Wells Fargo Platinum card

The Wells Fargo Platinum card is meant for those with existing debt or those looking to pay off a large purchase. Maybe, you are currently juggling multiple cards with balances and are looking to consolidate your debt and reduce your monthly payment. Or, perhaps, you just moved house and need a card to help spread out some of the moving expenses.

With no rewards structure or welcome offer, you’ll find that most of the value of this card lies in its introductory APR offer.

Here are the details:

You’ll receive an 18-month, 0% introductory APR offer on purchases and on qualifying balance transfers (15.49% – 24.99% variable thereafter). You won’t be charged an annual fee, and the high APR post-offer will (hopefully) deter you from acquiring any more debt.

It’s important to note that you’ll be charged a 3% balance transfer fee ($5 minimum) on any sum transferred within your first 120 days of card ownership. After 120 days, you’ll be charged a 5% fee ($5 minimum).

If you have good to excellent credit, there are better 0% interest card options out there that will earn you a decent bit of rewards. For example, a no annual fee card like the Capital One® Quicksilver® Cash Rewards Credit Card will earn you an unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, along with a 15-month 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers (15.49%-25.49% variable thereafter). However, if you’re trying to maximize the amount of time you have to pay down your debt, then the Wells Fargo Platinum is still worth considering.

Is this card right for you?

This card is meant for those looking to pay off existing debt. If you think you can do so within the given time window, the Wells Fargo Platinum is a fine choice. If you need more time to pay off your balance, we suggest the Citi Simplicity® Card, which offers a 0% introductory APR on balance transfers for 21 months (then 14.74% – 24.74% variable APR).

Other than a few bonus perks, this card is pretty bare bone. You’ll receive cell phone coverage (when paying your cellphone bill with the card, a deductible applies), travel accident insurance, roadside dispatch and more. Try not to use this card for international travel, though, seeing as it charges a 3% foreign transaction fee.

How to use this card

Considering there’s no rewards structure with this card, its primary use for you will most likely be to pay off debt or a large purchase. Use its 0% introductory APR on qualifying balance transfers for 18 months (15.49% – 24.99% variable thereafter) to pay off whatever you owe without accruing interest.

Say you’re $2,000 in debt, for example. You could pay around $112 a month for 18 months on qualifying balance transfers to completely wipe out your debt without paying a dime in interest. Keep in mind you’ll still owe a 3% balance transfer fee on your $2,000 debt, equal to $60. If you fail to complete your balance transfer within 120 days, you’ll owe a 5% fee, equal to $100.

If you’re interested in accessing your FICO® Credit Score, you can do so for free through Wells Fargo Online®. From there, you can access the My Money Map financial management and budgeting tool to check your score.

The card also comes with account protection features like Zero Liability protection for unauthorized transactions. You’ll be notified via email or text when Wells Fargo detects any suspicious activity.

By paying for your cell phone bill with the Wells Fargo Platinum, you’re eligible to receive up to $600 per claim (less $25 deductible) in cell phone protection from damage or theft. To file a claim, you must do so within sixty days of the incident and notify the Benefits Administrator. For more information, click here.

The bottom line

If you’re looking for a long introductory APR period to dwindle your debt, the Wells Fargo Platinum is a decent choice. Just keep in mind the balance transfer fee will increase after 120 days.

If you’re interested in finding a credit card that offers an introductory balance transfer offer and also has a compelling rewards structure, we think that the Capital One® Quicksilver® Cash Rewards Credit Card is a great option that you will want to keep in your wallet after your balance transfer is paid off.