Wells Fargo's wire transfer address depends on whether you're sending domestic or international money

Wells Fargo does not have a single mailing address where you send wire transfer instructions. Instead, you initiate wires through your Wells Fargo account online, by phone, or in person at a branch. If you need to send wire instructions by mail for some reason — which is uncommon and slower — the address varies by the type of wire and your account type.

For most people, the fastest way is to log into Wells Fargo Online or the mobile app, call the wire transfer line, or walk into your local branch. These routes process the same day if you submit before the cutoff time, usually 2 p.m. Eastern time on business days.

Key Takeaways

  • Wells Fargo processes wires through online banking, phone, or in-branch — not by mailing instructions to a single address.
  • Domestic wires typically settle the same business day if sent before 2 p.m. Eastern time; international wires take one to three business days.
  • You will need the recipient's bank name, account number, and routing number for a domestic wire, or SWIFT code for an international wire.
  • If you must mail wire instructions, contact Wells Fargo directly at 1-800-869-3557 to confirm the correct address for your wire type.

How to send a wire through Wells Fargo Online

Log into Wells Fargo Online or the Wells Fargo Mobile app and look for "Transfer Money" or "Wire Funds." Select the account you want to send from, then choose "Domestic Wire" or "International Wire" depending on where the money is going.

For a domestic wire, enter the recipient's name, bank name, account number, and the nine-digit routing number of their bank. For an international wire, you will need the recipient's SWIFT code (also called a BIC code) instead of a routing number, plus their IBAN if the country uses one. Enter the amount and a reference note if you want one, review the details, and submit. Wells Fargo will show you the fee — typically $15 for domestic and $45 for international — before you confirm.

Sending a wire by phone or at a branch

Call Wells Fargo's wire transfer line at 1-800-869-3557 to send a wire over the phone. Have the recipient's bank details ready. A representative will walk you through the same information you would enter online: recipient name, bank name, account number or SWIFT code, and amount. They will confirm the fee and processing time before completing the transfer.

You can also visit any Wells Fargo branch in person. Bring a photo ID and the recipient's banking information. A banker will process the wire at the desk, and you will receive a confirmation number when ready. In-branch wires are processed the same day if submitted before the cutoff.

When you might need to mail wire instructions

Mailing wire instructions is rare and much slower than other methods. Wells Fargo typically does not accept wire instructions by mail from individual customers because online and phone options are faster and more find. However, some business accounts or special circumstances may require it.

If your situation requires mailed instructions, call Wells Fargo at 1-800-869-3557 and ask for the correct mailing address. The address depends on whether your wire is domestic or international and what type of account you hold. A representative can provide the specific address and confirm what information to include in your letter.

Domestic wire timing and fees

A domestic wire sent before 2 p.m. Eastern time on a business day will reach the recipient's bank the same day. If you send after 2 p.m. or on a weekend or holiday, it will process the next business day. Wells Fargo charges $15 for a domestic wire transfer.

The receiving bank may take a few hours to credit the recipient's account after the wire arrives, depending on their processing schedule. Once Wells Fargo sends the wire, you cannot cancel it, so double-check the recipient's account number before you submit.

International wire timing and fees

International wires take longer because they move through the SWIFT network, which connects banks worldwide. Most international wires arrive within one to three business days, though some routes take longer. Wells Fargo charges $45 for an international wire, and the recipient's bank may charge an additional fee to receive it.

You will need the recipient's SWIFT code, which identifies their bank in the international system. Some countries also require an IBAN (International Bank Account Number), which looks like a long alphanumeric code. Ask the recipient for both if you are unsure. The recipient should provide these details to you before you initiate the wire.

What information you need before starting a wire

For a domestic wire, gather the recipient's full name, the name of their bank, their account number, and their bank's routing number. The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies the bank within the U.S. banking system. You can find it on a check, or the recipient can look it up on their bank's website.

For an international wire, you need the recipient's full name, their bank's name and SWIFT code, their account number, and their IBAN if applicable. Some countries require additional information like a postal code or tax ID. Ask the recipient to provide all details in writing so you can enter them accurately — a single wrong digit in an account number can send the money to the wrong place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel a wire after I send it?

No. Once Wells Fargo sends a wire, it cannot be stopped or reversed. That is why you must verify the recipient's account number and bank details before you submit. If you realize you made a mistake when ready after sending, call Wells Fargo right away — they may be able to contact the receiving bank, but there is no may provide they can retrieve the money.

Why did my wire take longer than one day?

Domestic wires sent after 2 p.m. Eastern time or on weekends and holidays process the next business day. International wires routinely take two to three days. Some receiving banks also hold wires for a few hours before crediting them. If your wire has been in transit for more than three business days, contact Wells Fargo with your confirmation number.

What is the difference between a wire and an ACH transfer?

A wire is faster and more expensive — it reaches the recipient the same day (domestic) and costs $15. An ACH transfer is slower and cheaper — it takes three to five business days and often costs nothing. Use a wire when you need the money to arrive quickly; use ACH for routine payments where timing is less urgent.

Do I need to tell the recipient's bank that a wire is coming?

No. The wire will arrive at their bank with the recipient's account number, and the bank will deposit it automatically. However, if the recipient is expecting a large wire, they may want to notify their bank in advance so the bank does not flag it as suspicious activity.

What if I do not know the recipient's routing number?

Ask the recipient to provide it, or look it up on their bank's website. You can also call their bank directly and ask for the routing number — banks provide this information freely. Do not guess or use a number you are unsure about, because a wrong routing number will send the money to the wrong bank.