Feeling stuck trying to send money to someone else through Wells Fargo? Don't worry, you're not alone! Many people find the process a bit daunting at first, but with a clear, step-by-step guide, it's actually quite straightforward. Let's break down the various ways you can transfer money and make sure your funds reach their destination safely and efficiently.
Understanding Your Options: How to Transfer Money with Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo offers several convenient ways to transfer money to another person, whether they bank with Wells Fargo or another financial institution. Each method has its own benefits, speed, and potential fees. We'll cover the most common and accessible options:
- Zelle®: Ideal for quick, person-to-person transfers within minutes, especially for friends and family.
- Online Transfers (Wells Fargo to Wells Fargo): The simplest way to move money between Wells Fargo accounts.
- Online Transfers (Wells Fargo to Non-Wells Fargo Accounts): For sending money to accounts at other U.S. banks.
- Wire Transfers: Best for larger sums, international transfers, or when you need guaranteed delivery.
Let's dive into the details for each!
Step 1: Get Prepared – What You'll Need
Before you initiate any transfer, gather the necessary information. This will ensure a smooth and error-free transaction.
Sub-heading: Essential Information to Have
- For Zelle® transfers:
- The recipient's U.S. mobile number or email address enrolled with Zelle®.
- The amount you wish to send.
- For Wells Fargo to Wells Fargo Online Transfers:
- The recipient's Wells Fargo account number.
- The recipient's full name.
- The amount you wish to transfer.
- For Wells Fargo to Non-Wells Fargo Account Online Transfers:
- The recipient's full name.
- The recipient's bank name.
- The recipient's account number.
- The recipient's routing number.
- The amount you wish to transfer.
- For Wire Transfers:
- The recipient's full name and address.
- The recipient's bank name and address.
- The recipient's account number.
- The recipient's bank's routing number (for domestic wires) or SWIFT/BIC code (for international wires).
- The amount you wish to send.
- For international wires, you may also need the recipient's bank's intermediary bank details.
Sub-heading: Accessing Your Wells Fargo Account
Make sure you have active access to your Wells Fargo Online® account or the Wells Fargo Mobile® app. If you haven't set these up, you'll need to do so first. This typically involves verifying your identity and creating a username and password.
Step 2: Choose Your Transfer Method and Follow the Steps
Now that you're prepared, let's go through the process for each transfer method.
Method A: Sending Money with Zelle® (Fast & Easy for Friends & Family)
Zelle is integrated directly into the Wells Fargo Mobile® app and online banking, making it a super convenient option for peer-to-peer payments. Transactions between enrolled users typically occur in minutes!
- Sign On: Log in to your Wells Fargo Online® account or open the Wells Fargo Mobile® app.
- Navigate to Zelle®:
- On desktop (Wells Fargo Online®): Look for "Transfer & Pay" and then select "Send Money with Zelle®."
- On mobile app: Tap "Pay & Transfer" (usually at the bottom) and then select "Zelle®."
- Enroll (First-time users): If you haven't used Zelle before, you'll need to enroll your eligible U.S.-based checking or savings account. This involves reading and accepting the Zelle® Transfer Service Addendum and selecting the account where you want money to be deposited.
- Select "Send": Once enrolled, choose the "Send" option.
- Choose or Add Recipient:
- If the recipient is already in your Zelle® contacts, select them from the list.
- If they are new, select "Recipients" or "Add Recipient" (or the plus (+) icon) and enter their name and U.S. mobile number or email address.
- Enter Amount: Input the amount you wish to send. Be mindful of Zelle® limits (e.g., $3,500 daily for Wells Fargo).
- Review and Send: Carefully review all the details (recipient, amount, sending account). If everything looks correct, click "Send."
Important Note: Zelle should only be used for sending money to friends, family, or others you trust. Neither Wells Fargo nor Zelle offers purchase protection for payments.
Method B: Online Transfers Between Wells Fargo Accounts
This is the simplest and often instantaneous way to move money if both you and the recipient have Wells Fargo accounts.
- Sign On: Log in to Wells Fargo Online® or the Wells Fargo Mobile® app.
- Access Transfers: Look for the "Transfers" section. On desktop, it might be under "Transfer & Pay." On the mobile app, it's typically "Pay & Transfer" and then "Transfer Money."
- Select Accounts:
- Choose the "From" account (your account).
- Choose the "To" account (the recipient's Wells Fargo account). You may need to add their account if it's not already linked. This usually requires their Wells Fargo account number and full name.
- Enter Details:
- Enter the amount you want to transfer.
- Select the frequency (e.g., "Once," "Recurring").
- Choose the date for the transfer.
- Optional: Add a memo for your records.
- Review and Submit: Double-check all the information. Once satisfied, click "Continue" and then "Submit" to complete the transfer.
Availability: Funds transferred between Wells Fargo deposit accounts are generally available immediately for purchases and withdrawals.
Method C: Online Transfers to Non-Wells Fargo Accounts (Bank-to-Bank Transfers)
This method allows you to send money to accounts at other U.S. financial institutions. Setup for this type of transfer may require additional security measures and can take 1-3 business days for verification.
- Sign On: Log in to Wells Fargo Online® or the Wells Fargo Mobile® app.
- Access Transfers: Navigate to the "Transfers" section.
- Add Non-Wells Fargo Account: If you haven't previously linked the recipient's external account, you'll need to do so. Look for an option like "Add Non-Wells Fargo Accounts" or "Bank-to-Bank Transfers." You'll be prompted to provide the recipient's:
- Bank Name
- Recipient Name
- Account Number
- Routing Number
- Account Type (e.g., Checking, Savings)
- Wells Fargo will typically verify this account by making small deposits (micro-deposits) to the external account, which you'll need to confirm back in your Wells Fargo online banking. This process can take a few business days.
- Initiate Transfer: Once the external account is verified and linked, select your Wells Fargo account as the "From" account and the newly linked external account as the "To" account.
- Enter Details:
- Enter the amount to transfer.
- Select the frequency and date.
- Optional: Add a memo.
- Review and Submit: Carefully review all transfer details and click "Submit."
Processing Time: Transfers to non-Wells Fargo accounts typically take 1-3 business days to be initiated and completed, depending on the delivery speed you choose.
Method D: Wire Transfers (For Larger Amounts or International Transfers)
Wire transfers are a reliable way to send money, especially for larger sums or international destinations. They are generally faster than ACH transfers but come with fees.
- Sign On: Log in to Wells Fargo Online® or the Wells Fargo Mobile® app.
- Access Wires: Look for "Wires" under "Transfer & Pay" (on desktop) or "Pay & Transfer" (on mobile). You might need to enroll in "Digital Wires" first, which may have eligibility requirements.
- Select Recipient: Choose an existing recipient or "Add New Recipient."
- Enter Recipient Information: This is where you'll need all the detailed information gathered in Step 1, including:
- Full Name and Address of Recipient
- Recipient's Bank Name and Address
- Recipient's Account Number
- For Domestic Wires: Recipient Bank's Routing Number
- For International Wires: Recipient Bank's SWIFT/BIC Code and potentially intermediary bank details.
- Enter Transfer Details:
- Specify the amount and currency.
- Select the purpose of the wire (e.g., "Gift," "Family Support").
- Review Fees and Exchange Rates: Wells Fargo charges fees for wire transfers (e.g., $25 for digital wires, $40 for branch wires for domestic transfers, and varying fees for international wires). For international wires, be aware that Wells Fargo applies its own exchange rate, which includes a markup.
- Confirm and Send: Carefully review all the information, including fees and exchange rates. Once you're certain everything is accurate, confirm and send the wire.
Important Considerations:
- Limits: Wells Fargo has varying wire transfer limits, which you can check within online banking. You may be able to request higher limits by visiting a branch.
- Verification: For large transfers, especially international ones, Wells Fargo may request additional documentation to verify the origin of your funds
and the recipient. This can sometimes cause delays. - Processing Time: Domestic wire transfers are typically processed within the same business day if sent before the cut-off time. International wires can take 1-5 business days depending on the destination and intermediary banks.
Step 3: Confirm and Track Your Transfer
Once you've initiated the transfer, it's crucial to confirm its status and track its progress.
- Confirmation: After submitting a transfer, you'll usually receive a confirmation message or email with a transaction ID. Save this information!
- Activity History: You can typically view the status of your transfers within the "Transfer and Payment Activity" section of your Wells Fargo Online® account or the Wells Fargo Mobile® app. This will show pending, processing, or completed transfers.
- Communication: If you're sending to someone you know, it's a good idea to let them know the transfer has been sent and approximately when they can expect to receive it.
Step 4: Troubleshooting and Support
Even with the best preparation, sometimes issues arise. If you encounter any problems:
- Check Status: First, check the transfer status in your online banking or mobile app.
- Review Details: Double-check that all recipient information (account numbers, routing numbers, email/phone for Zelle) was entered correctly.
- Contact Wells Fargo Customer Service: If you're still facing issues, contact Wells Fargo customer service directly. They can provide specific assistance for your situation. You can find their contact information on the Wells Fargo website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to send money to someone else Wells Fargo if they don't have a Wells Fargo account?
You can use Zelle® (if they are enrolled with Zelle® at their bank) or initiate an online bank-to-bank transfer, which requires their bank's routing number and account number. For larger amounts or international transfers, a wire transfer is an option.
How to find my Wells Fargo routing number?
You can find your Wells Fargo routing number by signing on to Wells Fargo Online® and selecting your account, then looking for "Routing numbers." It's also typically located on the bottom of your checks. The general domestic wire transfer routing number for Wells Fargo is 121000248.
How to increase Wells Fargo transfer limits?
For Zelle® and ExpressSend, increasing transfer limits may not be possible. For wire transfers, you can typically request higher limits by visiting your local Wells Fargo branch in person.
How to reverse a Wells Fargo money transfer?
Reversing a transfer depends on the method and status. Zelle® payments are generally immediate and cannot be canceled once sent. Online transfers between Wells Fargo accounts are usually instant and irreversible. Online transfers to non-Wells Fargo accounts or wire transfers might be cancellable if they are still "pending" or "processing," but once funds are released, it becomes much more difficult. Contact Wells Fargo immediately if you need to attempt to reverse a transfer.
How to send money internationally with Wells Fargo?
Wells Fargo offers international wire transfers and the ExpressSend® service (available for select countries). International wire transfers typically require a SWIFT/BIC code and can be initiated online or at a branch. ExpressSend® is specifically designed for remittances to family and friends in certain Latin American and Asian countries.
How to track a Wells Fargo money transfer?
You can track your transfers by logging into Wells Fargo Online® or the Wells Fargo Mobile® app and navigating to the "Transfer and Payment Activity" section.
How to add a non-Wells Fargo account for transfers?
Sign on to Wells Fargo Online®, go to the "Transfers" section, and look for an option like "Add Non-Wells Fargo Accounts." You will need the recipient's bank name, account number, routing number, and account type. Verification may involve micro-deposits and can take 1-3 business days.
How to tell if a Zelle® transfer was successful?
You will receive a confirmation message or email from Wells Fargo once the Zelle® transfer has been successfully sent. The recipient will also be notified. You can also check your transaction history.
How to avoid fees when transferring money with Wells Fargo?
Zelle® transfers within Wells Fargo are typically free. Transfers between your own Wells Fargo accounts are also free. Other transfer methods like wire transfers will incur fees. Always review the fees before confirming any transfer.
How to get help with a Wells Fargo money transfer issue?
If you have any issues or questions, the best course of action is to contact Wells Fargo customer service directly. You can find their contact information on the official Wells Fargo website or within your online banking portal.