Wells Fargo personal loans: 2024 Review

Where Wells Fargo personal loans fall short 

• New customers cannot apply: If you are not currently a customer with Wells Fargo, you won't qualify. You need an open Wells Fargo account that’s at least 12 months to be eligible for a personal loan. 
• Qualification details aren’t specific: The Wells Fargo website doesn’t list its minimum requirements for approval. Interested applicants must prequalify to see if it’s worth filling out a full application.
• Branches aren’t located in every state: Fourteen U.S. states and Washington  D.C. don’t have a Wells Fargo branch. You cannot apply for or manage your loan in person in Hawaii, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Hampshire, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Vermont and West Virginia.

Wells Fargo customer experience 

Customer support 

You can contact the the personal loans customer service team at Wells Fargo by phone or by visiting a local branch. If you plan to visit a local branch, it’s a good idea to make an appointment.

The customer support phone numbers and hours differ depending on the product you're asking about.

Digital experience 

Existing members can apply and check their rates online. Wells Fargo also provides a mobile app — the Wells Fargo app. The Google Play store gives the app a 4.8 of 5 rating and the Apple store boasts a similar 4.9 of 5 rating. 

However, Wells Fargo’s website doesn’t offer as many resources or as much information about its products as some online lenders’ sites do. The bank’s strength is in its extensive network of branches where those who want in-person support can receive it.

What people are saying about Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo has a poor reputation among the national banks due to repeated violations of consumer financial protection laws. 

In 2016, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) fined the bank $100 million after discovering the bank's employees had opened fraudulent accounts on behalf of customers, often to meet a sales quota. Since then, the CFPB has reported additional unethical or fraudulent practices from the bank and has required redress to millions of harmed customers. 

The overwhelming majority of online Wells Fargo reviews are negative. Current and previous customers often cite customer service difficulties and distrust due to the multiple lawsuits. While review website Trustpilot doesn’t have a separate page for Wells Fargo’s personal loans, the bank as a whole has a rating of just 1.3 out of 5 stars after 1,125 reviews.

There are a few positive anecdotes sprinkled across the internet. "I've had WF [Wells Fargo] for checking for 15 years and I honestly have no complaints," reads a 2023 Reddit comment. "The mobile app is really good and one of my favorite things about using them. They also have ATM kiosks everywhere."

Do you qualify for a Wells Fargo personal loan? 

Borrowers need a Wells Fargo account that is at least 12 months old.

When you apply you will need to provide some basic information, like your name, date of birth, and social security number. The website doesn't list specifics, but it does detail that you'll need to report your employment status, income, desired terms and reason for taking out the loan.

Once you provide all of these details, you may need to send additional documents. 

Once you apply, the lender will check your credit. Applicants often get a quick credit decision within the same day they apply. Once you submit your application you can follow its progress online by providing your email address. If approved, you'll receive information on how to receive the funds. 

How to apply for a personal loan with Wells Fargo

1. Get a quote 

You can apply online, via phone or in person at a local branch. However, only pre-existing Wells Fargo account holders can apply online or by phone. Those who don't have an open account with the bank will need to apply in-person at one of its brick-and-mortar locations.  

When you apply you will need to provide some basic information, like your name, date of birth, and social security number. You will also need to give information about your employment status and income

2. Add information and finalize your application

Go into the application knowing exactly what you need. You'll be asked for details about the loan you're applying for, including the desired term, amount and reason for the loan.

Once you provide all of these details, you may need to provide additional documents. These may include:

• Recent pay stubs, W2s, or tax returns
• Utility bills (used to verify your address)
• Copy of your driver’s license, Social Security card or Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN)
• IRS Form 4506C
• Power of Attorney
• Applicant employment and income authorization form

3. Review the loan details 

Once you apply, the lender will check your credit and applicants often get a quick credit decision within the same day they apply. Once you submit your application you can follow its progress online by providing your email address.

Take the time to read through the loan agreement entirely before signing. Look specifically for hidden fees or costs that could add to your overall monthly payment and make sure the loan details are correct.

Your funds will be deposited into your Wells Fargo account the same day you sign the loan agreement.

Methodology

Editorial disclosure: All reviews are prepared by Bankrate.com staff. Opinions expressed therein are solely those of the reviewer and have not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. The information, including rates and fees, presented in the review is accurate as of the date of the review. Check the data at the top of this page and the lender’s website for the most current information.