Yes, Wells Fargo offers multiple credit cards for different financial situations
Wells Fargo issues credit cards under its own brand, not through a partner bank. The bank maintains a lineup that includes cash-back cards, travel rewards cards, cards for building credit, and cards designed for customers with limited credit history. Each card has its own rewards structure, annual fee (or no annual fee), and approval requirements.
The specific cards available to you depend on your credit score, income, and the Wells Fargo products you already use. Some cards offer better terms if you're an existing Wells Fargo customer with a checking or savings account. Others are designed for people rebuilding credit and may have higher interest rates but lower credit score requirements.
Key Takeaways
- Wells Fargo offers cash-back cards, travel rewards cards, secured cards, and cards for fair credit, each with different rewards and fee structures.
- Your credit score, income, and existing Wells Fargo accounts affect which cards you can get and what terms you'll receive.
- You can view your options and check your approval odds before submitting a full process on Wells Fargo's website.
- Wells Fargo credit cards come with fraud protection, purchase protection, and extended warranty coverage depending on the card.
The main Wells Fargo credit card categories
Wells Fargo's cash-back cards return a percentage of what you spend on purchases. The Wells Fargo Active Cash Card offers a flat rate on all purchases with no category restrictions. Other cash-back cards like the Wells Fargo Propel American Express Card offer higher rates on specific categories such as dining, gas, and streaming services, but lower rates on everything else.
Travel rewards cards earn points on purchases, which you redeem for flights, hotels, or statement credits. The Wells Fargo Autograph Card and Wells Fargo Autograph Premier Visa Infinite Card fall into this category and include travel protections like trip cancellation coverage and rental car insurance.
For customers with lower credit scores or limited credit history, Wells Fargo offers the Wells Fargo Secured Card, which requires a cash deposit that becomes your credit limit. There is also the Wells Fargo Credit Builder Secured Card, designed specifically for people rebuilding credit. Both report to the three major credit bureaus and can help you establish or improve your credit score over time.
How to find which card matches your situation
Start by visiting Wells Fargo's credit card page and using their card comparison tool. You can filter by rewards type, annual fee, and other features. Wells Fargo also shows you the approval odds for each card based on your credit profile before you submit a full process—this is called a "soft pull" and does not affect your credit score.
If you already have a Wells Fargo checking or savings account, log into your online banking to see which cards you're pre-may have access to for. Wells Fargo sometimes offers existing customers special terms, lower annual fees, or bonus rewards on certain cards. You can also call Wells Fargo customer service at the number on the back of your debit card to ask about cards suited to your situation.
What happens after you submit an process
Wells Fargo performs a hard credit inquiry when you submit a credit card process, which temporarily lowers your credit score by a few points. The bank typically makes a decision within minutes to a few days. You'll receive a decision by mail or email, and if you're approved, your card arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
If you're denied, Wells Fargo will tell you why in writing. Common reasons include insufficient credit history, a recent bankruptcy, or too many recent credit inquiries. You can reapply after addressing the issue—for example, by waiting six months to let recent inquiries age off your report, or by becoming an authorized user on someone else's account to build history.
Annual fees and rewards structures vary by card
Some Wells Fargo credit cards have no annual fee, while others charge $95 or more per year. Cards with annual fees typically offer higher rewards rates or premium benefits like travel credits, concierge services, or airport lounge access. Cards with no annual fee usually have lower rewards rates but are better for people who don't spend enough to offset the fee.
Rewards are earned as cash back (a percentage of purchases) or points (which you redeem for travel or statement credits). Cash back is simpler—you get a percentage back on every dollar spent. Points-based rewards require you to redeem them through Wells Fargo's rewards portal, and the value depends on what you redeem for. A point might be worth 1 cent as a statement credit but 1.5 cents if you redeem it for travel.
Protections and benefits included with Wells Fargo cards
All Wells Fargo credit cards include fraud protection: if someone uses your card number without permission, you report it and Wells Fargo investigates. You're not liable for unauthorized charges. Most cards also include purchase protection, which covers items you buy if they're damaged or stolen within a certain time frame, and extended warranty coverage that extends the manufacturer's warranty on may be able to access items.
Travel rewards cards include additional protections such as trip cancellation insurance (covers prepaid trip costs if you have to cancel for a covered reason), rental car damage coverage, and lost luggage reimbursement. Some cards offer emergency medical and dental coverage while you're traveling outside the United States. Check your specific card's benefits guide to see what's included.
How Wells Fargo credit cards compare to other banks
Wells Fargo's cash-back rates are competitive but not always the highest available. For example, some cards from other banks offer 2% cash back on all purchases, while Wells Fargo's flat-rate cash-back card offers 1.5%. However, Wells Fargo's rewards don't expire as long as your account is open and in good standing, whereas some competitors' rewards do expire.
Wells Fargo's travel cards are strong if you're already a Wells Fargo customer, because you can link rewards to your existing accounts and redeem them easily. If you don't bank with Wells Fargo, you might find better terms or higher rewards rates elsewhere. The best card for you depends on your spending patterns, whether you value simplicity or category bonuses, and whether you want to stay within one financial institution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Wells Fargo credit card if I have bad credit?
Yes. Wells Fargo offers the Secured Card and Credit Builder Secured Card for people with poor credit or no credit history. Both require a cash deposit (typically $500 to $2,500) that becomes your credit limit. After 12 to 18 months of on-time payments, you may be able to convert to an unsecured card and get your deposit back.
Do I have to be a Wells Fargo customer to get one of their credit cards?
No. You can open a Wells Fargo credit card without having a checking or savings account. However, existing Wells Fargo customers sometimes receive better terms, lower annual fees, or bonus rewards. If you're considering opening both a bank account and a credit card, ask about package deals.
What's the difference between cash back and points?
Cash back is a percentage of your purchase that goes directly toward your statement balance or is deposited to your account. Points are a separate currency you earn and must redeem through Wells Fargo's rewards portal for travel, merchandise, or statement credits. Cash back is simpler; points can offer higher value if you redeem them strategically.
How long does it take to receive a Wells Fargo credit card after approval?
Most approved cards arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If you need the card sooner, you can request expedited shipping for a fee, or ask if Wells Fargo offers a temporary digital card number you can use online when ready while you wait for the physical card.
Can I use my Wells Fargo credit card rewards to pay my bill?
Yes, but the method depends on your card type. Cash-back cards let you redeem directly as a statement credit. Points-based cards require you to log into your rewards account and choose what to redeem for—you can usually explore points as a statement credit, but you may get better value by redeeming for travel or other options.