The fastest way to transfer money to savings at Wells Fargo
You can move money from your Wells Fargo checking account to your savings account in minutes using online banking, the mobile app, or an ATM. The transfer happens right away — you do not have to wait for it to process. If you are transferring from an account at a different bank, it takes one to three business days and you will need your routing number and account number.
The method you choose depends on where the money is coming from and how quickly you need it moved. Transfers between your own Wells Fargo accounts are when ready. Transfers from outside banks go through the ACH system, which is the electronic network that moves money between different banks.
Key Takeaways
- Transfers between your own Wells Fargo checking and savings accounts happen when ready through online banking, the app, or an ATM.
- To transfer from another bank, you will need the routing number (which identifies the bank) and your account number at that bank.
- Transfers from outside banks take one to three business days because they move through the ACH system.
- You can set up recurring transfers to move money to savings on a schedule — weekly, monthly, or any interval you choose.
- Wells Fargo limits how many transfers you can make from a savings account each month, though transfers into savings have no limit.
Transferring from your Wells Fargo checking account
Log into Wells Fargo online banking or open the mobile app. Look for the "Transfers" or "Move Money" option — the exact name varies depending on whether you are on a computer or phone, but it is usually in the main menu or under account services. Select the checking account you want to transfer from and the savings account you want to transfer to.
Enter the amount you want to move and confirm. The money appears in your savings account when ready. You will see the transfer listed in both accounts right away, though the transaction may show as "pending" for a few minutes before it settles.
If you prefer not to use a computer or phone, you can also transfer money at a Wells Fargo ATM. Insert your debit card, select "Transfers," choose your accounts, and enter the amount. The transfer processes the same way as online.
Transferring from a bank account outside Wells Fargo
You will need two pieces of information from the other bank: the routing number and your account number. The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies the bank itself — not your account, but the bank where your account lives. Your account number identifies your specific account at that bank. Both appear on the bottom left of your checks, or you can call the bank and ask.
In Wells Fargo online banking, select "Transfers" and choose "Transfer from another bank" or "External transfer" — the wording depends on your version of the site. Enter the routing number and account number from your other bank, then the amount. Wells Fargo will verify the account by depositing two small amounts (usually under one dollar each) into your savings account within one to two business days.
Once verification is complete, you can transfer money. The transfer itself takes one to three business days to arrive in your Wells Fargo savings account. You will see it listed as "pending" until it settles.
Setting up automatic transfers to savings
If you want to move money to savings on a regular schedule without doing it manually each time, you can set up a recurring transfer. In online banking, go to "Transfers" and look for "Set up recurring transfer" or "Scheduled transfer." Choose the account to transfer from, the savings account to transfer to, the amount, and how often you want it to happen — weekly, every two weeks, monthly, or any other interval.
You can also set a start date and an end date, or leave it open-ended so the transfer keeps happening until you stop it. Once it is set up, the transfer happens automatically on the schedule you chose. You can change or cancel it anytime through the same menu.
Automatic transfers are useful if you want to build savings without having to remember to do it manually. Many people set up a small weekly or monthly transfer so the money moves before they have a chance to spend it.
Understanding Wells Fargo transfer limits
Wells Fargo allows you to transfer money into a savings account as many times as you want with no limit. However, federal rules limit how many times you can transfer money out of a savings account to six per month. This limit applies to transfers to checking accounts, transfers to other banks, and withdrawals at an ATM or teller — they all count toward the same six.
If you exceed six outgoing transfers in a month, Wells Fargo may charge a fee or convert your savings account to a checking account. The exact consequence depends on your account type and Wells Fargo's current policies. If you regularly need to move money out of savings more than six times a month, ask Wells Fargo about a money market account, which may have different rules.
Transfers into savings do not count against this limit, so you can move money from checking to savings as often as you want.
What to do if a transfer does not arrive
If you transferred money from another bank and it has been more than three business days, log into your Wells Fargo account and check the "Transfers" section to see the status. It should show whether the transfer is still pending, completed, or failed.
If it shows as failed, the most common reasons are a wrong routing number, a wrong account number, or insufficient funds in the account you transferred from. Go back to the other bank and double-check both numbers. If the numbers are correct, call that bank to make sure the account is active and has enough money.
If the transfer shows as pending after three business days, contact Wells Fargo customer service. You can call the number on the back of your debit card or log into online banking and use the "Contact Us" option. Have your confirmation number ready — it appears on the transfer receipt or in your transfer history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer money to a savings account at a different bank?
Yes. In Wells Fargo online banking, select "Transfer to another bank" and enter the routing number and account number of the savings account at the other bank. The transfer takes one to three business days. You may need to verify the account first by confirming two small deposits that the other bank sends.
What is the difference between a transfer and a withdrawal?
A transfer moves money from one account to another account (yours or someone else's). A withdrawal takes money out of an account and gives it to you in cash or as a check. Both count toward the six-per-month limit on outgoing transfers from a savings account.
Do I pay a fee to transfer money between my own Wells Fargo accounts?
No. Transfers between your own Wells Fargo accounts are free. However, if you exceed six outgoing transfers from savings in a month, Wells Fargo may charge a fee or change your account type.
How long does it take to transfer money from checking to savings at Wells Fargo?
Transfers between your own Wells Fargo accounts happen when ready. You will see the money in your savings account within minutes, though it may show as pending for a short time before it fully settles.
What if I do not know my routing number?
Call your bank and ask for the routing number, or check the bottom left of one of your checks — it is the first set of numbers. You can also search online for "[bank name] routing number" and your state. Make sure you have the right routing number for the specific branch where your account is located, as some large banks have multiple routing numbers.