Your routing number is on your checks and online
Your routing number is a nine-digit code that tells other banks which Wells Fargo location holds your account. You need it when you set up direct deposit, arrange a wire transfer, or receive a payment from someone who doesn't have your account number. The fastest way to find it is to 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 in front of you, you can find the same number by logging into your Wells Fargo online account or mobile app. Go to your account details or settings, and the routing number will be listed there. You can also call Wells Fargo customer service at 1-800-869-3557 and they will read it to you over the phone.
The routing number depends on which state your account was opened in, not where you live now. If you moved or opened your account a long time ago, your routing number reflects that original location. This matters because some employers or payment systems need the exact routing number for your specific branch.
Key Takeaways
- The routing number appears as the first nine digits on the bottom left of any Wells Fargo check you have.
- You can find your routing number by logging into your Wells Fargo online account or mobile app under account details.
- Calling Wells Fargo customer service at 1-800-869-3557 will get you the number read aloud if you need it right away.
- Your routing number is tied to the state where you opened your account, not your current location.
Finding it on a check
Look at the bottom of any check. You will see three groups of numbers separated by vertical lines. The first group, on the far left, is your routing number. It is always nine digits long. Write it down or take a photo so you have it when you need it.
If your checks are very old or from a Wells Fargo account you closed years ago, the routing number on them may no longer be valid. Call customer service to confirm you have the current one for your active account.
Finding it online or in the app
Log into your Wells Fargo account at wellsfargo.com or open the Wells Fargo mobile app. Once you are signed in, look for a section labeled "Account Details," "Account Information," or "Routing Number." The exact wording varies depending on which version of the website or app you are using.
If you cannot find it in those sections, try looking under "Settings" or "Profile." You may also see it listed on the page that shows your account number and other details used for transfers. Take a screenshot or write down the nine-digit number so you have it ready.
Calling Wells Fargo directly
Call 1-800-869-3557 and tell the representative you need your routing number. They will ask you to verify your identity — usually by providing your account number, Social Security number, or answers to security questions you set up when you opened the account. Once verified, they will read your routing number aloud.
This method works if you are in a hurry or do not have access to a computer or your checks. The call is free, and you do not need to be a Wells Fargo customer to call — though you will need to be the account holder or an authorized user to get the information.
Understanding what the routing number does
The routing number is part of the address system for the banking network. When your employer sends your paycheck via direct deposit, they use your routing number to find the right Wells Fargo location, and then your account number to find your specific account within that location. Without the routing number, the money would not know where to go.
The same thing happens when you set up a bill payment from another bank, or when someone sends you money through a service like Venmo or PayPal that connects to your bank account. The routing number is the first piece of information the system needs.
You may notice that different Wells Fargo customers have different routing numbers. This is normal — the number depends on the state where the account was opened and sometimes on the type of account. If you have multiple Wells Fargo accounts, they may have the same routing number or different ones.
What to do if you cannot find your routing number
If you have looked at your checks, checked your online account, and still cannot find it, call Wells Fargo at 1-800-869-3557. Have your account number ready — you can find this on your checks (it is the middle group of numbers at the bottom) or in your online account.
If you do not have your account number either, you can still call and verify your identity using your Social Security number and other personal information. The representative will pull up your account and give you both the routing number and account number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the routing number the same as my account number?
No. Your routing number identifies which Wells Fargo location holds your account. Your account number identifies your specific account at that location. Both are printed on your checks — the routing number is the first nine digits on the left, and the account number is the middle group of digits.
Do I need a different routing number for wire transfers?
No. The same routing number works for direct deposit, bill payments, wire transfers, and most other banking transactions. Wells Fargo uses one routing number per account, regardless of what you are using it for.
What if I have a Wells Fargo account in one state but moved to another?
Your routing number stays the same. It is based on where you opened the account, not where you live now. You do not need to update it or open a new account when you move.
Can I use someone else's routing number to send them money?
Yes. If you are sending money to someone else's Wells Fargo account, you need their routing number and their account number. You can get their routing number by asking them to check their checks or their online account — it is not private information.
What if the routing number on my old checks is different from the one online?
Use the number from your online account or the one Wells Fargo gives you over the phone. Routing numbers can change if Wells Fargo merges branches or reorganizes its locations. Old checks may have an outdated number, so always verify with the bank before using it for something important.