A Wells Fargo California routing number, a nine-digit code, identifies the specific bank and branch where an account is held. For instance, the routing number for a Wells Fargo branch in Los Angeles might be 123456789.
Routing numbers are essential for electronic funds transfers, ensuring that money is sent to the correct account. They are also important for paper checks, as they allow banks to process them efficiently. The routing number system was developed in the 1910s by the American Bankers Association (ABA) to standardize the process of check clearing.