Want to move money from your Wells Fargo account to your Capital One account? You've come to the right place! It can seem a bit daunting with all the options, but don't worry, we'll break it down step-by-step to make it as smooth as possible. By the end of this guide, you'll be a pro at transferring funds between these two major banks.
Sending Money from Wells Fargo to Capital One: A Complete Guide
Transferring money between different banks is a common financial need, whether you're consolidating funds, paying a bill, or sending money to a friend or family member who banks elsewhere. Wells Fargo and Capital One both offer various convenient methods to facilitate these transfers.
Step 1: Identify Your Transfer Needs and Options
Before you even log in, let's think about what you need to achieve. Are you sending a small amount or a large sum? Do you need it to arrive instantly, or can you wait a few business days? Understanding your requirements will help you choose the most suitable transfer method.
There are several ways to send money from Wells Fargo to Capital One:
Online Bank-to-Bank Transfers (ACH): This is often the most common and cost-effective method for transfers between your own accounts at different institutions. It uses the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network.
Zelle®: For smaller, often instantaneous transfers to individuals. Both Wells Fargo and Capital One are part of the Zelle network.
Wire Transfers: Best for large sums of money that need to arrive quickly, though they come with higher fees.
External Transfers via Capital One: You might also be able to "pull" funds from your Wells Fargo account into your Capital One account by initiating the transfer from Capital One's side.
Step 2: Gather Necessary Information
No matter which method you choose, you'll need some key pieces of information. It's always a good idea to have this ready before you start the process.
Sub-heading: Information for Your Wells Fargo Account
Your Wells Fargo Online Banking username and password.
The Wells Fargo account number from which you want to send money.
The Wells Fargo routing number for that specific account.
Sub-heading: Information for the Capital One Account (Recipient's Account)
The recipient's full name (if sending to another person).
The Capital One bank name: Capital One.
The Capital One account number where you want the money to go.
The Capital One routing number for that account. Make sure to get the correct routing number for the specific account type (checking, savings) as they can sometimes differ.
Step 3: Executing the Transfer: Choose Your Method
Now, let's dive into the actual steps for each transfer method.
Option A: Online Bank-to-Bank Transfer (ACH) via Wells Fargo Online
This is typically the most recommended method for transferring money between your own accounts or to someone else's account at a different U.S. bank, especially if speed isn't the absolute highest priority.
Log In to Wells Fargo Online:
Go to the Wells Fargo website (wellsfargo.com) and log in to your Wells Fargo Online account.
Navigate to Transfers:
Once logged in, look for a section or tab labeled "Transfers" or "Transfer & Pay". This is usually prominently displayed in the main menu or dashboard.
Add a Non-Wells Fargo Account:
Since you're sending money to Capital One, you'll need to add it as an external account. Look for an option like "Add Non-Wells Fargo Accounts" or "Add External Account."
Wells Fargo will likely require additional security measures for this. This might involve verifying small "trial deposits" sent to the Capital One account, which can take 1-3 business days to appear. Be patient here, as you cannot proceed with a full transfer until this verification is complete.
Enter Capital One Account Details:
Once prompted, carefully enter the Capital One account details:
Account Nickname: Something easy to remember (e.g., "My Capital One Checking," "John Doe's Capital One").
Account Type: Checking, Savings, etc.
Routing Number: The 9-digit Capital One routing number.
Account Number: The full Capital One account number.
Initiate the Transfer:
After the external account is verified and linked, go back to the "Transfers" section.
Select your Wells Fargo account as the "From" account.
Select the newly linked Capital One account as the "To" account.
Enter the amount you wish to transfer.
Choose the frequency (one-time, recurring).
Select the date for the transfer to occur.
Review all the details carefully! Make sure the amount, recipient, and account numbers are absolutely correct.
Confirm and Submit:
Click "Continue" or "Review" and then "Submit" to finalize the transfer.
You'll usually receive an email confirmation from Wells Fargo.
Option B: Using Zelle® for Person-to-Person Transfers
Zelle is excellent for sending money to friends, family, or even certain small businesses quickly, often in minutes, if both parties are enrolled in Zelle through their respective banks.
Log In to Wells Fargo Online or Mobile App:
Access your Wells Fargo account online or through the mobile app.
Find Zelle:
Look for the Zelle option within your banking platform. It's usually under "Transfers" or a dedicated "Zelle" tab.
Enroll in Zelle (if not already):
If you haven't used Zelle before, you'll need to enroll by linking your Wells Fargo checking or savings account.
Send Money:
Select "Send Money" or a similar option.
Enter the recipient's U.S. mobile number or email address that they have enrolled with Zelle. Crucially, ensure this is the exact contact information linked to their Capital One Zelle account.
Enter the amount you want to send.
Add a memo (optional).
Review and Send:
Double-check the recipient's information and the amount. Zelle transfers are typically instant and irreversible once sent.
Confirm and send the money.
The recipient, if enrolled with Capital One's Zelle, should receive the funds shortly.
Option C: Wire Transfer (For Large Amounts or Urgent Needs)
Wire transfers are the fastest way to send money, often arriving the same business day, but they are also the most expensive. Wells Fargo charges a fee for outgoing wire transfers (e.g., $25 for digital wires, $40 for branch wires for consumers). Capital One may also charge a fee for incoming wires ($15 for certain account types).
Gather Detailed Recipient Information:
For a wire transfer, you'll need:
Recipient's Full Name and Address
Capital One Bank Name and Address (Capital One, 1680 Capital One Drive McLean, VA 22102-3491)
Capital One Wire Routing Number (ABA)
Recipient's Capital One Account Number
Sometimes an intermediary bank's details are also needed, but less common for domestic transfers between major banks.
Initiate the Wire Transfer:
Online (Wells Fargo Digital Wires): Log in to Wells Fargo Online and look for "Wires" or "Send a Wire." Follow the prompts, carefully entering all the recipient's Capital One details.
In-Branch: Visit a Wells Fargo branch. A teller will assist you, but this often incurs a higher fee. Bring all the necessary information with you.
Confirm and Pay Fees:
Review all details meticulously.
You will be informed of the wire transfer fee from Wells Fargo. Confirm the transaction.
Option D: Initiating an External Transfer from Capital One (Pulling Funds)
You can also initiate a transfer from the Capital One side, effectively "pulling" money from your Wells Fargo account into your Capital One account.
Log In to Capital One Online or Mobile App:
Go to capitalone.com or open your Capital One mobile app and log in.
Link External Account:
Navigate to a section like "Transfers" or "Link External Accounts."
Capital One will guide you through the process of linking your Wells Fargo account. This usually involves entering your Wells Fargo online banking credentials or verifying micro-deposits.
Initiate Transfer:
Once your Wells Fargo account is linked, select your Wells Fargo account as the "From" account and your Capital One account as the "To" account.
Enter the amount and desired transfer date.
Confirm:
Review all information and confirm the transfer.
Step 4: Monitor and Verify the Transfer
After initiating the transfer, it's good practice to monitor its progress.
Check your Wells Fargo transaction history: You should see the debit for the transfer.
Check your Capital One transaction history: Look for the incoming credit.
Keep confirmation numbers: If provided, save any confirmation numbers for your records.
Step 5: Understand Transfer Times and Fees
The time it takes for your money to arrive and any associated costs depend on the method you choose.
Sub-heading: Transfer Times
Online Bank-to-Bank (ACH): Typically takes 1-3 business days to process and for funds to become available in the Capital One account. Verification of external accounts can add another 1-3 business days initially.
Zelle®: Usually minutes if both parties are enrolled.
Wire Transfers: Often same-day if initiated before the bank's cut-off time (e.g., 2 PM ET for Capital One incoming wires), otherwise next business day.
External Transfer via Capital One: Similar to ACH, usually 1-3 business days.
Sub-heading: Associated Fees
Online Bank-to-Bank (ACH): Generally free for standard transfers when initiated through Wells Fargo Online.
Zelle®: Typically free at both Wells Fargo and Capital One.
Wire Transfers:
Wells Fargo (Outgoing): Expect around $25 for digital domestic wires and $40 for in-branch domestic wires for consumers.
Capital One (Incoming): Capital One may charge a $15 fee for incoming wire transfers to certain account types.
External Transfer via Capital One: Usually free for standard transfers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 related FAQ questions to help you navigate sending money from Wells Fargo to Capital One:
How to transfer money from Wells Fargo to Capital One online?
You can transfer money online by logging into your Wells Fargo Online account, navigating to "Transfers," and adding your Capital One account as an external account. Once verified (which may take 1-3 business days), you can initiate an ACH transfer.
How to use Zelle to send money from Wells Fargo to Capital One?
Log into your Wells Fargo Online or mobile app, find the Zelle feature, and send money using the recipient's U.S. mobile number or email address that is linked to their Capital One Zelle account.
How to find my Wells Fargo routing number?
Your Wells Fargo routing number can be found on your checks (the first nine digits at the bottom left), by logging into your Wells Fargo Online account, or by contacting Wells Fargo customer service.
How to find my Capital One routing number?
Your Capital One routing number can be found on your Capital One checks, by logging into your Capital One online account or mobile app (often under "Account Details" or "View Details"), or by contacting Capital One customer service.
How to initiate a wire transfer from Wells Fargo to Capital One?
You can initiate a wire transfer through Wells Fargo Digital Wires online or by visiting a Wells Fargo branch. You will need the recipient's full name, address, Capital One's wire routing number, and their Capital One account number.
How to speed up a bank-to-bank transfer from Wells Fargo to Capital One?
For the fastest transfer, consider using a wire transfer, which typically arrives the same business day for a fee. Zelle also offers near-instant transfers for smaller amounts. Standard ACH transfers generally take 1-3 business days.
How to avoid fees when transferring money from Wells Fargo to Capital One?
To avoid fees, use online bank-to-bank transfers (ACH) or Zelle, as these methods are typically free for personal accounts at both Wells Fargo and Capital One. Wire transfers almost always incur fees.
How to verify an external account on Wells Fargo?
After adding a non-Wells Fargo account (like Capital One) for transfers, Wells Fargo will send small trial deposits (usually two small amounts under $1.00) to that account. You will then need to log back into Wells Fargo Online and enter these exact amounts to verify the account. This process can take 1-3 business days.
How to cancel a transfer from Wells Fargo to Capital One?
ACH transfers initiated through Wells Fargo may have a short window to be canceled before processing. Zelle transfers are generally irreversible once sent. Wire transfers are also very difficult to stop once initiated. It's crucial to double-check all details before confirming any transfer. If you need to cancel, contact Wells Fargo customer service immediately.
How to check the status of a transfer from Wells Fargo to Capital One?
You can check the status of a transfer by logging into your Wells Fargo Online account and reviewing your transaction history or pending transfers section. For Zelle, you'll see a status update within the Zelle interface. For incoming funds to Capital One, you can check your Capital One account activity.
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