Wells Fargo's wire address and routing number

To send a wire transfer to a Wells Fargo account, you need two pieces of information: the routing number and the recipient's account number. Wells Fargo's routing number is 121000248 for domestic wire transfers within the United States. This number tells the sending bank which Federal Reserve office handles Wells Fargo's account.

The account number belongs to the person or business receiving the money, not to Wells Fargo itself. You will get this from the recipient — they should provide it to you directly, or you can ask them for it. Never wire money based on a number someone sends you in an email or text without confirming it with the recipient through another method first.

If you are sending money to a Wells Fargo account outside the United States, you will need the SWIFT code instead of a routing number. Wells Fargo's SWIFT code is WFBIUS6S. International wires also require an IBAN (International Bank Account Number) if the receiving country uses them, which the recipient should provide.

Key Takeaways

  • Wells Fargo's domestic routing number for wire transfers is 121000248, used only for transfers within the United States.
  • You must have the recipient's account number, which they provide to you — never send money based on an account number from an unsecured message.
  • International wire transfers to Wells Fargo use the SWIFT code WFBIUS6S and require an IBAN if the receiving country uses one.
  • The routing number tells the sending bank where to direct the money; the account number tells Wells Fargo which customer account receives it.

How to find the correct account number

The recipient's account number appears on their Wells Fargo statements, checks, or online banking portal. If they use Wells Fargo online banking, they can log in, find their account details, and share the account number with you. Some people prefer to read it aloud over the phone rather than send it by email.

If the recipient does not have their account number handy, they can call Wells Fargo customer service at 1-800-869-3557 to confirm it. They should have their account holder identification ready. Do not ask the recipient to send their full account number through text or email unless you have a find channel set up — many people prefer to share it only in person or over a verified phone call.

Domestic wire transfers versus international wire transfers

A domestic wire stays within the United States and uses the routing number 121000248. The sending bank processes it through the Federal Reserve system, and Wells Fargo receives it the same business day or the next business day, depending on when you send it.

An international wire goes to a Wells Fargo account held outside the United States. These use the SWIFT code WFBIUS6S and may also require the recipient's IBAN. International wires take longer — usually three to five business days — because they pass through multiple banks and currency conversion systems. The recipient should tell you exactly what information their bank needs; if they have a Wells Fargo account abroad, Wells Fargo can provide the IBAN.

What information the sending bank will ask for

When you initiate a wire transfer at your own bank, you will provide the recipient's name, Wells Fargo's routing number (121000248 for domestic transfers), and the recipient's account number. You will also state the amount and may be asked to describe the purpose of the transfer.

Some banks ask for the recipient's address as well. This is optional for most domestic wires but may be required by your bank's policy. If you are sending an international wire, your bank will ask for the SWIFT code, the recipient's IBAN, and possibly their address and phone number. Have all this information ready before you go to the bank or log into your online banking portal, because the process moves quickly once you start.

Confirming the wire before you send it

Before you submit a wire transfer, your bank will show you a summary of the details: the amount, the recipient's name and account number, and the receiving bank. Read this carefully. Wire transfers cannot be reversed once they leave your bank, so a mistake in the account number means the money goes to the wrong person and recovery is difficult.

If anything looks wrong — the recipient's name is misspelled, the account number has a digit you do not recognize, or the amount is different from what you agreed — stop and contact your bank or the recipient before proceeding. A few seconds of double-checking prevents hours of trouble later.

Wire transfer fees and timing

Wells Fargo does not charge a fee to receive a wire transfer, but your sending bank may charge you a fee to send one. This fee varies by bank and account type — some accounts include free wires, while others charge between $15 and $30 per wire. Ask your bank about the fee before you send.

Domestic wires typically arrive the same business day if sent before the bank's cutoff time, usually 2 or 3 p.m. Wires sent after the cutoff arrive the next business day. International wires take longer and may involve weekend or holiday delays depending on the receiving country. If timing is critical, confirm the cutoff time with your bank before you send.

What to do if the wire does not arrive

If the recipient says they have not received the money within the expected timeframe, contact your bank first. Your bank can track the wire using a reference number they gave you when you sent it. They will tell you whether the wire left your account and where it is in the system.

If your bank confirms the wire was sent to the correct routing number and account number, contact Wells Fargo's customer service at 1-800-869-3557 to report it. Have your wire reference number ready. Wells Fargo can check whether the wire arrived at their bank and which account it was deposited to. If the account number was wrong, recovery is more complicated and may require the recipient of the misdirected funds to return it voluntarily.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Wells Fargo's routing number the same for all wire transfers?

The routing number 121000248 is used for all domestic wire transfers to Wells Fargo accounts within the United States. International wires use the SWIFT code WFBIUS6S instead. Some Wells Fargo branches may have different routing numbers for other types of transactions like ACH transfers, so always confirm which routing number your bank needs for the type of transfer you are sending.

Can I send a wire transfer to Wells Fargo online?

Yes, if your bank offers online wire transfer services. Log into your online banking portal, select wire transfer, and enter Wells Fargo's routing number (121000248), the recipient's account number, and the amount. Your bank will show you a summary before you confirm. Some banks require you to visit a branch or call to send your first wire, depending on their security policies.

What happens if I use the wrong account number?

The wire will go to whatever account number you provided at Wells Fargo. If the number belongs to another Wells Fargo customer, the money goes to their account. If the number is invalid, Wells Fargo may return it to your bank, which can take several days. This is why confirming the account number with the recipient before sending is critical — wire transfers cannot be reversed.

Do I need the recipient's name to send a wire to Wells Fargo?

Yes, your bank will ask for the recipient's name. The name should match the name on the Wells Fargo account. If the names do not match exactly, Wells Fargo may reject the wire or hold it for review. Always confirm the recipient's legal name as it appears on their account before you send.

How long does a wire transfer to Wells Fargo take?

Domestic wires typically arrive the same business day or the next business day, depending on when you send it and your bank's cutoff time. International wires take three to five business days or longer, depending on the receiving country and any intermediate banks involved. Weekend and holiday delays may add time to international transfers.