Your routing number is on the bottom left of your checks, or you can find it through Wells Fargo online banking

The routing number is a nine-digit code that tells the banking system which Wells Fargo branch or processing center handles your account. You need it to set up direct deposit, receive wire transfers, or pay bills through ACH (Automated Clearing House). Wells Fargo has multiple routing numbers depending on which state you opened your account in and what type of account you have, so the number you need depends on how you're moving money.

The fastest way to find it: look at the bottom left corner of any check you have. The first nine digits are your routing number. If you don't have checks, log into your Wells Fargo online account, go to your account details, and the routing number is listed there. You can also call Wells Fargo customer service at 1-800-869-3557 and they'll give it to you in under a minute.

Key Takeaways

  • Your routing number appears as the first nine digits on the bottom left of any Wells Fargo check.
  • Wells Fargo has different routing numbers by state and account type, so make sure you have the one that matches your specific account.
  • You can find your routing number in Wells Fargo online banking under account details, or by calling customer service.
  • You'll need your routing number plus your account number (the second set of digits on your check) to receive direct deposit or wire transfers.

Finding it through Wells Fargo online banking

Log into your Wells Fargo account at wellsfargo.com or through the mobile app. Once you're signed in, navigate to the account you need the routing number for—if you have multiple accounts, each one may have a different routing number. Look for "Account Details" or "Account Information." The routing number will be displayed there alongside your account number.

If you can't locate it in account details, go to the "Transfers" or "Move Money" section. When you set up a transfer to another bank, Wells Fargo will show you your routing number as part of the process. You don't have to complete the transfer—just note the number and close out.

Reading the routing number from a check

Open a Wells Fargo check and look at the bottom of the check. You'll see a series of numbers printed in a special magnetic ink format. The first nine digits are your routing number. The next set of digits (usually 10 to 12 digits) is your account number. The last few digits are the check number.

Make sure you're reading the routing number correctly—it's always nine digits, and it always comes first. If you're unsure which set of numbers is which, the routing number is the leftmost group at the bottom of the check.

Wells Fargo routing numbers by state

Wells Fargo uses different routing numbers depending on which state your account is registered in. The most common routing number for Wells Fargo is 121000248, but this is not universal. If you opened your account in California, your routing number may be different from someone who opened theirs in Texas or New York.

The routing number printed on your checks is the correct one for your account. If you're setting up a transfer and you're not sure which routing number to use, always use the one from your checks or from your online account details—that's the one tied to your specific account and branch.

Calling Wells Fargo customer service

Call Wells Fargo at 1-800-869-3557 and tell the representative you need your routing number. Have your account number or Social Security number ready so they can pull up your account. They'll give you the routing number over the phone, and you can write it down immediately. This takes about two minutes.

If you're calling from outside the United States, Wells Fargo's international customer service number is available on their website. Customer service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

What to do if you need a routing number for a different account type

If you have a Wells Fargo checking account, savings account, money market account, or line of credit, each one may have its own routing number. The routing number on your checks applies to your checking account. For other account types, log into online banking and check the account details for that specific account, or call customer service and specify which account you need the routing number for.

When you're setting up direct deposit or a wire transfer, make sure you're using the routing number for the account where the money is actually going. Using the wrong routing number will send the money to the wrong place, and it can take several days to recover it.

Using your routing number safely

Your routing number is public information—it's printed on every check you write and it's the same for thousands of Wells Fargo customers in your state. You can share it freely with employers, government agencies, or anyone who needs to send you money. It does not give anyone access to your account on its own.

However, never share your full account number with anyone you don't trust. Your routing number plus your account number together can be used to set up unauthorized transfers. If someone asks for both numbers, verify that they're a legitimate business before you give them out. Wells Fargo will never ask for your full account number via email or text.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all Wells Fargo accounts have the same routing number?

No. Wells Fargo uses different routing numbers by state and sometimes by account type. The routing number on your checks is the correct one for your checking account. If you have other accounts with Wells Fargo, check the account details in online banking for each one to confirm the routing number.

What's the difference between a routing number and an account number?

Your routing number identifies which bank and branch processes your account (nine digits, on the left). Your account number identifies your specific account within that bank (usually 10 to 12 digits, in the middle). You need both to receive direct deposit or wire transfers. Both are printed on the bottom of your checks.

Can I use the same routing number for wire transfers and ACH payments?

Yes. The routing number works for both wire transfers and ACH payments like direct deposit or bill pay. It's the same nine-digit code regardless of how the money is moving through the system.

What if I can't find my checks or access online banking?

Call Wells Fargo customer service at 1-800-869-3557. Have your account number or Social Security number ready. They can give you your routing number over the phone without you needing to access anything online or in writing.

Is my routing number the same if I move to a different state?

Not necessarily. If you move and want to change your account to a different state's routing number, you can contact Wells Fargo to update it. However, your current routing number will continue to work for transfers even if you move, so you don't have to change it unless you want to.