Wells Fargo routing numbers depend on where you live and what you're doing with the money
Wells Fargo does not have a single routing number. The number you need depends on which state your account is in and whether you're setting up a direct deposit, sending a wire transfer, or moving money between accounts. Using the wrong number will delay your transaction or send it to the wrong place entirely.
The most common routing number for Wells Fargo is 121000248, which works for most checking and savings accounts opened in most states. But if your account is in Connecticut, New Jersey, or New York, your routing number is different. And if you're sending an international wire, you'll need a different code altogether.
The fastest way to find your exact routing number is to look at the bottom left of any check you have from that account. The first nine digits are your routing number. If you don't have a check, log into your Wells Fargo online account or call 1-800-869-3557 and ask for your routing number — tell them what you're using it for, because the representative may give you a different number depending on the transaction type.
Key Takeaways
- The routing number 121000248 works for most Wells Fargo accounts in most states, but Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York accounts use different numbers.
- Your routing number appears on the bottom left of any check from your account as the first nine digits.
- Wire transfers, direct deposits, and ACH transfers sometimes require different routing numbers even for the same account.
- Calling Wells Fargo at 1-800-869-3557 is the surest way to confirm which number to use for your specific transaction.
How to find your routing number on a check
Every Wells Fargo check has your routing number printed at the bottom in the leftmost position. The format is always nine digits, and it comes before your account number and the check number. If you have a checkbook, this is the fastest way to confirm your number without logging in or calling.
The routing number on your check is the same one you use for direct deposits, ACH transfers (moving money between banks), and most bill payments. It tells the banking system which Wells Fargo location processes your account, even though Wells Fargo is a national bank.
Routing numbers that vary by state
Most Wells Fargo customers use 121000248. But if your account is physically located in one of these states, your routing number is different:
| State | Routing Number |
|---|---|
| Connecticut | 011000138 |
| New Jersey | 021200025 |
| New York | 026009593 |
Your account's state is determined by which Wells Fargo branch you opened it at, not where you live now. If you opened your account in California but moved to New York, you still use the California routing number unless you formally transferred the account to a New York branch.
Wire transfers and international payments
If you're sending money out of Wells Fargo to another bank (a wire transfer), you still use your account's standard routing number. But if someone outside the United States is sending you money, they will need Wells Fargo's SWIFT code instead: WFBIUS6S. This is a different identifier that international banks use to find Wells Fargo in the global banking system.
For international incoming wires, you'll also need to provide your account number and your full name as it appears on the account. Wells Fargo will not process an international wire without all three pieces of information.
Direct deposits and payroll setup
When you give your employer or a government agency your banking information for direct deposit, use your standard routing number — 121000248 for most accounts, or the state-specific number if you're in Connecticut, New Jersey, or New York. Direct deposits use the ACH network, which is the same system that processes bill payments and transfers between banks.
Your employer or the agency will ask for your routing number and account number. Make sure you provide both correctly, because a mistake in either one will send the deposit to the wrong account or cause it to bounce back. If you're unsure, call Wells Fargo before you submit the form.
What happens if you use the wrong routing number
If you use an incorrect routing number, the money will either go to the wrong Wells Fargo account, go to a different bank entirely, or be rejected and returned to the sender. The process of catching and correcting a misdirected deposit takes several business days, sometimes longer.
If you realize you've given the wrong number to your employer or a benefits program, contact them when ready and ask them to update your banking information. Do not wait to see if the deposit arrives — the sooner you correct it, the sooner future payments will go to the right place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there one Wells Fargo routing number that works everywhere?
121000248 works for most Wells Fargo accounts in most states. But if your account is in Connecticut, New Jersey, or New York, you need the state-specific number. Check your checks or call Wells Fargo to be certain.
Do I need a different routing number for checking versus savings?
No. Both checking and savings accounts at Wells Fargo use the same routing number. The routing number identifies the bank and the location where your account is held, not the type of account.
What's the difference between a routing number and a SWIFT code?
A routing number is used for domestic transfers within the United States. A SWIFT code (Wells Fargo's is WFBIUS6S) is used for international wire transfers. If someone outside the U.S. is sending you money, give them the SWIFT code, not the routing number.
Can I find my routing number online without logging in?
Yes. Call Wells Fargo at 1-800-869-3557 and provide your account number. They will tell you your routing number when ready. You can also look at any check from your account.
What if I opened my Wells Fargo account a long time ago and don't know which state it's in?
Log into your Wells Fargo account online and look at your account details, or call 1-800-869-3557. They can tell you which state your account is registered in and provide the correct routing number for that location.