Wells Fargo wire transfer routing information

To send money to a Wells Fargo account, you need the receiving account holder's name, account number, and Wells Fargo's routing number. The routing number for Wells Fargo wire transfers is 121000248. This number is the same whether you are sending a domestic wire (within the United States) or an international wire — though international wires require additional information.

The routing number alone is not enough. You must also provide the receiving person's full name exactly as it appears on their Wells Fargo account, and their complete account number. If any of this information is wrong, the wire may be rejected or sent to the wrong account. Ask the person receiving the money to confirm all three pieces of information before you initiate the transfer.

You do not need to know which Wells Fargo branch the account is held at. The routing number directs the wire to Wells Fargo's central processing system, which then routes it to the correct account based on the account number you provide.

Key Takeaways

  • Wells Fargo's routing number for wire transfers is 121000248, and it is the same for all domestic wires sent to any Wells Fargo account.
  • You must provide the receiving account holder's full name, account number, and the routing number — missing or incorrect information will delay or reject the wire.
  • International wires to Wells Fargo require the routing number plus a SWIFT code (WFBIUS6S for most Wells Fargo locations) and sometimes an IBAN or other international account identifier.
  • Wire transfers are usually processed the same business day if sent before the bank's cutoff time, which is typically 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. Eastern Time.
  • Once a wire is sent, it cannot be recalled or reversed — confirm all details with the recipient before you send.

International wires to Wells Fargo accounts

If you are sending money from outside the United States to a Wells Fargo account, you will need additional information beyond the routing number. The receiving bank's SWIFT code is WFBIUS6S for most Wells Fargo locations in the United States. Some international wire systems also ask for an IBAN (International Bank Account Number), which Wells Fargo does not use for domestic accounts, so ask the recipient whether their bank statement shows one.

The person sending the wire (you, or your own bank) may also need to provide the Wells Fargo branch address. For most international wires, Wells Fargo's main wire processing center is in Charlotte, North Carolina, but your sending bank may have a preferred address on file. Ask your bank what address they need before you initiate the transfer.

International wires typically take three to five business days to arrive, and fees are usually higher than domestic wires. Your own bank will charge you a sending fee, and Wells Fargo may charge a receiving fee — ask both banks what to expect before you send.

How to send a wire through your own bank

Most people send wires through their own bank rather than through Wells Fargo directly. Log into your bank's online portal or call your bank's wire transfer department and tell them you want to send a domestic wire. They will ask you for the receiving bank's routing number (121000248), the receiving account number, and the receiving person's name.

Some banks let you set up the wire online; others require you to call or visit a branch. Banks usually charge a fee for outgoing wires, which ranges from $15 to $30 for domestic transfers. Confirm the fee and the cutoff time before you send — if you miss the cutoff, the wire will not go out until the next business day.

After you send the wire, your bank will give you a confirmation number. Write this down. If the wire does not arrive on time, you will need this number to trace it.

Sending a wire directly through Wells Fargo

If you have a Wells Fargo account yourself, you can send a wire directly through Wells Fargo's online banking platform, mobile app, or by calling 1-800-869-3557. You will still need the receiving account number, receiving person's name, and the routing number (121000248) — but since you are sending through Wells Fargo, the routing number is already built into the system.

Wells Fargo charges a fee for outgoing wires. The fee depends on whether the wire is domestic or international and whether you send it online or by phone. Online domestic wires are usually cheaper than phone-initiated wires. Ask Wells Fargo what the current fee is when you initiate the transfer.

Wires sent through Wells Fargo before 2 p.m. Eastern Time on a business day are usually processed the same day. Wires sent after that time or on weekends or holidays will be processed on the next business day.

What happens if the wire goes to the wrong account

If you provide an incorrect account number, the wire will go to whatever account that number belongs to — which may be someone else's account. Wells Fargo cannot reverse a wire once it has been sent. You will have to contact Wells Fargo and ask them to attempt to recover the funds from the receiving account, but this is not may provide to work.

The receiving bank (in this case Wells Fargo) can freeze the account and investigate, but they are not required to return the money if the receiving account holder refuses to cooperate. This is why confirming all details with the recipient before you send is critical.

If you believe a wire was sent in error, contact Wells Fargo's wire department immediately. The sooner you report it, the better the chance of recovery. Have your confirmation number ready.

Wire transfer cutoff times and processing

Wells Fargo processes domestic wires sent before 2 p.m. Eastern Time on business days the same day. Wires sent after 2 p.m. or on weekends, holidays, or bank closure days will be processed on the next business day. International wires have different cutoff times — usually earlier in the day — so ask Wells Fargo or your sending bank what the deadline is.

Business days are Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays. If you send a wire on Friday at 3 p.m., it will not be processed until Monday (or Tuesday if Monday is a holiday). The receiving bank may take an additional day to post the funds to the recipient's account, even after Wells Fargo receives it.

If you need the money to arrive by a specific date, send the wire at least one business day earlier than that date to account for processing delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. The routing number 121000248 is used for all Wells Fargo wire transfers, regardless of which branch the account is held at or what type of account it is. The account number is what directs the wire to the specific person's account.

Can I send a wire to Wells Fargo if I don't have an account there?

Yes. You can send a wire to any Wells Fargo account from any bank. You do not need to be a Wells Fargo customer. You will send the wire through your own bank using Wells Fargo's routing number and the receiving account details.

What if I don't know the receiving account number?

Contact the person who is supposed to receive the money and ask them for their account number. They can find it on their debit card, bank statement, or by logging into their Wells Fargo account online. Do not guess or use a partial number — the wire will go to the wrong place.

How long does a Wells Fargo wire transfer take?

Domestic wires sent before the cutoff time on a business day are usually processed the same day, though the receiving bank may take an additional day to post the funds. International wires typically take three to five business days. Delays can happen if information is incorrect or if the receiving bank is closed.

Can I cancel a wire after I send it?

Not reliably. If you contact Wells Fargo or your bank immediately after sending, they may be able to stop it before it is processed. But once the wire has been sent to the receiving bank, it cannot be recalled. The only option is to ask the receiving bank to return it, which they are not required to do.