Hey there! Ever found yourself holding a check and thinking, "There has to be an easier way to deposit this than driving to the bank or an ATM?" Well, you're in luck! If you're a Wells Fargo customer, their mobile app offers a fantastic feature that lets you scan checks right from your phone or tablet. It's incredibly convenient and can save you a ton of time.
Ready to ditch the drive-thru and deposit from the comfort of your couch? Let's get started with a detailed, step-by-step guide!
How to Scan a Check on the Wells Fargo App: Your Ultimate Guide
Mobile check deposit has revolutionized banking, making it quicker and easier to manage your money. Wells Fargo's Mobile Deposit service is robust and secure, but like any digital tool, knowing the proper steps makes all the difference. Follow this guide to ensure a smooth and successful deposit every time.
Step 1: Prepare Your Check and Your Device
Before you even open the app, a little preparation goes a long way. This crucial first step ensures a seamless deposit process.
Sub-heading: Endorsing Your Check Correctly
This is perhaps the most vital part of the preparation. Without proper endorsement, your deposit could be rejected.
- Sign the back of your check. Make sure your signature matches the name of the payee on the front of the check.
- Write "For Mobile Deposit at Wells Fargo Only" below your signature. This is a standard requirement for most mobile deposit services and helps prevent fraudulent attempts to deposit the same check multiple times.
- Alternatively, if your check has a pre-printed box that says "Check here if mobile deposit," simply check that box instead of writing the phrase. This is even easier!
Sub-heading: Optimizing Your Environment for the Best Photos
Taking good photos of your check is key to a successful mobile deposit. Blurry, poorly lit, or angled photos are common reasons for rejections.
- Find a well-lit area. Natural light is usually best, but a brightly lit room works too. Avoid shadows falling on the check.
- Use a dark, plain surface. This provides good contrast and helps the app's camera focus on the check. A dark tabletop or even a solid-colored placemat can work.
- Ensure the check is flat. Wrinkled or folded checks can lead to blurry images. Smooth it out before taking the picture.
- Clean your phone's camera lens. It sounds simple, but a smudged lens can drastically impact photo quality.
Step 2: Accessing the Mobile Deposit Feature
Now that your check is ready, it's time to open up the Wells Fargo Mobile app and navigate to the deposit section.
Sub-heading: Launching the App and Signing On
- Open the Wells Fargo Mobile app on your smartphone or tablet. If you don't have it yet, download it from your device's app store (Google Play Store for Android, Apple App Store for iOS).
- Sign on using your username and password. You may also use Touch ID, Face ID, or fingerprint authentication if you have it enabled.
Sub-heading: Locating the Deposit Option
Wells Fargo makes it pretty straightforward to find the mobile deposit feature.
- Once signed in, look for the "Deposit" option. This is typically located in the bottom navigation bar of the app.
- Alternatively, you might see a "Deposit Checks" shortcut or a similar option on the main dashboard. Tap on whichever is available to you.
Step 3: Entering Deposit Details
Once you're in the deposit section, you'll need to provide some basic information about your deposit.
Sub-heading: Selecting the Account and Entering the Amount
- Choose the account you want to deposit the check into. Tap the "To" dropdown menu (or similar) and select the appropriate checking or savings account. If you have a default account set up, it may already be pre-selected.
- Enter the amount of your check. Carefully type in the exact dollar amount as written on the check. Double-check for accuracy – a misplaced decimal or a typo can cause issues. The app will usually display your remaining daily and 30-day mobile deposit limits on this screen, which is helpful for larger checks.
Step 4: Capturing the Check Images
This is where your preparation from Step 1 comes into play! The app will guide you through taking photos of the front and back of your endorsed check.
Sub-heading: Taking a Clear Photo of the Front of the Check
- The app will activate your device's camera.
- Position your camera directly over the check. Avoid angling your phone. Hold it flat and steady.
- Ensure all four corners of the check fit within the guides on your mobile device's camera screen. The app often provides a frame or outline to help you align it correctly.
- The app may automatically capture the photo once it detects a clear image within the frame. If not, you can tap the camera button to manually take the picture.
- Review the image. If it's blurry, cropped, or poorly lit, tap "Retake" and try again. A crisp, clear image is essential.
Sub-heading: Taking a Clear Photo of the Back of the Check
- After successfully capturing the front, the app will prompt you to turn the check over.
- Flip the check to the back, ensuring your endorsement is clearly visible.
- Repeat the process: position your camera directly over the check, ensure all four corners are within the guides, and capture the image.
- Again, review the image carefully and retake if necessary.
Step 5: Review and Submit Your Deposit
You're almost there! A final review before submitting ensures everything is correct.
Sub-heading: Verifying All Details
- The app will present a summary of your deposit, including the account selected and the amount entered.
- Double-check everything one last time. Make sure the amount matches the check, and the images are clear and readable.
Sub-heading: Final Submission
- Once you're confident all the information is accurate, tap the "Deposit" or "Submit" button.
- You will receive an on-screen confirmation that your deposit has been received. You may also get an email confirmation. Keep this confirmation for your records.
Step 6: What to Do After Depositing
Your work isn't quite done even after hitting submit! Proper handling of the physical check is important.
Sub-heading: Marking and Storing the Check
- On the front of the physical check, write "Mobile Deposit" and the date you deposited it. This helps you remember that it has already been processed.
- Store the check in a safe place for at least five days. This is a crucial step in case the original check is required for any reason (e.g., if there's an issue with the deposit or if the image quality isn't sufficient).
Sub-heading: Destroying the Check Safely
- After five business days have passed and you've confirmed the deposit has cleared and the funds are available in your account, shred or safely destroy the physical check. Do not simply throw it in the trash, as it contains sensitive information.
And that's it! You've successfully scanned and deposited a check using the Wells Fargo Mobile app. Convenient, right?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions about scanning checks on the Wells Fargo app, along with quick answers:
How to check my mobile deposit limits on the Wells Fargo app?
Your mobile deposit limits are displayed for each eligible account when you select a "Deposit to" account and on the "Enter Amount" screen within the Wells Fargo Mobile app.
How to ensure my check photo is clear for mobile deposit?
Place your check on a dark, plain surface in good lighting. Position your camera directly over the check (not angled) and ensure all four corners fit within the guides on your screen. Clean your camera lens beforehand!
How to endorse a check for mobile deposit with Wells Fargo?
Sign the back of your check and write "For Mobile Deposit at Wells Fargo Only" below your signature. Alternatively, check the pre-printed box if available.
How to find the mobile deposit feature in the Wells Fargo app?
After signing in, look for "Deposit" in the bottom navigation bar or a "Deposit Checks" shortcut on the main dashboard.
How to know if my mobile deposit was successful?
You will receive an on-screen confirmation immediately after submitting, and usually an email confirmation shortly after. You can also check your account activity in the app.
How to resolve a blurry check photo during mobile deposit?
If the photo is blurry, tap "Retake" and try again. Ensure good lighting, a steady hand, and the check is flat and within the camera's frame.
How to handle the physical check after mobile deposit?
Write "Mobile Deposit" and the date on the front of the check and store it in a safe place for at least five business days. After confirmation of funds availability, safely destroy it.
How to check if my account is eligible for mobile deposit?
Most eligible checking and savings accounts are automatically enabled for mobile deposit. If you don't see the option, contact Wells Fargo customer service or check the Online Access Agreement for details.
How to get funds faster from a mobile deposit?
Generally, if you deposit on a business day before 9 PM Pacific Time, your funds will be available the next business day. Deposits made after this time or on weekends/holidays will be processed on the next business day and generally available the day after.
How to troubleshoot if the Wells Fargo app is not allowing mobile deposit?
Ensure you have the latest version of the app, your device's camera permissions are enabled for the app, and you have a stable internet connection. If issues persist, contact Wells Fargo customer support.
