What Wells Fargo credit cards are and who offers them

Wells Fargo issues several credit cards under its own brand, each designed for different spending patterns and credit histories. The bank offers cards for everyday purchases, travel rewards, cash back, and customers rebuilding credit. You open a Wells Fargo credit card directly through the bank — either online, by phone, or in a branch — and the card is issued by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

The specific card you can open depends on your credit score and financial history. Wells Fargo publishes the credit range each card typically requires, though the bank makes the final decision based on your full process. Unlike some issuers, Wells Fargo does not partner with other companies to issue cards under different brand names; all Wells Fargo credit cards come directly from the bank.

Key Takeaways

  • Wells Fargo credit cards are issued by Wells Fargo Bank and opened through the bank's website, phone line, or branches.
  • Different cards target different credit scores and spending habits — cash back cards, travel rewards cards, and cards for rebuilding credit are all available.
  • You can check whether you meet the credit range for a card before you formally explore, and the bank will tell you the decision within minutes of submitting your process.
  • Once approved, your card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days, and you can use it when ready online if you set up your account before it arrives.
  • Your Wells Fargo credit card account integrates with your existing Wells Fargo checking or savings account if you have one, but you can open a credit card without holding other accounts.

Types of Wells Fargo credit cards and what each one offers

Wells Fargo's current lineup includes the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card (flat cash back on all purchases), the Wells Fargo Propel American Express Card (bonus categories for travel and dining), the Wells Fargo Autograph Card (travel and dining rewards), and the Wells Fargo Secured Card (for customers with limited or damaged credit history). The bank periodically adds or retires cards, so the exact options available when you visit may differ from this list.

Each card has different annual fees, rewards rates, and credit requirements. The Active Cash Card and Propel Card typically require good credit. The Autograph Card targets customers with excellent credit and offers premium travel benefits. The Secured Card is designed for people rebuilding credit and requires a cash deposit that becomes your credit limit.

You can review the terms, annual fee, rewards structure, and credit range for each card on Wells Fargo's website before you explore. The bank shows you whether you are likely to meet the credit requirements for each card based on your credit profile.

How to open a Wells Fargo credit card online

Start at wellsfargo.com and navigate to the credit cards section. Select the card that matches your needs and click the button to begin the process. Wells Fargo will ask for your Social Security number, date of birth, income, employment status, and housing information. You will also provide your contact details and confirm your identity.

The process takes about 10 minutes. Once you submit it, Wells Fargo reviews your information and gives you a decision — usually within minutes, though some applications may take up to 24 hours. If you are approved, you will see your credit limit and card details on screen. If you are denied, the bank explains the reason and may suggest a different card you could open instead.

After approval, your card ships within 7 to 10 business days. You can set up your online account and add the card to your Wells Fargo mobile app before the physical card arrives, which lets you use it for online and mobile payments when ready.

Opening a Wells Fargo credit card by phone or in a branch

You can also open a Wells Fargo credit card by calling 1-800-869-3557 (the number for new credit card applications) or by visiting a Wells Fargo branch in person. A representative will walk you through the process over the phone or at the branch desk, asking the same questions as the online form.

In-branch applications have one advantage: if you already have a Wells Fargo checking or savings account, the representative can link your new credit card to that account when ready, so you can see all your accounts in one place online. Phone applications move quickly and do not require you to travel, but you will still need to wait for the physical card to arrive by mail.

Whether you explore online, by phone, or in branch, the approval timeline and card arrival time are the same. Choose the method that fits your schedule.

What happens after your card is approved

Once approved, you will receive your physical card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. The card arrives with a PIN (personal identification number) for ATM withdrawals, though you do not need to set up the card before using it — it is active as soon as it arrives. You can begin using it for purchases when ready.

Set up your online account at wellsfargo.com if you have not already. Log in with your Social Security number and create a username and password. From your online account, you can view your balance, make payments, set up automatic payments, review transactions, and manage your rewards. You can also add your card to your Wells Fargo mobile app for quick access and mobile payments.

Your first billing statement arrives about 30 days after your first purchase. The statement shows your balance, minimum payment due, and due date. You can pay online, by phone, by mail, or through automatic payment from your Wells Fargo checking account.

Understanding your Wells Fargo credit card statement and payments

Your monthly statement lists every purchase, any fees, interest charges (if you carried a balance), and rewards earned. The statement shows your current balance, minimum payment due, and the date payment is due — usually 21 to 25 days after the statement closes. If you pay the full balance by the due date, you pay no interest. If you pay only the minimum, interest accrues on the remaining balance at the card's annual percentage rate (APR).

You can pay your bill online through your Wells Fargo account, by phone at 1-800-869-3557, by mail (the address is on your statement), or by setting up automatic payment from your checking account. Automatic payment is the easiest way to avoid late fees — you choose whether to pay the full balance or the minimum each month, and Wells Fargo deducts it automatically on your due date.

Late payments damage your credit score and trigger a late fee. If you miss a payment by 30 days or more, Wells Fargo reports it to the credit bureaus. If you are having trouble making a payment, contact Wells Fargo before your due date to discuss options.

Rewards, fees, and how to maximize your card

Rewards vary by card. The Active Cash Card earns a flat percentage back on all purchases (the exact rate depends on the current offer). The Propel Card earns higher rewards in specific categories like travel, dining, and transit, and a lower rate on other purchases. The Autograph Card offers similar category bonuses plus travel protections and perks.

Most Wells Fargo credit cards charge an annual fee, though some cards waive the fee for the first year or do not charge one at all. Check your card's terms to know what you owe each year. The Secured Card has an annual fee as well, but it is typically lower than unsecured cards.

Rewards are deposited into your account as cash or points, depending on your card. You can redeem them for statement credits, cash back to your bank account, or (on some cards) travel bookings or merchandise. Rewards do not expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get approved for a Wells Fargo credit card?

Most applications are approved or denied within minutes of submission. Some applications may take up to 24 hours if Wells Fargo needs additional information. Once approved, your physical card arrives within 7 to 10 business days, but you can use it online when ready if you set up your account before the card arrives.

Can I open a Wells Fargo credit card if I do not have a Wells Fargo checking account?

Yes. You do not need to hold any other Wells Fargo accounts to open a credit card. However, if you already have a checking or savings account with Wells Fargo, linking your new credit card to that account makes it easier to manage all your accounts in one place and set up automatic payments.

What is the Wells Fargo Secured Card and who should open one?

The Secured Card is designed for people with limited credit history or credit scores that do not meet the requirements for other Wells Fargo cards. You deposit cash with Wells Fargo, and that deposit becomes your credit limit. As you use the card responsibly and make on-time payments, you build credit history. After 12 to 18 months of good payment history, you may be able to convert to an unsecured card and get your deposit back.

What should I do if I forget my Wells Fargo credit card PIN?

You can reset your PIN online through your Wells Fargo account, by calling 1-800-869-3557, or by visiting a Wells Fargo branch. You will need to verify your identity. A new PIN is issued when ready online or by phone, or you can set a new one at the branch.

Can I transfer a balance from another credit card to my Wells Fargo card?

Some Wells Fargo credit cards offer balance transfer options, though not all do. Check your card's terms or log into your account to see if balance transfers are available. If they are, you can request a transfer online or by phone. Balance transfers typically carry a fee (usually 3 to 5 percent of the amount transferred) and may have a different APR than regular purchases.