The application process takes 5 to 10 minutes online or by phone
You can start a Wells Fargo credit card application on their website, through their mobile app, or by calling 1-800-869-3557. Most people finish the online application in one sitting. Wells Fargo will give you a decision on the spot or within a few minutes — if they need more information, they'll contact you by phone or email within one business day.
The application asks for your name, address, Social Security number, income, and employment status. Have your driver's license or state ID handy. If you're applying for a card tied to a Wells Fargo checking or savings account you already have, the process moves faster because they already know some of your information.
After you submit, Wells Fargo pulls your credit report from one or more of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion). This is called a hard inquiry and it temporarily lowers your credit score by a few points. If you're denied, Wells Fargo will send you a letter explaining why within 30 days.
Key Takeaways
- You can apply online at wellsfargo.com, through the Wells Fargo app, or by phone at 1-800-869-3557, and most decisions come back within minutes.
- Have your Social Security number, driver's license, current address, and income information ready before you start.
- Wells Fargo will run a hard credit inquiry, which temporarily lowers your credit score by a few points.
- If approved, your card ships within 7 to 10 business days; if denied, you'll receive a letter within 30 days explaining the reason.
- You can request reconsideration by phone if you're denied, though Wells Fargo is not required to reverse the decision.
What information you need before you apply
Gather these documents and details before you open the application:
- Your Social Security number
- A valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license or state ID)
- Your current mailing address
- Your phone number and email address
- Your current employment status and employer name
- Your annual income (include salary, wages, and other regular income sources)
- Your mother's maiden name (for identity verification)
If you have a Wells Fargo checking or savings account, log in with your online banking credentials — the application will pull your existing account information and you'll skip some steps. If you don't have a Wells Fargo account, you can still apply, but the process takes slightly longer.
Applying online through Wells Fargo's website
Go to wellsfargo.com and look for the credit cards section. You'll see a list of available cards — each one has different rewards, annual fees, and credit score requirements. Click on the card you want and select "Apply Now."
The application form appears on the same page. Fill in your personal information, employment details, and income. Wells Fargo asks whether you want to apply for just one card or if you'd like to be considered for multiple cards at once — applying for multiple cards in one session counts as a single hard inquiry instead of multiple inquiries, which is better for your credit score.
After you submit, you'll see a message on screen telling you whether you're approved, denied, or pending review. If you're approved, you can usually set up a PIN and activate your card right away, even before the physical card arrives. If the decision is pending, Wells Fargo will call or email you within one business day.
Applying by phone or through the mobile app
Call 1-800-869-3557 to speak with a Wells Fargo representative who can walk you through the application. This route works well if you have questions about which card fits your spending habits or if you want to discuss your credit situation before applying. The representative can also sometimes override certain denial reasons on the spot if your situation warrants it.
The Wells Fargo mobile app also has a credit card application section. Open the app, tap "Credit Cards," choose the card you want, and tap "Apply." The mobile application works the same way as the website version — you'll get a decision within minutes or a call within one business day if more information is needed.
What happens after you're approved
Once approved, Wells Fargo mails your physical card within 7 to 10 business days. You don't have to wait for the card to arrive to use it — you can request a temporary card number through your online account or the mobile app and start making purchases immediately.
When your card arrives, sign the back and activate it by calling the number on the back of the card or using the mobile app. Set up online access to your account so you can track spending, make payments, and monitor your credit limit. Your first statement arrives 25 to 30 days after your account opens.
Your credit limit depends on your credit score, income, and credit history. Wells Fargo typically starts new cardholders with a limit between $500 and $5,000, though some people receive higher limits. You can request a credit limit increase after you've had the card for at least 6 months and made on-time payments.
What to do if you're denied
If Wells Fargo denies your application, you'll receive a letter within 30 days that explains the reason — usually insufficient credit history, high debt-to-income ratio, or negative marks on your credit report. The letter also includes information about your right to dispute information on your credit report if you believe it's inaccurate.
You can call 1-800-869-3557 and ask to speak with a reconsideration specialist. Explain your situation — for example, if you recently increased your income or paid off a large debt. The specialist can sometimes reverse a denial, though Wells Fargo is not required to do so. If they deny you again, you'll have to wait at least 30 days before applying for a different Wells Fargo card.
If you were denied because of information on your credit report, you can request a free copy of your report from annualcreditreport.com (the only official site for free reports). Review it for errors, and if you find any, file a dispute with the credit bureau. Correcting errors can improve your score and make you a stronger candidate for approval on a future application.
Understanding Wells Fargo's credit card options
Wells Fargo offers cards in several categories: cash back rewards, travel rewards, cards for building credit, and cards with no annual fee. Each card has different credit score requirements. Cards with higher rewards typically require a score of 670 or above; cards designed for people building credit may accept scores as low as 580 to 620.
Some Wells Fargo cards charge an annual fee (ranging from $0 to $95 or more), while others have no annual fee. Cards with annual fees usually offer higher rewards or better benefits. Cards with no annual fee offer lower rewards but cost nothing to keep open.
If you're not sure which card is right for you, the Wells Fargo website has a card comparison tool that shows rewards rates, fees, and benefits side by side. You can also call 1-800-869-3557 and ask a representative to recommend a card based on your credit score and spending habits.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get approved for a Wells Fargo credit card?
Most decisions come back instantly or within a few minutes of submitting your application online. If Wells Fargo needs more information, they'll contact you by phone or email within one business day. Once approved, your physical card ships within 7 to 10 business days, though you can use a temporary card number immediately.
Will applying for a Wells Fargo credit card hurt my credit score?
Yes, the hard inquiry will lower your score by a few points, usually 5 to 10 points, and the impact fades over time. If you apply for multiple Wells Fargo cards in the same session, it counts as one inquiry instead of multiple, which is better for your score. Applying for several cards from different lenders within a short period will have a larger impact.
Can I apply if I don't have a Social Security number?
No, Wells Fargo requires a Social Security number to run a credit check and verify your identity. If you have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, contact Wells Fargo directly at 1-800-869-3557 to ask whether you can apply.
What if I'm denied — can I appeal?
You can call 1-800-869-3557 and ask to speak with a reconsideration specialist, who may reverse the decision if your circumstances have changed. However, Wells Fargo is not required to overturn a denial. If they deny you again, wait at least 30 days before applying for a different Wells Fargo card.
Do I have to be a Wells Fargo customer to apply for their credit card?
No, you don't need an existing Wells Fargo checking or savings account to apply. However, if you already have a Wells Fargo account, the application process is faster because they already have some of your information on file.