Yes, Wells Fargo offers multiple credit card products for different spending patterns and credit profiles
Wells Fargo issues credit cards under its own brand, not through a partner bank. The bank maintains several card lines: the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card, the Wells Fargo Autograph Card, the Wells Fargo Propel American Express Card, and cards designed for people building or rebuilding credit. Each card has different rewards structures, annual fees, and credit score requirements.
You can open a Wells Fargo credit card online, by phone, or in a branch if you have an existing Wells Fargo bank account. The application process typically takes minutes, and you receive a decision within seconds or a few business days depending on whether your application needs manual review. If approved, the card ships to your address within 7 to 10 business days.
Key Takeaways
- Wells Fargo offers cash-back cards, rewards cards, and cards for people with limited or damaged credit history.
- Most Wells Fargo credit cards carry no annual fee, though premium cards like the Autograph charge $95 per year.
- You can apply online, by phone, or in a Wells Fargo branch, and receive a decision within minutes to a few business days.
- Wells Fargo credit cards use the same fraud protection and dispute process as other major card issuers, with zero liability for unauthorized charges.
Cash-back and rewards cards Wells Fargo currently offers
The Wells Fargo Active Cash Card returns 2% cash back on all purchases with no category restrictions, no rotating categories, and no caps. There is no annual fee. You earn cash back immediately and can redeem it as a statement credit, transfer to a bank account, or use it toward a purchase. The card requires good credit, typically a score of 670 or higher.
The Wells Fargo Autograph Card earns 3x points per dollar on travel and dining, 1x on everything else, and charges a $95 annual fee. It includes travel protections like trip cancellation insurance and rental car coverage. This card also requires good credit and is aimed at people who spend significantly on travel and restaurants.
The Wells Fargo Propel American Express Card earns 3x points on internet, cable, and phone services; 3x on transit; and 1x on other purchases. It has no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees. Like other American Express cards, it is not accepted everywhere Visa and Mastercard are, so check merchant acceptance before applying.
Cards for building or rebuilding credit
Wells Fargo offers the Wells Fargo Secured Credit Card for people with no credit history or poor credit. You deposit cash as collateral—typically $500 to $2,500—and that amount becomes your credit limit. There is no annual fee. The card reports to all three credit bureaus, so on-time payments build your credit score over time.
After 12 to 18 months of on-time payments, Wells Fargo may convert the card to an unsecured card and return your deposit. The timeline varies by account performance. If you close the account or default, Wells Fargo keeps the deposit to cover the balance.
How to apply and what happens after approval
Start your application on Wells Fargo's website by selecting the card you want and clicking "Apply Now." You will enter your Social Security number, income, employment status, and existing Wells Fargo account information if you have it. The system checks your credit report and may ask follow-up questions about your identity or address.
If approved instantly, you receive a confirmation number and can log into your Wells Fargo online account to see your new card details and set a PIN. If your application needs review, Wells Fargo calls or emails you within one to three business days. Rejected applications are rare for people with fair credit or better, but if you are denied, you can reapply after addressing the reason—usually a low credit score or recent negative marks on your report.
Your physical card arrives in 7 to 10 business days. You can request expedited shipping for an additional fee in some cases. Once it arrives, activate it by calling the number on the back or logging into your account online.
Credit limits, interest rates, and fees
Wells Fargo does not publish starting credit limits, but most cardholders receive $500 to $5,000 on their first card. Your limit depends on your credit score, income, and existing Wells Fargo relationship. You can request a credit limit increase after six months of on-time payments, either online or by phone.
Interest rates (called the Annual Percentage Rate, or APR) vary by card and by individual. The Active Cash Card typically carries an APR between 18% and 28%, while the Autograph Card ranges from 18% to 27%. These rates depend on your credit score and creditworthiness at the time of approval. Wells Fargo discloses your specific APR in the terms and conditions before you accept the card.
Most Wells Fargo cards charge no annual fee except the Autograph ($95) and Propel ($0, despite premium features). All cards charge late fees if you miss a payment—typically $25 to $39 depending on how late you are. Cash advances and balance transfers carry fees of 3% to 5% of the amount transferred. Foreign transaction fees do not apply to the Propel or Autograph cards but may apply to the Active Cash Card.
Fraud protection and disputing charges
Wells Fargo credit cards carry zero liability for unauthorized charges. If someone uses your card number without permission, you report it to Wells Fargo and you owe nothing. The bank investigates and removes the charge from your account.
To report fraud, call the number on the back of your card or log into your online account and flag the transaction as unauthorized. Wells Fargo freezes your card immediately and mails a replacement within 7 to 10 business days. While you wait, you can use your account online or request a temporary card number for purchases.
If you dispute a charge because the merchant did not deliver what you paid for or charged you twice, the process is different. You have 60 days from the charge date to file a dispute. Wells Fargo investigates by contacting the merchant and reviewing transaction records. During the investigation, the amount is temporarily credited back to your account. If the merchant provides proof of delivery or a valid reason for the charge, Wells Fargo removes the credit and you owe the amount again.
Managing your Wells Fargo credit card account
Log into your account at wellsfargo.com or through the Wells Fargo mobile app to view your balance, make payments, set up automatic payments, and track rewards or cash back. You can pay your full balance, the minimum payment, or any amount in between. Payments made online or through the app post within one business day.
Set up automatic payments to avoid late fees and interest charges. You can choose to pay the full statement balance, a fixed amount, or the minimum due on a date you select each month. If you miss a payment, Wells Fargo reports it to the credit bureaus after 30 days, which damages your credit score. After 60 days, the late fee increases and your interest rate may jump to a penalty APR.
You can view your credit limit, request an increase, change your PIN, freeze or unfreeze your card, and download statements through your online account. If you need to close the card, call the number on the back or visit a branch. Closing a credit card lowers your available credit and can hurt your credit score, so consider keeping the account open even if you do not use it regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Wells Fargo credit card if I have bad credit?
Yes, through the Wells Fargo Secured Credit Card, which requires a cash deposit but does not require a high credit score. After 12 to 18 months of on-time payments, you may be converted to an unsecured card. If your score is above 600, you may also may have access to for the Active Cash Card, though your interest rate will be higher.
What happens if I miss a payment?
A payment 30 days late is reported to credit bureaus and damages your score. After 60 days, Wells Fargo applies a late fee and may raise your interest rate to a penalty APR. After 180 days, the account may be charged off and sent to collections. Contact Wells Fargo immediately if you cannot pay to discuss hardship options.
Can I use my Wells Fargo credit card at any store?
Visa and Mastercard Wells Fargo cards are accepted almost everywhere. The American Express Propel card is not accepted at all merchants—check with the store before applying if you shop primarily at places that do not take American Express.
How long does it take to receive my card after approval?
Standard delivery is 7 to 10 business days. Expedited shipping may be available for a fee. You can use your card number for online purchases immediately after approval, even before the physical card arrives.
Do I have to be a Wells Fargo bank customer to get a credit card?
No, but having an existing Wells Fargo bank account may speed up the application process and improve your chances of approval. You can apply as a non-customer, though you will need to provide more identity verification.