Credit Card Types, Wells Fargo Credit Card

The Ultimate Guide to Wells Fargo Credit Card

Wells Fargo is a worldwide financial services firm founded in 1852 and based in San Francisco, California. In addition to standard banking services such as checking and savings accounts, the company also provides loans, business credit cards, personal loans, business loans, and consumer credit cards.

However, despite being a titan in the finance industry, its website only features advertisements for three consumer credit cards, including one of the top rewards cards and three corporate credit cards. This selection is less amazing than other issuers, but it implies that Wells Fargo devotees can open a new credit card with fewer options and greater ease.

Pros of Wells Fargo Credit Card

  • Since Wells Fargo has 5,437 branches and 13,000 ATMs, you may use the Active Cash card to receive cash rewards in $20 increments at a number of locations.
  • When you settle your monthly cellular phone bill with a qualifying Wells Fargo credit card, you can receive up to $600 in insurance against theft or damage (subject to a $25 deductible) to your mobile.

Cons of Wells Fargo Credit Card

  • Wells Fargo offers various credit cards. If you wish to compare multiple offers, you could be better served with a different issuer.
  • The GoFar Rewards program allows you to redeem your points for travel, although Wells Fargo’s credit card portfolio is primarily focused on cash back.

How the Credit Card Works

Only the Wells Fargo Active Cash card appears to earn Wells Fargo Rewards® points among the three consumer credit cards issued by Wells Fargo. However, there are four ways to redeem the cash rewards earned with this card.

  • A credit for purchases is similar to a credit on a statement
  • Directly into a qualifying Wells Fargo checking, credit card, or mortgage account
  • Wells Fargo ATMs or debit cards allow you to withdraw cash in increments of $20
  • Gift cards in increments of $25

Although the varied redemption choices are a plus, it is difficult to compare Wells Fargo’s rewards program to those of American Express or Chase. There is no points system associated with Wells Fargo credit cards, so you cannot use them for travel like you can with other issuer rewards systems.

Benefits of Wells Fargo Credit Card

Active Cash, one of the top Wells Fargo credit cards, features a variety of perks provided by both Wells Fargo and Visa as a Visa Signature card. Cardholders of Active Cash have the following benefits:

  • Up to $600 cell phone protection (after the $25 deductible) when paying your phone bill with the card
  • Zero liability protection is the industry norm
  • Contactless payment options
  • Visa Signature offers simple, centralized account administration with Control Tower® 24/7 concierge service
  • Luxury Hotel Collection perks provided by Visa Signature

Unfortunately, the other two Wells Fargo consumer credit cards do not provide Visa Signature perks, but they do come with their own unique characteristics. For instance, the Wells Fargo Reflect card provides the following perks to cardholders who open an account:

  • Up to $600 cell phone protection against damage and theft (after a $25 deductible) when paying your phone bill with an approved card 
  • 24/7 roadside support, locksmith, and towing services
  • My Wells Fargo Deals offers discounts at select merchants.
  • Zero liability protection is the industry norm.

How Wells Fargo Credit Cards Compare to Others

Active Cash and Reflect are the finest Wells Fargo credit cards in their respective categories, cash rewards, and debt transfers. In these two categories, cards are dominant.

The Active Cash gives unlimited 2% cash back on all transactions, surpassing the Citi® Double Cash as the finest flat-rate 2% cash back card (1% when you make the purchase and 1% when you pay the balance). Additionally, if you make on-time payments during the promotional term, the Wells Fargo Reflect’s possible up to 18-month introductory APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers can beat Citi’s two 21-month balance transfer cards.

However, if you’re wanting to optimize your benefits with miles and points, Wells Fargo’s program pales in comparison to Chase Ultimate Rewards® and American Express Membership Rewards.

Frequently Asked Questions

What credit score do I need for a Wells Fargo credit card?

To obtain a Wells Fargo credit card, a strong to outstanding credit score is typically required. For the Active Cash, Reflect, and Hotels.com Rewards Visa cards, a credit score between 670 and 850 is suggested.

What is the best Wells Fargo credit card?

Wells Fargo Active Cash, which offers limitless 2% cash back on purchases, and Wells Fargo Reflect, which offers up to 18 months of 0% initial APR on eligible balance transfers and purchases from account activation, are, in our opinion, the two greatest Wells Fargo credit cards (then variable 17.24% to 29.24% APR).

Does Wells Fargo do preapprovals?

Yes, Wells Fargo has a pre-selection tool that does not require a hard credit inquiry for customers to determine if they qualify for a Wells Fargo credit card.