Wells Fargo routing numbers depend on which state you bank in
Wells Fargo does not have a single routing number for the entire bank. Instead, each state has its own routing number, and some large states have multiple numbers based on which branch or region processes your account. When you set up a direct deposit, wire transfer, or automatic payment, you need the routing number that matches where your account is held, not where you live or work.
The routing number is a nine-digit code that tells the financial system which bank and which location should receive the money. If you use the wrong routing number, your payment may be delayed, sent to the wrong account, or rejected entirely. Wells Fargo publishes its routing numbers by state on its website, and you can also find yours on the bottom left of your checks.
Key Takeaways
- Your Wells Fargo routing number is printed on the bottom left of your checks, before your account number.
- Wells Fargo routing numbers vary by state, and some states have more than one number depending on which region processes your account.
- You can find your specific routing number on the Wells Fargo website by entering your state, or by calling Wells Fargo customer service at 1-800-869-3557.
- Using the wrong routing number can delay or misdirect a payment, so confirm the number matches your account location before submitting it.
How to find your routing number on a check
The easiest way to find your Wells Fargo routing number is to look at a check from your account. At the bottom left of the check, you will see nine digits printed in a special magnetic ink. The first nine digits are your routing number. The next set of digits is your account number. If you do not have a check available, you can use the other methods below.
Make sure you are reading the correct set of numbers. Some people confuse the routing number with the account number or the check number, which appears in the upper right corner. The routing number is always nine digits and appears first at the bottom of the check.
Look up your routing number on Wells Fargo's website
Wells Fargo maintains a routing number lookup tool on its website. Go to wellsfargo.com, search for "routing number," and select the tool that lets you search by state. Enter your state, and the site will show you the routing number or numbers associated with accounts in that state. If your state has multiple routing numbers, the tool will explain which one applies to your account type or region.
This method works best if you know which state your account is registered in. If you opened your account in one state and have since moved, use the state where you originally opened the account, not your current location. If you are unsure, call Wells Fargo or check your account statements, which often list the routing number.
Call Wells Fargo customer service for your specific routing number
If you cannot find your routing number online or on a check, call Wells Fargo at 1-800-869-3557. A representative can confirm your routing number in seconds once they verify your identity. Have your account number or Social Security number ready to speed up the process. Customer service is available during business hours, and wait times vary depending on call volume.
This is also the best option if you are unsure whether your state has multiple routing numbers and you need to know which one applies to your specific account. The representative can confirm that you have the correct number before you submit it for a wire transfer or direct deposit.
Different routing numbers for different account types
Most Wells Fargo customers use the same routing number regardless of whether they have a checking account, savings account, or money market account. However, some account types—such as certain business accounts or accounts opened through specific programs—may use a different routing number. If you have more than one account type at Wells Fargo, confirm that you are using the routing number for the account you are sending money to or from.
If you are setting up a direct deposit for payroll, ask your employer's payroll department whether they have a preferred routing number or if they need any additional information. Some employers maintain lists of routing numbers for major banks to reduce errors.
What happens if you use the wrong routing number
If you submit a wrong routing number, the payment may be delayed by one to three business days while the banking system tries to sort it out. In some cases, the money may be returned to the sender, and you will have to resubmit with the correct number. For wire transfers, a wrong routing number can cause the transfer to fail entirely, and you may be charged a fee to cancel and resend it.
For automatic payments like bill pay or direct deposits, using the wrong routing number once may cause that single transaction to fail, but it will not affect future payments if you correct the number in your account settings. Always double-check the routing number before confirming a one-time transfer, especially for large amounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the routing number the same for all Wells Fargo branches?
No. Wells Fargo routing numbers are organized by state, not by individual branch. All branches within the same state typically share the same routing number, but some large states have multiple numbers. The state where your account is registered determines which routing number you use, not the branch location where you opened it.
Can I use the same routing number for wire transfers and direct deposits?
Yes. The routing number is the same for all types of transfers into or out of your Wells Fargo account—wire transfers, direct deposits, ACH payments, and bill pay all use the same nine-digit code. The difference is in how the receiving bank processes the transaction, not in the routing number itself.
What if I moved to a different state after opening my Wells Fargo account?
Your routing number does not change when you move. It remains tied to the state where you originally opened the account. If you opened your account in California and moved to Texas, you continue to use the California routing number. You do not need to update anything or open a new account.
Do I need a routing number to use Wells Fargo's mobile app or online banking?
No. You only need a routing number when you are sending money to or from your Wells Fargo account through an external system—such as your employer's payroll, another bank, or a bill payment service. For transfers within Wells Fargo or through the Wells Fargo app, you do not need the routing number.