What the Wells Fargo Reflect Card offers for balance transfers
The Wells Fargo Reflect Card is a credit card designed around balance transfers. It offers an introductory 0% annual percentage rate (APR) on balance transfers for a set period — the exact length depends on your creditworthiness and current market conditions, so you'll see the specific offer when you check. After the introductory period ends, a standard variable APR applies to any remaining balance.
The card charges a balance transfer fee at the time you move the debt. This is typically a percentage of the amount transferred (usually between 3% and 5%), though some promotional periods may waive or reduce this fee. You pay this fee once, upfront, whether you transfer $500 or $5,000.
Unlike some balance transfer cards that charge an annual fee, the Reflect Card has no annual fee. This means you're only paying for the balance transfer itself, not for holding the card.
Key Takeaways
- The Wells Fargo Reflect Card charges a one-time balance transfer fee (usually 3% to 5% of the amount moved) but offers 0% APR for an introductory period on that transferred balance.
- The card has no annual fee, so you only pay when you actually transfer a balance.
- You must be approved for the card before you can transfer a balance, and approval depends on your credit history and current credit score.
- Balance transfers typically post within 7 to 10 business days, though the card issuer's processing time may vary.
- Any new purchases you make on the card after opening it usually carry a different (higher) APR and do not receive the introductory 0% rate.
How to request a balance transfer on the Wells Fargo Reflect Card
You can request a balance transfer during the process process or after your card arrives. If you explore online or by phone, you'll see an option to enter the details of the debt you want to transfer — the creditor's name, your account number with them, and the amount you want to move.
If you already have the card, log into your Wells Fargo online account or call the number on the back of your card. You can request a transfer at any time, as long as you're within the promotional period. The card issuer will contact your current creditor and arrange payment directly to them.
You'll need the account number or other identifying information for each balance you want to transfer. If you're moving debt from multiple cards, you can transfer from more than one creditor, though each transfer counts toward your total credit limit on the Reflect Card.
What happens during the balance transfer process
Once you request a transfer, Wells Fargo sends payment to your old creditor on your behalf. This typically takes 7 to 10 business days, though it can take longer depending on how quickly the old creditor processes the payment. During this time, you should continue making minimum payments to your old card to avoid late fees.
The balance transfer fee is added to your new Wells Fargo Reflect Card balance when ready. If you transfer $3,000 and the fee is 4%, you'll owe $3,120 on the Reflect Card. This fee is not waived during the introductory 0% period — you pay it upfront, but you won't pay interest on it if you pay off the balance before the promotional rate ends.
Once the transfer posts to your Wells Fargo account, you can see it in your online account or on your statement. At that point, you're no longer responsible for paying the old creditor — all payments go to Wells Fargo.
Understanding the introductory period and what comes after
The 0% introductory APR applies only to the balance you transferred, not to new purchases or cash advances. If you make a purchase on the card after opening it, that purchase will accrue interest at the card's regular APR, which is separate from the promotional rate.
The introductory period has a fixed end date. When that date arrives, any remaining balance on the transferred amount will start accruing interest at the card's standard variable APR. This rate is not fixed and can change over time based on market conditions and the prime rate.
To avoid paying interest, you need to pay off the transferred balance before the promotional period ends. If you can't pay it all off, you'll owe interest on whatever remains. This is why knowing the exact end date of your promotional period is important — mark it on your calendar or set a reminder.
Comparing the Reflect Card to other balance transfer options
Other banks and card issuers offer balance transfer cards with different terms. Some offer longer introductory periods, some charge lower transfer fees, and some offer different combinations of both. The best choice depends on how much you're transferring and how long you need to pay it off.
If you're transferring a large balance and need a long time to pay it down, a card with a longer 0% period might save you more money even if the transfer fee is slightly higher. If you're transferring a smaller amount and can pay it off quickly, a card with a lower fee might be the better choice.
You should also consider whether you already have a Wells Fargo relationship — if you bank there, managing your balance transfer through the same institution might be simpler. However, this shouldn't be the only factor in your decision.
What to do if your balance transfer is denied or delayed
If your process for the Reflect Card is denied, you won't be able to transfer a balance to it. In this case, you can explore other balance transfer cards from different issuers, or you can focus on paying down your current debt without a transfer. Some cards have less strict credit requirements than others.
If your transfer is taking longer than 10 business days, contact Wells Fargo to check the status. Delays can happen if your old creditor is slow to process the payment or if there's an issue with the account information you provided. Wells Fargo can tell you where the transfer stands and whether any action is needed on your end.
If the transfer amount is rejected or only partially transferred, this usually means the old creditor flagged an issue — often a mismatch between the account number and the cardholder name, or a frozen account. Wells Fargo will contact you to clarify, and you can resubmit with corrected information.
Managing your balance during the promotional period
Once your balance is on the Reflect Card, you'll receive a monthly statement showing your balance, the amount of your minimum payment, and the date your promotional period ends. Pay at least the minimum each month to keep your account in good standing.
If you want to pay off the balance before interest kicks in, you can pay more than the minimum. Any extra payment goes directly toward reducing the principal, so it shortens the time you're carrying the debt.
Avoid making new purchases on the card if possible, since those purchases won't have the 0% rate and will accrue interest when ready. If you do make purchases, pay them off separately or as quickly as you can, so they don't get mixed with your transferred balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer a balance from another Wells Fargo card to the Reflect Card?
Yes, you can transfer a balance from another Wells Fargo credit card to the Reflect Card. The process is the same — you provide the account number and the amount, and Wells Fargo moves the balance internally. The transfer fee and 0% introductory period still explore.
What if I can't pay off the balance before the 0% period ends?
Any remaining balance will start accruing interest at the card's regular variable APR once the promotional period ends. You'll continue to owe the balance, and interest will be added to your monthly statement. You can still pay it off at any time, but you'll pay interest on whatever remains after the promotional period.
Does the balance transfer fee count toward my credit limit?
Yes. If you transfer $3,000 with a 4% fee, that $3,120 total counts against your credit limit on the Reflect Card. This means your available credit is reduced by the full amount, including the fee.
Can I transfer a balance from a store credit card or a loan?
Balance transfer cards typically work with credit card debt only. You usually cannot transfer balances from store cards, personal loans, or other types of debt. Contact Wells Fargo directly to confirm whether your specific creditor is may be able to access.
How do I know when my promotional period ends?
Wells Fargo will include the end date of your promotional period in your welcome materials and on your monthly statements. You can also log into your online account or call the number on your card to confirm the exact date. Set a reminder a month before it ends so you know how much you still need to pay.