Wells Fargo's Current Credit Card Lineup
Wells Fargo offers several credit cards aimed at different spending patterns and financial situations. The main cards in their lineup include the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card, the Wells Fargo Autograph Card, the Wells Fargo Secured Credit Card, and the Wells Fargo Cash Wise Visa Card. Each card carries different rewards structures, annual fees, and features.
The specific cards available to you depend on your credit history and the bank's current offerings. Wells Fargo periodically adds, removes, or changes card features, so the terms you see today may differ from what was available last year. You can view the full current list and compare features directly on Wells Fargo's website or by calling their customer service line.
Key Takeaways
- Wells Fargo offers cards with cash back rewards, travel rewards, and secured options for people rebuilding credit.
- Annual fees range from zero to several hundred dollars depending on the card, and some cards waive the first-year fee.
- Rewards rates and bonus categories vary by card — cash back cards typically offer flat rates or category-based rewards.
- The Wells Fargo Secured Credit Card requires a cash deposit that becomes your credit limit, making it an option when traditional approval is difficult.
- You can compare cards side-by-side on Wells Fargo's website before deciding which card fits your spending and financial goals.
Cash Back Cards and How the Rewards Work
Wells Fargo's cash back cards return a percentage of what you spend as cash rewards. The Wells Fargo Active Cash Card offers a flat cash back rate on all purchases with no bonus categories to track. The Wells Fargo Cash Wise Visa Card structures rewards differently, offering higher cash back in specific categories like gas and groceries, with a lower rate on everything else.
Cash back typically posts to your account monthly and can be redeemed as a statement credit, deposited to a linked bank account, or used to pay down your card balance. Some cards set a minimum redemption amount — for example, you may need to have at least $25 in rewards before you can cash out. Check your card's terms for the exact redemption rules and any caps on how much cash back you can earn in a given year.
Travel and Premium Rewards Cards
The Wells Fargo Autograph Card is designed for people who travel frequently or spend heavily on dining and entertainment. This card earns points on travel purchases, dining, streaming services, and gas, with a higher earning rate on travel and dining. Points can be redeemed for travel purchases, transferred to airline and hotel partners, or converted to cash.
Premium cards typically charge an annual fee, which Wells Fargo sometimes waives for the first year. The card may also include travel protections like trip cancellation insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, and emergency medical and dental coverage when you're traveling outside the United States. Read the benefits guide that comes with your card to understand what coverage applies and what you need to do to make a claim.
The Secured Credit Card for Building or Rebuilding Credit
The Wells Fargo Secured Credit Card requires you to put down a cash deposit, which becomes your credit limit. If you deposit $500, your credit limit is $500. This deposit sits in a savings account at Wells Fargo and earns a small amount of interest, but you cannot withdraw it while the card is open — it secures the bank's risk if you do not pay your bill.
You use the secured card like any other credit card: make purchases, receive a monthly statement, and pay your bill. Wells Fargo reports your payment history to the three major credit bureaus. After you demonstrate responsible use — typically 6 to 18 months of on-time payments — Wells Fargo may convert the card to an unsecured card and return your deposit. Some cardholders graduate to other Wells Fargo cards with rewards once their credit improves.
Annual Fees, Interest Rates, and Other Costs
Wells Fargo credit cards carry different fee structures. Some cards have no annual fee at all, while others charge $95, $195, or more per year. A few cards waive the annual fee for the first year, then charge it starting in year two. Check the specific card's terms before you open an account so you know what to expect.
All Wells Fargo credit cards charge interest on balances you do not pay in full by the due date. The interest rate (called the APR) varies based on your creditworthiness and current market conditions. Wells Fargo also charges late fees if you miss a payment, foreign transaction fees if you use the card outside the United States, and cash advance fees if you withdraw cash using the card. These fees appear in the card's pricing information, which you can request before opening an account.
How to Compare Wells Fargo Cards to Your Spending
Start by looking at where you spend the most money each month. If you spend heavily on groceries and gas, a card with bonus categories in those areas may earn you more rewards than a flat-rate card. If your spending is spread across many categories, a flat cash back card eliminates the need to track which purchases earn which rates.
Next, calculate whether the annual fee is worth the rewards you expect to earn. If a card charges $95 per year but you earn $150 in cash back, you come out ahead. If you earn only $50 in cash back, the fee costs you money. Wells Fargo's website often includes a rewards calculator that shows estimated earnings based on your spending patterns. You can also contact Wells Fargo directly to discuss which card might work best for your situation.
Opening an Account and set up
You can open a Wells Fargo credit card online, by phone, or in person at a Wells Fargo branch. The online process typically takes 10 to 15 minutes and asks for your Social Security number, income, employment status, and other financial information. Wells Fargo pulls your credit report to make a decision, which may take a few minutes or up to several business days depending on the card and your credit profile.
Once approved, your card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. When it arrives, you must set up it before using it — you can do this online, by phone, or through the Wells Fargo mobile app. After set up, the card is ready to use when ready. If you were approved for a secured card, you will need to fund the deposit account before the card is activated, which you can do online or at a branch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch from one Wells Fargo card to another?
Yes. You can open a second Wells Fargo card while keeping your first one open, or you can close your current card and open a different one. If you close a card, your credit score may be affected temporarily because your available credit decreases. Some people keep older cards open to maintain their credit history length, even if they stop using them.
What happens if I do not pay my bill on time?
A late payment triggers a late fee and may increase your interest rate. Wells Fargo reports the late payment to credit bureaus if it is 30 days or more past due, which damages your credit score. If you miss a payment, contact Wells Fargo as soon as possible — sometimes they can waive a single late fee if you have a good payment history.
Do I need to be a Wells Fargo bank customer to open a credit card?
No. You can open a Wells Fargo credit card without having a checking or savings account with them. However, having a Wells Fargo bank account may make the process process faster and may may have access to you for certain offers.
Can I transfer a balance from another credit card to a Wells Fargo card?
Some Wells Fargo cards offer balance transfer options, which let you move debt from another card to your new Wells Fargo card, often at a lower interest rate for a set period. Balance transfers usually charge a fee of 3 to 5 percent of the amount transferred. Check the specific card's terms to see if balance transfers are available and what the fee and promotional rate period are.
What is the difference between points and cash back?
Cash back is a direct percentage of your spending returned as money. Points are a currency you earn and redeem for specific rewards like travel, merchandise, or statement credits. Cash back is simpler to understand and redeem, while points may offer higher value if you redeem them strategically — for example, using airline points for premium cabin seats rather than economy flights.