Wells Fargo's wire transfer receiving address and routing number

To send money to a Wells Fargo account by wire, you need three pieces of information: the recipient's account number, the Wells Fargo routing number, and Wells Fargo's wire receiving address. The routing number for Wells Fargo wire transfers is 121000248. The wire receiving address is:

Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. 1 Home Street San Francisco, CA 94105 USA

Your sending bank will ask for these details when you initiate the wire. Some banks call this the "receiving bank address" or "beneficiary bank address." Wells Fargo uses the same routing number for domestic wires regardless of which branch holds the recipient's account, so you do not need to find a branch-specific number.

The account number you provide should belong to the person or business receiving the funds. Double-check this number with the recipient before sending — wires are difficult to reverse once they leave your bank, and a wrong account number means the money goes to the wrong person at Wells Fargo.

Key Takeaways

  • Wells Fargo's wire routing number is 121000248, and wires should be sent to their San Francisco headquarters address.
  • You need the recipient's Wells Fargo account number, which you should verify directly with them before sending the wire.
  • Domestic wires typically arrive within one business day, but timing depends on when your sending bank processes the transfer.
  • International wires to Wells Fargo require additional information, including a SWIFT code and sometimes an IBAN, depending on the sender's country.

What information the receiving bank needs from you

When you initiate a wire at your own bank, the sending bank will ask you to provide information about Wells Fargo and the recipient. Have the following ready before you go to your bank or log into your online banking portal:

  • Recipient's full name (as it appears on the Wells Fargo account)
  • Recipient's Wells Fargo account number
  • Wells Fargo routing number: 121000248
  • Wells Fargo's wire address (listed above)
  • The amount you want to send
  • Any reference or memo information you want included

Some sending banks also ask for the recipient's address. This is optional for domestic wires but can help Wells Fargo route the transfer correctly if there are any issues. If you are sending money internationally, your bank will ask for additional details such as Wells Fargo's SWIFT code (WFBIUS6S for most U.S. locations) or an International Bank Account Number (IBAN) if the recipient has one.

Timing and fees for wires to Wells Fargo

Domestic wires sent to Wells Fargo typically arrive within one business day. If you send a wire on a Friday afternoon, it may not arrive until Monday. Wires sent on weekends or holidays are processed the next business day. The exact timing depends on when your sending bank submits the wire and when Wells Fargo receives and processes it on their end.

Your sending bank will charge a wire fee, which varies by institution — typically between $15 and $30 for domestic wires. Wells Fargo may also charge a receiving fee, though many banks do not charge recipients for incoming wires. Contact Wells Fargo directly or check the account holder's account agreement to confirm whether they will be charged a fee for receiving the wire.

International wires take longer, usually three to five business days, and both your sending bank and Wells Fargo will charge fees. International wire fees are often higher than domestic fees and can range from $25 to $50 or more, depending on the banks involved and the amount being sent.

Verifying the account number before you send

The most common mistake in wire transfers is sending money to the wrong account number. Once a wire leaves your bank, it is nearly impossible to recover. Before you initiate the transfer, contact the recipient directly — by phone, email, or in person — and ask them to confirm their Wells Fargo account number.

Do not rely on account numbers from old emails, text messages, or previous transactions. Account numbers can be mistyped or changed, and using an outdated number could send your money to someone else's account. If the recipient is a business, ask to speak with their accounting or finance department to get the correct account information.

Some recipients provide a voided check, which displays the account number and routing number clearly. If you receive one, use it as your reference, but still confirm the account number verbally before sending a large amount.

What happens if you send the wire to the wrong account

If you realize you made a mistake after sending the wire, contact your sending bank when ready. They can attempt to recall the wire, but success depends on whether Wells Fargo has already released the funds to the recipient's account. If the funds have been released, your bank will need to file a formal claim with Wells Fargo, and recovery is not may provide.

If the money went to the wrong Wells Fargo account holder, Wells Fargo can contact that account holder and ask them to return the funds, but they cannot force them to do so. This process can take weeks or longer. To avoid this situation entirely, always verify the account number with the recipient before sending.

International wires to Wells Fargo accounts

If you are sending money from outside the United States to a Wells Fargo account, you will need additional information. Wells Fargo's SWIFT code is WFBIUS6S for most U.S. locations, though some branches may have different codes. Your sending bank will ask for this code to route the wire internationally.

Some countries also require an IBAN (International Bank Account Number). Wells Fargo accounts do not have IBANs in the traditional sense, but your sending bank may ask for one anyway. If this happens, provide the routing number and account number, and your bank will convert them into the format needed for international transfer.

International wires are subject to additional regulations and may be delayed for compliance checks. Fees are higher, and the exchange rate applied may not be the mid-market rate. If you are sending a large amount internationally, compare the cost of a wire with other methods such as a money transfer service, which may offer better rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to know which Wells Fargo branch the recipient uses?

No. The routing number 121000248 works for all Wells Fargo accounts in the United States, regardless of branch. You do not need to find or contact a specific branch location to send a wire.

Can I send a wire to Wells Fargo online, or do I have to go to a branch?

Most banks allow you to send wires through their online banking portal or mobile app. You can also call your bank's wire department or visit a branch in person. The method depends on your bank's policies and your account type.

What if the recipient's name does not match the account exactly?

Use the name exactly as it appears on the Wells Fargo account. If the account is under "Robert Smith" but you send it as "Bob Smith," Wells Fargo may reject or delay the transfer. Ask the recipient to provide their name as it appears on their account statement.

How do I know if the wire arrived?

The recipient should see the funds in their Wells Fargo account within one business day for domestic wires. They can check their account balance online or call Wells Fargo. Your sending bank will also provide a confirmation number and tracking information once the wire is sent.

Can I cancel a wire after I send it?

It depends on timing. If you contact your sending bank when ready after sending the wire and before it is processed, they may be able to cancel it. Once the wire reaches Wells Fargo and is deposited into the recipient's account, cancellation is not possible. Call your bank right away if you need to cancel.