Thinking about sending money from your Chase account to a Wells Fargo account? You're in the right place! It might seem a little daunting to move funds between different banks, but with today's digital banking, it's actually quite straightforward. Let's break down the best ways to get your money where it needs to go, step-by-step.
Step 1: Identify Your Transfer Needs – What's Your Priority?
Before we dive into the "how," let's consider the "what" and "why." How much money are you looking to transfer? How quickly do you need it to arrive? Are you sending money to a friend, family member, or paying a bill? Your answers to these questions will help determine the best method for your specific situation.
Small, quick transfers (under $3,500 daily): Zelle® is likely your best friend here. It's fast, convenient, and usually free.
Larger transfers (up to $100,000 daily): ACH (Automated Clearing House) transfers, often referred to as "external transfers" or "bank transfers," are a solid option. They're generally free or low-cost but take a few business days.
Very large or urgent transfers: Wire transfers are the fastest but typically come with higher fees.
Ready to figure out which one is right for you? Let's proceed!
Step 2: Choose Your Transfer Method
There are three primary ways to transfer money from Chase to Wells Fargo: Zelle®, ACH Transfer, and Wire Transfer. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Sub-heading: Option 1: Zelle® – For Fast, Smaller Transfers
Zelle® is a popular person-to-person (P2P) payment service integrated directly into most major U.S. banking apps, including Chase and Wells Fargo. It's ideal for sending money to people you trust quickly.
Key Features:
Speed: Transfers typically happen within minutes between enrolled users.
Cost: Generally free for both sender and receiver.
Limits: Chase's daily Zelle® limits can vary between $500 and $15,000 depending on your account and history, while Wells Fargo's daily limit is typically $3,500. It's important to check your specific limits within your banking app.
Security: Uses bank-level security.
Step 2a: How to Send Money via Zelle® (from Chase)
Enroll in Zelle® (if you haven't already):
Open your Chase Mobile® app or log in to Chase Online℠.
Navigate to the "Pay & Transfer" section and look for Zelle®.
Follow the on-screen prompts to enroll your U.S. mobile number or email address. This links your Chase account to Zelle®.
Add your Recipient's Information:
Once enrolled, select "Send Money" or "Send & Request" within the Zelle® section.
You'll need the recipient's U.S. mobile number or email address (the one they use for Zelle® at Wells Fargo). Ensure this information is absolutely correct to avoid sending money to the wrong person, as Zelle® payments are difficult to reverse.
Enter the Amount:
Input the amount you wish to send.
Be mindful of your daily Zelle® limit. If the amount exceeds your limit, consider splitting the payment over multiple days or using another transfer method.
Review and Confirm:
Carefully review all the details: recipient's name, mobile number/email, and the amount.
Once you confirm, the money should be sent within minutes to their Wells Fargo account, provided they are also enrolled in Zelle®. You'll usually receive a confirmation.
Sub-heading: Option 2: ACH (Automated Clearing House) Transfer – For Larger, Non-Urgent Transfers
ACH transfers are a common method for electronic funds transfers between banks. They are generally free or have a small fee and are great for larger amounts that don't need to arrive immediately.
Key Features:
Speed: Typically takes 1-3 business days to complete. Same-day ACH is becoming more common, but it's not guaranteed.
Cost: Often free through online banking, though some banks might charge a small fee.
Limits: Chase's external transfer limits can be quite generous, sometimes up to $100,000 per day for ACH. Wells Fargo also has limits, so it's good to be aware of both.
Security: Highly secure, as funds are moved through a regulated network.
Step 2b: How to Send Money via ACH Transfer
There are two main ways to initiate an ACH transfer between Chase and Wells Fargo:
Method 2b.1: Initiating from Chase (Linking Wells Fargo as an External Account)
This is often the most convenient method as you can manage the transfer entirely within your Chase online banking or app.
Gather Wells Fargo Account Information: You'll need the recipient's (or your own, if it's your Wells Fargo account) Wells Fargo account number and the Wells Fargo routing number. You can usually find the routing number on their checks, their online banking portal, or by searching "Wells Fargo routing number" online for your specific state.
Link Your External Account in Chase:
Log in to your Chase Online℠ account or the Chase Mobile® app.
Navigate to "Pay & Transfer" and then "Transfer Money."
Look for an option like "Add an external checking or savings account" or "Link External Account."
You will typically be prompted to search for Wells Fargo by name.
Chase will then ask you to securely log in to your Wells Fargo account through their portal to verify ownership, or they might initiate small "trial deposits" (usually a few cents) into the Wells Fargo account. You'll need to verify these amounts in your Chase account within a few days to complete the linking process.
Initiate the Transfer:
Once the Wells Fargo account is linked and verified, go back to "Transfer Money."
Select your Chase account as the "From" account and the newly linked Wells Fargo account as the "To" account.
Enter the amount you wish to transfer.
Choose the transfer date (you can often schedule it for a future date or set up recurring transfers).
Review and Confirm:
Double-check all the details: source account, destination account, routing number, account number, and amount.
Confirm the transfer. You'll usually receive an email confirmation from Chase.
Method 2b.2: Initiating from Wells Fargo (Linking Chase as an External Account)
Alternatively, you can pull funds from your Chase account into your Wells Fargo account. The process is very similar to initiating from Chase.
Gather Chase Account Information: You'll need your Chase account number and the Chase routing number.
Link Your External Account in Wells Fargo:
Log in to Wells Fargo Online®.
Go to the "Transfers" section.
Look for an option like "Add Non-Wells Fargo Accounts."
Wells Fargo will guide you through linking your Chase account, likely using the trial deposit method for verification.
Initiate the Transfer:
Once linked and verified, select "Transfer Money."
Choose your Chase account as the "From" account and your Wells Fargo account as the "To" account.
Enter the amount and desired transfer date.
Review and Confirm:
Verify all details and confirm the transfer.
Sub-heading: Option 3: Wire Transfer – For Urgent, Large Transfers
Wire transfers are the fastest way to send money between banks, but they are also the most expensive. They are typically used for very large sums (e.g., real estate transactions) or when funds are needed immediately.
Key Features:
Speed: Funds are typically available on the same business day if initiated before the bank's cutoff time.
Cost: Higher fees than Zelle® or ACH. Chase charges $25 for online/app domestic outgoing wires and $35 for in-branch wires. Wells Fargo charges $25 for online domestic outgoing wires and $40 for in-branch wires.
Limits: Wire transfer limits are much higher, often $1 million or more daily, though Wells Fargo has a $25,000 daily wire transfer limit online that typically requires an in-person appointment to lift.
Irreversible: Once a wire transfer is sent, it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to recall or reverse it. Accuracy is paramount.
Step 2c: How to Send Money via Wire Transfer (from Chase)
Gather Recipient's Wells Fargo Wire Details: This is crucial and requires very specific information. Make sure you have:
Recipient's Full Name and Address: As it appears on their Wells Fargo account.
Recipient's Wells Fargo Account Number.
Wells Fargo's Wire Routing Number (SWIFT/BIC for international wires): This is different from the ACH routing number. You'll need to get the specific wire routing number for Wells Fargo.
Wells Fargo Bank Name and Address: "Wells Fargo Bank, N.A." and their main branch address.
Any Special Instructions: Such as a reference number for a payment.
It is highly recommended to get this information directly from the recipient or their bank to ensure accuracy.
Initiate the Wire Transfer:
Online/Mobile (for domestic wires):
Log in to your Chase Online℠ account or the Chase Mobile® app.
Go to "Pay & Transfer" and then "Wires & global transfers."
Select "Send a wire" or "Domestic Wire Transfer."
You'll need to add a new recipient with all the wire details gathered in step 1.
Choose the Chase account you want to send money from, enter the amount, and select the date.
In-Branch:
Visit a Chase branch in person.
Bring a valid government-issued ID, your Chase debit card, and all the recipient's Wells Fargo wire details.
A bank representative will assist you in filling out the wire transfer form.
Review and Confirm:
Carefully, meticulously review every single piece of information before confirming the transfer. Even a small error can result in funds being sent to the wrong account and being unrecoverable.
Be aware of the fees associated with the wire transfer, which will be displayed before you confirm.
Once you confirm, the transfer is typically processed immediately.
Step 3: Confirmation and Tracking
Regardless of the method you choose, it's important to confirm the transfer and, if possible, track its progress.
Zelle®: You'll usually receive an instant confirmation. The recipient will also get a notification once the funds arrive in their Wells Fargo account.
ACH Transfer: You'll receive a confirmation from Chase. You can typically see the status of the transfer in your "Transfer Activity" or similar section within your Chase online banking. The funds should appear in the Wells Fargo account within 1-3 business days.
Wire Transfer: Chase will provide you with a confirmation number. Funds should be available in the Wells Fargo account the same business day if sent before the cutoff time.
Step 4: What to Do If There's an Issue
Incorrect Zelle® Transfer: Immediately contact Chase customer service. However, as Zelle® payments are instant, it's very difficult to reverse them, especially if the recipient is already enrolled.
Delayed ACH Transfer: First, check your Chase transfer history to ensure it was successfully initiated. If it's been more than 3 business days and the funds haven't arrived, contact Chase customer service.
Wire Transfer Errors: Contact Chase customer service immediately. Due to the nature of wire transfers, reversing them is exceptionally rare and often only possible if the receiving bank hasn't yet credited the funds or if the recipient agrees to return them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions about transferring money between Chase and Wells Fargo:
How to find my Chase routing number?
You can find your Chase routing number on your checks (the first nine digits at the bottom left), by logging into your Chase Online℠ account and checking your account details, or by searching "Chase routing number" online for your specific state.
How to find my Wells Fargo routing number for a wire transfer?
The routing number for wire transfers at Wells Fargo is different from the ACH routing number. You'll need to obtain the specific wire transfer routing number directly from Wells Fargo's website or by contacting their customer service.
How to increase my Zelle® limit with Chase or Wells Fargo?
Zelle® limits are set by each bank and can vary based on your account type and history. While some banks may offer temporary increases, you generally cannot manually increase your daily Zelle® limit. For persistent high-volume transfers, consider ACH or wire transfers.
How to cancel a money transfer from Chase to Wells Fargo?
Zelle®: Extremely difficult to cancel once sent, especially if the recipient is enrolled. Contact Chase immediately.
ACH Transfer: You might be able to cancel an ACH transfer if it's still pending and hasn't been processed yet. Log into Chase Online℠ and check your pending transfers.
Wire Transfer: Nearly impossible to cancel once sent. Verification and accuracy are critical before initiating.
How to transfer money if I don't have online banking?
If you don't use online banking, you can typically initiate ACH transfers or wire transfers by visiting a Chase branch in person. You'll need all the recipient's bank details and a valid ID.
How to transfer money from Chase to Wells Fargo without fees?
Zelle® is generally free for both sending and receiving money. ACH transfers through online banking are also often free. Wire transfers almost always incur a fee.
How to transfer money internationally from Chase to Wells Fargo?
While this guide focuses on domestic transfers, for international transfers, you would typically use Chase's "Wires & global transfers" service (which may involve SWIFT codes) or explore third-party international money transfer services. Zelle® and domestic ACH transfers are only for U.S. bank accounts.
How to receive money from Chase into my Wells Fargo account?
The sender (from Chase) would initiate the transfer using one of the methods described above (Zelle®, ACH, or wire). For ACH or wire, you would provide the sender with your Wells Fargo account number and the appropriate Wells Fargo routing number.
How to link my Wells Fargo account to Chase for transfers?
Log in to your Chase Online℠ account, go to "Pay & Transfer" and then "Transfer Money." Look for "Add an external checking or savings account" and follow the prompts to link your Wells Fargo account by securely logging in or verifying small trial deposits.
How to resolve a failed transfer from Chase to Wells Fargo?
If a transfer fails, first check the error message or notification from Chase for clues. Common reasons include incorrect account numbers, insufficient funds, or exceeding limits. Contact Chase customer service with the transfer details for assistance.