Your routing number is on the bottom left of your checks, or you can find it through Wells Fargo's website or app
The routing number is a nine-digit code that tells the banking system which Wells Fargo branch handles your account. You need it to set up direct deposit, receive wire transfers, or authorize automatic payments. Wells Fargo has multiple routing numbers depending on which state you bank in and what type of account you have, so finding the right one matters.
The fastest way is to look at a check from your checkbook. The routing number is the first set of nine digits printed at the bottom left of the check, before your account number. If you don't have checks handy, you can find it through your Wells Fargo online account, the mobile app, or by calling customer service.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number appears on the bottom left of any Wells Fargo check, before your account number.
- Wells Fargo routing numbers vary by state and account type, so confirm you have the correct one for your location.
- You can look up your routing number through Wells Fargo's website, mobile app, or by calling 1-800-869-3557.
- If you're setting up direct deposit or a wire transfer, ask your employer or the receiving institution which routing number they need.
Finding your routing number on a check
Open your checkbook and look at any check. At the bottom of the check, you'll see three sets of numbers separated by vertical lines. The first set of nine digits on the far left is your routing number. The middle set is your account number, and the third set is the check number.
This method works when ready and requires no login or phone call. If your checks are old or from a different account, make sure they're from the same Wells Fargo account you're using now, because routing numbers can differ between accounts at the same bank.
Looking it up through Wells Fargo online or the app
Log into your Wells Fargo account at wellsfargo.com or open the Wells Fargo mobile app. Once you're signed in, go to your account details or account information section. The routing number is usually listed under "Account Details," "Transfer Information," or a similar heading. The exact location varies slightly depending on whether you're using the website or the app, but it's always in the account information area.
This method confirms you're looking at the routing number for the specific account you're using. If you have multiple accounts at Wells Fargo, each one may have a different routing number, so check the details for the account you need.
Calling Wells Fargo customer service
Call Wells Fargo at 1-800-869-3557 and tell the representative which account you need the routing number for. They'll confirm your identity and provide the correct routing number in seconds. This is the safest option if you're unsure which routing number you need or if you want to confirm you have the right one before submitting it to an employer or financial institution.
Customer service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Have your account number or Social Security number ready to speed up the verification process.
Understanding Wells Fargo routing numbers by state
Wells Fargo uses different routing numbers for different states and regions. For example, the routing number for a Wells Fargo account in California is different from one in Texas or New York. This is standard practice across the banking system—each regional processing center has its own routing number.
When you set up direct deposit or authorize a wire transfer, the receiving institution will ask for your routing number. Always provide the routing number that matches your account's home state or region, not a different Wells Fargo routing number. If you're unsure which state your account is registered in, check your account details online or call customer service.
What to do if you need a different routing number
If you're setting up direct deposit and your employer asks for a routing number, or if you're receiving a wire transfer and the sender asks for one, always ask them which routing number they need. Some employers or institutions have specific requirements based on how their system processes payments.
In rare cases, an employer or institution may ask for a routing number that doesn't match your account's home state. This usually happens with large companies that process payroll through a centralized system. If this happens, contact Wells Fargo customer service and explain the situation—they can tell you whether to use your account's standard routing number or a different one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my routing number the same as my account number?
No. Your routing number identifies your bank and branch (nine digits on the far left of your check), while your account number identifies your specific account (the middle set of numbers). You need both for direct deposit and wire transfers, and they're not interchangeable.
Can I use any Wells Fargo routing number, or does it have to match my state?
Use the routing number for your account's home state or region. Wells Fargo assigns routing numbers by location, and using the wrong one can delay or reject your transaction. Your account details online show the correct routing number for your specific account.
What if I can't find my routing number on my check?
Check the bottom left of the check again—the routing number is always the first nine digits. If your checks are very old or damaged, log into your Wells Fargo account online or call 1-800-869-3557. Both will show you your routing number in seconds.
Do I need a routing number for online transfers between my own Wells Fargo accounts?
No. Transfers between your own Wells Fargo accounts don't require a routing number—you just select the accounts from your online banking menu. You only need a routing number when sending money to a different bank or setting up direct deposit from an employer.
Is it safe to share my routing number?
Yes. Your routing number is public information and is printed on every check you write. It's designed to be shared with employers, other banks, and institutions that need to send you money. Never share your full account number or PIN, but your routing number alone cannot be used to access your account.