Your Wells Fargo routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your specific branch

A routing number is a code that tells other banks and payment systems which Wells Fargo location holds your account. You need it when you set up direct deposit, arrange wire transfers, or authorize automatic payments. Wells Fargo's routing number depends on which state your account is based in — the same bank uses different numbers for different regions.

The fastest way to find yours is to look at the bottom left corner of any check from your account. The first nine digits printed there are your routing number. If you do not have checks handy, you can find it through your online banking portal, by calling Wells Fargo, or by using the bank's official routing number lookup tool.

Key Takeaways

  • Your routing number appears as the first nine digits on the bottom left of any Wells Fargo check.
  • Wells Fargo uses different routing numbers for different states, so you need the one for the state where your account is held.
  • You can find your routing number by logging into Wells Fargo online banking, calling customer service, or using the bank's routing number search tool on their website.
  • The routing number is different from your account number, which appears after the routing number on your check.

Check the bottom of your checks

The simplest way to find your routing number is to look at a check from your Wells Fargo account. At the bottom of the check, you will see a series of numbers printed in magnetic ink. The first nine digits are your routing number. The next set of digits is your account number, and the last digits are the check number itself.

If you have not ordered checks yet or your checks are packed away, this method will not work for you. But if you have even one check available, this is the fastest answer.

Log into your Wells Fargo online account

If you bank online with Wells Fargo, you can find your routing number without leaving your account. Log in to Wells Fargo.com or use the Wells Fargo mobile app, then look for a section labeled "Account Details," "Account Information," or "Routing Number." The exact location varies slightly depending on whether you use the website or the app, but it is usually found under settings or account management.

Some accounts display the routing number directly on the account summary page. Others require you to click into a specific account to see its details. If you cannot locate it in the obvious places, try searching the help section within your account for "routing number" — the search function will take you directly to the right page.

Use Wells Fargo's routing number lookup tool

Wells Fargo maintains an official routing number search tool on their website. You can visit Wells Fargo.com and search for "routing number lookup" or navigate to their customer service section. The tool lets you enter your state and sometimes your city, and it will return the correct routing number for your account location.

This method works even if you do not have online banking set up yet. You will need to know which state your account is based in. If you opened your account at a Wells Fargo branch in one state but have since moved, use the state where you originally opened the account, as that determines your routing number.

Call Wells Fargo customer service

You can reach Wells Fargo customer service by calling the number on the back of your debit card or credit card, or by calling 1-800-869-3557 for general customer service. A representative can tell you your routing number over the phone. Have your account number or Social Security number ready so they can verify your identity.

This method takes longer than checking a check or logging in online, but it is useful if you need to confirm information or if you have questions about which routing number to use for a specific transaction. Customer service is available during business hours.

Understand the difference between routing and account numbers

A routing number identifies the bank and branch. Your account number identifies you as an individual customer within that branch. Both appear on your check, but they serve different purposes. When you set up direct deposit, you usually need both. When you send a wire transfer, you need both. When you authorize an automatic payment, you typically need both.

The routing number is the same for everyone at your Wells Fargo branch location. Your account number is unique to you. If you share an account with someone else, you both use the same routing number and account number.

Know which routing number to use for different states

Wells Fargo operates in multiple states and uses different routing numbers for different regions. If you have accounts in more than one state, each account has its own routing number based on where that account is held. The routing number does not change if you move to a different state — it stays tied to the location where you opened the account.

If you are unsure which state your account belongs to, check your account opening documents or call customer service. Using the wrong routing number will not send your money to the wrong place — the payment will typically be rejected or delayed — but it is better to confirm before you set up direct deposit or automatic payments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the routing number on my check the same as my account number?

No. The routing number is the first nine digits at the bottom left of your check. Your account number comes next, after the routing number. They are two separate codes that work together to identify both your bank and your specific account.

Do I need a different routing number if I move to another state?

No. Your routing number is tied to the state where you opened your account, not where you currently live. If you move, your routing number stays the same. You only get a new routing number if you close that account and open a new one in a different state.

Can I use any Wells Fargo routing number, or does it have to match my branch?

You must use the routing number for the state where your account is held. Using a different state's routing number can cause delays or rejection of the transaction. If you are unsure which state your account belongs to, check your account documents or call Wells Fargo customer service.

What if I cannot find my routing number anywhere?

Call Wells Fargo customer service at 1-800-869-3557 with your account number or Social Security number ready. A representative will provide your routing number when ready. This is the most reliable method if you have lost your checks and do not have online banking access.