Your Wells Fargo routing number is a nine-digit code that tells other banks where to send money to your account
Every bank in the United States has routing numbers — sometimes called transit numbers or ABA numbers. When you set up a direct deposit, pay a bill online, or send money to someone else's account, you give the sending bank two pieces of information: your account number and your routing number. The routing number is like a postal address for your bank. It tells the sending bank which Wells Fargo location holds your account so the money arrives in the right place.
Wells Fargo has more than one routing number because the company operates in multiple states and through different divisions. The routing number you need depends on which state your account is in and what type of account you have. Using the wrong routing number can delay a deposit or payment by several days, so it matters that you get the right one.
Key Takeaways
- Your Wells Fargo routing number is a nine-digit code specific to the state where your account is located.
- You can find your routing number on the bottom left of any check you have, in your online banking portal, or by calling Wells Fargo directly.
- Wells Fargo has different routing numbers for different states, so confirm you have the one for your account's home state.
- If you use the wrong routing number, your deposit or payment may be delayed but will usually reach the correct account eventually.
Where to find your routing number on a check
The easiest way to find your Wells Fargo routing number is to look at a check. On the bottom left of any check, you will see three groups of numbers separated by vertical lines. The first group — the leftmost nine digits — is your routing number. The second group is your account number. The third group is the check number itself.
If you do not have a check handy or you have not received checks yet, this method will not work for you. But if you have even one check from your account, you have your routing number.
Finding your routing number online or by phone
Log into your Wells Fargo online banking account or mobile app. Go to the section labeled "Account Details" or "Account Information" — the exact name varies depending on which version of the app you are using. Your routing number should appear there alongside your account number. Some versions of the app show it under "Transfer Funds" or "External Transfers."
If you cannot find it online, call Wells Fargo customer service at 1-800-869-3557. Have your account number ready. A representative can tell you the routing number for your specific account in less than a minute. This is also the fastest way if you are unsure which routing number applies to you — the representative will confirm the correct one based on your account location.
Why Wells Fargo has multiple routing numbers
Wells Fargo operates in all 50 states and through several different divisions, including Wells Fargo Bank, Wells Fargo Bank Northwest, and Wells Fargo Bank South. Each state and division has its own routing number. This structure comes from the history of banking in the United States — when banks merged or expanded into new states, they kept separate routing numbers for each location.
The routing number tied to your account depends on where you opened it and which state your account is registered in. If you opened your account in California, you will have a California routing number even if you have since moved to another state. The routing number does not change when you move — it stays tied to the state where the account originated.
What happens if you use the wrong routing number
If you accidentally use a Wells Fargo routing number from a different state, the money will usually still reach your account, but it may take longer. Banks have systems in place to correct routing errors and forward the money to the right location. A deposit that should arrive in one business day might take three to five days instead.
In rare cases, a payment sent to the wrong routing number might be rejected entirely. This is more likely to happen with bill payments than with direct deposits. If a payment is rejected, the sending bank will typically notify you, and you can resubmit it with the correct routing number.
Routing numbers for common Wells Fargo account types
Most Wells Fargo checking and savings accounts use the same routing number for your state. However, some specialty accounts — such as brokerage accounts, investment accounts, or accounts held in trust — may use different routing numbers. If you have one of these account types, the routing number in your online banking portal or on your statements will be the correct one to use.
When in doubt, use the routing number shown in your online banking account or on your statements. That number is always correct for your specific account, regardless of account type. Do not assume that all your Wells Fargo accounts share the same routing number if you have more than one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any Wells Fargo routing number, or does it have to be for my state?
You should use the routing number for the state where your account is registered. Using a different state's routing number may delay the transaction. Check your statements or online banking to confirm which state your account is in, then use that state's routing number.
What is the difference between a routing number and an account number?
Your routing number identifies which bank and location holds your account. Your account number identifies which specific account at that bank is yours. Both are required for transfers and direct deposits. On a check, the routing number is the first nine digits on the bottom left, and your account number follows it.
Do I need a different routing number for wire transfers?
Wells Fargo uses the same routing number for wire transfers as for other types of transfers and direct deposits. However, some banks have separate wire routing numbers. If you are sending a wire transfer to a Wells Fargo account, ask the recipient or call Wells Fargo to confirm the routing number is correct for wire transfers.
Will my routing number change if I move to a different state?
No. Your routing number stays the same even if you move. It is tied to the state where you opened your account, not where you currently live. You do not need to update your routing number or open a new account when you relocate.
What if I cannot find my routing number anywhere?
Call Wells Fargo at 1-800-869-3557 with your account number ready. A representative will provide your routing number when ready. This is the fastest option if you need the number right away and cannot access your checks or online banking.