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As a Bankrate credit cards editor, Ashley Parks is fascinated by the ways people can make credit cards work for them when armed with the right knowledge.
Courtney Mihocik is an editor at Bankrate Credit Cards and CreditCards.com specializing in credit card news and personal finance advice. Previously, she led insurance content at Reviews.com and worked as the loans editor at The Simple Dollar.
Jason Steele is a professional journalist and credit card expert who has been contributing to online publications since 2008. He was one of the original contributors to The Points Guy, and his work has been appearing there since 2011. He has also contributed to over 100 of the leading personal finance and travel outlets.
Courtney Mihocik is an editor at Bankrate Credit Cards and CreditCards.com specializing in credit card news and personal finance advice. Previously, she led insurance content at Reviews.com and worked as the loans editor at The Simple Dollar.
Jason Steele is a professional journalist and credit card expert who has been contributing to online publications since 2008. He was one of the original contributors to The Points Guy, and his work has been appearing there since 2011. He has also contributed to over 100 of the leading personal finance and travel outlets.
More than just a bank, Wells Fargo provides several reasons to choose one of its credit cards for cash rewards or balance transfers. While its lineup of consumer credit cards isn’t as extensive as other issuers’ selections, you may be able to find the best Wells Fargo credit card that meets your financial needs.
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Editor's Picks: Best Wells Fargo Credit Cards of 2023
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.
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.
3X
Earn unlimited 3X points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans.
1X
Earn 1X points on other purchases
Intro offer
Limited Time Offer: Earn 30,000 bonus points when you spend $1,500 in purchases in the first 3 months - that's a $300 cash redemption value. You must select "Apply Now" to take advantage of this specific offer.
Annual fee
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.
3X
Earn unlimited 3X points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans.
1X
Earn 1X points on other purchases
As the most recent addition to Wells Fargo’s consumer credit cards, the Autograph card brings the issuer back into the general travel rewards game. It earns elevated points on restaurant, travel, gas station, transit, popular streaming service and phone plan purchases, giving cardholders more variety in how they can earn compared to many other cards.
It has a modest intro APR offer period on purchases, giving it a leg up against competing travel cards.
The bonus rewards categories variety rivals that of other cards, offering unlimited points on those purchases.
Cons
Points are only worth 1 cent each, notably less than other travel cards’ points and miles.
The Autograph’s welcome offer is much lower than its competitors’ bonuses.
Limited Time Offer: Earn 30,000 bonus points when you spend $1,500 in purchases in the first 3 months - that's a $300 cash redemption value. You must select "Apply Now" to take advantage of this specific offer.
Earn unlimited 3X points on the things that really add up - like restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans. Plus, earn 1X points on other purchases.
$0 annual fee.
0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases. 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% variable APR thereafter.
Get up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft when you pay your monthly cell phone bill with your eligible Wells Fargo card (subject to a $25 deductible).
Redeem your rewards points for travel, gift cards, or statement credits. Or shop at millions of online stores and redeem your rewards when you check out with PayPal.
Enjoy a premium collection of benefits at a selection of the world's most intriguing and prestigious hotel properties with Visa Signature Concierge.
Select "Apply Now" to learn more about the product features, terms and conditions.
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.
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.
Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Annual fee
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.
chance of approval
Clicking “See your approval odds” will authorize us to run a soft credit pull, which we’ll need to estimate your approval odds. Approval Odds serve as a guide to help you find the right credit card and will never affect your credit score.
2%
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
There aren’t many cash rewards cards that earn 2 percent cash rewards back on purchases, but this is one of the best Wells Fargo credit cards because of its cash rewards rate. Plus, there's a low spending requirement to earn the welcome bonus, and you’ll have access to many valuable perks and protections, including Visa signature benefits.
The card has no annual fee and a respectable welcome bonus.
You can easily redeem cash rewards for a statement credit.
Cons
It has an intro balance transfer fee that rises from 3 percent to up to 5 percent if you don’t transfer a balance within the first 120 days of account opening (minimum of $5).
The 3 percent foreign currency conversion fee will be disappointing to people who enjoy traveling abroad.
Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers, then a 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% variable APR; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5
$0 annual fee
No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don't expire as long as your account remains open
Enjoy a premium collection of benefits at a selection of the world's most intriguing and prestigious hotel properties with Visa Signature Concierge
Get up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft when you pay your monthly cell phone bill with your eligible Wells Fargo card (subject to a $25 deductible).
Select "Apply Now" to learn more about the product features, terms and conditions
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.
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.
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.
chance of approval
Clicking “See your approval odds” will authorize us to run a soft credit pull, which we’ll need to estimate your approval odds. Approval Odds serve as a guide to help you find the right credit card and will never affect your credit score.
N/A
Leveraged correctly, this Wells Fargo card can net you one of the longest introductory APRs on the market to help you pay down credit card debt or finance a large purchase. Because the Reflect includes the intro APR for both qualifying balance transfers and purchases, it leads the pack among competing credit cards.
The card touts up to $600 in cell phone protection against damage or theft if you use it to pay your monthly phone bill (subject to a $25 deductible).
You can enroll in Credit Close-Up℠ to get personalized tips on how to improve and maintain your credit score.
Cons
Like the Active Cash card, this card charges a 3 percent foreign currency conversion fee. You may want to use a card with no transaction fee when traveling abroad instead.
The lack of a traditional rewards program limits its long-term value.
0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 18.24%, 24.74%, 29.99% variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate, BT fee of 5%, min $5.
$0 Annual Fee
Get up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft when you pay your monthly cell phone bill with your eligible Wells Fargo card (subject to a $25 deductible).
Through My Wells Fargo Deals, you can get access to personalized deals from a variety of merchants. It's an easy way to earn cash back as an account credit when you shop, dine, or enjoy an experience simply by using an eligible Wells Fargo credit card.
Select "Apply Now" to learn more about the product features, terms and conditions
Its simple yet valuable cash rewards. Flat-rate cards often offer 1.5 percent cash rewards, but Active Cash’s 2 percent offer is one of the highest unlimited cash rewards cards available.
Simplicity lovers who want to earn a good rate of cash rewards on a variety of purchases.
Its lengthy introductory period on balance transfers. This card has one of the longest intro APR offers on purchases and qualifying balances transfers on the market.
Anyone currently carrying high-interest credit card debt or planning a large purchase that may take some time to pay off
The card doesn’t tout traditional rewards, so it may not be a fit for people who want a card that holds value for the long haul. The Discover it® Balance Transfer Card and its cash back offer on quarterly rotating categories, for example, could prove more rewarding for savvy spenders.
Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card
Best for rewards category variety
Cardholders can earn points in a fantastic variety of categories. While many travel cards only offer elevated rewards on travel, restaurant, or gas purchases, the Autograph includes those purchases and many more.
People whose spending casts a wide net and want a card that captures most of their everyday categories.
The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card also earns similar rewards rates in some of the Autograph’s categories for no annual fee. However, the SavorOne shines with its grocery category, which the Autograph notably lacks.
Hotels.com® Rewards Visa® Credit Card
Best for occasional hotel guests
You don’t have to pay an annual fee for this hotel credit card. It also offers some flexibility in where you can book given it’s associated with a travel search engine as opposed to a singular hotel chain.
Travelers without loyalty to one hotel chain and who often book rooms through travel search engine sites like Hotels.com.
While Wells Fargo doesn’t have a large portfolio of consumer cards, the ones they do offer are competitive.
Cash rewards credit card
For consumers who want the chance to earn cash rewards on all of their purchases, the Wells Fargo Active Cash is the best option to get the job done. This card offers one of the highest flat cash rewards rates available and you’ll be able to earn on all kinds of purchases while avoiding the hassle of tracking bonus categories.
Travel rewards credit card
One of the more recent additions to the Wells Fargo card portfolio is the Wells Fargo Autograph Card. You’ll earn highly on travel-related categories like gas and transit, along with a few other niche categories like phone plans. However, though you can earn and redeem points on qualifying travel purchases, Wells Fargo’s lack of travel partners limits the travel benefits of this card.
Balance transfer credit card
The Wells Fargo Reflect is the issuer’s flagship balance transfer card, offering one of the longest intro APR offers on the market. An extra plus is that this intro APR offer also extends to purchases, making the card a well-rounded debt management tool.
Hotel rewards credit card
Wells Fargo’s hotel rewards credit card is unique, especially given that it has no ties to one hotel chain. If you’re not a hotel brand loyalist, this card lets you earn on purchases you make through a travel search engine instead.
Pros and cons of Wells Fargo credit cards
Pros
Dominant presence: Because Wells Fargo has more than 5,000 branches and 13,000 ATMs, you can redeem cash rewards with the Active Cash card (in increments of $20) in various places.
Cell phone protection: Some Wells Fargo credit cards come with cell phone protection of up to $600 for damage or theft when you pay your cell phone bill with a qualifying card ($25 deductible).
Intro APR: All three cards offer intro APRs for balance transfers, purchases, or both, so it might be a good option if you are looking to save on interest.
Cons
Fewer card options: Wells Fargo currently offers very few credit cards. If you’re interested in comparing a selection of offers, you may be better off with a different issuer.
Not ideal for travelers: Wells Fargo’s rewards program allows you to redeem your rewards for travel, but Wells Fargo’s credit card portfolio is more geared toward cash rewards.
How to choose a Wells Fargo credit card
The options you have for Wells Fargo cards are fairly cut and dry. When choosing a Wells Fargo credit card, you may want to ask a few questions.
What’s your credit score?
Wells Fargo credit cards come with a recommended credit score range of good to excellent, or 670 and higher on the FICO scale. If your credit score falls below the recommended range, you may want to consider other cards where your approval odds are higher.
Do you want to earn cash rewards or prioritize debt management?
You have the opportunity to earn competitive flat-rate cash rewards or secure one of the longest intro APR periods available with Wells Fargo’s credit card options. Determine if you’d like to build and maximize a rewards earning strategy or focus on debt management with your card.
Are you interested in a sign-up bonus?
Not all Wells Fargo credit cards offer an extra windfall of cash rewards after you spend a required amount in a timeframe. If you’re after a sign-up bonus or welcome offer with your credit card, this factor can have a major influence on which Wells Fargo card you pick. If Wells Fargo doesn’t meet your needs in this area, you could also check out the best credit card sign-up bonuses.
Who should get a Wells Fargo credit card?
If you enjoy taking advantage of cash back rewards and points or have credit card debt to pay down, a Wells Fargo card might suit your needs.
Since the Active Cash earns unlimited 2 percent cash rewards on purchases, people who want to maximize cash rewards might enjoy the earning potential this card has to offer. Or if you prefer earning a higher rewards rate on select bonus categories, you might consider the Autograph card. Either card should appeal to anyone looking to rack up rewards.
With the Reflect card, approved customers can get one of the longest intro APR periods on the market. If you have high-interest credit card debt on a non-Wells Fargo credit card, you could take the time to pay it off with the Reflect card. To explore more, here’s our guide on Wells Fargo balance transfers.
How Wells Fargo credit card rewards work
The Active Cash and Autograph cards earn rewards in the Wells Fargo Rewards® program. You can redeem the cash rewards or points you earn in a few different ways:
For purchases, in the form of statement credits
Pay with rewards when checking out with participating merchants
As a credit to a qualifying Wells Fargo credit card, checking account, or mortgage
For travel, including flights, hotel stays and car rentals through the Wells Fargo rewards portal
Gift cards
Shop with rewards for merchandise and gifts from hundreds of retailers through the Wells Fargo rewards portal
Cash at an ATM in increments of $20 with a Wells Fargo ATM or debit card
While the flexible redemption options are nice, it’s hard to compare Wells Fargo’s rewards program to other high-caliber programs like American Express Membership Rewards or Chase Ultimate Rewards where points might be valued more or have more travel partners.
Wells Fargo credit card benefits
Wells Fargo provides various benefits to its cardholders. Here’s what you can expect from the best Wells Fargo credit cards.
If you pay your cell phone bill with the Active Cash, Autograph or Reflect, your phone is protected against damage and theft for up to $600, with a $25 deductible. This cell phone protection can come in handy, since the price of “affordable” cell phone models cost an average of $790 in 2023. Having that protection can make replacing a lost, stolen or damaged phone less expensive.
An underrated Wells Fargo credit card benefit is the 24/7 emergency roadside assistance referral network available with the Autograph and Active Cash cards. While the dispatch can be helpful when you’re on the side of the road, it comes with some strings attached. There’s a service charge of at least $69.95 to your Wells Fargo card. Additionally, this benefit only covers the first five miles, then you’re responsible for paying the service provider per mile after.
The Wells Fargo Active Cash, Autograph and Reflect cards come with Credit Close-Up, a free program that helps cardholders track their FICO credit scores. Cardholders receive monthly updates with their FICO credit score and personalized credit insights.
How do Wells Fargo credit cards compare to other cards?
The Active Cash and Reflect cards are the two best Wells Fargo credit cards that stand up in their respective categories — cash rewards and balance transfer. In these two categories, the cards lead the way.
The Active Cash offers unlimited 2 percent cash rewards back on purchases, toppling the Citi® Double Cash as the best 2 percent flat-rate card (1 percent when you make the purchase and 1 percent when you pay the balance). Additionally, the Wells Fargo Reflect’s potential up to 21-month intro APR from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers can out-perform Citi's two 21-month balance transfer cards if you make on-time payments during the promotional period.
They can be. If you want one of the best balance transfer or cash rewards cards, then Wells Fargo is worth a look. If you hope to maximize your rewards with points and miles, Wells Fargo falls woefully short with its program compared to Chase Ultimate Rewards and American Express Membership Rewards. If you want a few more options, you may be better off searching through the card portfolio of another issuer with more variety.
How we chose our top-rated Wells Fargo credit cards
Bankrate's personal finance experts choose the best Wells Fargo credit cards according to our 5-star rating system. The list of criteria for rating credit cards includes:
Rewards
Whether the card offers cash back, travel points/miles or multi-purpose rewards for eligible purchases and the potential returns based on rewards rate (1 percent cash back per $1 spent, 1 mile per $1 spent, and so on).
Perks and benefits
Whether the card offers extras such as retail discounts, extended warranties on purchases, travel insurance and financial management tools.
Annual fee
Whether the card charges an annual fee and if so, how much the card's overall value and benefits might offset the fee.
Introductory offers
Whether the card has a sign-up bonus, welcome offer or similar sign-up incentive and how much it adds to the card's overall value.
Variable APR
How the card's annual percentage rate (APR) compares with current averages as an indicator of cost and value.
Foreign transaction fee
Whether the card charges a foreign transaction fee for international purchases and how the fee affects the card's overall value.
Have more questions for our credit cards editors? Feel free to send us an email, find us on Facebook, or Tweet us @Bankrate.
The information about the Hotels.com Rewards Visa Credit Card has been collected independently by Bankrate.com. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer.
Frequently asked questions about Wells Fargo credit cards
In general, you’ll need a good to excellent credit score to get a Wells Fargo credit card. We recommend having a credit score of 670 to 850 for the Active Cash, Reflect and Autograph cards.
You can have multiple Wells Fargo credit cards, but the issuer has some restrictions on card eligibility:
You may not qualify for a credit card if you’ve opened a Wells Fargo credit card in the past six months.
You are not eligible for intro APRs or sign-up bonuses on a Wells Fargo card if you earned a bonus or introductory APR on another Wells Fargo card in the past 15 months.
In our opinion, the two best Wells Fargo credit cards are the Wells Fargo Active Cash, which earns unlimited 2 percent cash rewards on purchases, and the Wells Fargo Reflect, which has one of the longest intro APR offers available for both balance transfers and purchases.
Yes, Wells Fargo has a pre-selection tool that doesn’t require a hard credit pull so customers can check if they are eligible for a Wells Fargo credit card.
Wells Fargo issues the following credit cards for consumers:
As a Bankrate credit cards editor, Ashley Parks is fascinated by the ways people can make credit cards work for them when armed with the right knowledge.
Courtney Mihocik is an editor at Bankrate Credit Cards and CreditCards.com specializing in credit card news and personal finance advice. Previously, she led insurance content at…
* 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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