Yes, you can mobile deposit your tax refund check through the Wells Fargo mobile app
Wells Fargo's mobile deposit feature works with tax refund checks the same way it works with any other check. You photograph the front and back of the check using your phone, submit it through the app, and the funds appear in your account within one to two business days. You do not need to visit a branch or an ATM.
The process is straightforward if your account is set up for mobile deposit. Not all Wells Fargo accounts have this feature enabled by default, so you may need to turn it on first. Once it is active, you can deposit checks from anywhere — home, work, or while traveling.
Key Takeaways
- Mobile deposit works with tax refund checks and typically clears within one to two business days after you submit the photos.
- You must have a Wells Fargo checking or savings account and the mobile deposit feature must be turned on in your account settings.
- Take clear photos of both the front and back of the check, with all four corners visible and no glare or shadows.
- After deposit, you can either keep the check or destroy it — Wells Fargo's policy varies by account type, so check your account terms.
- If the deposit is rejected, Wells Fargo will notify you through the app, and you can resubmit or take the check to a branch.
How to turn on mobile deposit if you do not have it yet
Log into the Wells Fargo mobile app and go to Settings. Look for "Mobile Deposit" or "Deposit Checks" in the menu. If you see an option to enable it, tap it and follow the prompts. Wells Fargo may ask you to verify your identity or confirm your account details.
If you do not see the option at all, your account type may not support mobile deposit. Call Wells Fargo at 1-800-869-3557 or visit a branch to confirm whether your account is may be able to access. Some accounts — particularly older or specialty accounts — do not have this feature available.
Steps to deposit your tax refund check by phone
Open the Wells Fargo app and tap "Deposit Checks" or "Mobile Deposit." Select the account where you want the money to go. Take a photo of the front of the check, making sure all four corners are visible and the image is clear. Then take a photo of the back of the check.
Review both images before you submit. Wells Fargo will show you a preview and ask you to confirm the check amount. Once you submit, the app will tell you when the deposit was received and when you can expect the funds. Most tax refund checks clear within one to two business days, though some may take longer depending on when you submit and your bank's processing schedule.
What happens after you submit the deposit
Wells Fargo will send you a notification through the app confirming that your deposit was received. The funds will be held as pending for one to two business days while the check clears. During this time, you can see the deposit in your account, but you cannot withdraw the money yet.
Once the hold lifts, the money is yours to use. If there is a problem — for example, if the check image is too blurry or the amount does not match what you entered — Wells Fargo will notify you through the app. You can then resubmit the photos or take the physical check to a branch.
What to do with the check after you deposit it
Wells Fargo's policy on what to do with the physical check after mobile deposit varies by account. Some accounts require you to keep the check for a set period (often 30 days). Others allow you to destroy it immediately. Check your account agreement or call Wells Fargo to confirm your account's specific rules.
Do not deposit the same check twice — once through mobile deposit and again in person or at an ATM. This will cause a duplicate deposit error and can trigger fraud alerts on your account. If you are unsure whether your deposit went through, check your account history in the app before attempting to deposit the check again.
Reasons a tax refund check might be rejected
Wells Fargo may reject your mobile deposit if the check image is unclear, if the check is damaged or torn, if the amount you entered does not match the printed amount, or if the check has already been deposited elsewhere. Checks that are post-dated (dated in the future) or stale-dated (more than six months old) may also be rejected, though tax refund checks are usually current.
If your deposit is rejected, the app will explain why. You can then take the physical check to a Wells Fargo branch or ATM, or you can try mobile deposit again if the issue was just image quality. If the IRS issued the check and it was rejected, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to confirm the check is still valid.
Alternatives if mobile deposit does not work
If your account does not support mobile deposit or if your check is rejected, you can deposit the check at any Wells Fargo ATM. Insert the check into the ATM's deposit slot, and it will be processed the same way as a branch deposit. Funds typically clear within one to two business days.
You can also visit a Wells Fargo branch in person and hand the check to a teller. This is the slowest option but guarantees the check is processed correctly. If you are not a Wells Fargo customer, you can cash the check at any bank or credit union where you have an account, or at many retail locations like grocery stores or check-cashing services.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a mobile deposit tax refund check to clear?
Most tax refund checks clear within one to two business days after you submit the photos through the Wells Fargo app. Weekends and holidays can extend this timeline. You can see the deposit as pending in your account immediately, but the funds will not be available to withdraw until the hold lifts.
Can I mobile deposit a check that is made out to two people?
Wells Fargo's policy on joint checks varies. Some accounts can deposit checks made out to two names if both account holders are present, while others cannot. Call Wells Fargo at 1-800-869-3557 before you attempt to deposit a joint check, or visit a branch where a teller can confirm whether it is possible.
What if the check amount is wrong or the check is damaged?
If the amount printed on the check does not match what you entered, Wells Fargo will reject the deposit and notify you through the app. If the check is torn, faded, or otherwise damaged, it may also be rejected. Contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to request a replacement check if the original is damaged.
Do I need to endorse the back of the check before mobile deposit?
Wells Fargo requires you to sign the back of the check before you take the photo for mobile deposit. Write "For Mobile Deposit Only" above your signature. This protects you if the check is lost or mishandled before it clears.
Can I deposit the same tax refund check at multiple banks?
No. Depositing the same check at more than one bank is check fraud and can result in criminal charges. Once you deposit a check through Wells Fargo mobile deposit, do not attempt to deposit it anywhere else. If the deposit is rejected, you can resubmit it only through Wells Fargo or take it to a Wells Fargo branch.