How to choose the right Wells Fargo credit card for you

Deciding on the right Wells Fargo credit card for your wallet is challenging amidst a myriad of potential options, however, there are a few tips that can help anybody narrow down the right choice:

Consider your spending habits

  • Avid shoppers who love shopping in stores and online may want to consider the Wells Fargo Reflect card. While it doesn’t have a cash back program, it does offer 0% intro APR for 21 months on purchases and qualifying balance transfers, making it a great card to cover your next big purchase or to help you consolidate other credit card debt.
  • If you’re the designated pantry stocker in your household and love getting cash back on grocery spending, consider the Choice Privileges Mastercard, which gives 2x points on purchases at grocery stores (in addition to gas stations, home improvement stores, and phone plan services).
  • Social butterflies who enjoy hanging out with friends, dining out, attending events and other things social and fun, the Blit World Elite Mastercard may be a good option. While the card’s primary benefit is allowing you to earn points on rent payments, you can also earn 3x points on dining and 1x points on other purchases, though you have to use the card five times to earn points each statement period. Plus, earn double points on the first of each month, meaning 6x points on dining and 2x points on other purchases.
  • Foodies who enjoy dining out, finding new restaurants, and earning cash back while doing so will enjoy the Wells Fargo Active Cash card, giving you 2% cash back on all purchases. This means you’ll also earn rewards on grocery shopping so you can try new recipes at home.
  • Digital junkies who subscribe to all of the streaming services, have the best electronic equipment, and the latest digital technology can benefit from the Wells Fargo Autograph card that has unlimited 3x points on streaming services and phone plans.
  • Those who are always on the road, whose middle name is “travel” and are constantly looking for the latest escape and vacation getaway should consider the Choice Privileges Select Mastercard, which earns 10x points on stays at participating Choice Hotels properties and 5x points at gas stations.

Don’t miss out on the basics

  1. Consider whether you have a large balance to transfer to the card and potentially seek out an option that has an introductory APR
  2. Think about the rewards you are hoping to earn from the credit card you are seeking and make your decision based on those offerings
  3. Consider whether any fees are associated with the cards you are evaluating and determine whether or not you are willing to pay them
  4. Think about the credit score required and compare your score to that
Credit Card Reward Rate Welcome Offer Annual Fee APR Credit Needed

Wells Fargo Active Cash®

Apply now with Wells Fargo
2.00%tooltip-i-iconEarn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases with no categories to track or quarterly activations close-icon $200$020.24% - 29.99%Good

Wells Fargo Autograph®

Apply now with Wells Fargo
1x - 3xtooltip-i-iconEarn unlimited 3X points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans. Plus earn 1X points on all other purchases close-icon 30,000 Points$020.24% - 29.99%Good

Wells Fargo Reflect®

Apply now with Wells Fargo
NAtooltip-i-iconThis card does not offer any rewards close-icon NA$018.24% - 29.99%Good

Bilt World Elite Mastercard®

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1x - 6xtooltip-i-iconEarn 1X points on rent payments without the transaction fee up to 100,000 points each calendar year, 2X points on travel, and 3X points on dining. Earn double the points for purchases made on the 1st of every month. close-icon NA$0 21.49% - 29.49%Good

Choice Privileges® Select Mastercard®

Apply now with Wells Fargo
1x - 10xtooltip-i-iconEarn 10X Points on stays at participating Choice Hotels® properties plus on Choice Privileges point purchases. Earn 5X Points on purchases at gas stations, grocery stores, home improvement stores and phone plan services. Earn 1X Points on other purchases. close-icon 60,000 Points$9520.99% - 29.99%Good

Choice Privileges® Mastercard®

Apply now with Wells Fargo
1x - 5xtooltip-i-iconEarn 5X Points on stays at participating Choice Hotels® properties plus on Choice Privileges point purchases. Earn 3X Points on purchases at gas stations, grocery stores, home improvement stores and phone plan services. Earn 1X Points on other purchases. close-icon 40,000 Points$0 20.99% - 29.99%Good

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card

Apply now with Wells Fargo
1x - 5xtooltip-i-iconEarn 5x points on hotels, 4x on airlines, 3x on other travels, 3x on dining and 1x points on all other purchases close-icon 60,000 Points$95 21.24%-29.99%Good

Benefits of using Wells Fargo credit cards

  • Reward programs: Most Wells Fargo cards offer rewards programs that allow cardholders to earn points, cash back, or other perks for every purchase made using the credit card. These rewards can often be redeemed for travel, merchandise, or statement credits.
  • Introductory offers: Some Wells Fargo credit cards may come with introductory offers, such as a 0% APR for a specified period on balance transfers or purchases. This can be beneficial for individuals looking to save on interest charges.
  • Security features: Credit cards from Wells Fargo, like most major issuers, usually come with security features such as chip technology and fraud monitoring to help protect cardholders against unauthorized transactions.
  • Mobile banking: Wells Fargo provides mobile banking services that may include features like mobile payments, account management, and real-time transaction alerts. This can enhance convenience for users who prefer managing their finances on the go.
  • Travel benefits: Some Wells Fargo credit cards may offer travel-related benefits, such as travel insurance, rental car insurance, and access to certain airport lounges.
  • No foreign transaction fees: Depending on the specific credit card, Wells Fargo may offer no foreign transaction fees. This can be advantageous for individuals who frequently travel internationally.
  • Access to Wells Fargo Go Far Rewards: The Go Far Rewards program allows cardholders to earn and redeem points across a variety of categories, including travel, merchandise, gift cards, and cash back.
  • Credit education resources: Wells Fargo may provide resources to help cardholders manage their credit responsibly, including tools for monitoring credit scores and educational materials.

It’s important to note that the specific benefits can vary depending on the type of credit card you choose, such as cashback cards, travel rewards cards, or other specialized cards. Additionally, the terms and features of credit cards may change over time, so it’s advisable to review the latest terms and conditions directly from Wells Fargo before applying for a credit card.

What users are saying about Wells Fargo credit cards

Taking advantage of the Wells Fargo credit card's 0% APR introductory offer was a strategic move for consolidating my high-interest credit card debt. The straightforward balance-transfer process was made even easier with online tools that calculated my potential savings. By transferring my balance, I managed to save a substantial amount in interest over the intro period, allowing me to pay down the principal faster. The clear terms and responsive customer service provided by Wells Fargo during this process were invaluable, making what could have been a complex financial maneuver quite manageable.

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Gillian Dewar

Chief Financial Officer, Crediful

I've been using a Wells Fargo credit card primarily for its cash-back rewards on groceries and gas. What stood out to me was how easy it was to earn and redeem cash back directly on my monthly statement. However, I did have a slight hiccup with misunderstanding the rewards categories initially. After a quick call to customer service, they kindly explained how the rewards system worked and even offered tips on maximizing my cash back. This interaction left me feeling valued as a customer.

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Tim White

Founder, Milepro

My experience with Wells Fargo's customer service has been notably positive. When I encountered an issue with a disputed charge, the customer service representative handled my case with patience and professionalism. They explained the process clearly and took immediate action to resolve the dispute. I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly the issue was resolved, reflecting Wells Fargo's commitment to customer satisfaction. This experience has significantly increased my trust in their services.

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Tony Mariotti

CEO, RubyHome

After experiencing identity theft, I was anxious about applying for a new credit card. However, the advanced security features of the Wells Fargo credit card, including real-time alerts and the ability to lock the card from the mobile app, provided the reassurance I needed. Their proactive fraud monitoring and customer service's readiness to address and resolve unauthorized activities impressed me. This security-first approach has allowed me to rebuild my confidence in using credit cards, knowing that my financial safety is prioritized.

Read more
Brooke Webber

Head of Marketing, Ninja Patches

How to apply for a Wells Fargo credit card

To apply for a Wells Fargo credit card, you can follow these general steps:

  1. Visit the Wells Fargo website: Go to the official Wells Fargo website at www.wellsfargo.com.
  2. Explore credit card options: Navigate to the “Credit Cards” section on the Wells Fargo website. Browse through the available credit card options to find the one that best suits your needs and preferences.
  3. Choose a credit card: Select the Wells Fargo credit card that you want to apply for based on its features, rewards, and benefits. Before applying, carefully review the terms and conditions, including interest rates, fees, and any introductory offers that may be available.
  4. Click on “Apply now” or “Get started”: Once you’ve chosen a credit card, click on the “Apply Now” or “Get Started” button. This will usually take you to the online application form.
  5. Complete the application form: Fill out the online application form with the required information. This typically includes personal details, employment information, income details, and more. Wells Fargo may ask for information about your income, employment, housing, and other financial details to assess your creditworthiness.
  6. Submit your application: After completing the application form, review the information to ensure accuracy. Once you are satisfied, submit the application.
  7. Wait for approval: After submitting your application, Wells Fargo will review your information and credit history to determine whether you qualify for the credit card. The approval process may take some time.
  8. Receive your card: If your application is approved, you will receive your Wells Fargo credit card by mail. The card will usually include instructions on activation.

Who should get a Wells Fargo credit card?

There are a variety of reasons for a person to consider adding a Wells Fargo credit card to their wallet, but the most prominent of these include people who are interested in the following:

  • Simple rewards cards that don’t require categorizing your spending into different categories
  • 0% intro APR offers that often apply to balance transfers for the first couple of months, meaning existing debt transferred will not incur interest
  • Making a large purchase but you don’t have the funds to do it out-of-pocket
  • Credit builder cards that offer many perks with often no annual fee

Who can skip Wells Fargo credit cards

For all the benefits the best Wells Fargo credit card may offer, there are also some reasons a person may choose to skip out on such a card. The most common of these reasons include if a person is looking for:

  • More complicated credit cards that offer a variety of cash back categories
  • Multiple travel benefits and a robust travel portal where points can be redeemed
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Answers to this question from our Experts

Thomas J. Brock

CFA, CPA, Financial Advisor View all tips

Zina Kumock

Certified Financial Health Counselor, Student Loan Health Counselor View all tips

Ebony J. Howard

CPA View all tips
CFA, CPA, Financial Advisor

Thomas J. Brock answer:

Banks mainly offer credit cards to people with good credit or better to mitigate credit risk, improve profitability and bolster capital adequacy. Additionally, by maintaining a pool of customers with a largely positive credit profile, banks can enhance their image, foster trust and position themselves for growth.

Certified Financial Health Counselor, Student Loan Health Counselor

Zina Kumock answer:

When a credit card company issues a credit card, they are in effect giving you a loan for the credit limit. Credit card issuers need to know that they can trust the cardholder to pay them back. And the best way to hedge their bets is to only issue cards to borrowers who already have good, very good or excellent credit. This makes them feel more secure. There are some types of cards that are specifically designed for those with fair or bad credit. These cards often have higher interest rates, more fees and lower credit limits than cards for those with good credit.

CPA

Ebony J. Howard answer:

Major banks like Wells Fargo offer credit cards as a way to help consumers borrow money to make purchases and to promote the bank’s products to keep loyal customers through incentives.

CFA, CPA, Financial Advisor

Thomas J. Brock answer:

Deciding whether to open a credit card (from Wells Fargo or any other card issuer) depends on your personal circumstances. If you can manage your finances and avoid incurring a problematic amount of debt, opening a credit card can be a sensible way to streamline your spending framework and capture some meaningful economic rewards. That said, if you opt to open a credit card, make sure to shop around. To home in on the optimal card issuer and card, compare interest rates, cardholder fees, welcome bonuses, cash rewards and other perks. Wells Fargo is a top-notch issuer of credit cards, but it is not the right issuer for all consumers.

Certified Financial Health Counselor, Student Loan Health Counselor

Zina Kumock answer:

Wells Fargo offers credit cards with a variety of cash back rewards, bonus points and other incentives. If you’re looking for a standard credit card, you can find a good card from Wells Fargo. If you want a robust travel card, then you may prefer a card from a provider like Chase. They make it easier to redeem points and cash back for travel rewards.

CPA

Ebony J. Howard answer:

The good thing is with so many available credit cards offered by many institutions, you have the option to choose. Wells Fargo offers a variety of credit cards that are excellent to help build credit, reap reward benefits, save on interest, and make your everyday purchases.

CFA, CPA, Financial Advisor

Thomas J. Brock answer:

No single Wells Fargo credit card is the best for all consumers. The optimal card depends on your specific needs and preferences. Interest rates and cardholder fees usually impact everyone the same, but welcome bonuses, cash rewards and other perks have highly personal effects. As a result, determining the optimal Wells Fargo card for you entails a review of your personal financial situation and spending habits coupled with an in-dept review of the latest card offers.

Certified Financial Health Counselor, Student Loan Health Counselor

Zina Kumock answer:

The best Wells Fargo credit card depends on what you’re looking for out of a credit card. For example, if you want a card with a long 0% APR offer, then the Wells Fargo Reflect card is the best choice for you. If you’re looking for a general cash back card, then the Wells Fargo Autograph card is a great pick. But if you want a cash back card with a sign-up bonus, then the Wells Fargo Active Cash card is another good choice.

CPA

Ebony J. Howard answer:

The best Wells Fargo as of current is the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card. It offers a 0% intro APR for the first 15 months of opening the account on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. Plus, you can earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases. When you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months, a $200 cash rewards bonus is also awarded.

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All Expert Tips from

  1. Why do some major banks, such as Wells Fargo, mainly offer credit cards to people with good credit or better?
  2. Banks mainly offer credit cards to people with good credit or better to mitigate credit risk, improve profitability and bolster capital adequacy. Additionally, by maintaining a pool of customers with a largely positive credit profile, banks can enhance their image, foster trust and position themselves for growth.

    When a credit card company issues a credit card, they are in effect giving you a loan for the credit limit. Credit card issuers need to know that they can trust the cardholder to pay them back. And the best way to hedge their bets is to only issue cards to borrowers who already have good, very good or excellent credit. This makes them feel more secure. There are some types of cards that are specifically designed for those with fair or bad credit. These cards often have higher interest rates, more fees and lower credit limits than cards for those with good credit.

    Major banks like Wells Fargo offer credit cards as a way to help consumers borrow money to make purchases and to promote the bank’s products to keep loyal customers through incentives.

  3. Should you get a credit card from Wells Fargo?
  4. Deciding whether to open a credit card (from Wells Fargo or any other card issuer) depends on your personal circumstances. If you can manage your finances and avoid incurring a problematic amount of debt, opening a credit card can be a sensible way to streamline your spending framework and capture some meaningful economic rewards. That said, if you opt to open a credit card, make sure to shop around. To home in on the optimal card issuer and card, compare interest rates, cardholder fees, welcome bonuses, cash rewards and other perks. Wells Fargo is a top-notch issuer of credit cards, but it is not the right issuer for all consumers.

    Wells Fargo offers credit cards with a variety of cash back rewards, bonus points and other incentives. If you’re looking for a standard credit card, you can find a good card from Wells Fargo. If you want a robust travel card, then you may prefer a card from a provider like Chase. They make it easier to redeem points and cash back for travel rewards.

    The good thing is with so many available credit cards offered by many institutions, you have the option to choose. Wells Fargo offers a variety of credit cards that are excellent to help build credit, reap reward benefits, save on interest, and make your everyday purchases.

  5. Which Wells Fargo credit card is the best?
  6. No single Wells Fargo credit card is the best for all consumers. The optimal card depends on your specific needs and preferences. Interest rates and cardholder fees usually impact everyone the same, but welcome bonuses, cash rewards and other perks have highly personal effects. As a result, determining the optimal Wells Fargo card for you entails a review of your personal financial situation and spending habits coupled with an in-dept review of the latest card offers.

    The best Wells Fargo credit card depends on what you’re looking for out of a credit card. For example, if you want a card with a long 0% APR offer, then the Wells Fargo Reflect card is the best choice for you. If you’re looking for a general cash back card, then the Wells Fargo Autograph card is a great pick. But if you want a cash back card with a sign-up bonus, then the Wells Fargo Active Cash card is another good choice.

    The best Wells Fargo as of current is the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card. It offers a 0% intro APR for the first 15 months of opening the account on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. Plus, you can earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases. When you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months, a $200 cash rewards bonus is also awarded.

Hide all tips

Methodology

At Credello, our credit card content is crafted and maintained by a dedicated team of writers and editors with extensive expertise in personal finance. Our team members have contributed to prestigious publications such as USA Today, Conde Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, Forbes, Business Insider, Thrive Global, Observer, New York Magazine. They have also been quoted as experts or cited by MarketWatch, The New York Times, Money, and GOBankingRates.com.

Credello’s credit card reviews aim to provide readers with clear and unbiased information to help them choose the right credit card that aligns with their financial goals and needs. Our methodology emphasizes transparency, disclosure of any potential biases, and regular updates to ensure the information remains relevant and accurate for readers. The methodology used to review credit cards relied on a number of factors, with the most prominent of those being:

  1. Annual Percentage Rate (APR): Assess the interest rates charged on outstanding balances.
  2. Annual fees: Evaluate the cost of owning the credit card, including any annual fees.
  3. Rewards and benefits: Examine rewards programs, cashback offers, travel perks, and other cardholder benefits.
  4. Introductory offers: Analyze introductory APR, balance transfer offers, and sign-up bonuses.
  5. Credit limit: Consider the card’s credit limit and its suitability for different financial needs.
  6. Fees and penalties: Review late fees, foreign transaction fees, and other charges.
  7. Credit score requirements: Determine the credit score needed to qualify for the card.
  8. Customer service: Research the quality and accessibility of customer support.
  9. Security features: Assess security measures such as fraud protection and chip technology.

With decades of combined experience, our team is committed to providing accurate and up-to-date information. We follow stringent editorial guidelines to ensure the integrity and reliability of our content. Our writers and editors regularly communicate with credit card issuers to verify that the details we provide are current and correct. When there are updates to credit card offers, our editorial team promptly reviews and revises our content to reflect these changes, ensuring our readers always have access to the most accurate information available.

The product information provided here is based on research conducted up to a specific date and may have changed. For the latest and most accurate information, we recommend you to visit the respective card’s website before proceeding.

Why trust Credello?
At Credello, transparency and objectivity are the cornerstones of our credit card reviews. We believe in empowering you to make informed financial decisions, free from any bias or influence from credit card issuers. We go beyond the surface, dissecting each card's features and rewards programs through the lens of your spending habits and financial goals. Whether you're a travel enthusiast, a cashback seeker, or a credit-building novice, we tailor our reviews to resonate with your unique needs.

FAQs

If you’re looking for a smoother entry into the Wells Fargo credit card fold, look no further than the Dillard’s Store Card. While other Wells Fargo cards often prefer good or excellent credit, the Dillard’s option welcomes those with fair credit scores, making it a more accessible first step into the world of Wells Fargo rewards and benefits.

Not all Wells Fargo credit card applications receive instant approval, but you’ll get a quick answer for some! While certain cards offer the thrill of immediate confirmation, others require a closer look. If you don’t hear back right away, don’t fret – you’ll get a decision in the mail within five to seven business days. And even for business cards, where it might take a bit longer due to more paperwork, Wells Fargo will keep you updated through every step.

Wells Fargo doesn’t set a hard limit on the number of personal credit cards you can hold, but they’re more concerned with your total credit limit across all cards. They’ll likely decline additional cards if your existing credit commitments or credit score raise concerns about your ability to manage another line of credit. So, prioritize responsible credit use and keep an eye on your existing credit lines while exploring new Wells Fargo cards.

Wells Fargo doesn’t offer traditional pre-approval with a hard credit check, but worry not! They have a handy pre-selection tool. This lets you see which cards you might be eligible for without impacting your credit score. Just provide some basic information, and presto, you’ll know which Wells Fargo cards could welcome you with open arms (or at least open credit lines).

Learn more: How to Get Pre-approved for Wells Fargo Credit Cards?

Still not sure which card to pick?

Check out some of our other popular cards from different categories.

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