Wells Fargo or Chase – Which Issuer is Right for You?
At a Glance
So you’re looking for a new credit card, but you’re unsure whether Chase or Wells Fargo is the best option for you. Let’s face it – they’re both multi-billion dollar institutions that seem almost identical to the average consumer. But there are some standout differences when it comes to their credit card offerings, which is where the experts at Credello come in. Check out this helpful guide that compares Chase and Wells Fargo credit cards so you can make an informed, educated decision about which is right for you.
In this article, you’ll learn about:
Comparing popular cards from Wells Fargo and Chase Bank
Discover it® Miles
Bank of America® Travel Rewards
No matter if you’re an expert or a financial novice, deciding on an optimal credit card can be challenging. Sure, you’ve heard of companies like Wells Fargo and Chase, but how do their offerings compare? Are they really all that different? The answer is yes – and we’re about to tell you why.
Wells Fargo credit cards
Let’s start with our friends at Wells Fargo. This American staple offers a variety of credit cards, with six primary cards on its roster. These cards range from starter cards to travel cards for spenders from all walks of life. Credit score requirements for Wells Fargo cards range from 670-700+ on average, with each card offering a number of potential benefits.
Compare: Best Wells Fargo Credit Cards
Cardholder features and benefits
Credello experts have determined that when it comes to offering extra features and benefits, Wells Fargo tends to lag behind other major credit card issuers. Some of their most prominent benefits include zero liability for fraudulent purchases and chip technology. There are also perks that protect against car rental loss, luggage damage and cell phone repair/replacement. But when it comes to earning points, gaining rewards, and getting deals, Wells Fargo has minimal options for the average spender.
More: Unique Wells Fargo Credit Card Benefits
Wells Fargo mobile
All Wells Fargo accountholders gain access to the Wells Fargo online platform to monitor their card’s activity and manage their accounts. The platform consists of a robust website and a flexible mobile app that’s user-friendly. Like Chase, Wells Fargo allows cardholders to make electronic payments, transfer money, and manage their user preferences.
Chase credit cards
Now, it’s time to turn our attention to Chase, a company that offers a greater variety of credit card types. Chase is legendary for their rotating bonus categories, such as the Freedom Flex, along with higher-end travel credit cards such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve. Chase also offers starter-level cards that can help people with lower credit scores strengthen their profile without compromising reward-earning potential. For businessowners, Chase also offers an entire suite of business cards that can facilitate expense management.
Cardholder features and benefits
Given the broader offering of credit card types, cardholders who opt for a Chase card have access to more features and benefits. These vary depending on what card you get, but the most prominent benefits include their many perks for travelers; trip cancellation and travel insurance, auto rental coverage, Global Entry or TSA precheck, cash back rewards, and lost luggage reimbursement.
Chase mobile
As previously stated, Chase cardholders have access to an online portal via a website or a mobile app. This portal can be used to make payments, transfer money and manage user preferences.
Wells Fargo vs. Chase rewards programs
So far, we’ve taken a look at the variety of cards (along with their illustrious the features and benefits) from our friends at Chase and Wells Fargo. To complete the comparison, we need to assess another very important factor – the rewards programs offered.
Wells Fargo rewards
Wells Fargo rewards points are pretty straight-forward – they can be redeemed for cash back, with an average value of $0.1 per point. Those points can then be used for hotel stays, flights, or leisure activities. Wells Fargo rewards points can also be redeemed for gift cards for certain vendors like Amazon, Paypal, and more. Wells Fargo rewards points cannot be redeemed directly with airlines or hotel chains, which makes them less flexible than other credit card issuers.
More: Wells Fargo Rewards
Chase Ultimate rewards
Chase Ultimate rewards portal is a much more robust platform that allows cardholders to redeem their points for cash back, or better yet, directly with travel partners. The latter option can yield higher rewards than the former, depending on the card you hold, but having the option to redeem points for travel is a huge benefit for those with wild wanderlust.
Wells Fargo or Chase, which is better for you?
Ultimately, you don’t need a Credello expert to tell you that making the choice between Wells Fargo and Chase credit cards is a personal choice influenced by your lifestyle. If you’re still on the fence, think about your spending behaviour on a daily, weekly and monthly basis. Then asses which card issuer offers better rewards in the categories where you spend the most – and remember, every card is different. And if you feel like you’re caught between two cards that seem relatively identical, the choice between these two companies comes down to which card offers the lower APR rate and more competitive benefits.
FAQs
Both Wells Fargo and Chase are reputable banks that offer diverse services to consumers and businesses alike. The choice of the bank depends entirely on the person and the products they seek. Chase is a part of J.P. Morgan, which eclipses Wells Fargo in size – but that doesn’t make it better, just bigger. Nevertheless, both banks are strong, ranking in the top five strongest banks in the world.
To get approved for a Wells Fargo credit card, you need a minimum credit score between 670 and 700.
To get approved for a Chase credit card, you need a minimum credit score in the range of 600 to 800 (depending on the card if your choice).
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