The four ways to put money into a Wells Fargo savings account
You can move money into a Wells Fargo savings account through a transfer from another account you own, a direct deposit from your employer, a mobile deposit of a check, or an in-person deposit at a branch. Which method you use depends on what kind of money you're depositing — a paycheck, a check from someone else, cash, or funds already in another bank account.
Each method takes a different amount of time to show up in your account. A transfer from your own Wells Fargo checking account is when ready. A direct deposit from your employer typically lands on payday. A mobile check deposit usually clears within one business day. An in-person cash or check deposit at a branch posts when ready for cash and within one business day for checks.
You'll need your Wells Fargo savings account number for most of these methods. If you don't have it, you can find it on your debit card, in the Wells Fargo mobile app, or by calling the customer service number on the back of your card.
Key Takeaways
- Transfers from your own Wells Fargo checking account to savings are when ready and require only your account number.
- Direct deposit from your employer is the slowest method to set up but then happens automatically on payday.
- Mobile check deposits through the Wells Fargo app clear within one business day and work from anywhere.
- In-person deposits at a Wells Fargo branch post when ready for cash and within one business day for checks.
- You can also transfer money from a bank account at another institution, though it typically takes one to three business days.
Transferring money from your Wells Fargo checking account
If you have both a checking and savings account at Wells Fargo, the fastest way to move money between them is an internal transfer. You can do this through the mobile app, online banking, or at an ATM.
In the mobile app, open the menu, select "Transfer Money," then choose your checking account as the source and your savings account as the destination. Enter the amount and confirm. The money appears in your savings account when ready. Online banking works the same way: log in, find the transfer option, and follow the same steps. At an ATM, select "Transfer Funds," choose the accounts, and enter the amount.
There are no fees for transferring between your own Wells Fargo accounts. However, federal law limits you to six transfers or withdrawals per month from a savings account (this includes transfers out, not just transfers in). If you exceed this limit, Wells Fargo may charge a fee or convert your account to a checking account.
Setting up direct deposit to your savings account
Direct deposit is the most hands-off way to move money into savings, but it requires setup with your employer first. You'll need to provide your employer with your Wells Fargo account number, routing number, and account type (savings).
Your Wells Fargo routing number is 121000248 for most accounts. You can confirm this is correct by logging into your online banking, calling Wells Fargo customer service, or checking the bottom left corner of a check if you have one. Your account number appears on your debit card or in the mobile app.
Once your employer processes the setup, direct deposits typically land on your regular payday. The first deposit may take an extra pay period to process. Direct deposit is free and requires no action from you after setup — the money arrives automatically each payday.
Depositing a check through the mobile app
The Wells Fargo mobile app lets you deposit checks without visiting a branch. Open the app, select "Deposit a Check," take a photo of the front and back of the check, and specify which account to deposit it into. Select your savings account, enter the amount, and submit.
The check typically clears within one business day. Wells Fargo holds the funds during this time to verify the check is legitimate. You'll receive a notification in the app when the deposit has posted. There is no fee for mobile check deposits.
The check must be made out to you or to you and another person. The signature on the back must match the name on the check. If the check is damaged, illegible, or missing information, the deposit may be rejected.
Making a deposit in person at a Wells Fargo branch
You can deposit cash or checks at any Wells Fargo branch during business hours. Bring the cash or checks and your debit card or ID. Tell the teller you want to deposit into your savings account.
Cash deposits post when ready. Check deposits post within one business day. You don't need an appointment — walk-in deposits are standard. There are no fees for in-person deposits.
If you're depositing a check, it must be made out to you. If it's made out to you and another person, both names must appear on your account, or the other person must endorse it to you. The teller will verify the check details and give you a receipt showing the deposit amount and the account it was deposited into.
Transferring money from another bank
You can move money from a checking or savings account at another bank into your Wells Fargo savings account. This is called an external transfer or ACH transfer. You'll need your Wells Fargo account number and routing number (121000248).
In the Wells Fargo mobile app or online banking, select "Transfer Money," then choose "From another bank." Enter the other bank's account number and routing number, the amount, and the date you want the transfer to happen. The transfer typically takes one to three business days to complete.
Some banks charge a fee for outgoing transfers. Wells Fargo does not charge a fee to receive money from another bank. If the transfer doesn't arrive within three business days, contact Wells Fargo customer service to investigate.
Understanding posting times and holds
Posting time is when money officially appears in your account and is available to spend. Deposit holds are temporary delays Wells Fargo places on certain deposits while they verify the funds are real.
Cash deposits and internal transfers post when ready with no hold. Check deposits typically post within one business day, though Wells Fargo may hold a check longer if it's large, from an unfamiliar bank, or if your account is new. External transfers from another bank take one to three business days. Direct deposits post on payday with no hold.
If a check is held, you'll see a notification in the app or online banking showing the expected release date. You can contact Wells Fargo customer service to ask about a specific hold, but the bank can extend it if they need more time to verify the check.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit cash into my Wells Fargo savings account without going to a branch?
No. Cash deposits must be made in person at a Wells Fargo branch or ATM. The mobile app and online banking do not accept cash deposits. If you don't have a branch nearby, you can deposit cash at any Wells Fargo ATM that accepts deposits — most do, but some older ATMs do not.
What's the difference between my account number and routing number?
Your account number identifies your specific savings account at Wells Fargo. Your routing number (121000248) identifies Wells Fargo as the bank. You need both to set up direct deposit or external transfers. Your account number appears on your debit card and in the app; the routing number is the same for all Wells Fargo customers.
How long does a check deposit take if I use the mobile app?
Mobile check deposits typically clear within one business day. Wells Fargo verifies the check during this time. Once cleared, the money is available in your savings account. You'll receive a notification in the app when the deposit has posted.
Can I deposit a check made out to someone else?
Only if that person endorses it to you. They must sign the back of the check and write "Pay to the order of [your name]" above their signature. Some banks and check issuers restrict third-party deposits, so the check may still be rejected even with proper endorsement.
What happens if I exceed the six transfers per month limit?
Federal law limits savings account transfers to six per month. If you exceed this limit, Wells Fargo may charge a fee (typically $10 per excess transaction) or convert your account to a checking account. Internal transfers, external transfers, and withdrawals all count toward this limit.