- [Signature of John Doe] For Deposit Only Wells Fargo Account: XXXXXXXXXX ----------------------------------
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For Mobile Deposit at Wells Fargo:
- In addition to your signature(s), you MUST write "For Mobile Deposit at Wells Fargo Only" below the endorsement. Some checks even have a pre-printed box to check for mobile deposit. Always use this specific phrase for mobile deposits.
Step 3: Choosing Your Deposit Method with Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo offers several convenient ways to deposit checks. Your choice will depend on whether both payees need to be present and your comfort level with technology.
Sub-heading: Option A: Mobile Deposit via the Wells Fargo Mobile App
This is often the quickest and most convenient method, but it has specific requirements for checks with multiple payees.
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Ensure Eligibility: Make sure your Wells Fargo account is eligible for mobile deposit. Most personal checking and savings accounts are, but some restrictions may apply (e.g., new accounts might have temporary limits).
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Download the App: If you haven't already, download the "Wells Fargo Mobile" app from your smartphone's app store.
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Log In: Sign in to your Wells Fargo Mobile App.
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Initiate Deposit:
- Tap "Deposit" in the bottom navigation bar.
- Select the account you wish to deposit the check into.
- Enter the exact amount of the check.
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Endorse Correctly for Mobile Deposit: As mentioned in Step 2, ensure the check is endorsed with:
- All required signatures (both, if it's an "AND" check or if Wells Fargo requires both for ambiguous checks).
- "For Mobile Deposit at Wells Fargo Only" written clearly below the signatures.
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Capture Images:
- Place the check on a dark-colored, plain surface with good lighting.
- Position your camera directly over the check (not at an angle).
- Ensure all four corners of the check are within the guides on your screen.
- Take a clear photo of the front of the endorsed check.
- Flip the check over and take a clear photo of the back of the endorsed check.
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Review and Submit:
- Review the deposit details carefully.
- Tap "Submit" or "Deposit" to complete the transaction.
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Confirmation and Storage: You'll receive immediate confirmation that your deposit is processing. Important: Write "Mobile Deposit" and the date on the front of the physical check, then store it in a safe place for 5-7 business days in case the original is needed for verification. After that, destroy it securely.
Note: While mobile deposit is convenient, for checks made out to two names where only one person has the Wells Fargo account, mobile deposit is generally NOT recommended or even allowed by Wells Fargo. If the check is made out to "John Doe AND Jane Smith," and only John Doe has the Wells Fargo account, the mobile deposit may be rejected. It's often best to go to a branch in such cases.
Sub-heading: Option B: ATM Deposit at a Wells Fargo ATM
Wells Fargo ATMs are equipped to accept check deposits. This can be a good option if you can't get to a teller during banking hours.
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Endorse the Check: Ensure the check is properly endorsed by all required payees (both for "AND" checks, or one for "OR" checks if allowed). It's also a good idea to write "For Deposit Only" and your account number.
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Insert Debit Card: Insert your Wells Fargo debit card into the ATM.
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Enter PIN: Enter your Personal Identification Number (PIN).
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Select Deposit: Choose the "Deposit" option from the ATM menu.
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Select Account: Specify the account (checking or savings) where you want to deposit the check.
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Insert Check: Insert the endorsed check into the designated slot. The ATM will usually scan the check and display the amount. Verify it's correct.
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Confirm Deposit: Confirm the deposit amount.
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Get Receipt: Take your receipt, which will show the deposit details and often the funds availability date.
Similar to mobile deposit, if only one of the payees on an "AND" check has the Wells Fargo account, an ATM deposit might still be rejected. The ATM may not be able to verify both endorsements against the account holders.
Sub-heading: Option C: In-Person Deposit at a Wells Fargo Branch
This is often the most reliable method for checks with two names, especially if the check is made out to "AND" or if only one of the payees has the Wells Fargo account.
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Gather Required Items:
- The fully endorsed check (both signatures if required).
- Valid Photo IDs for all payees on the check. This is crucial. Wells Fargo may require both individuals named on an "AND" check to be present with their IDs, even if only one has the account. If the check is made out to "John Doe AND Jane Smith" and only John has the Wells Fargo account, Jane would likely need to be present with her ID for the deposit to be accepted.
- Your Wells Fargo debit card or account number.
- A completed deposit slip (available at the branch).
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Visit a Branch: Locate your nearest Wells Fargo branch.
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Speak with a Teller: Inform the teller you'd like to deposit a check with two names.
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Present Documents: Provide the endorsed check, your ID(s), and the deposit slip. If both payees are required, they will both need to present their IDs to the teller.
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Verify and Confirm: The teller will review the check, endorsements, and IDs. They may ask questions to confirm the legitimacy of the deposit. Once processed, they will provide a receipt.
This method provides the highest level of human verification, reducing the chances of a deposit being rejected due to endorsement or payee discrepancies.
Step 4: Understanding Funds Availability
Regardless of how you deposit the check, it's important to understand when the funds will be available for your use.
Sub-heading: The Waiting Game (Sometimes)
- Same Business Day: For most standard checks deposited before the daily cutoff time (which is typically 9 PM local time for ATMs and 9 PM Pacific Time for mobile deposits, but can vary by branch), Wells Fargo generally credits the deposit to your account the same business day.
- Next Business Day: If you deposit after the cutoff time or on a non-business day (like a weekend or federal holiday), the deposit will be credited on the next business day.
- Holds: Wells Fargo may place a hold on the funds, delaying their availability. Common reasons for holds include:
- Large deposit amounts.
- New accounts.
- Frequent overdrafts on the account.
- Concerns about the check's legitimacy.
- If a hold is placed, you'll be notified on your receipt or via email, and the availability date will be provided. Generally, up to $225 of a check deposit may be available on the first business day, with the rest available later. Holds can be up to 7 business days or sometimes longer in certain circumstances.
Step 5: Monitoring Your Account
After depositing, keep an eye on your Wells Fargo account to confirm the deposit has gone through and the funds are available.
Sub-heading: Keeping Tabs on Your Money
- Online Banking/Mobile App: Regularly check your account balance and transaction history via Wells Fargo Online or the mobile app. You'll see the deposit reflected, and then the "available balance" will update when the funds are no longer on hold.
- Alerts: Consider setting up deposit alerts through Wells Fargo Online or the mobile app so you're notified when the deposit is processed and when funds become available.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to endorse a check with two names for Wells Fargo?
- Both individuals named on the check must sign their names on the back. For mobile deposit, you must also write "For Mobile Deposit at Wells Fargo Only" below the signatures.
How to mobile deposit a check with two names at Wells Fargo?
- Ensure both payees have signed the back of the check, along with "For Mobile Deposit at Wells Fargo Only." Then, use the Wells Fargo Mobile App to take clear photos of the front and back of the endorsed check and submit.
How to deposit a check with two names if only one person has a Wells Fargo account?
- It's generally recommended to deposit such checks in person at a Wells Fargo branch. Both individuals named on the check should be present with valid photo IDs to endorse the check in front of a teller. Mobile or ATM deposits may be rejected in this scenario.
How to know if my check needs both names endorsed for Wells Fargo?
- Look for "AND" between the names on the payee line (e.g., "John Doe AND Jane Smith"). If it says "AND," both signatures are required. If it says "OR" or simply lists names with a comma or stacked, one signature might be sufficient, but calling Wells Fargo or depositing in person with both individuals is the safest bet.
How to deposit a check at a Wells Fargo ATM with two names?
- Ensure both payees have signed the back of the check. Insert your Wells Fargo debit card, select "Deposit," choose your account, and feed the endorsed check into the machine. Be aware that ATMs may have limitations if only one payee is an account holder.
How to handle a check made out to "John Doe OR Jane Smith" at Wells Fargo?
- Either John Doe or Jane Smith can endorse and deposit the check into an account where they are a named owner. Only one signature is typically required on the back.
How to avoid holds on a two-name check deposit at Wells Fargo?
- Ensure all endorsements are correct and clear. If possible, deposit in person with both payees and their IDs if the bank typically requires it. Smaller check amounts or deposits into long-standing accounts may also help.
How to find Wells Fargo's mobile deposit cutoff time?
- The cutoff time for Wells Fargo Mobile App deposits is typically 9 p.m. Pacific Time. Deposits made after this time will be processed on the next business day.
How to verify if a two-name check deposit was successful at Wells Fargo?
- Check your Wells Fargo Mobile App or online banking. You'll see the deposit listed in your transaction history, and your "available balance" will reflect when the funds are accessible.
How to get help from Wells Fargo if my two-name check deposit is rejected?
- Contact Wells Fargo customer service directly (1-800-TO-WELLS or 1-800-869-3557) or visit a local branch. They can provide specific reasons for the rejection and guide you on the next steps.
