Wells Fargo's routing number for wire transfers is 121000248

Wells Fargo uses a single routing number for all domestic wire transfers sent out of the bank: 121000248. This nine-digit code tells the Federal Reserve and other banks where to send money when someone initiates a wire from a Wells Fargo account. You will need this number if you are sending money out, or if someone outside Wells Fargo is sending money into your Wells Fargo account.

The routing number is the same whether you are wiring from a checking account, savings account, or money market account at Wells Fargo. It does not change based on the amount, the destination, or the time of day. Wells Fargo also uses this same routing number for ACH transfers (the slower electronic transfers that take one to three business days), though wire transfers themselves move the same day or next business day.

Do not confuse the routing number with your account number. Your account number is unique to you and identifies which specific account at Wells Fargo the money should enter or leave. The routing number identifies the bank itself.

Key Takeaways

  • Wells Fargo's domestic wire transfer routing number is 121000248, and it is the same for all account types and all wire transfers.
  • You need the routing number when someone outside Wells Fargo is sending you money, or when you are providing wire instructions to a third party.
  • The routing number is different from your account number; you will need both pieces of information to complete a wire.
  • Wells Fargo also publishes a separate routing number for international wire transfers, which is different from the domestic number.

When you need to give out Wells Fargo's routing number

You provide the routing number to someone who is sending you money from outside Wells Fargo. This might be an employer setting up direct deposit, a client paying an invoice, or a family member sending funds from another bank. They will ask for your Wells Fargo routing number and your account number together so the wire reaches the right place.

You also need the routing number if you are filling out a form that asks where your Wells Fargo account is located — for example, when setting up a payment plan with a creditor or when a government agency is sending you a refund or benefit payment. The routing number tells that organization's system which Federal Reserve processing center handles Wells Fargo accounts in your region.

If you are the one sending money out of Wells Fargo, you do not need Wells Fargo's routing number. Instead, you will need the routing number of the bank where the recipient's account is held. Wells Fargo's system will use its own routing number automatically when it sends the wire on your behalf.

How to find the routing number if you do not have it memorized

The easiest way is to log into your Wells Fargo online account or mobile app. Go to the account details or account information section, and the routing number will be listed there alongside your account number. Most banks display this information on the main account page or under a "Details" tab.

You can also call Wells Fargo customer service at 1-800-869-3557 and ask for your routing number. Have your account number ready when you call. A representative will confirm the number with you over the phone.

If you have a Wells Fargo checkbook, the routing number appears in the bottom left corner of each check, printed before your account number. The format is always nine digits with no dashes or spaces, though some checks may print it with dashes for readability.

The Wells Fargo website also lists the routing number publicly on their customer service pages. You do not need to log in to view it, but searching "Wells Fargo routing number" will take you to the official page where it is posted.

International wire transfers use a different routing number

If someone is sending you money from outside the United States, or if you are sending money internationally, the routing number is different. International wires use the SWIFT code system instead of routing numbers. Wells Fargo's SWIFT code is WFBIUS6S.

A SWIFT code is longer and includes letters as well as numbers. It identifies Wells Fargo globally and helps international banks route money to the correct institution. If you are receiving an international wire, provide the sender with the SWIFT code, your account number, and your full name as it appears on your account. Some international transfers also require additional information like your bank address or a reference code.

If you are unsure whether a transfer is domestic or international, ask the person sending the money. They will know which system their bank uses, and they can tell you whether to provide the routing number or the SWIFT code.

What happens after you provide the routing number

Once the sender has your routing number and account number, they enter this information into their bank's wire transfer system. Their bank then sends an electronic message to the Federal Reserve, which uses the routing number to direct the funds to Wells Fargo. Wells Fargo receives the message, matches it to your account number, and deposits the money into your account.

Domestic wire transfers typically complete the same business day if sent before the bank's cutoff time (usually 2 or 3 p.m. in your time zone). If sent after the cutoff, the wire will process the next business day. Weekends and bank holidays can add an extra day.

Once the money arrives in your account, it is available to use immediately. Unlike some other transfer methods, wire transfers do not have a hold period. You can withdraw or transfer the funds right away.

Common mistakes when using the routing number

The most common error is transposing digits in the nine-digit code. If even one digit is wrong, the wire may be rejected or sent to the wrong bank. Always double-check the number before confirming the transfer, especially if you are typing it manually rather than copying and pasting it.

Another mistake is providing the routing number when the sender actually needs the account number, or vice versa. Both pieces of information are required, and they serve different purposes. The routing number identifies the bank; the account number identifies you within that bank. If you are unsure which one someone is asking for, ask them to clarify.

Some people also confuse Wells Fargo's routing number with the routing number for a specific Wells Fargo branch. Wells Fargo does not use branch-specific routing numbers for wire transfers. The same routing number works for all branches and all accounts nationwide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the routing number the same for all Wells Fargo accounts?

Yes. All Wells Fargo checking, savings, and money market accounts use the same routing number for wire transfers: 121000248. The routing number does not change based on account type, branch location, or the amount being transferred.

What is the difference between a routing number and an account number?

The routing number identifies the bank (Wells Fargo). The account number identifies your specific account within that bank. Both are required to send or receive a wire transfer. Think of the routing number as the bank's address and the account number as your mailbox number.

Can I use the routing number to send money out of Wells Fargo?

No. When you send money out of Wells Fargo, you need the routing number of the bank where the recipient's account is held, not Wells Fargo's routing number. Wells Fargo's system will use its own routing number automatically when it sends the wire on your behalf.

Do I need a different routing number for ACH transfers?

No. Wells Fargo uses the same routing number (121000248) for both wire transfers and ACH transfers. The routing number is the same; the main difference is the speed and processing time of the transfer method.

What should I do if a wire transfer fails?

Contact Wells Fargo customer service and provide them with the date, amount, and recipient information from the failed transfer. They can investigate whether the routing number or account number was incorrect, or whether there was another reason the transfer did not go through. If the error was on the sender's end, they may need to resubmit the wire with corrected information.