Your Wells Fargo routing number is a nine-digit code that tells other banks where to send money to your account
The routing number is not the same as your account number. It identifies the specific Wells Fargo branch or processing center that holds your account, while your account number identifies you within that branch. You need the routing number when you set up direct deposit, arrange automatic bill payments, or send money via wire transfer or ACH (Automated Clearing House) transfer.
Wells Fargo uses different routing numbers depending on the state where your account is held and the type of account you have. A checking account in California may have a different routing number than a savings account in Texas, even though both are Wells Fargo accounts. This is why you should always verify the correct number for your specific account rather than using a number you find online that might belong to a different branch or account type.
Key Takeaways
- Your Wells Fargo routing number appears on the bottom left of your checks, before your account number.
- You can find your routing number by logging into Wells Fargo online banking, calling customer service at 1-800-869-3557, or visiting a Wells Fargo branch in person.
- The routing number varies by state and account type, so confirm you have the correct one for your specific account before using it.
- If you are setting up direct deposit or automatic payments, Wells Fargo customer service can confirm the right routing number for your situation.
Check your paper checks for the routing number
If you have Wells Fargo checks, the routing number is printed on the bottom left corner of each check. It is a nine-digit number that appears before your account number. The account number follows the routing number and is typically longer. This is the fastest way to find your routing number if you have checks on hand.
The routing number on your checks is specific to your account type and the state where you opened it. If you recently moved or changed account types, the routing number on older checks may no longer be correct. Always use the routing number from your current checks or verify it through another method before sending it to an employer or creditor.
Log into Wells Fargo online banking
Go to wellsfargo.com and sign in with your username and password. Once logged in, navigate to the account details or account information section. The exact location varies depending on whether you are using the desktop site or the mobile app, but it is usually labeled "Account Details," "Account Information," or "Routing Number."
On the desktop site, you can often find this under the account summary or by clicking on the specific account you need the routing number for. The mobile app typically shows routing and account information when you tap on an account and then select "Details" or a similar option. Write down the nine-digit number and verify it matches what you need before using it for direct deposit or payments.
Call Wells Fargo customer service
Call 1-800-869-3557 to reach Wells Fargo customer service. Have your account number or the phone number associated with your account ready. A representative can tell you the routing number for your specific account and confirm whether it is the right one for what you are trying to do—direct deposit, wire transfer, ACH payment, or something else.
Customer service is available during business hours, typically Monday through Friday. If you call outside those hours, you may reach an automated system that can direct you to other resources or take a message. Calling is useful if you are unsure which routing number to use or if you have multiple Wells Fargo accounts with different routing numbers.
Visit a Wells Fargo branch in person
Walk into any Wells Fargo branch with your ID and ask a teller or banker for your routing number. They can print it for you or write it down on a piece of paper. This is a good option if you prefer to speak to someone face-to-face or if you need the number immediately and do not have access to your checks or online banking.
A branch visit also gives you the chance to ask questions about how to use the routing number for your specific situation. If you are setting up direct deposit for the first time or arranging a wire transfer, the banker can walk you through the process and make sure you have the correct information.
Understand routing numbers for different account types
Wells Fargo may assign different routing numbers based on whether your account is a checking account, savings account, or money market account. Some employers or billers ask you to specify which type of account you are depositing into or paying from, and using the wrong routing number for your account type can cause the transaction to fail or be delayed.
If you have multiple Wells Fargo accounts, each one may have its own routing number. Before you provide a routing number to an employer, creditor, or service provider, confirm that it matches the specific account you want the money to go to. When in doubt, call customer service or check your account details online to verify.
What to do if you cannot find your routing number
If you do not have checks, cannot access online banking, and do not have time to call or visit a branch, you can search for Wells Fargo routing numbers by state on the Wells Fargo website. However, this method gives you a general routing number for your state, not necessarily the one tied to your specific account. Use this only as a temporary reference and verify the correct number through one of the methods above before the transaction processes.
Do not use a routing number you find on a third-party website without confirming it with Wells Fargo first. Incorrect routing numbers can cause direct deposits to fail, automatic payments to bounce, or wire transfers to go to the wrong place. Taking a few minutes to verify the correct number prevents delays and potential fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the routing number the same for all Wells Fargo customers?
No. Wells Fargo uses different routing numbers by state and account type. Two customers in the same state may have different routing numbers if they have different types of accounts. Always verify the routing number for your specific account rather than assuming it matches someone else's.
Can I use the routing number from an old check?
Only if your account type and location have not changed. If you moved, switched account types, or have not used that checkbook in several years, verify the routing number through online banking, customer service, or a current check before using it. Using an outdated routing number can cause transactions to fail.
What is the difference between a routing number and an account number?
The routing number identifies the bank or branch where your account is held. The account number identifies your specific account within that bank. Both are needed for direct deposit, wire transfers, and ACH payments. Your checks show both numbers at the bottom.
Do I need a routing number to transfer money between my own Wells Fargo accounts?
No. If you are transferring money between two accounts you own at the same Wells Fargo branch, you can do it through online banking or the mobile app without a routing number. You only need a routing number when sending money to an account at a different bank or when setting up direct deposit from an employer.
What happens if I use the wrong routing number?
The transaction may fail, be delayed, or go to the wrong account. Your employer or the person sending the money will be notified of the error, and the funds may be returned. Always verify the routing number before confirming a direct deposit setup or authorizing a payment.