Wells Fargo balance transfer cards and how they work
Wells Fargo offers balance transfer options through two main credit cards: the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card and the Wells Fargo Reflect Card. The Reflect Card is designed specifically for balance transfers, with an introductory 0% APR period on transfers for 21 months (as of the most recent terms). The Active Cash Card also accepts balance transfers but with a shorter 0% intro period of 12 months.
A balance transfer moves debt from one card or loan to a Wells Fargo card, usually to take advantage of a lower or zero interest rate for a set period. You pay a balance transfer fee — typically 3% of the amount transferred — upfront or added to your new balance. During the intro period, interest does not accrue on the transferred balance, but regular purchases on the card may have a different rate.
The process begins when you open a Wells Fargo card and request a balance transfer, either during process or shortly after. You provide the account details of the card or loan you want to pay off, and Wells Fargo sends the payment directly to that creditor. The transferred amount then appears as a balance on your new Wells Fargo card.
Key Takeaways
- Wells Fargo's Reflect Card offers 21 months of 0% APR on balance transfers, making it the longest intro period the bank currently advertises for this purpose.
- Balance transfer fees at Wells Fargo are 3% of the amount transferred, charged upfront or rolled into your balance.
- Interest rates after the intro period ends vary by creditworthiness and current market conditions, so you should know your credit score before explore.
- You must pay off the transferred balance during the 0% period to avoid paying interest on the remaining amount at the standard rate.
Intro period length and what happens when it ends
The Reflect Card's 21-month 0% APR on transfers is longer than most competitors offer, but the clock starts when you open the account, not when you make the transfer. If you wait several weeks to request the transfer, you lose that time from your interest-free window.
When the intro period ends, any remaining balance on the transferred amount begins accruing interest at the card's standard purchase APR. This rate is not fixed and depends on your credit score, income, and current market rates. Wells Fargo does not publish a single APR; instead, it publishes a range (for example, 18.99% to 28.99%), and your actual rate falls somewhere in that range based on your creditworthiness.
The math matters here: if you transfer $5,000 and pay $238 per month, you will pay off the balance in about 21 months, assuming no new purchases. If you pay less — say $150 per month — you will still owe roughly $1,850 when the intro period ends, and that remaining balance will accrue interest at the standard rate.
Balance transfer fees and total cost calculation
Wells Fargo charges 3% of the transferred amount as a balance transfer fee. On a $5,000 transfer, that is $150. On a $10,000 transfer, it is $300. This fee is non-negotiable and applies to all transfers, regardless of your credit score or account history.
The fee can be paid upfront or added to your balance. If added to your balance, it becomes part of what you owe during the 0% intro period, so it does not accrue interest — but you still need to pay it off before the intro period ends to avoid interest charges.
To decide whether a balance transfer makes sense, compare the fee plus any interest you would pay at your current card's rate against the savings from the 0% intro period. If you currently owe $5,000 at 22% APR and can transfer it to the Reflect Card at 0% for 21 months, you save roughly $1,925 in interest over that period — far more than the $150 fee.
Credit score requirements and approval odds
Wells Fargo does not publish a minimum credit score for the Reflect Card, but the bank typically approves applicants with good to excellent credit (670 and above). If your score is lower, you may still be approved, but at a higher APR after the intro period ends, or you may be declined.
You can check your approval odds before explore by using Wells Fargo's pre-qualification tool on its website. This tool does a soft inquiry, which does not affect your credit score, and tells you whether you are likely to be approved and at what APR range.
Hard inquiries (the formal process) do lower your score by a few points, usually temporarily. If you are denied, you can reapply after 30 days, but multiple applications in a short window can hurt your score further.
How to request a balance transfer with Wells Fargo
You can request a balance transfer during the online process for the Reflect Card or Active Cash Card, or after your account opens. If you explore online, you will see an option to add a balance transfer request before submitting your process. If you already have a Wells Fargo card, you can log into your account and request a transfer from the "Transfers" or "Manage Your Card" section.
You will need the account number of the card or loan you want to pay off, the creditor's name, and the amount you want to transfer. Wells Fargo will contact the other creditor directly to arrange payment. The transfer typically posts within 7 to 14 days, though some creditors take longer to process the payment.
During this time, continue making minimum payments on your old card to avoid late fees or damage to your credit score. Once the transfer posts to your Wells Fargo account, you can stop paying the old card (though you should keep the account open to preserve your credit history).
Comparing Wells Fargo to other balance transfer options
The Reflect Card's 21-month 0% intro period is competitive but not unique. Other banks offer similar or longer periods: the Citi Simplicity Card offers 21 months, and the Chase Slate Edge offers 21 months as well. Some cards offer shorter periods (12 to 18 months) but lower or no balance transfer fees.
Wells Fargo's 3% fee is standard across the industry. Most major issuers charge 2% to 5%, with 3% being the most common. A few cards charge no balance transfer fee, but they typically offer shorter intro periods or higher APRs after the intro ends.
If you have an existing Wells Fargo relationship or prefer to consolidate accounts with one bank, the Reflect Card is a straightforward option. If you are shopping purely for the best terms, compare the intro period length, the fee, and the post-intro APR range across at least three cards before deciding.
What to avoid when using a Wells Fargo balance transfer
The most common mistake is making new purchases on the card during the intro period. New purchases typically have a different APR (not 0%) and start accruing interest when ready. If you make a $2,000 purchase on a card with a $5,000 balance transfer, you now owe $7,000 total, and the purchase portion is charging interest while the transfer portion is not.
Another mistake is paying only the minimum each month. The minimum payment usually covers only interest and a small portion of principal. If you pay only the minimum on a $5,000 transfer, you will still owe several thousand dollars when the intro period ends, and that remaining balance will accrue interest at the standard rate.
A third mistake is closing your old card when ready after the transfer posts. Closing an old account lowers your available credit and can hurt your credit score. Keep the old card open and unused, or use it occasionally for small purchases you pay off in full each month.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer a balance from another Wells Fargo card to the Reflect Card?
Yes. You can transfer a balance from a Wells Fargo credit card to the Reflect Card. The same 3% fee and 21-month 0% intro period explore. This can be useful if you have an older Wells Fargo card with a higher APR and want to consolidate onto a card with a longer interest-free period.
What happens if I miss a payment during the intro period?
Missing a payment can end your 0% intro period early, and the remaining balance will begin accruing interest at the standard APR when ready. You will also face a late fee (typically $25 to $40) and a mark on your credit report. Set up automatic payments or calendar reminders to avoid this.
Can I do another balance transfer to a different Wells Fargo card after the intro period ends?
Technically yes, but it is not a reliable strategy. You would need to open a new card, pay another 3% balance transfer fee, and meet the approval requirements again. Your credit score may have changed, and the new card's terms may be different. This approach can also damage your credit score through multiple hard inquiries.
Does Wells Fargo offer 0% APR on purchases as well as transfers?
The Reflect Card offers 0% APR only on balance transfers, not on new purchases. The Active Cash Card offers a shorter 0% intro period on transfers (12 months) but also does not include a 0% purchase period. If you need 0% on purchases, you would need to look at other issuers' cards.
How long does it take for a balance transfer to show up on my Wells Fargo account?
Most transfers post within 7 to 14 days, but some creditors take up to 21 days to process the payment. You can check the status of your transfer by logging into your Wells Fargo account or calling customer service. Until the transfer posts, you are still responsible for payments to your old creditor.