Wells Fargo does place holds on checks, and the length depends on the check amount, your account history, and how you deposit it
When you deposit a check into your Wells Fargo checking account, the bank does not always make the full amount available right away. A deposit hold is a period of time during which Wells Fargo verifies the check before releasing the funds to you. The hold can last anywhere from one business day to ten business days, depending on several factors.
The most common scenario is a hold of one to two business days for checks deposited at an ATM or through mobile deposit. Checks deposited in person at a branch may clear faster. However, if the check is large, drawn on an out-of-state bank, or you have a new account, Wells Fargo may hold it longer.
Key Takeaways
- Wells Fargo typically holds checks for one to two business days, but can hold them up to ten business days depending on the check amount and your account history.
- Checks deposited through mobile deposit or ATM often have longer holds than checks deposited in person at a branch.
- Large checks, checks from out-of-state banks, and deposits to new accounts are more likely to face longer holds.
- You can ask a Wells Fargo representative at a branch whether a specific check will be held and for how long before you deposit it.
Standard hold times for different deposit methods
Wells Fargo publishes general hold timeframes, though the actual hold on your deposit may be shorter. For checks deposited in person at a Wells Fargo branch, funds are often available by the next business day. For checks deposited through the Wells Fargo mobile app or at an ATM, the hold is typically one to two business days.
A business day means Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays. If you deposit a check on Friday evening, the hold period does not start until Monday. This is why a check deposited Friday might not clear until Wednesday or Thursday of the following week.
Wells Fargo also offers a service called Wells Fargo Mobile Check Deposit, which lets you photograph a check using your phone. Checks deposited this way usually have the same hold as ATM deposits — one to two business days — though Wells Fargo may extend the hold if the check is unusually large or drawn on a bank outside the United States.
When Wells Fargo holds checks longer than one or two days
Wells Fargo can place a hold of up to ten business days under federal banking rules. This longer hold is more likely if the check is for a large amount (the bank does not publish a specific threshold), if it is drawn on a bank outside the United States, or if your account is new.
If you have had frequent overdrafts, returned checks, or other account problems, Wells Fargo may also hold checks longer as a precaution. The bank is trying to reduce the risk that a check will bounce after it has already credited your account.
You can call Wells Fargo customer service at the number on the back of your debit card or visit a branch to ask about a specific check before you deposit it. A representative can tell you whether the bank expects to hold it and for approximately how long.
What happens while your check is on hold
While a check is on hold, the money is not available for you to withdraw or spend. If you try to use funds that are still on hold, your transaction may be declined or your account may overdraft. Wells Fargo will show the deposit in your account balance, but it will also show a note that part of the balance is on hold.
You can see which deposits are on hold by logging into your Wells Fargo online account or mobile app. Look for a section labeled "holds" or "pending deposits." This tells you exactly how much money is held and when it is expected to be released.
How to reduce or avoid deposit holds
The most reliable way to avoid a long hold is to deposit checks in person at a Wells Fargo branch during business hours. In-person deposits often clear by the next business day, faster than mobile or ATM deposits.
If you deposit checks regularly and have a good account history with Wells Fargo, the bank may reduce or eliminate holds on future deposits. This is not may provide, but accounts in good standing with consistent deposits are treated more favorably than new or problem accounts.
You can also ask the teller at a branch whether a specific check will be held before you hand it over. If the teller says a hold is likely, you have the option to wait and deposit it another time, or to ask whether the bank can expedite the hold.
Holds on checks from other banks or countries
Checks drawn on banks outside the United States almost always face longer holds — often five to ten business days. These are called international checks or foreign checks, and they take longer because Wells Fargo must verify them through a different banking system.
If you receive a check from a Canadian bank, a European bank, or any other foreign institution, expect the hold to be at least five business days. Some international checks may take longer if there are complications in the verification process.
Wells Fargo may also charge a fee to process an international check. Ask about this fee before you deposit a foreign check, since it will be deducted from the deposit amount.
What to do if you need the money before the hold ends
If you need access to the funds before the hold is released, you have a few options. You can visit a Wells Fargo branch and ask a manager whether the hold can be shortened. This is not always possible, but managers have some discretion, especially if you have a long history with the bank.
You can also ask the person or business who wrote the check whether they can write you a different check, wire the money, or send it another way that does not require a hold. This is not always practical, but it is worth asking if the situation is urgent.
If the check is from an employer or a government agency, you might ask whether they offer direct deposit instead. Direct deposit puts money into your account without any hold, usually within one to two business days of the payment date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Wells Fargo hold a check for longer than ten business days?
Under federal banking law, Wells Fargo can hold a check for up to ten business days in most situations. In rare cases involving suspected fraud or other legal issues, a hold can be longer, but this is uncommon for routine deposits.
If I deposit a check on Friday, when will it clear?
The hold period does not start until the next business day, which is Monday. A standard one to two business day hold would mean the check clears by Tuesday or Wednesday. However, if the check is large or from an out-of-state bank, it may take longer.
Does Wells Fargo charge a fee if a check is on hold?
No, Wells Fargo does not charge a fee straightforward because a check is on hold. However, if you overdraft your account while waiting for a held check to clear, you may be charged an overdraft fee.
Why does Wells Fargo hold checks at all?
Wells Fargo holds checks to verify that the check is real and that the account it is drawn on has enough money to cover it. If the bank released all funds when ready and the check later bounced, Wells Fargo would lose money. The hold protects the bank and reduces fraud.
Is mobile check deposit faster or slower than depositing at an ATM?
Mobile check deposit and ATM deposit typically have the same hold time — one to two business days. Neither is significantly faster than the other. In-person deposits at a branch are usually the fastest option.