Wells Fargo's wire transfer fees
Wells Fargo charges $15 for domestic wire transfers sent through their online banking platform or mobile app. If you send a wire transfer by phone or in person at a branch, the fee is $20. International wire transfers cost $45 when sent online or through the app, and $50 when arranged by phone or in branch.
These fees explore whether you are sending money out of your Wells Fargo account or receiving money into it. Incoming domestic wires are free, but incoming international wires cost $15 to receive. The fees are deducted from your account automatically when the transfer processes.
Some Wells Fargo account types waive wire transfer fees. If you hold a Wells Fargo Platinum Checking account or higher tier account, you may have a certain number of free wire transfers per month included. Check your account terms or call Wells Fargo at 1-800-869-3557 to confirm what your specific account includes.
Key Takeaways
- Domestic wire transfers through Wells Fargo cost $15 online or $20 by phone or branch, while international wires cost $45 online or $50 by phone or branch.
- You pay the same fee whether you are sending or receiving a domestic wire, but receiving international wires costs $15.
- Some Wells Fargo checking accounts include free wire transfers each month, so review your account terms before paying a fee.
- The fee is taken from your account when the wire processes, not when you initiate it.
When you pay the fee
Wells Fargo deducts the wire transfer fee from your account on the day the wire actually sends, not when you schedule or request it. If you schedule a wire for a future date, you will not see the fee charged until that date arrives and the transfer goes through.
If your account does not have enough money to cover both the wire amount and the fee, the transfer will not go through. Make sure your balance includes the full transfer amount plus the applicable fee before you initiate the wire.
How to send a wire transfer at Wells Fargo
The cheapest way to send a wire at Wells Fargo is through their online banking portal or mobile app, which charges $15 for domestic transfers instead of $20. Log into your account, select "Transfer Money," then choose "Wire Transfer." Enter the recipient's name, bank routing number, account number, and the amount you want to send.
You can also call Wells Fargo's wire transfer line at 1-800-869-3557 to arrange a wire by phone, though this costs $20 for domestic and $50 for international transfers. Walk into any Wells Fargo branch to send a wire in person, which also costs $20 for domestic and $50 for international.
Domestic wires typically arrive within one business day. International wires can take three to five business days depending on the destination country and the receiving bank's processing time.
Receiving a wire transfer at Wells Fargo
When someone sends you money through a wire transfer to your Wells Fargo account, you do not pay a fee for domestic wires. International wires that come into your Wells Fargo account cost you $15 to receive.
To receive a wire, you need to give the sender your Wells Fargo account number, routing number, and your full name as it appears on your account. Wells Fargo's routing number for wire transfers is 121000248. Make sure the sender has the correct information, because wires cannot be easily reversed if they go to the wrong account.
Wire transfer limits at Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo does not publish a single daily wire transfer limit that applies to all customers. Limits depend on your account type, your account history, and how much money you typically move. New accounts often have lower limits than established accounts.
You can find your personal wire transfer limit by logging into your online banking account and attempting to send a wire, or by calling Wells Fargo at 1-800-869-3557. If you need to send more than your limit allows, you can request a temporary increase by calling the wire transfer line or visiting a branch.
Alternatives to Wells Fargo wire transfers
If the $15 to $50 wire fee seems high for your transfer, consider other options. ACH transfers (automated clearing house) are free or cost just a few dollars and work for transfers between U.S. bank accounts, though they take three to five business days. Zelle, Wells Fargo's peer-to-peer payment service, is free for transfers to other people with Zelle accounts and arrives within minutes, though it has lower per-transaction limits.
For international transfers, some online money transfer services charge less than Wells Fargo's $45 to $50 fee, though exchange rates and speed vary by provider. Compare the total cost—including any exchange rate markup—before choosing a service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel a wire transfer after I send it?
Once a wire transfer leaves Wells Fargo, it cannot be stopped or reversed. You must contact the receiving bank when ready if the wire went to the wrong account. The receiving bank may be able to recover the funds, but this is not may provide and can take weeks.
Do I get the wire fee back if the transfer fails?
No. Wells Fargo charges the wire fee even if the transfer fails to go through. If a wire fails, contact Wells Fargo to find out why and whether you can resend it. You will owe the fee again if you send a second wire.
What is Wells Fargo's routing number for wire transfers?
Wells Fargo's routing number for wire transfers is 121000248. This is different from the routing number used for ACH transfers or checks. Always confirm you have the correct routing number before sending a wire.
Are there any Wells Fargo accounts with free wire transfers?
Some higher-tier Wells Fargo checking accounts include a limited number of free wire transfers per month. Platinum Checking and above may offer this benefit. Contact Wells Fargo or review your account agreement to see if your account includes free wires.
How long does a Wells Fargo wire transfer take?
Domestic wires typically arrive within one business day. International wires usually take three to five business days, depending on the destination country and how quickly the receiving bank processes the transfer.