How Can I Get a Wells Fargo Credit Card?
[DISCLOSURE: Cards from our partners are mentioned below.]
Wells Fargo has a diverse range of credit cards that fill a number of different needs for everyday spenders, students and businesses. Many of their offerings are appealing for their low cost and straightforward benefits, and if you’re already a Wells Fargo account holder you can get some additional perks.
Here we provide an overview of Wells Fargo’s credit card policies and take a look at our top picks for some of the best Wells Fargo credit cards.
How to Apply for a Wells Fargo Credit Card
If you’re an existing Wells Fargo customer, you can immediately apply for a credit card online or over the phone. If not, you have to apply in person at a Wells Fargo location. The credit score required depends on the card, but Wells Fargo will take a look at your credit history to determine your eligibility. (You can find out where your credit currently stands by viewing two of your credit scores for free on Credit.com.)
Keep in mind that applying for a credit card can initiate a hard inquiry on your credit reports and could slightly damage your credit scores. Because of this, it’s a good idea to look at your credit before applying to get an idea of if you will qualify or not. It’s probably not worth the ding to your scores just to be declined for new plastic.
Benefits and Fees
Many Wells Fargo cards come with a number of built-in benefits, including cash back rewards, overdraft protection for Wells Fargo account holders and even cell phone protection for up to $600 worth of coverage and up to four cell phone lines (with a $25 deductible).
Wells Fargo credit cards also support balance transfers, cash advances and overdraft protection for Wells Fargo account holders. Fees and the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) for these services can vary between cards, so be sure to check the card statement for the full terms and conditions when you apply.
Our Picks for the Best Wells Fargo Credit Cards
Wells Fargo Cash Wise Visa Card
Why We Picked It: Wells Fargo’s newest cash back credit card was introduced in summer 2016 and is a solid cash rewards card in a crowded market. Its low cost of ownership makes it a good option for an everyday spending card.
Card Details: The Cash Wise card is ideal for daily transactions, as it earns unlimited 1.5% cash rewards on all purchases (1.8% if you use a qualifying mobile wallet service like Apple Pay or Google Pay for the first 12 months). Wells Fargo is currently offering a $200 cash rewards bonus if you spend $1,000 in the first three months of card ownership. Cash rewards can be redeemed online, in-store, at Wells Fargo ATMs or via direct deposit in your Wells Fargo account.
Alternative: If you’re using the cash back to help you pay down other bills, like a mortgage, the Wells Fargo Home Rebate Visa Signature Card may be a good option. This card works in a way that’s similar to a cash rewards card but lets you apply rebates toward your Wells Fargo mortgage. Cardholders earn a 5% rebate toward their mortgage when they use the card for gas, grocery and drugstore purchases for six months and a 1% rebate on most other purchases for life.
Wells Fargo Propel American Express Card
Why We Picked It: This is another rewards card ideal for for frequent diners and travelers.
Card Details: This card earns one reward point per $1 spent on most purchases, and three times the points at restaurants, travel, and gas stations. Cardholders can earn 30K welcome offer points when they spend $3,000 in purchases in the first 3 months – that’s a $300 cash redemption value.
Alternative: Credit card points junkies should also check out the Wells Fargo Visa Signature Card, which earns points toward the same rewards as the Propel card and carries no annual fee. This card earns one point per $1 spent on most net purchases for life and five times the points on gas, grocery and drugstore purchases for the first six months. Points, which expire after five years, earn 50% extra value when used for airfare. And, if you spend $1,000 in the first three months, you’ll get 15,000 welcome offer points after opening the card online. There’s currently an introductory 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, and after that the APR is a variable 14.74% to 27.74%.
Wells Fargo Cash Back College Card
Why We Picked It: This Wells Fargo student credit card is perfect for college students who wish to build up a credit profile while they’re in school. It has a relatively low intro APR and great benefits for young consumers.
Card Details: Cardholders earn 3% cash rewards on gas, grocery and drugstore purchases for the first six months and 1% cash rewards on all other purchases. Great for students with little credit experience, the card also provides online banking access, account alerts, budgeting and tracking tools and automatic payments for Wells Fargo account holders. Points can be redeemed for direct deposits to Wells Fargo accounts, credits toward Wells Fargo products, cash, checks or even travel or gift cards rewards. The card also comes with emergency card replacement, roadside emergency services and additional auto rental insurance.
Annual Fee: $0
APR: Variable 13.40% to 23.40%, once a six-month introductory 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers expires.
Alternative: Students looking to build credit may also benefit from using the Wells Fargo Secured Credit Card, which is tied to a security deposit equal to your credit limit. Even though it’s tied to real cash, the card requires monthly payments and the activity is shared with major credit bureaus to start building credit history. Cardholders may even get upgraded to an unsecured credit card after using the card responsibly for a given period of time. There’s an annual fee of $25 and the APR is 21.24% for purchases and balance transfers.
At publishing time, the Wells Fargo Cash Wise Visa and the Wells Fargo Propel Express American Express, is offered through Credit.com product pages, and Credit.com is compensated if our users apply and ultimately sign up for this card. However, this relationship does not result in any preferential editorial treatment. This content is not provided by the card issuer(s). Any opinions expressed are those of Credit.com alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the issuer(s).
Note: It’s important to remember that interest rates, fees and terms for credit cards, loans and other financial products frequently change. As a result, rates, fees and terms for credit cards, loans and other financial products cited in these articles may have changed since the date of publication. Please be sure to verify current rates, fees and terms with credit card issuers, banks or other financial institutions directly.
