Wells Fargo Credit Card Preapproval – How to Get It
Zina Kumock, Certified Financial Health Counselor, Student Loan Health Counselor
At a Glance
When considering different credit cards to apply for, there are a variety of options to consider, with Wells Fargo offering a large number. However, it’s important to ensure you qualify for certain cards before you actually apply for them. One easy way to know whether or not you are approved for a card is if you have received a Wells Fargo pre-approval.
In this article, you’ll learn:
If you’re considering a new credit card, Wells Fargo offers a number of cards you might want to apply for. However, before applying for any new credit card, it can benefit you to learn whether or not you qualify for the card.
One easy way to know whether or not you’re likely to be approved for a card is through a process called preapproval or prequalification. This can prevent an unnecessary hard inquiry on your credit report, which can lower your credit score.
Which Wells Fargo credit cards offer preapproval?
Wells Fargo does not list which of their cards they offer preapproval for, but they do have a prequalification form on their website that anyone can fill out to see what Wells Fargo credit cards they may qualify for. Filling out the prequalification form can often result in a Wells Fargo preapproved credit card offer. This could include many of Wells Fargo’s consumer credit cards, such as:
Active Cash® Card
The Wells Fargo Active Cash Credit Card stands out as a compelling choice in the realm of cashback credit cards. Boasting unlimited 2% cashback on purchases, there’s no need to juggle bonus categories or worry about rotating rewards, making it a hassle-free option.
Additionally, the card offers a generous welcome bonus for new users who meet the spending requirements within the specified timeframe. With competitive features like no annual fee and a 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers, the Wells Fargo Active Cash Credit Card appeals to those seeking simplicity and value.
Wells Fargo Active Cash®
Card summary
More: Best Cash Back Credit Cards
Autograph℠ Card
If you’re a frequent flier or have travel plans in your future, consider the Wells Fargo Autograph Card. Earn unlimited 3x points in a variety of categories including restaurants, travel, gas, transit, popular streaming services, phone plans, and more, and earn 1x points on all other purchases.
This card also has a generous welcome bonus, $0 annual fee, and 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months. Redeem rewards in a variety of ways and get access to a variety of additional travel benefits, making this card a versatile addition to your wallet.
Wells Fargo Autograph®
Card summary
Autograph Journey Card
Designed for travelers, Wells Fargo’s new credit card the Autograph Journey Card offers 5x points on hotels, 4x points on airlines, 3x points on restaurants and other travel, and 1x points on all other purchases. With a welcome bonus of 60,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 in the first three months (that’s $600 toward your next trip), a $50 annual statement credit, and a variety of travel and other benefits, this card can be a great addition to your wallet. Taking advantage of these benefits can help offset the $95 annual fee.
Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card
Card summary
More: Best Travel Credit Cards
Reflect® Card
Those interested in making a large purchase in the near future or consolidating credit card debt should consider the Wells Fargo Reflect credit card. This card offers 0% intro APR for 21 months on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. And, with a $0 annual fee, you’ll save significant money in interest and may be able to pay off consolidated debt faster.
Wells Fargo Reflect®
Card summary
More: Best Credit Cards with 0% APR
Zina Kumock's Expert Take
How to get pre-approved for a Wells Fargo credit card?
To prequalify for Wells Fargo credit cards via a preapproval offer, it’s best to already be a Wells Fargo customer with an existing credit card. Typically, Wells Fargo will turn to their own portfolio of customers first to determine if any of them are eligible for a preapproved upgrade. They will automatically do a soft pull on your credit and if you meet their basic minimum requirements to be approved, you may get an offer via email or USPS mail.
There are also Wells Fargo prequalify tools online that can give you a good indication as to whether or not you would be approved if you apply, but this is not the same as a preapproval.
For existing Wells Fargo Customers
Getting preapproved for a Wells Fargo credit card as an existing customer can be convenient, as Wells Fargo may already have some of your information on file, which can simplify the process. Here are some steps you can take:
- Check your Wells Fargo account: Log in to your Wells Fargo online account to see if you have any preapproved offers. Look for a section that mentions credit card offers or promotions.
- Check your mail or email: Wells Fargo may also send preapproved offers through mail or email. Look out for any communications from Wells Fargo regarding credit card offers.
- Contact customer service: If you’re unsure about preapproval or want to discuss your options, you can contact Wells Fargo customer service. They can provide information on any preapproved offers available to you.
- Apply for a Wells Fargo credit card: If you find a preapproved offer that you’re interested in, you can proceed with the application process. Make sure to review the terms and conditions of the offer before applying.
If you currently have a Wells Fargo credit card, checking or savings account, retirement account, or existing loan, you can also go online to see if you were already identified as a potential qualifying cardholder based on information provided by the credit bureaus. This is different from a preapproval application, but can still give you an idea of what you may qualify for.
For new Wells Fargo Customers
Getting preapproved for a Wells Fargo credit card as a new customer involves a similar process to that of an existing customer, with a few differences. Here’s how you can do it:
- Visit the Wells Fargo website: Go to the Wells Fargo website and look for the page where you can check for preapproved offers. This page may be different from the regular credit card application page.
- Provide your information: You’ll likely need to provide some basic information, such as your name, address, and Social Security number, to check for preapproved offers. Wells Fargo will use this information to perform a soft credit inquiry, which won’t impact your credit score.
- Review preapproved offers: After providing your information, you’ll see any preapproved offers that are available to you. These offers may include specific credit cards and their terms, such as APR and credit limit.
- Apply for a Wells Fargo credit card: If you find a preapproved offer that you’re interested in, you can proceed with the application process. Make sure to review the terms and conditions of the offer before applying.
- Wait for approval: Once you submit your application, Wells Fargo will review your information and credit history to determine if you’re approved for the credit card. Approval decisions are typically made within a few business days.
Basic Wells Fargo credit card requirements
To apply for a Wells Fargo credit card, you’ll generally need to meet these basic requirements:
- Age: You must be at least 18 years old to apply for a credit card on your own. If you’re under 21, you may need to show proof of independent income or have a cosigner.
- Residency: You should be a U.S. citizen or a legal resident with a valid Social Security number.
- Credit history: Wells Fargo will review your credit history to assess your creditworthiness. Some cards may be available to those with limited credit history, while others may require a good to excellent credit score.
- Income: You’ll need to have enough income to support your credit card payments. This helps Wells Fargo assess your ability to repay the credit card balance.
- Debt-to-income ratio: Your debt-to-income ratio is also considered. This ratio compares your monthly debt payments to your gross monthly income.
- Other financial information: Wells Fargo may consider other financial information, such as your employment status and housing costs, when evaluating your application.
Learn more: Wells Fargo Credit Card Requirements
How to increase your chances of getting pre-approved?
Wells Fargo, or any credit card issuer, will want to see that you have a strong credit history and that your credit score meets their expectations for the specific card. If you want to boost your chances of getting preapproved, you’ll need to improve your credit score.
Generally speaking, the best chance for a Wells Fargo credit card prequalify or preapproval offer is to:
- Practice positive spending habits: Maintain a low credit utilization and keep a low debt-to-income ratio.
- Make your payments on time: Payments should be made on time and in full each month. Payment history is the most important determinant of your FICO credit score.
- Pay down debt: This can also help lower your credit utilization and debt-to-income ratio, showing you’re not overextending yourself with available credit.
- Avoid applying for multiple cards: Having multiple hard credit inquiries on your credit report can be a red flag to card issuers. Refrain from opening too many credit card accounts and keep old cards open (even if you’re not using them).
- Increase your income: Having a higher income can improve your chances of preapproval because issuers use your income to help determine if you can afford to repay the debt.
Remember, preapproval isn’t a guarantee that your application will be approved. In fact, rejection rates on credit applications increased overall last year to 20.1%, and a card issuer can still deny your application if your creditworthiness or financial situation changed between the time you got preapproved/received a preapproval offer and when you submit a formal application. It’s best to apply immediately after getting preapproved for a card that works for you.
FAQs
No, prequalifying for a credit card is not the same as pre-approval. Prequalification simply means you meet the criteria for the card and the requirements. It generally is a strong indicator that you could be approved, but it is not a guarantee.
Most credit card companies offer prequalification tools for specific cards on their websites which can be used to answer the question of whether can you prequalify for a Wells Fargo credit card.
Yes, any credit card issuer can deny a credit card application, even after preapproval, if the details in your application are not meeting the expectations of the bank.
The ease of getting approved for a Wells Fargo credit card depends on several factors, primarily your creditworthiness. Wells Fargo, like other credit card issuers, typically considers factors such as your credit score, income, employment status, and debt-to-income ratio when evaluating credit card applications. If you have a good to excellent credit score (usually above 670), a stable income, and a relatively low debt-to-income ratio, you may have a higher chance of being approved for a Wells Fargo credit card.
Wells Fargo cards typically require a FICO Score of at least 670 to be approved.
Wells Fargo may approve your credit application in as little as a few minutes, though it can take seven to ten business days for the credit card to arrive.
You can check your application status either online or by calling 800-967-9521. If you’re already a Wells Fargo customer, you log into your account using your username and password. Otherwise, you’ll have to provide your last name, birthdate, SSN, and access code Wells Fargo emailed to you when you fiesta applied.
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