Where to find your routing number right now
Your Wells Fargo routing number is printed on the bottom left of every check you have. Look at the first set of nine digits on the left side of the check — that is your routing number. If you do not have checks in front of you, log into your Wells Fargo online account, go to the account details or settings page, and the routing number will be listed there alongside your account number.
You can also call Wells Fargo customer service at 1-800-869-3557 and give them your account number. They will read your routing number to you over the phone. This takes about two minutes.
The routing number you need depends on which Wells Fargo branch holds your account. Most customers have the same routing number, but if you opened your account at a branch in a specific state or region, your routing number may differ. The online method and the phone method both pull your exact routing number, so either one is reliable.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number is the first nine digits on the bottom left of any check you own.
- Log into your Wells Fargo online account and check the account details section to see your routing number without a check.
- Call Wells Fargo at 1-800-869-3557 with your account number and they will give you your routing number immediately.
- Your routing number is specific to your branch location, so do not assume all Wells Fargo accounts share the same number.
Why you need your routing number
Your routing number tells the banking system which Wells Fargo branch to send money to when someone pays you by ACH transfer, wire, or direct deposit. Employers use it to set up payroll. Creditors use it to collect payments. If you are receiving a refund or a government payment, the agency will ask for it.
The routing number is not secret — it is printed on every check. It does not give anyone access to your account on its own. You also need your account number to move money, and that is the second set of digits on your check, after the routing number.
The difference between routing number and account number
Your routing number identifies the Wells Fargo branch. Your account number identifies your specific account at that branch. Together, they form a complete address for your money.
When you give someone your routing number alone, they cannot withdraw money or see your balance. When you give them both numbers, they can set up a transfer to or from your account. Never share your account number with someone you do not trust, but your routing number is safe to share — it is printed on every check you write.
Using your routing number for direct deposit
To set up direct deposit of your paycheck, your employer will ask for your routing number and account number. Give them both. They will use the routing number to find Wells Fargo and the account number to find your specific account within the bank.
Direct deposit usually takes one to two business days to set up after you submit the form. Your first paycheck may arrive in your account one to three business days after your employer processes it, depending on when in the pay cycle you submit the form.
Setting up automatic bill payments with your routing number
If you want to pay a bill directly from your Wells Fargo account, the biller may ask for your routing number and account number. You can give this information safely to companies you recognize and trust — utilities, loan servicers, insurance companies, subscription services.
Once you set up an automatic payment, the biller will pull money from your account on the date you choose. The payment usually clears within one to three business days. If you need to stop a payment, contact the biller or your bank as soon as possible — the earlier you act, the better your chances of stopping it before it goes through.
What to do if you cannot find your routing number
If you do not have checks and cannot log into your online account, call Wells Fargo customer service at 1-800-869-3557. Have your account number ready. They can look up your routing number in seconds.
If you are trying to set up a transfer from another bank to Wells Fargo, that other bank may have a routing number lookup tool on their website. Search for "Wells Fargo routing number" plus your state — the correct number will appear in the results. Verify it matches what you see in your online account or on a check before you use it.
Routing number vs. SWIFT code for international transfers
If someone is sending you money from outside the United States, they will not use your routing number. They will use your SWIFT code, which is different. Wells Fargo's SWIFT code is WFBIUS6S for most transfers. Your bank may also ask for your IBAN (International Bank Account Number) if the sender is in Europe.
Ask the person sending you money which information they need. If they are in the US, they need your routing number and account number. If they are outside the US, they need your SWIFT code and account number. Wells Fargo customer service can confirm the right code for your specific account if you call them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my Wells Fargo routing number the same as everyone else's?
No. Your routing number depends on which branch holds your account. Most customers in the same region share the same routing number, but if you opened your account at a branch in a different state, your number may be different. Always check your own checks or account details rather than assuming.
Can someone steal money if they have my routing number?
Not without your account number. Your routing number alone identifies the bank and branch, but not your specific account. A thief needs both numbers to move money. Your routing number is printed on every check you write, so it is not sensitive information on its own.
What if I give my routing number to the wrong company?
If you gave only your routing number, nothing happens — it is not enough information to access your account. If you also gave your account number, contact Wells Fargo immediately at 1-800-869-3557 and tell them you gave your information to an untrusted source. They can monitor your account and help you if unauthorized transfers occur.
Do I need a different routing number for savings vs. checking?
No. Wells Fargo uses the same routing number for both checking and savings accounts at the same branch. The account number is what tells the system which type of account to deposit into.
How long does it take to set up a transfer using my routing number?
ACH transfers (the most common type) take one to three business days. Wire transfers are faster — usually same-day or next-day — but they cost more. Ask the person or company sending you money which method they are using.