Wells Fargo Credit Card Preapproval – How to Get It
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
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
What is preapproval?
Credit card preapproval is a process by which a credit card issuer assesses a potential customer’s creditworthiness without the individual having formally applied for a credit card. It’s important to note that preapproval doesn’t guarantee final approval but indicates that, based on a preliminary evaluation of the individual’s credit history and financial profile, they’re likely to qualify for the credit card.
When a credit card issuer preapproves a consumer, they typically perform a soft inquiry (also known as a soft pull or soft credit check) on the individual’s credit report. Unlike a hard inquiry, a soft inquiry doesn’t impact the individual’s credit score. This is beneficial because multiple hard inquiries, which can occur when someone is denied a card and needs to apply for another, can have a negative effect on one’s credit score.
Learn more: What are Pre-Approval Credit Cards?
How credit card preapproval works?
Credit card preapproval is a process by which a credit card issuer assesses your creditworthiness without you actively applying for a card. Here’s how it generally works:
1. Soft inquiry: Credit card issuers perform a soft inquiry (or soft pull) on your credit report.
2. Initial screening: Based on your credit history, the issuer identifies individuals who meet certain criteria, such as a minimum credit score or income level.
3. Preapproval offer: If you meet the criteria, you receive a preapproval offer. This may come via mail, email, or an online advertisement, indicating that you are likely to be approved for the specified credit card.
4. Decision to apply: The recipient of the preapproval offer can then decide whether to apply for the credit card. Keep in mind that preapproval doesn’t guarantee approval; it’s still subject to verification of the information provided during the actual application.
If you decide to proceed, you submit a formal credit card application. The issuer conducts a more thorough review, including a hard inquiry, income verification, and other factors. The issuer then makes a final decision based on the information gathered during the application process. If approved, you’ll receive the credit card.
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.
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.
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.
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.
- Research Wells Fargo credit card requirements: Knowing recommended credit scores and other qualifications for Wells Fargo cards can help you understand which cards you’re most likely to be approved for. It can also help ensure you’re only applying for cards that make sense for your situation.
Remember, preapproval isn’t a guarantee that your application will be approved. In fact, 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.
1 min 
