Have you recently opened a Wells Fargo savings account or are you looking to start building your financial future? Excellent choice! Saving money is one of the smartest things you can do, and Wells Fargo offers various convenient ways to help you achieve your goals. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of putting money into your Wells Fargo savings account, no matter your preference.
Your Journey to Savings: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Gather Your Essentials and Choose Your Method
Before we dive into the "how-to," let's make sure you have everything you need. This initial preparation will make the entire process smoother and more efficient.
- Your Wells Fargo Savings Account Information: You'll need your account number and routing number. These can typically be found on your checks (if you have a linked checking account), through your online banking portal, or by calling Wells Fargo customer service.
- The Funds You Wish to Deposit: Whether it's cash, a check, a money order, or funds from another account, have it ready.
- Identification (for in-person transactions): A valid government-issued ID (like a driver's license or state ID) might be required for certain deposits, especially larger cash amounts or when opening a new account.
Now, let's consider the many ways you can deposit money into your Wells Fargo savings account. Think about what's most convenient for you:
- Digital Convenience: Mobile Deposit, Online Transfers, Direct Deposit, Zelle
- In-Person Options: Branch Teller, Wells Fargo ATM
- Other Methods: Wire Transfers, Money Orders
Once you have a general idea of your preferred method, let's proceed to the detailed steps for each!
Step 2: Depositing Electronically – The Digital Age of Savings
For many, the easiest way to add funds is through digital channels. Wells Fargo offers several robust options.
Sub-heading: Mobile Deposit via the Wells Fargo Mobile® App
This method is incredibly convenient for depositing checks from anywhere, anytime.
- Download and Log In: If you haven't already, download the Wells Fargo Mobile® app from your smartphone's app store. Then, sign in to your account using your username and password or biometric authentication (fingerprint/Face ID).
- Navigate to Deposit: Once logged in, look for the "Deposit" option, usually found in the bottom navigation bar or through a "Deposit Checks" shortcut.
- Select Your Account: Choose your Wells Fargo savings account from the "To" dropdown menu. You can also set a default account for future deposits.
- Enter the Amount: Carefully enter the exact amount of the check you wish to deposit. Double-check this to avoid errors. You'll also see your remaining daily and 30-day mobile deposit limits displayed.
- Endorse Your Check: Crucially, sign the back of your check. Below your signature, write "For Mobile Deposit at Wells Fargo Only" or check the designated box if available. This endorsement is vital for the deposit to process correctly.
- Snap Photos: Place your endorsed check on a dark-colored, plain, well-lit surface. Use the app's camera feature to take clear photos of the front and back of the check, ensuring all four corners are within the guides on your screen.
- Review and Submit: Review all the deposit information to confirm it's accurate. Then, tap "Deposit" or "Submit."
- Confirmation and Retention: You'll receive an instant on-screen confirmation and often an email. Keep the physical check secure for at least 5 days after the deposit, then write "mobile deposit" and the date on it before shredding it.
Sub-heading: Online Transfers (Wells Fargo Online®)
If you have a Wells Fargo checking account or another Wells Fargo account, transferring funds to your savings is incredibly simple and immediate.
- Log In to Wells Fargo Online®: Go to the Wells Fargo website and log in to your online banking account.
- Navigate to Transfers: Look for the "Transfer & Pay" or "Transfers" section.
- Initiate a Transfer: Select the option to "Transfer Funds" or "Make a Transfer."
- Choose Accounts: Select your source account (e.g., your Wells Fargo checking account) and your destination account (your Wells Fargo savings account).
- Enter Amount and Date: Enter the amount you wish to transfer. You can typically choose to make a one-time transfer, set up recurring transfers, or schedule a transfer for a future date.
- Review and Confirm: Review the transfer details carefully and then confirm the transaction. The funds will usually be available in your savings account immediately.
Sub-heading: Direct Deposit
For recurring income like your salary, Social Security, or pension, direct deposit is the most convenient and secure option.
- Obtain Direct Deposit Information: You'll need your Wells Fargo savings account's routing number and your specific account number. Wells Fargo often provides a pre-filled direct deposit form within their mobile app or online banking portal. You can also download a blank form from their website.
- Provide to Payor: Give this information or the completed form to your employer's payroll department, Social Security Administration, or other payor. They may require you to complete their own internal direct deposit form.
- Monitor Your Account: It might take one or two pay or benefit periods for direct deposit to take effect. You can set up alerts through Wells Fargo to be notified when a direct deposit hits your account.
Sub-heading: Zelle®
While primarily for sending money to friends and family, you can also use Zelle to receive money into your Wells Fargo savings account from others who are also enrolled in Zelle.
- Enroll with Zelle®: Ensure your Wells Fargo savings account is enrolled with Zelle through Wells Fargo Online or the Wells Fargo Mobile app. You'll link your U.S. mobile number or email address to your savings account.
- Receive Funds: When someone sends you money via Zelle to your enrolled email or mobile number, the funds will typically be deposited into your designated Wells Fargo savings account within minutes.
Step 3: Depositing In-Person – Traditional and Reliable Methods
Sometimes, a face-to-face interaction or using an ATM is preferred, especially for cash deposits.
Sub-heading: Visiting a Wells Fargo Branch
This is a classic and reliable way to deposit cash, checks, or money orders.
- Locate a Branch: Use the Wells Fargo website or mobile app to find the nearest branch location.
- Gather Your Items: Bring your cash, endorsed checks, or money orders, along with your Wells Fargo debit card or account number, and a valid ID.
- Fill Out a Deposit Slip (Optional but Recommended): While tellers can often process deposits without one, filling out a deposit slip (available at the branch) can expedite the process, especially for multiple checks or varying cash denominations. Write your account number, the date, and break down the deposit amounts (cash, checks).
- Approach the Teller: Hand your deposit items and ID to the teller. Inform them you'd like to deposit funds into your savings account.
- Confirm the Transaction: The teller will process your deposit and provide you with a receipt. Always review the receipt to ensure the amount and account are correct before leaving the counter.
Sub-heading: Using a Wells Fargo ATM
Wells Fargo ATMs are equipped to handle both cash and check deposits 24/7.
- Find a Wells Fargo ATM: Use the Wells Fargo website or app to locate a convenient ATM.
- Insert Your Card: Insert your Wells Fargo debit or ATM card into the machine.
- Enter Your PIN: Enter your Personal Identification Number (PIN) when prompted.
- Select "Deposit": From the main menu, choose the "Deposit" option.
- Choose Account: Select your Wells Fargo savings account as the destination for the deposit.
- Insert Funds:
- For Cash: Insert your cash directly into the designated cash slot. The ATM will count the money and display the total.
- For Checks: Insert your endorsed check(s) into the check slot. The ATM will scan the checks and display the total amount.
- Verify and Confirm: Carefully review the displayed deposit amount to ensure it matches what you inserted. Confirm the transaction.
- Receipt: The ATM will dispense a receipt. Keep this receipt as proof of your deposit. Funds from ATM deposits may have a hold placed on them, meaning they might not be immediately available for withdrawal.
Step 4: Other Deposit Methods – For Specific Needs
Beyond the most common methods, here are a couple of other ways to put money into your Wells Fargo savings account.
Sub-heading: Wire Transfers
Wire transfers are useful for sending or receiving large sums of money quickly, especially from other financial institutions or internationally.
- Provide Recipient Information: To receive a wire transfer into your Wells Fargo savings account, you'll need to provide the sender with specific information:
- Bank Name: Wells Fargo Bank, NA
- Bank Address: 420 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94104 (this is the main corporate address and works regardless of your account's physical branch location)
- Wire Routing Transit Number (ABA / RTN): 121000248 (for domestic wires)
- SWIFT / BIC Code: WFBIUS6S (for international wires)
- Beneficiary Account Number: Your complete Wells Fargo savings account number (including any leading zeros).
- Beneficiary Name: Your full name as it appears on your Wells Fargo account.
- Confirm with Sender: Ensure the sender has all the correct details to avoid delays or issues.
- Monitor Your Account: Wire transfers are typically processed quickly once sent, but it's always good to monitor your account for the incoming funds.
Sub-heading: Money Orders
You can deposit a money order into your Wells Fargo savings account much like you would a personal check.
- Endorse the Money Order: Sign the back of the money order.
- Choose Your Method: You can deposit a money order using any of the check deposit methods mentioned above:
- Mobile Deposit: Use the Wells Fargo Mobile® app (ensure the money order is properly endorsed for mobile deposit).
- ATM Deposit: Insert the money order into a Wells Fargo ATM.
- Branch Teller: Take the money order to a Wells Fargo teller.
- Keep Records: Always keep the receipt or stub from your money order purchase until the funds have cleared and are available in your account.
Step 5: Monitor Your Savings and Keep Saving!
After making your deposit, it's essential to keep an eye on your account.
Sub-heading: Check Your Account Balance
- Wells Fargo Online®: Log in to view your most up-to-date balance and transaction history.
- Wells Fargo Mobile® App: The app provides quick access to your account balance and recent activity.
- ATM: You can check your balance at any Wells Fargo ATM.
- Customer Service: Call Wells Fargo customer service for balance inquiries.
Sub-heading: Understand Fund Availability
- Immediate Availability: Transfers between Wells Fargo accounts and often cash deposits at branches or ATMs are typically available immediately.
- Holds on Deposits: Checks and money orders, especially those deposited via mobile or ATM, may have a temporary hold placed on them. This means the funds might not be immediately available for withdrawal, though you'll see the deposit reflected in your balance. Wells Fargo's fund availability policy outlines specific timelines.
Sub-heading: Set Up Alerts
Wells Fargo allows you to set up various alerts to help you manage your money. Consider setting up:
- Deposit Alerts: Get notified when a deposit posts to your account.
- Balance Alerts: Receive a notification if your balance falls below or goes above a certain amount.
- Transaction Alerts: Stay informed about all activity on your account.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check my Wells Fargo savings account balance?
You can check your Wells Fargo savings account balance through Wells Fargo Online, the Wells Fargo Mobile® app, at any Wells Fargo ATM, or by calling Wells Fargo customer service.
How to find my Wells Fargo savings account number and routing number?
Your savings account number and the Wells Fargo routing number can be found on your checks (if linked to a checking account), by logging into Wells Fargo Online or the mobile app, or by contacting customer service.
How to set up direct deposit to my Wells Fargo savings account?
Obtain your Wells Fargo savings account number and routing number (Wells Fargo provides pre-filled forms online), and then provide this information to your employer or payor.
How to deposit cash into my Wells Fargo savings account?
You can deposit cash at any Wells Fargo branch with a teller, or conveniently at most Wells Fargo ATMs by inserting your debit card and selecting the deposit option.
How to deposit a check into my Wells Fargo savings account using my phone?
Download and log in to the Wells Fargo Mobile® app, select "Deposit," choose your savings account, enter the amount, endorse the check "For Mobile Deposit at Wells Fargo Only," snap photos of the front and back, and then submit.
How to transfer money from my Wells Fargo checking to savings account online?
Log in to Wells Fargo Online, navigate to the "Transfer & Pay" section, select "Transfer Funds," choose your checking account as the source and your savings account as the destination, enter the amount, and confirm the transfer.
How to receive a wire transfer to my Wells Fargo savings account?
Provide the sender with Wells Fargo's wire routing number (121000248 for domestic, WFBIUS6S for international), the bank's address (420 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94104), your full name, and your complete Wells Fargo savings account number.
How to avoid fees on my Wells Fargo savings account?
Wells Fargo savings accounts often have monthly service fees, which can typically be avoided by maintaining a minimum daily balance, having qualifying electronic deposits, or meeting age requirements (e.g., being a student). Check your specific account terms for details.
How to get a money order at Wells Fargo?
You can purchase a money order at any Wells Fargo branch if you have a checking or savings account with them. There is a flat fee for the money order, and a limit of $1,000 per money order.
How to contact Wells Fargo customer service for savings account inquiries?
You can contact Wells Fargo customer service for general banking inquiries, including savings accounts, by calling 1-800-869-3557 (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week), or by scheduling an appointment at a branch.
