Ready to ditch the trip to the bank? Mobile depositing a check with Wells Fargo is a game-changer for convenience. Imagine, no more waiting in lines, no need to rush before closing, and the ability to get your funds started on their journey to your account from the comfort of your couch, during your lunch break, or even in the middle of the night!
This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step of mobile depositing a check using the Wells Fargo Mobile® app, ensuring a smooth and successful transaction. Let's get started!
Your Ultimate Guide to Mobile Depositing a Check with Wells Fargo
Step 1: Get Ready – Your Essential Pre-Deposit Checklist
Before you even think about opening the app, a little preparation goes a long way. This ensures your deposit goes through without a hitch!
Sub-heading: Gather Your Tools
- Your Check: Make sure the check is properly filled out, dated, and made out to you (or a joint account holder).
- Your Smartphone or Tablet: You'll need a device with the Wells Fargo Mobile® app installed and a working camera.
- Good Lighting: Crucial for clear images! Natural light is best. Avoid shadows or overly bright spots that could cause glare.
- A Dark, Flat Surface: This provides good contrast for your check, helping the app capture the image accurately.
Sub-heading: Endorse Your Check Correctly
This is perhaps the most important step! An improperly endorsed check can lead to delays or rejection.
- Sign Your Name: On the back of the check, on the endorsement line, sign your name exactly as it appears on the "Pay to the Order of" line on the front of the check.
- Write "For Mobile Deposit at Wells Fargo Only": Below your signature, write this phrase. This is a crucial security measure that prevents someone from trying to deposit the check elsewhere if they were to get their hands on it.
- Look for a Checkbox (Optional): Some checks now have a pre-printed checkbox that says "Check here if mobile deposit." If your check has this, you can simply check the box instead of writing the full phrase.
Step 2: Open the App and Initiate the Deposit
Now that your check is prepped, it's time to dive into the Wells Fargo Mobile® app.
Sub-heading: Logging In
- Launch the Wells Fargo Mobile® App: Tap on the Wells Fargo icon on your device's home screen.
- Sign On: Enter your username and password, or use biometric authentication (fingerprint or facial recognition) if enabled on your device.
Sub-heading: Finding the Deposit Feature
- Navigate to "Deposit Checks": Once logged in, look for a "Deposit" or "Deposit Checks" option. This is usually found in the bottom navigation bar or within the main menu. Tap on it.
Step 3: Input Deposit Details
This is where you tell Wells Fargo about the check you're depositing.
Sub-heading: Selecting the Account
- Choose Your Account: The app will present a list of your eligible Wells Fargo accounts (checking or savings). Select the account where you want the funds to be deposited. If you only have one eligible account, it might be automatically selected.
Sub-heading: Entering the Amount
- Enter the Check Amount: Carefully type in the exact dollar amount of the check. Double-check this to ensure accuracy, as discrepancies can cause issues.
Step 4: Capture Clear Images of Your Check
This is where your camera comes into play. The quality of your images directly impacts the success of your deposit.
Sub-heading: Tips for Optimal Photo Capture
- Place on a Dark Background: As mentioned in Step 1, a dark, plain surface provides the best contrast.
- Good Lighting, No Shadows: Ensure the entire check is evenly lit without any shadows falling across it.
- Position Your Camera Directly Above: Hold your phone or tablet directly over the check, not at an angle. This helps prevent distortion.
- Fit All Four Corners: Make sure all four corners of the check are visible within the guides provided by the app's camera frame.
- Hold Steady: Keep your device still to avoid blurry images. The app might automatically capture the image when it detects a clear shot, or you may need to tap the camera icon.
Sub-heading: Taking the Photos
- Front of the Check: Follow the on-screen prompts to take a picture of the front of your endorsed check.
- Back of the Check: Once the front is captured, the app will prompt you to take a picture of the back of your endorsed check.
Step 5: Review and Submit Your Deposit
You're almost there! This final review ensures everything is correct before sending it off.
Sub-heading: Verify All Details
- Review Deposit Information: The app will display a summary of your deposit, including the account chosen, the amount entered, and the images captured. Carefully review all this information.
- Check Image Quality: Zoom in on the images if possible to ensure they are clear, legible, and that all critical information (check number, routing number, account number, amount, signature) is visible.
Sub-heading: Final Submission
- Tap "Submit": Once you've confirmed everything looks correct, tap the "Submit" or "Deposit" button.
Step 6: Confirmation and What to Do Next
Congratulations! You've successfully submitted your mobile deposit. But the process isn't quite over.
Sub-heading: Confirmation
- Receive Confirmation: You'll immediately receive a confirmation message within the app, indicating that your deposit is processing. Wells Fargo will also likely send you a confirmation email and a message to your Wells Fargo Online® Message Center. Keep these confirmations for your records.
Sub-heading: Post-Deposit Best Practices
- Write "Mobile Deposit" and the Date on the Check: On the front of the check, somewhere clearly visible, write "Mobile Deposit" and the date of your deposit. This helps prevent accidental re-deposit.
- Securely Store the Check: Do not destroy the check immediately! Wells Fargo recommends storing the physical check in a safe place for at least 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 electronic image).
- Monitor Your Account: Keep an eye on your Wells Fargo account balance to confirm that the deposit has been credited and the funds are available.
Understanding Funds Availability and Limits
While mobile deposit is incredibly convenient, it's important to understand a few key aspects:
- Cut-off Time: Wells Fargo's cut-off time for mobile deposits is 9 p.m. Pacific Time. If you deposit a check after this time or on a non-business day (weekends or federal holidays), it will be processed on the next business day.
- Funds Availability: Generally, Wells Fargo's policy is to make deposited funds available on the first business day after the bank receives the deposit. However, holds can be placed for various reasons (e.g., large deposit amounts, new accounts, frequently overdrawn accounts, or if there's reason to believe the check may not clear). If a hold is placed, you'll be notified, and the funds will be available on the date specified.
- Deposit Limits: Wells Fargo has daily and monthly limits for mobile deposits. These limits can vary based on your account history and relationship with the bank. You can usually find your specific limits within the mobile app or by contacting Wells Fargo customer service.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about mobile depositing a check with Wells Fargo:
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 by attempting a deposit or by navigating to the "Help" or "FAQs" section within the app. Alternatively, you can contact Wells Fargo customer service directly.
How to Endorse a Check for Mobile Deposit with Wells Fargo?
Endorse the back of your check by signing your name exactly as it appears on the "Pay to the Order of" line, and then write "For Mobile Deposit at Wells Fargo Only" below your signature. If your check has a pre-printed checkbox for mobile deposit, you can simply check it.
How to Know if My Wells Fargo Mobile Deposit Was Successful?
You will receive an immediate confirmation message within the Wells Fargo Mobile® app. Additionally, Wells Fargo will typically send a confirmation email to your primary email address and a message to your Wells Fargo Online® Message Center.
How to Troubleshoot a Rejected Wells Fargo Mobile Deposit?
Common reasons for rejection include blurry images, incorrect deposit amount entered, or improper endorsement. Ensure clear photos, accurate entry, and correct endorsement. If issues persist, contact Wells Fargo customer service.
How to Find the Wells Fargo Mobile Deposit Cut-Off Time?
The cut-off time for Wells Fargo mobile deposits is 9 p.m. Pacific Time. Deposits made after this time or on non-business days will be processed on the next business day.
How to Get Funds Faster from a Wells Fargo Mobile Deposit?
Generally, funds from mobile deposits are available the next business day. If a hold is placed, the funds will be available on the date indicated. There isn't a way to speed up the standard processing time beyond depositing before the cut-off.
How to View My Wells Fargo Mobile Deposit History?
You can view your deposit history, including mobile deposits, by logging into the Wells Fargo Mobile® app or Wells Fargo Online® and navigating to your account activity or statements.
How to Deposit a Check with Multiple Payees on Wells Fargo Mobile App?
If a check has multiple payees (e.g., "John Doe AND Jane Doe"), all payees must endorse the check on the back before it can be deposited via mobile app.
How to Handle a Check After Mobile Depositing with Wells Fargo?
After successfully mobile depositing, write "Mobile Deposit" and the date on the front of the physical check. Store it in a safe place for at least 5 days, then you can securely destroy it.
How to Confirm My Account is Eligible for Wells Fargo Mobile Deposit?
Most Wells Fargo checking and savings accounts are eligible for mobile deposit. You can confirm your account's eligibility by attempting a deposit in the app, or by reviewing the Wells Fargo Online Access Agreement, or by contacting customer service.
