Wells Fargo's routing number for wire transfers is 121000248

When you send a wire transfer from a Wells Fargo account, you need the receiving bank's routing number — not Wells Fargo's. However, if someone is sending you money and they ask for your bank's wire routing number, the answer is 121000248. This nine-digit code tells the sending bank's system where to direct the funds.

This routing number works the same way whether you're receiving a domestic wire (money from another U.S. bank) or an international wire. Wells Fargo uses this single routing number for all wire transfers into any of its accounts, regardless of which branch you use or what state you live in.

The routing number is different from your account number. Your account number identifies which specific Wells Fargo account receives the money. The routing number identifies Wells Fargo itself as the destination bank. You'll need to give the sender both pieces of information.

Key Takeaways

  • Wells Fargo's wire transfer routing number is 121000248, and this number is the same for all Wells Fargo accounts across the United States.
  • You provide this routing number to someone who is sending you money via wire transfer, not when you are sending money out.
  • The routing number is different from your account number — you need to give the sender both to complete a wire transfer to your account.
  • This routing number works for both domestic wires (from other U.S. banks) and international wires coming into your Wells Fargo account.

When you need to provide your Wells Fargo routing number

You provide Wells Fargo's routing number when someone outside your bank is sending you money by wire. This could be a family member, an employer sending a paycheck, a business partner, or a buyer paying for something you sold. The sender's bank uses this number to route the funds to the correct destination.

The sender will ask you for two pieces of information: the routing number (121000248) and your Wells Fargo account number. Some senders also ask for the bank's name and your full name as it appears on the account. Give them exactly what they ask for — mismatched names or account numbers can delay or reject the transfer.

You do not need to provide this routing number when you are the one sending money out of your Wells Fargo account. When you initiate a wire from Wells Fargo, you'll provide the receiving bank's routing number instead.

How to find your own account number to give with the routing number

Your Wells Fargo account number appears on the bottom left of your checks, right after the routing number. It's usually 10 digits long. You can also find it by logging into Wells Fargo's online banking platform, opening your account details, or calling Wells Fargo customer service at the number on the back of your debit card.

When you give someone your account information for a wire transfer, double-check that you're reading the account number correctly. A single digit wrong will send the money to the wrong account, and recovering it can take days or weeks.

Confirming the routing number before sending money

If you're sending money to someone who says they have a Wells Fargo account, you can confirm that 121000248 is correct by asking them to check their own checks or account statement. You can also call Wells Fargo directly at the customer service number on their website to verify the routing number before you send.

Scammers sometimes give fake routing numbers to redirect wire transfers. If someone is asking you to wire money and the routing number seems unusual, contact Wells Fargo directly using a phone number from their official website — not a number the person gave you — to verify before you send anything.

Wire transfer routing number versus other Wells Fargo routing numbers

Wells Fargo has different routing numbers for different purposes: ACH transfers (electronic bill pay and direct deposit), check processing, and wire transfers. For wire transfers specifically, the number is always 121000248. If you're setting up direct deposit or bill pay, you may need a different routing number — your employer or biller will tell you which one to use.

If you're unsure which routing number you need, tell the person or organization asking what they're trying to do. They can then tell you whether to use the wire routing number or a different one.

International wire transfers to Wells Fargo

If someone outside the United States is sending you money to your Wells Fargo account, they may also need a SWIFT code in addition to the routing number. Wells Fargo's SWIFT code is WFBIUS6S. Some international senders need both the routing number and the SWIFT code to complete the transfer; others need only the SWIFT code. The sender's bank will tell them which information is required.

International wires typically take longer than domestic wires — usually three to five business days — and may include currency conversion fees. Ask the sender whether they're converting currency and whether fees will be deducted from the amount you receive.

What happens after you provide your routing number

Once you give the sender your routing number and account number, the sender's bank processes the wire. The funds usually arrive in your Wells Fargo account within one business day for domestic transfers. You'll see the money appear in your account, and Wells Fargo will send you a confirmation.

If the wire doesn't arrive within the expected timeframe, contact Wells Fargo with the sender's name, the amount, and the date they said they sent it. Wells Fargo can trace the wire and tell you where it is in the system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 121000248 the same routing number for all types of Wells Fargo accounts?

Yes, this routing number works for checking accounts, savings accounts, and money market accounts at Wells Fargo. It's the same whether your account is a personal account or a business account. The routing number identifies the bank; your account number identifies which specific account receives the money.

What if I give someone the wrong routing number?

If you accidentally give someone a wrong routing number, the wire will either be rejected or sent to a different bank. The sender's bank will usually reject it and return the money to the sender within a few business days. Contact the sender when ready if you realize you made a mistake, and provide the correct routing number so they can resend.

Do I need to do anything to receive a wire transfer?

No. Once you provide your routing number and account number, you don't need to take any action. The money will arrive automatically. You don't need to "set up" anything or notify Wells Fargo in advance. Just make sure your account is open and in good standing.

Can I use the wire routing number for ACH transfers or bill pay?

No. Wire transfers, ACH transfers, and check processing use different routing numbers at Wells Fargo. If you're setting up direct deposit or paying a bill electronically, ask your employer or biller which routing number they need. Using the wrong one will cause the transfer to fail.

What if someone asks for my routing number and I'm not sure why?

Ask them what they're doing with it. If they're sending you money by wire, they need the routing number. If they're asking you to send them money and requesting your routing number, that's a red flag — they should be giving you their routing number instead. Never send money to someone you don't know or trust, and never give out your full account details to someone who contacts you unexpectedly.