Bankrate expert Garrett Yarbrough strives to make navigating credit cards and credit building smooth sailing for his readers. After regularly featuring his credit card,…
Nouri Zarrugh is a writer and editor for CreditCards.com and Bankrate.com, focusing on product news, guides and reviews. His areas of expertise include credit card strategy,…
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Bottom line
Wells Fargo’s card bursts onto the scene with perhaps the longest 0 percent intro APR period on both purchases and qualifying balance transfers available: up to 21 months, followed by a 14.49 percent to 26.49 percent (variable) APR. Thanks to its potentially low ongoing APR, cellphone protection perk and basic Visa travel perks, the Reflect card also offers a bit more ongoing value than other balance transfer cards may — as long as you always make at least minimum payments on time.
Intro offer is not available to this Wells Fargo credit card
Regular APR
14.49%-26.49% Variable APR
Recommended Credit Score
Good to Excellent
(670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a
person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for.
However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any
financial product.
Wells Fargo Reflect℠ Card Overview
Wells Fargo’s credit card, the Wells Fargo Reflect℠ Card, blows the issuer’s previous balance transfer card — the *Wells Fargo Visa Platinum card — out of the water. The card’s starting intro APR offer is par for the course compared to other balance transfer credit cards, but in a unique twist, you’ll be able to extend your intro APR period by making on-time minimum payments.
That shouldn’t be a problem if you’re trying to pay off your balance as quickly as possible, which means the Wells Fargo Reflect rewards you for simply chipping away at your debt with what may be the two longest intro APR periods available. What’s more, its cellphone protection perk and low-interest 14.49 percent to 26.49 percent (variable) APR energize the Reflect card with solid ongoing value, which is usually the downfall of most cards designed solely for balance transfers.
Although there is a standard intro 3 percent balance transfer fee (5 percent after the first 120 days, $5 minimum), all these features combined may make the Wells Fargo Reflect the best balance transfer credit card on the market today.
What are the advantages and disadvantages?
Pros
Up to 21 months of 0 percent intro APR — the longest zero-interest period for both purchases from account opening and qualifying balance transfers currently available
Ongoing 14.49 percent to 26.49 percent (variable) APR can be quite low compared to many other balance transfer cards
No annual fee
Up to $600 of cellphone protection for eligible theft or damage when using your card to pay your cellphone bill each month (up to $1,200 yearly coverage across two potential claims, minus a $25 deductible)
Cons
No ongoing rewards program or rewards-based welcome bonus
The full up to 21 months of intro APR requires on-time minimum (or greater) payments each month throughout your first 21 months — although this shouldn’t be an issue while trying to settle a balance
Intro 3 percent balance transfer fee ($5 minimum) lasts for 120 days before increasing to 5 percent ($5 minimum)
Purchases abroad incur a 3 percent foreign transaction fee
A deeper look into the current card offer
Quick highlights
Rewards rate: N/A
Welcome offer: N/A
Annual fee: $0
Purchase Intro APR: 0 percent for 18 months from account opening (up to 21 months with on-time minimum payments during the intro period)
Balance Transfer Intro APR: 0 percent for 18 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers (up to 21 months with on-time minimum payments during the intro period)
Regular APR: 14.49 percent to 26.49 percent (variable)
Current welcome offer
The Wells Fargo Reflect card’s default intro offer is a 0 percent APR on purchases from account opening and on qualifying balance transfers for 18 months from account opening (transfers must be made in your first 120 days), but eagle-eyed cardholders that make at least minimum payments on time each month will have their zero-interest periods extended to a chart-topping up to 21 months. What’s more, this offer is followed by a potentially low-interest 14.49 percent to 26.49 percent (variable) APR.
Not many credit cards you’ll find nowadays can shield your balance or upcoming purchases from interest that long — let alone on both purchases and balance transfers. Receiving 18 months away from accruing interest is about average for cards specifically built for balance transfers, but one of the only other cards to surpass that threshold is the U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card with a 20-billing cycle 0 percent intro purchase and balance transfer APR (then 15.99 percent to 25.99 percent, variable APR). The updated Citi Simplicity® Card and Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card now carry a 21-month 0 percent intro balance transfer APR (transfers must be completed within the first four months), but their 0 percent intro purchase APR lasts a mere 12 months (then 16.24 percent to 26.24 percent for the Simplicity and 15.24 percent to 25.24 percent for the Diamond Preferred, both variable APRs).
If you’re looking for the longest break from your snowballing interest possible, then the Wells Fargo Reflect Card may be one of the best options around.
Bankrate insight
If you’re transferring a balance of about $3,333 or lower, the BankAmericard® credit card may have more valuable welcome offers since it provides a 0% intro purchase and balance transfer APR for 18 billing cycles (then 14.49% – 24.49%, variable APR; balance transfers must be made within the first 60 days), plus a $100 statement credit after spending $1,000 on purchases in your first 90 days.
That would cover your 3 percent balance transfer fee ($10 minimum), which could give you a head start on more than half of your first cycle’s payment that the Reflect card wouldn’t, according to our credit card balance transfer calculator.
Other cardholder perks
Balance transfer cards aren’t known for carrying a rich portfolio of benefits outside their zero-interest offers and basics like FICO credit score access or account alerts, but the Wells Fargo Reflect’s cellphone protection perk distinguishes itself enough from the competition.
Cellphone protection
One of the major benefits you’ll find across personal Wells Fargo credit cards is cellphone protection. By paying your cellphone bill with your Reflect card, the phones tied to your bill can be protected against eligible theft or damage for up to $600 per claim — minus a $25 out-of-pocket deductible. You’ll be able to file up to two claims per year for up to $1,200 in annual coverage.
Cellphone protection isn’t the most valuable perk in the credit card world, but it makes a big difference among balance transfer cards since it enhances their long-term value. In fact, the Wells Fargo Reflect’s stellar terms make it the best card with cellphone insurance with a balance transfer offer.
My Wells Fargo Deals
Although the Wells Fargo Reflect doesn’t have its own rewards program, you can log into your account and activate limited-time offers at specific merchants through My Wells Fargo Deals to earn cash back in the form of statement credits. It operates like Chase Offers and other card-linked programs, allowing you to earn up to a small, set amount of cash back at a select participating retailer before the offer cycles out and a new deal takes place.
In the past, we’ve seen offers like 5 percent cash back at Starbucks and 20 percent back on eligible Kindle purchases, but don’t expect to earn mounds of rewards. There are usually very small reward caps (less than $10), but it’s enough to give your Reflect card a bit more purchase value in the long run.
Visa travel benefits
Like the Wells Fargo Platinum did before, the Reflect card carries a few standard-tier Visa Traditional benefits. Outside industry staple features like emergency cash disbursement, card replacement and travel and emergency assistance services, you can get a helping hand away from home with roadside dispatch assistance. The 24/7 pay-per-use service can get you back on the road if you need fuel, towing, a jump start and more — just call 1-800-847-2869.
These benefits are common to most Visa cards and aren’t the most helpful benefits day to day spending, but if you want more substantial network features, there are a few cards with shorter zero-interest periods that may carry cash back programs and Visa Signature or World Elite Mastercard perks.
Rates and fees
The Wells Fargo Reflect is relatively low-cost for a credit card focused on balance transfers. Sometimes balance transfer cards trade intro APR length for a lower ongoing interest rate, like the Chase Slate Edge℠. However, the Reflect card retains its extraordinary up to 21-month 0 percent intro purchase and qualifying balance transfer from account opening APR (18 months without continuous on-time payments) while shifting into a bona fide low-interest credit card afterward. In fact, the low end of its 14.49 percent to 26.49 percent variable APR is well below the current average credit card interest rate.
You won’t have to worry about an annual fee, but there is a 3 percent foreign transaction fee and 3 percent intro balance transfer fee ($5 minimum) to be aware of. Missing a payment due date won’t charge you a penalty APR but you will face an up to $40 late payment fee — which shouldn’t be a problem anyway since that would void your extended intro APR periods. These are standard costs, but be sure to transfer your balance to Wells Fargo during your first 120 days or the balance transfer fee could shoot up to 5 percent ($5 minimum) and you may miss the intro APR altogether.
These rates and fees are a solid security layer, but they don’t make the Reflect the lowest-cost balance transfer card if you need a better safety net. For example, the Discover it® Balance Transfer card offers an 13.49 percent to 24.49 percent variable APR while waiving your foreign transaction fees and penalty APR and first late payment fee (then up to $41).
How the Wells Fargo Reflect compares to other balance transfer cards
With its 0 percent intro APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers from account opening for up to 21-months and low 14.49 percent to 26.49 percent ongoing APR (variable), the Wells Fargo Reflect easily outperforms the majority of zero-interest credit cards available.
Wells Fargo Reflect℠ Card
4.2
Our writers, editors and industry experts score
credit cards based on a variety of factors
including card features, bonus offers
and independent research. Credit card issuers have
no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Intro offer is not available to this Wells Fargo credit card
Rewards rate
N/A
Recommended credit
Good to Excellent(670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a
person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for.
However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any
financial product.
Intro offer is not available to this Citi credit card
Rewards rate
N/A
Recommended credit
Good to Excellent(670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a
person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for.
However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any
financial product.
Intro offer is not available to this U.S. Bank credit card
Rewards rate
N/A
Recommended credit
Good to Excellent(670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a
person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for.
However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any
financial product.
Wells Fargo Reflect vs. Citi Simplicity® Card
The Citi Simplicity Card has long reigned as one of the top balance transfer cards and grips its position tight with its minimal-fee approach. Its 21-month 0 percent intro balance transfer period (transfers must be completed within the first four months) matches that of the Reflect card, but it’s just shy of being a true rival. The Simplicity’s 0 percent intro purchase APR is only 12 months, and it also has a higher 16.24 percent to 26.24 percent ongoing APR (variable) and 5 percent balance transfer fee ($5 minimum). Considering that the Citi Simplicity has fewer card network features than the Reflect card’s already sparse list, it doesn’t seem like a stiff match-up at first glance.
However, the Citi Simplicity gains an edge in the deeper card terms once you notice its no annual fee, penalty APR or late payment fee policy. Granted, the Wells Fargo Reflect doesn’t charge an annual fee or penalty APR either, but its crucial intro APR extension benefit may evaporate if you miss your payment date — and you’ll owe an up to $40 late fee to boot.
The Wells Fargo Reflect card is the better card for applicants that expect to put purchases on their card while paying off their previous balance, but the Citi Simplicity is the wiser option if you can’t promise you won’t miss a payment date.
Wells Fargo Reflect vs. U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card
The U.S. Bank Visa Platinum Card is perhaps the Reflect card’s closest challenger, which previously offered the longest 0 percent intro APR on both purchases and balance transfers — 20 billing cycles (transfers must be within the first 60 days). Both cards also go neck-and-neck by offering the same cellphone protection plan coverage (up to $600 per claim, two claims per year and $1,200 in annual coverage — minus a $25 deductible), similar Visa benefits and no penalty APR. Outside the U.S. Bank Platinum card’s possibly shorter zero-interest periods and higher 15.99 percent to 25.99 percent variable APR afterward, the differences between the two balance transfer cards are very minor.
The U.S. Bank Platinum Visa’s balance transfer fee is a flat 3 percent ($5 minimum) and its 3 percent foreign transaction fee drops to 2 percent if paying in U.S. dollars. Alternatively, the Reflect card’s balance transfer fee may go up to 5 percent after 120 days (minimum of $5) and its foreign transaction fee stays at 3 percent.
You’ll be getting the same relative ongoing value after your intro APR is over, but the Wells Fargo Reflect is a better card in most respects. However, you should lean toward the U.S. Bank Platinum Visa if you’re afraid you might miss a payment and lose the Reflect’s intro APR extension.
Best cards to pair with the Wells Fargo Reflect
Applying for another credit card that encourages spending may not be the best move if you need the Wells Fargo Reflect for its lengthy break from interest. It would be best if you focused on paying off your debt as quickly as possible instead of earning rewards, but using the Reflect as your low-interest card and a rewards option that compliments your spending as your primary card could be a solid strategy once you’ve whittled away your balance.
Bankrate’s Take: Is the Wells Fargo Reflect worth it?
Cardholders that need to keep interest at bay for as long as possible on not only their previous balance but any new purchases coming their way will find the Wells Fargo Reflect one of the most worthwhile options out there.
As long as you continue to make on-time minimum (ideally bigger) payments during your intro and extension periods, your 18-month 0 percent intro APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers from account opening could be extended to up to 21 months, which outclasses many zero-interest card offers — especially for purchases.
The Wells Fargo Reflect also poses a bit more ongoing value than many balance transfer cards thanks to its cellphone protection perk and low ongoing 14.49 percent to 26.49 percent (variable) APR. However, its feature roster is a bit barebones compared to some balance transfer cards with shorter intro APR periods.
*The information about Wells Fargo Visa Platinum Credit Card and Wells Fargo Propel American Express® card has been collected independently by Bankrate.com. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer. The Wells Fargo Platinum card is no longer available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Unfortunately, the Wells Fargo Reflect doesn’t carry its own rewards program. You can use the My Wells Fargo Deals program to earn a sprinkle of cash back here and there (less than $10 per offer, typically) via statement credits, but you won’t earn nearly as much as you would from a traditional rewards card.
After you’ve paid off your balance, however, it could be worth it to use the Wells Fargo Reflect as a low-interest card to pay for large purchases and your monthly cellphone bill while applying for a rewards card to cover your other expenses.
A good to excellent credit score — a 670 or higher FICO score, or a 661 or higher VantageScore — may give you the best approval odds for the Wells Fargo Reflect.
You can transfer your balance(s) while applying to the Reflect card, but there are three ways to transfer your balance to a Wells Fargo Card if you already have the Reflect:
Request a balance transfer online by logging into your account, clicking “Accounts” and then “Request Balance Transfer”
Request a transfer over the phone by calling 1-800-642-4720
Request a transfer in person at a Wells Fargo branch.
All four methods require you to provide the 16-digit credit card number for each of the cards that you’d like to transfer the balance from. Just be sure to transfer your balance(s) within the first 120 days you have the card, or they won’t be eligible for the intro APR offer.
You can find preapproved Wells Fargo card offers on the issuer's website or through the mail. With just a few details, the bank can run a soft inquiry (the kind that won't harm your credit score) to check whether you qualify for any of their credit cards. As a result, you can see if you'll be preapproved without affecting your credit score.
Personalized Wells Fargo card picks are also displayed by CardMatch, Bankrate's tool for finding credit card offers that match your credit profile. CardMatch does not provide prequalified Wells Fargo offers, but it does perform a soft credit pull to identify your best fit, which may still provide some insight into whether you qualify.
No, the Wells Fargo Reflect card is not a metal credit card. At this time, the issuer doesn’t offer any metal cards. Wells Fargo's sole metal credit card was the Wells Fargo Propel American Express® card, but it is no longer available for applications. All other Wells Fargo credit cards that are available are made of traditional plastic materials rather than metal, but a metal credit card is no different than one made of plastic when it comes to rewards or features — so don’t let a sleek finish influence your decision much.
Bankrate expert Garrett Yarbrough strives to make navigating credit cards and credit building smooth sailing for his readers. After regularly featuring his credit card, credit monitoring and identity theft analysis on NextAdvisor.com, he joined the CreditCards.com and Bankrate.com teams as a staff writer to develop product reviews and comprehensive credit card guides focused on cash back, credit scores and card offers.
Bankrate.com is an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. The offers that appear on this site are from companies from which Bankrate.com receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site, including, for example, the order in which they may appear within listing categories. Other factors, such as our own proprietary website rules and the likelihood of applicants' credit approval also impact how and where products appear on this site. Bankrate.com does not include the entire universe of available financial or credit offers. Bankrate has partnerships with issuers including, but not limited to, American Express, Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, Citi and Discover.
* See the online application for details about terms and conditions for these offers. Every reasonable effort has been made to maintain accurate information. However all credit card information is presented without warranty. After you click on the offer you desire you will be directed to the credit card issuer's web site where you can review the terms and conditions for your selected offer.
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, and have not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. The information, including card rates and fees, is accurate as of the publish date. All products or services are presented without warranty. Check the bank’s website for the most current information.
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