Thinking about sending money from your Chase account to a friend or family member who banks with Wells Fargo, or perhaps even transferring funds between your own accounts at these two major institutions? You've come to the right place! This comprehensive guide will walk you through the various methods, step-by-step, to ensure your money gets where it needs to go smoothly and securely.
Let's dive in and get those funds moving!
How to Send Money from Chase Bank to Wells Fargo: A Step-by-Step Guide
There are a few primary ways to transfer money between Chase and Wells Fargo, each with its own advantages depending on urgency, amount, and convenience. We'll cover the most common and efficient methods: Zelle, External Account Transfers (ACH), and Wire Transfers.
Option 1: Sending Money with Zelle (Fastest for Smaller Amounts)
Zelle is a popular person-to-person (P2P) payment service that's integrated directly into the banking apps of many financial institutions, including Chase and Wells Fargo. It's incredibly fast – often within minutes – and typically free for personal use.
Step 1: Ensure Both Parties Are Enrolled in Zelle
For You (Chase Customer):
Open your Chase Mobile app or log in to your Chase Online banking account.
Navigate to the "Pay & transfer" section and look for Zelle.
If you haven't already, you'll need to enroll by linking your Chase checking account and verifying your email address or U.S. mobile number. This is usually a quick process.
Pro Tip: If you were using "Chase QuickPay" previously, it's now simply Zelle, and your enrollment should have automatically transitioned.
For the Recipient (Wells Fargo Customer):
They need to be enrolled in Zelle through their Wells Fargo Online banking or Wells Fargo Mobile app.
They will similarly link their Wells Fargo checking or savings account to their email address or U.S. mobile number.
Important Note: For Zelle to work quickly, the recipient's email or phone number must already be enrolled with Zelle through their bank. If they're not, the payment might be delayed until they enroll.
Step 2: Initiate the Send Request in the Chase App/Online
From the Zelle section within your Chase banking platform, select "Send Money."
You'll be prompted to enter the recipient's information. This will be either their email address or their U.S. mobile phone number that they have enrolled with Zelle. Make absolutely sure this information is correct to avoid sending money to the wrong person!
Enter the amount you wish to send.
You can often add a memo or note for the recipient, like "Birthday Gift" or "Rent."
Review all the details carefully: recipient, amount, and linked account.
Step 3: Confirm and Send
Once you've reviewed everything, confirm the transaction.
Chase will typically show you the daily Zelle limit, which can vary based on your account and history, but commonly ranges from $500 to $15,000 for personal accounts. Wells Fargo's Zelle limits are often around $3,500 daily and $20,000 monthly.
The money is usually transferred within minutes if both parties are enrolled. You'll receive a confirmation, and the recipient will be notified by Wells Fargo.
Option 2: External Account Transfer (ACH) (Good for Larger Amounts, Takes Longer)
An ACH (Automated Clearing House) transfer is a reliable way to move larger sums of money between your own accounts at different banks or to send money to someone else's account. This method involves linking the external Wells Fargo account to your Chase account. It's generally free or has very low fees, but takes longer than Zelle.
Step 1: Gather Wells Fargo Account Information
To link a Wells Fargo account to your Chase account, you'll need the following:
The Wells Fargo account number (the full number, including any leading zeros).
The Wells Fargo routing number. This is a 9-digit number specific to Wells Fargo. You can find this on their website, a check, or by calling Wells Fargo directly.
Step 2: Link the External Account in Chase Online Banking
Log in to your Chase Online banking account (this process is generally easier on a desktop than the mobile app for initial setup).
Go to the "Pay & transfer" tab.
Look for an option like "External accounts" or "Link external accounts."
Choose "Add external account" or a similar option.
You'll likely be given two options to link the account:
Instant Verification: If you know the Wells Fargo login credentials, Chase might allow you to log in directly to Wells Fargo through their portal for instant verification. This is the fastest and most convenient method.
Manual Verification (Micro-deposits): If instant verification isn't an option or you prefer not to share your Wells Fargo login, you can choose manual verification.
You will enter the Wells Fargo account number and routing number.
Chase will then send two small deposits (e.g., $0.05 and $0.12) and one corresponding withdrawal to the Wells Fargo account over the next 1-3 business days.
Once these small transactions appear in the Wells Fargo account, you'll need to go back to the "External accounts" section in Chase and verify the exact amounts of these deposits. This confirms you own or have access to the Wells Fargo account.
Be Patient: This micro-deposit verification process can take 2-3 business days.
Step 3: Schedule the Transfer
Once the Wells Fargo account is successfully linked and verified in Chase, go back to "Pay & transfer" and select "Transfer money."
Choose 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.
Select the date you want the transfer to occur. You can usually schedule one-time or recurring transfers.
Review all the details carefully.
Step 4: Confirm and Initiate
Confirm the transfer. Chase doesn't typically charge a fee for external ACH transfers, but always double-check their terms and conditions.
ACH transfers generally take 2-3 business days to complete. The funds will be debited from your Chase account and then credited to the Wells Fargo account.
Option 3: Wire Transfer (Fastest for Large Amounts, Higher Fees)
Wire transfers are the fastest way to move large sums of money, often on the same business day, but they come with higher fees compared to Zelle or ACH. They are typically used for time-sensitive transactions or very large amounts.
Step 1: Gather Wells Fargo Wire Information
Wire transfers require very specific information for the recipient's bank. You'll need:
The Recipient's Full Name and Address (as it appears on their Wells Fargo account)
The Recipient's Wells Fargo Account Number
Wells Fargo's Domestic Wire Routing Number (different from their ACH routing number for wires): For domestic wires to Wells Fargo, the routing number is typically 121000248. Always verify this with the recipient or Wells Fargo directly, as it can sometimes vary by branch or type of account.
Wells Fargo's Bank Name and Address: Wells Fargo, 420 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94104.
Step 2: Initiate the Wire Transfer with Chase
Online/Mobile (for smaller wires): Log in to your Chase Online banking or the Chase Mobile app. Navigate to the "Pay & transfer" section and look for "Wires & global transfers" or "Wire money." You may need to enroll in online wire transfers if you haven't already.
In-Person (for larger or more complex wires): For very large amounts or if you prefer in-person assistance, visit a Chase branch. A banker can guide you through the process.
Step 3: Enter Recipient and Transfer Details
Add the recipient's information precisely as you gathered it in Step 1.
Enter the exact amount you wish to wire.
Confirm any fees. Chase typically charges a fee for domestic wire transfers, often around $25 for online wires and $35 for in-person wires.
Review all the details extremely carefully. Wire transfers are difficult to reverse once sent due to their real-time nature.
Step 4: Confirm and Send
Once you confirm, the wire transfer will be processed.
Cut-off Times: Be aware of Chase's daily cut-off times for wire transfers. For personal accounts, it's typically 4 PM ET. If you initiate a wire after the cut-off, it will be processed on the next business day.
Timing: Domestic wire transfers usually complete within 1-2 business days, often within hours if sent before the cut-off time.
Key Considerations and Best Practices
Verify Information: Always double-check all account numbers, routing numbers, and recipient details. A single digit error can send your money to the wrong place, and it can be difficult or impossible to recover.
Transfer Limits: Each transfer method has its own limits.
Zelle: Daily limits for Chase typically range from $500 to $15,000, and for Wells Fargo, it's around $3,500 daily.
ACH: Chase dynamically determines limits for external transfers based on internal criteria. The maximum daily limit will be displayed when you schedule the transfer.
Wire Transfers: Chase's total wire transfer limit is typically up to $250,000 per business day. For even higher limits, you might need to visit a branch or contact Chase directly. Wells Fargo may also have their own incoming wire limits.
Fees:
Zelle: Generally free for personal use.
ACH (External Transfers): Typically free from Chase.
Wire Transfers: Chase charges fees (e.g., $25 online, $35 in-branch for domestic wires). Wells Fargo may also charge an incoming wire fee (e.g., $15 for domestic incoming wires).
Timing:
Zelle: Minutes (if recipient is enrolled).
ACH: 2-3 business days.
Wire Transfers: Same business day to 1-2 business days (if sent before cut-off).
Security: Only send money to people you know and trust. Zelle and wire transfers do not offer purchase protection. If you're paying for goods or services, consider alternative payment methods that offer buyer protection.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about sending money between Chase and Wells Fargo, with quick answers:
How to check my Zelle transfer limit with Chase?
You can typically find your specific Zelle daily and monthly transfer limits by logging into your Chase Mobile app or online banking, navigating to the Zelle section, and often attempting to initiate a transfer; the limit will usually be displayed before you confirm.
How to find the Wells Fargo routing number for a wire transfer?
The domestic wire transfer routing number for Wells Fargo is typically 121000248. However, it's always best to confirm this directly with the recipient or by contacting Wells Fargo, as routing numbers can occasionally vary.
How to speed up an ACH transfer from Chase to Wells Fargo?
ACH transfers are inherently designed for batch processing and take 2-3 business days. There isn't a way to significantly speed up an already initiated ACH transfer. For faster transfers, consider using Zelle (for eligible amounts) or a wire transfer.
How to reverse a Zelle payment if sent to the wrong person?
Unfortunately, Zelle payments are typically instant and irreversible once sent if the recipient is already enrolled. You should only send money to people you know and trust. If you made a mistake, contact the recipient immediately and ask them to send the money back. If it was a scam, contact Chase customer support immediately.
How to confirm if my Wells Fargo account received a transfer from Chase?
You can confirm an incoming transfer by logging into your Wells Fargo Online banking or Wells Fargo Mobile app and checking your transaction history for the relevant account. For wire transfers, you might also receive an email or text notification from Wells Fargo.
How to link a non-Wells Fargo account to my Wells Fargo account?
To link an external account (like Chase) to your Wells Fargo account, log in to Wells Fargo Online. Look for "Transfers" or "Add Non-Wells Fargo Accounts." You will typically need to provide the external account's routing and account numbers, and may undergo a micro-deposit verification process similar to Chase.
How to send money internationally from Chase to a Wells Fargo account?
You would generally use a wire transfer for international transfers. Chase offers international wire transfers. You'll need the recipient's Wells Fargo account number, their full name and address, Wells Fargo's SWIFT/BIC code (WFBIUS6S for Wells Fargo in the US), and potentially an IBAN if it's an international Wells Fargo branch. Fees and exchange rates will apply.
How to increase my daily transfer limit with Chase for external accounts?
Chase dynamically determines external transfer limits. If you need to send a larger amount than your current limit allows, you might be prompted in the online banking system to request a temporary increase, or you may need to contact Chase customer service directly.
How to avoid fees when transferring money from Chase to Wells Fargo?
Using Zelle is typically free for personal transfers between Chase and Wells Fargo. ACH (External Account Transfers) from Chase are also generally free. Wire transfers, however, almost always incur fees from both the sending (Chase) and sometimes the receiving (Wells Fargo) bank.
How to get proof of transfer from Chase for a Wells Fargo recipient?
After completing a transfer, Chase will usually provide a confirmation number or a transaction ID. You can often view and print or screenshot the transaction details from your online banking history. For wire transfers, you can request a wire transfer confirmation from Chase customer service.