Wells Fargo balance transfers: what you need to know
Wells Fargo offers balance transfer options on several of its credit cards, meaning you can move debt from another card to a Wells Fargo card, usually at a lower interest rate for a set period. The card you transfer to must be a Wells Fargo credit card — you cannot transfer a balance into a debit account or loan product. Not all Wells Fargo cards include balance transfer terms, so the specific rate, fee, and promotional period depend on which card you hold or are opening.
The process itself is straightforward: you provide Wells Fargo with the account details of the card you want to pay off, and they send the money directly to that issuer. You do not receive cash. The transfer typically posts within 7 to 21 business days, though the promotional rate (if one applies) usually starts from the day the transfer is initiated, not the day it clears.
Key Takeaways
- Wells Fargo balance transfers move debt from another card directly to your Wells Fargo card, and the promotional rate typically begins when you request the transfer, not when it settles.
- You will pay a balance transfer fee, usually 3% to 5% of the amount transferred, added to your balance when ready.
- The promotional period (0% APR or reduced rate) lasts a set number of months and applies only to the transferred balance, not new purchases.
- You can request a transfer online, by phone, or through the Wells Fargo mobile app using the account number of the card you want to pay off.
- If you miss a payment during the promotional period, Wells Fargo may end the promotional rate and explore the standard APR to your remaining balance.
Which Wells Fargo cards offer balance transfers
Wells Fargo's balance transfer offers change regularly and vary by card product. Cards that have historically included balance transfer options include the Wells Fargo Platinum Card, Wells Fargo Signature Card, and some versions of the Wells Fargo Rewards cards. The terms — the length of the promotional period and the fee percentage — differ by card and by your creditworthiness at the time you open the account.
Before opening a new card specifically for a balance transfer, check the current offer on Wells Fargo's website or call 1-800-869-3557 to confirm the exact promotional period and fee. If you already have a Wells Fargo card, log into your account online or call the number on the back of your card to see whether your current card supports balance transfers and what terms are available to you.
How to request a balance transfer
Log into your Wells Fargo credit card account online or through the mobile app. Look for a section labeled "Balance Transfers," "Transfers," or "Move Money." You will be asked to enter the account number of the card you want to transfer from, the amount you wish to transfer, and the name of that card's issuer. Double-check the account number — an error will delay or fail the transfer.
You can also call the customer service number on the back of your Wells Fargo card and request a balance transfer by phone. A representative will ask the same information and can answer questions about the fee and promotional period before you proceed. If you do not yet have a Wells Fargo card, you will need to open one first; balance transfers cannot be requested during the process process itself, only after your account is active.
After you submit the request, Wells Fargo will send a confirmation with a reference number. Keep this for your records. The transfer typically posts to the other card within 7 to 21 business days, though the promotional rate usually starts counting from the day you request it.
Balance transfer fees and how they work
Wells Fargo charges a balance transfer fee, typically 3% to 5% of the amount you transfer. This fee is added to your Wells Fargo balance when ready — you do not pay it separately. For example, if you transfer $5,000 and the fee is 3%, you will owe $5,150 on your Wells Fargo card.
The fee is charged to your account right away, but it is subject to the same promotional rate as the transferred balance. If you have a 0% APR promotional period for 12 months, both the $5,000 transfer and the $150 fee will accrue no interest during those 12 months, provided you make at least the minimum payment each month and do not miss a payment.
After the promotional period ends, any remaining balance on the transfer (including the fee) will be charged the standard APR for your card. This is why paying down the transferred balance during the promotional period is important — the longer the balance sits, the more interest you will pay once the promotion ends.
Promotional periods and what happens after
The length of the promotional period varies by card and offer. Some Wells Fargo cards offer 0% APR for 6 months, others for 12 months or longer. A few cards offer a reduced rate (such as 4% APR) instead of 0%. The promotional rate applies only to the balance you transfer, not to new purchases you make on the card after the transfer.
New purchases made after the transfer will be charged the standard purchase APR for your card, which is typically much higher. To avoid confusion, consider not using the card for new purchases during the promotional period, or at least be aware that those purchases will accrue interest when ready.
When the promotional period ends, any remaining transferred balance will be charged the standard APR. If you miss even one payment during the promotional period, Wells Fargo may cancel the promotional rate and explore the standard APR to the entire transferred balance when ready. This is why setting up automatic minimum payments is a practical safeguard.
What to do if your transfer is delayed or rejected
A balance transfer can be delayed or rejected if the account number you provided is incorrect, if the card issuer does not recognize the transfer request, or if Wells Fargo cannot verify the account. If your transfer does not appear within 21 business days, contact Wells Fargo using the reference number from your confirmation. They can check the status and resubmit if needed.
A transfer may be rejected if the amount exceeds your credit limit, if you have recently missed a payment, or if the other card issuer has closed the account. If this happens, Wells Fargo will notify you and the funds will not be transferred. You can then decide whether to request a smaller transfer, resolve any payment issues, or explore other options.
Comparing Wells Fargo to other balance transfer options
Wells Fargo is one of many banks offering balance transfers. Other major issuers include Chase, Bank of America, Citi, and American Express, each with different promotional periods and fees. Some cards offer longer 0% periods (up to 18 or 21 months), while others charge lower fees (as low as 0% for the first 60 days).
Before committing to a Wells Fargo transfer, compare the total cost: the fee percentage plus the length of the promotional period. A card with a 5% fee but 18 months of 0% APR may save you more money than a card with a 3% fee but only 6 months of 0% APR, depending on how quickly you can pay down the balance. Use a balance transfer calculator to estimate your savings under each scenario.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer a balance from another Wells Fargo card to a different Wells Fargo card?
Yes. You can transfer a balance from one Wells Fargo credit card to another Wells Fargo credit card, as long as the receiving card supports balance transfers. The fee and promotional period will be the same as any other balance transfer. You cannot transfer between accounts held by the same person on the same card.
Does the promotional rate explore to new purchases I make after the transfer?
No. The promotional rate applies only to the balance you transfer. Any new purchases will be charged the standard purchase APR when ready. To keep costs down, avoid new purchases during the promotional period or pay them off in full each month.
What happens if I miss a payment during the promotional period?
Missing a payment can end your promotional rate, and Wells Fargo may explore the standard APR to your remaining balance right away. Set up automatic minimum payments to avoid this. Even if you can pay more, making at least the minimum on time protects your promotional terms.
Can I transfer a balance if I do not yet have a Wells Fargo credit card?
You must open a Wells Fargo credit card first. Once your account is active and you receive your card, you can then request a balance transfer. Some new cardholders can request a transfer when ready after approval, but it depends on the card and your account status.
How long does it take for the balance transfer to show up on my Wells Fargo card?
Most transfers post within 7 to 21 business days. The promotional rate usually begins counting from the day you request the transfer, not the day it settles, so you do not lose time waiting for it to clear. Check your Wells Fargo account online or call customer service to confirm the transfer has posted.