The best Wells Fargo credit cards in April 2024
Updated 2:40 PM EDT, Wed March 6, 2024
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Wells Fargo may not be the biggest credit card issuer in the US, but its appealing range of cards is worth considering. Whether you want to earn cash rewards for your spending, stock up on flexible points for a vacation or take advantage of a long introductory 0% annual percentage rate (APR), there’s a Wells Fargo credit card that fits the bill.
The best Wells Fargo credit card for you will depend on your spending habits and what you want to achieve with your rewards. We’ll take you through the top Wells Fargo credit card offers to help you narrow down your choices.
Our team of experts reviewed all of the Wells Fargo credit card offers on the market and considered factors including rewards, sign-up bonuses and benefits. Using a data-based approach, we gave each card a star rating out of five based on our weightings. Read our full methodology below.
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Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card: Best Wells Fargo credit card
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Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card: Best for flat-rate cash rewards
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Wells Fargo Reflect® Card: Best for a long 0% intro APR
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Bilt Mastercard®: Best for flexible travel rewards
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Choice Privileges® Mastercard®: *Best for hotels with no annual fee
The information for the Choice Privileges® Mastercard® has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
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Choice Privileges® Select Mastercard®: *Best for annual bonus points
The information for the Choice Privileges® Select Mastercard® has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card
The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.
Wells Fargo Reflect® Card
The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.
Bilt Mastercard®
The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.
Choice Privileges® Mastercard®
*The information for the Choice Privileges® Mastercard® has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.
Choice Privileges® Select Mastercard®
*The information for the Choice Privileges® Select Mastercard® has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.
Our picks at a glance
| | Annual fee | Welcome bonus | Best for | Notable feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card
| $0
| 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first three months
| Wells Fargo
| Unlimited 3x points on dining, travel, gas, electric vehicle charging, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans
|
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
| $0
| $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first three months
| Flat-rate cash rewards
| Unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
|
Wells Fargo Reflect® Card
| $0
| N/A
| Long intro 0% APR
| 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers (18.24%, 24.74% or 29.99% variable APR thereafter). Balance transfers made within 120 days from account opening qualify for the introductory rate and a balance transfer fee of 5%, min $5 applies.
|
Bilt Mastercard®
| None
| N/A
| Flexible travel rewards
| Ability to use the card to pay rent with no transaction fees
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Choice Privileges® Mastercard® * The information for the Choice Privileges® Mastercard® has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. | $0
| 40,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases within the first three months
| Hotels with no annual fee
| Welcome bonus worth up to five reward nights at Choice hotels
|
Choice Privileges® Select Mastercard® * The information for the Choice Privileges® Select Mastercard® has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. | $95
| 60,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in purchases within the first three months
| Annual bonus points
| Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit
|
Best Wells Fargo credit cards overview
Wells Fargo offers a relatively small selection of credit cards compared to some other major issuers, but its products are competitive. For example, the Wells Fargo Active Cash ranks as one of the best cash back credit cards on the market, and the Wells Fargo Reflect tops our list of the best balance transfer credit cards.
You’ll also find the Autograph Card and Bilt Mastercard in our guide to the best no-annual-fee credit cards. And for accommodations, the Choice Privileges Select Mastercard is our pick for the best hotel credit card if you stay with Choice hotels.
With the exception of the Wells Fargo Reflect, these cards earn generous rewards. And none of the cards except the Choice Privileges Select Mastercard charge an annual fee.
Wells Fargo credit card benefits
Wells Fargo credit cards come with benefits that vary depending on the card. Some cards, such as the Bilt Mastercard, Choice Privileges Select Mastercard and Choice Privileges Mastercard come with travel protections such as trip cancellation and interruption protection.
Other cards, such as the Wells Fargo Active Cash and Wells Fargo Reflect, are a little lighter on perks.
However, there are two valuable benefits you’ll find on every Wells Fargo card, and they have the potential to save you a lot of money if things go awry.
Cell phone protection
All Wells Fargo credit cards offer cell phone insurance when you pay your wireless bill for an eligible phone with the card. You can be reimbursed for the cost of repairing or replacing your phone if it’s damaged, stolen or lost, though there are restrictions. Phones that “mysteriously disappear” don’t qualify as lost, per the benefit’s terms. Instead, you must have experienced “an unintended separation from your cell phone when its location is known, but recovery is impractical to complete.” Cosmetic damage that doesn’t affect the phone’s functionality isn’t covered, either.
All of Wells Fargo’s credit cards allow up to two claims per 12 months under this benefit. Co-branded credit cards (Bilt Mastercard, Choice Privileges Select Mastercard and Choice Privileges Mastercard) have the most generous coverage, with a maximum of $800 per claim (minus a $25 deductible). Other Wells Fargo credit cards cap each claim at $600 with a $25 deductible.
Wells Fargo’s cell phone protection is a good deal because most of its cards don’t charge an annual fee, and the deductible is lower compared to the coverage offered by some other banks. For example, American Express cards with cell phone insurance all charge substantial annual fees and have a limit of $800 per claim with a $50 deductible (maximum of two claims every 12 months). Even the no-annual-fee Chase Freedom Flex℠ * The information for the Chase Freedom Flex℠ has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. has a higher deductible ($50) with coverage up to $800 per claim and a maximum of $1,000 per 12-month period.
Car rental insurance
When you pay the full cost of your car rental with a Wells Fargo credit card and decline the rental company’s collision loss/damage insurance, you’ll be covered for up to $50,000 if the vehicle is stolen or damaged due to an accident, natural disaster or vandalism. Check each card’s terms and conditions for more specifics.
Credit card car rental insurance doesn’t typically cover anything besides your vehicle, so you’ll need your own liability insurance (either through a personal policy or purchased from the rental company).
The Bilt Mastercard is the best of the bunch because the insurance it offers is primary in the US (except for New York residents) and abroad. That means you won’t have to file a claim with your own car insurance company before coverage kicks in.
All other Wells Fargo cards come with secondary insurance in the US, which means you’ll have to file a claim through your personal car insurance policy (if you have one) first. Wells Fargo’s benefit will only pay for amounts not covered by your own insurance. However, coverage is primary for rentals outside the US.
How to choose the best Wells Fargo credit card for you
The best Wells Fargo credit card for your situation depends on a few factors. First, what kinds of rewards do you like to earn?
If you prefer Wells Fargo credit card rewards you can redeem for cash, consider the Wells Fargo Active Cash or Autograph Card. But if you’re itching to hit the road, earning flexible points from the Bilt Mastercard is a better bet, because you can transfer your rewards to over a dozen airline and hotel partners.
The Choice Privileges Select Mastercard and Choice Privileges Mastercard are a little more niche, and only suit folks who like to stay at Choice hotels. That said, if you love the brand, either of the Choice Privileges cards are worth a look.
Next, you’ll want to consider the benefits that are important to you. Look to the Wells Fargo Reflect if your primary goal is to save money on interest with a long introductory 0% APR offer. The card doesn’t earn rewards, but it’s hard to beat the 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers (18.24%, 24.74% or 29.99% variable APR thereafter). Balance transfers made within 120 days from account opening qualify for the introductory rate and a balance transfer fee of 5%, min $5 applies.
If you don’t want to sacrifice rewards, you could still do well with the Wells Fargo Active Cash, which offers a 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers, then a 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% variable APR applies. Balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a fee of up to 5%, with a minimum of $5 applies.
If you’re not interested in a balance transfer, the Autograph Card comes with a 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases (followed by a 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR).
Finally, you’ll want to consider fees. The Choice Privileges Select Mastercard is the only Wells Fargo card that charges an annual fee, but two cards — the Wells Fargo Active Cash and Wells Fargo Reflect — charge a fee when you spend with merchants outside the US. If you plan to use the card for international purchases, you’ll want to pick one of the other cards with no foreign transaction fee.
How to apply for a Wells Fargo credit card
The easiest way to apply for a credit card from Wells Fargo is online. Before you submit your Wells Fargo credit card application, you’ll need to have important information handy, including your Social Security number, housing status, employment status and annual income. You’ll also need to provide your full name, address, date of birth, mobile number, email address and citizenship status.
You can also apply for a credit card at a Wells Fargo branch or through a Wells Fargo credit card offer you received via postal mail or email.
Do Wells Fargo credit cards have preapproval?
Wells Fargo offers the ability to check if you’re prequalified for a credit card on its website. Getting prequalified is a good sign for your application, though it doesn’t guarantee approval. Issuers may use “prequalified” and “preapproved” to mean the same thing.
You’ll need to enter basic information, including your name, address and last four digits of your Social Security number. Wells Fargo will perform a soft credit inquiry (which doesn’t impact your credit score) to assess whether you’re likely to qualify for one of its cards.
Wells Fargo occasionally sends preselected credit card offers by email or postal mail. These are similar in that Wells Fargo has determined you may be eligible for one of its cards, but again, you won’t know for sure if you’re approved until you apply.
What credit score is needed for a Wells Fargo credit card?
You’ll typically need at least a good credit score to be approved for a Wells Fargo credit card. Under the FICO model, this is a score of 670 or higher. If you need to, take some time to improve your credit score before you submit your application.
What credit bureau does Wells Fargo check?
Wells Fargo may pull your credit report from any of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian or TransUnion) to assess your creditworthiness. It will look at factors such as your credit utilization, history of on-time payments, length of credit history and recent hard credit inquiries to help decide whether or not to approve your application.
How many Wells Fargo credit cards can you have?
Wells Fargo doesn’t set a maximum number of credit cards you can have, but the terms and conditions on several cards state that it may limit how many Wells Fargo card accounts you have open. Also, consumers who have opened a Wells Fargo credit card in the past six months may be declined.
How to get a Wells Fargo credit card limit increase
You can request a credit limit increase on a Wells Fargo credit card by calling 800-642-4720. This is the general Wells Fargo credit card customer service number, but you can also call the number on the back of your card.
Before you do this, you should know your existing credit limit (the total amount you’re allowed to charge to your card) and be prepared to discuss how much of an increase you’re requesting. You’ll want to give the representative any new information that might help you get a credit limit increase — for example, if your credit score recently improved or if you got a raise or a higher-paying job.
Wells Fargo will look at these factors and others, such as the age of your account and history of on-time payments, when deciding on whether to increase your limit. Be aware that this may result in a hard credit pull, so make sure you ask the representative what kind of credit inquiry they’ll do. A hard inquiry can cause your credit score to dip slightly, but a soft inquiry will not.
If you’re approved for a higher credit limit, your credit score could increase because you could see a lower credit utilization ratio (how much of your credit limit you’re using versus how much is available to you), and this is one of the factors that affects your credit score. A higher limit could also free up room on your card if you have a large purchase to make — but, as with any credit card, you shouldn’t spend more than you can afford to pay back.
Methodology
Our money and data analytics teams analyzed all of the Wells Fargo credit cards currently available to new applicants. We gave each card a star rating out of five, based on the following factors and our editorial judgment:
Introductory 0% APR (30%)
Many Wells Fargo credit cards offer a 0% intro APR for a set period of time after you open the account. Cards with longer introductory periods scored higher here, as did cards that offer a 0% interest rate on both purchases and balance transfers.
Benefits (20%)
We scored this category by looking at each card’s perks, including cell phone protection, purchase protection and travel insurance.
Sign-up bonus value (15%)
Some Wells Fargo credit cards offer a welcome bonus of cash rewards or points after you meet a spending requirement in a specific timeframe. We used valuations from travel site The Points Guy to calculate the value of each bonus, and ranked cards that offer a bigger return higher.
Rewards value (15%)
Using spending data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and estimates of rewards values from The Points Guy, we did the math to determine which cards offer the most value.
Select fees (15%)
We considered each card’s annual fee along with whether it charges foreign transaction fees, giving higher grades in this category to cards that don’t charge either.
Annual credits/bonuses (5%)
Credit cards that come with annual points bonuses or extras such as a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fee credit got a boost in this category.
What didn’t make the cut
- Specialty credit cards: Wells Fargo partners with retailers and organizations to issue co-branded cards such as the Dillard’s Credit Card and the American Gem Society Credit Card. Other more niche cards include the Wells Fargo Health Advantage® Card and the Wells Fargo Home Projects® card. These cards only appeal to a narrow range of customers, so they’re not included on our list.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
The Wells Fargo credit card customer service number is 800-642-4720. It’s open 24 hours a day.
Wells Fargo isn’t currently accepting applications for business credit cards. However, on the small business section of its website, it says a new Wells Fargo business credit card is coming soon. If you have an older Wells Fargo Visa® Business Credit Card, it will be converted to a Signify Business Essential Mastercard® Business Credit Card in March 2024.
You can cancel your credit card by calling 800-642-4720 or the number on the back of your card. It’s not possible to cancel your card online. Before you close your credit card, carefully consider your reasons for doing so. Canceling a credit card can hurt your credit score by decreasing the average age of your credit accounts and increasing your credit utilization ratio, since you’ll have less credit available to you. Sometimes changing to a different card product that better suits your needs is a better solution.
The easiest way to make a payment on your Wells Fargo credit card is through your online account or Wells Fargo’s mobile app. To avoid forgetting about payment due dates, you can set up automatic payments. Other options include calling the number on the back of your card to pay through Wells Fargo’s automated system or making your payment at a Wells Fargo ATM.
Wells Fargo does not offer secured or student credit cards for new applicants. However, several other banks do — you can learn more about your options in our guides to the best student credit cards and best credit cards for bad credit.
*The information for the following card(s) has been collected independently by CNN Underscored Money: Choice Privileges® Mastercard® * The information for the Choice Privileges® Mastercard® has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. , and Choice Privileges® Select Mastercard® * The information for the Choice Privileges® Select Mastercard® has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. . The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines, hotel chain, or other commercial entity and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of such entities.
This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended and should not be understood to constitute financial, investment, insurance or legal advice. All individuals are encouraged to seek advice from a qualified financial professional before making any financial, insurance or investment decisions.
Note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed or may no longer be available.
