Your Wells Fargo routing number is a nine-digit code that tells other banks where to send money to your account
Every Wells Fargo account has a routing number, and you need it to set up direct deposit, receive wire transfers, or pay bills through automatic bank transfers. The routing number is not secret — it is the same for all Wells Fargo customers in your region, and you can find it in seconds without calling the bank.
The routing number is different from your account number. Your account number is unique to you; your routing number identifies the Wells Fargo branch or processing center that holds your account. When someone sends you money via ACH (the system banks use for most electronic transfers), they use both numbers together.
Key Takeaways
- Your Wells Fargo routing number appears at the bottom left of every check you write, printed as the first set of nine digits before your account number.
- The routing number varies by state and account type, so a Wells Fargo customer in California may have a different routing number than one in New York.
- You can find your routing number on Wells Fargo's website, in your online banking portal, or by calling Wells Fargo customer service at 1-800-869-3557.
- If you are setting up direct deposit or a bill payment, the employer or biller will ask for both your routing number and your account number together.
Finding your routing number on a check
The fastest way to find your routing number is to look at the bottom left corner of any check from your Wells Fargo account. You will see nine digits printed there, followed by your account number (usually 10 to 12 digits), then the check number on the far right.
The nine-digit code on the left is your routing number. Write it down or take a photo. If you do not have checks on hand, move to one of the other methods below — you do not need to order new checks just to find this number.
Looking it up on Wells Fargo's website
Go to wellsfargo.com and sign into your online banking account. Once you are logged in, look for a section labeled "Account Details," "Account Information," or "Routing Number" — the exact label varies by account type. Your routing number will be displayed there alongside your account number.
If you cannot find it in your account dashboard, Wells Fargo also publishes a routing number lookup tool on their website. You can search by state, account type (checking, savings, money market), or branch location. Enter your state and account type, and the tool will show you the correct routing number.
Calling Wells Fargo customer service
Call Wells Fargo at 1-800-869-3557 and tell the representative you need your routing number. Have your account number or Social Security number ready so they can verify your identity. They will give you the number over the phone in under a minute.
This method works if you do not have online banking access or prefer to speak to someone. Customer service is available Monday through Friday during business hours, and some lines operate on weekends as well.
Why routing numbers differ by state and account type
Wells Fargo operates different processing centers in different regions, and each center has its own routing number. A checking account in Texas may route through a different center than a savings account in Massachusetts, even though both are Wells Fargo accounts.
This is why it matters to use the correct routing number for your specific account. If you give someone the wrong routing number, the transfer may be rejected or delayed while the banks sort out where the money should go. Always verify that the routing number matches your account type and the state where you opened the account.
Using your routing number for direct deposit and bill pay
When you set up direct deposit with an employer, you will enter your routing number and account number into their payroll system. The employer's bank uses the routing number to find Wells Fargo, then uses your account number to deposit your pay into the correct account.
The same process applies to bill payments, wire transfers, and ACH transfers from other people or businesses. Always double-check both numbers before submitting them — a typo in either one can send money to the wrong place or cause the transaction to fail.
What to do if you cannot find your routing number
If you have lost access to your checks, cannot log into online banking, and do not want to call, you can visit a Wells Fargo branch in person. Bring a photo ID and ask a teller for your routing number. They will provide it immediately.
You can also look up the routing number on the Federal Reserve's routing number database at fedachdirectory.frb.org, though this requires knowing your exact branch location. The Wells Fargo website or a phone call is usually faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my routing number the same for checking and savings accounts?
Not always. Wells Fargo may assign different routing numbers to different account types at the same branch. Check your specific account's routing number rather than assuming both accounts use the same one. Your online banking portal or a check will show the correct number for each account.
Can I use the same routing number if I move to a different state?
No. If you move and open a new Wells Fargo account in a different state, your new account will have a different routing number tied to that state's processing center. Update your direct deposit and bill pay information with the new routing number to avoid payment delays.
What happens if I give someone the wrong routing number?
The transfer may be rejected by the receiving bank, or it may be delayed while the banks work to correct it. In some cases, the money goes to a different account or is returned to the sender. Always verify the routing number before sharing it, and contact Wells Fargo if a transfer fails.
Do I need my routing number to withdraw money from an ATM?
No. You only need your debit card and PIN to use an ATM. The routing number is only for transfers between banks, direct deposit, and bill payments — not for in-person or ATM withdrawals.
Is it safe to share my routing number?
Yes. Your routing number is not sensitive information — it is printed on every check you write and is public. However, never share your full account number with someone you do not trust. A scammer needs both your routing number and account number to move money out of your account.