Wells Fargo may not have as many credit card options as some other well-established banking brands, but it does have a card to meet most circumstances.
Here are The Smart Investor Select’s picks for the top Wells Fargo credit cards:
Card | Rewards | Bonus | Annual Fee | Best For |
| The Wells Fargo Active Cash℠ Card | 2%
2% cash rewards on purchases (unlimited)
| $200
$200 cash rewards bonus when you spend $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
| $0 | Cash Back |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wells Fargo Reflect℠ Card | N/A | N/A | $0 | Balance Transfer |
| Wells Fargo Autograph Card | 1X – 3X
3X points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans. Also, earn 1X points on other purchases
| 20,000 Points
20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months
| $0 | Travel Benefits |
| Choice Privileges® Mastercard® | 1x – 5x
5X points on stays at participating Choice Hotels plus on choice privileges point purchases properties, 3X points on purchases at gas stations, grocery stores, home improvement stores and phone plan services and 1X points on other purchases
| 40,000 points
40,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases within the first 3 months7 – enough to redeem for up to 5 reward nights at select Choice Hotels® properties
| $0 | Hotel Benefits |
Wells Fargo Autograph Card
Reward details
Current Offer
Credit Rating
Annual Fee
0% Intro
APR
The Wells Fargo Autograph Card offers a compelling option for those seeking a no-annual-fee rewards card with a diverse range of bonus categories
The card offers 3X points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans. Also, earn 1X points on other purchasess. However, it lacks travel perks compared to traditional travel rewards cards, and its travel redemption options are limited.
Cellphone protection, My Wells Fargo Deals, and Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver coverage are among the card's notable perks. Despite not offering transfer partners, the card's flexibility in redeeming points for cash rewards or travel, along with the ability to withdraw rewards from an ATM, adds to its appeal.
- Rewards Plan: 3X points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans. Also, earn 1X points on other purchases
- APR: 20.24% – 29.99% variable
- Annual fee: 20.24% – 29.99% variable
- Balance Transfer Fee: $5 or 3% (the greater)
- Foreign Transaction Fee: $0
- Sign Up bonus: 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months
- 0% APR Introductory Rate: 12 months on purchases
- Everyday & Travel Rewards
- My Wells Fargo Deals
- 0% Intro APR
- No Foreign Transaction Fee
- Wells Fargo Credit Close-Up
- Basic Card
- No Transfer Partners
- No 0% APR On Balance Transfer
What makes the Wells Fargo Autograph Card stand out?
The Autograph Card stands out with its broad range of reward categories, including restaurants, gas stations, transit, travel, and more, making it suitable for those with diverse spending patterns.
What perks come with the Autograph Card?
The card offers cellphone protection, My Wells Fargo Deals reward opportunities, auto rental collision damage waiver, and Visa Signature perks such as concierge service and Luxury Hotel Collection privileges.
Can you redeem Wells Fargo Autograph points for travel?
While the card offers various redemption options, including travel, the value of points for travel is limited to 1 cent per point.
Can I use the Autograph Card's points for cash back?
Yes, you can redeem your points for cash back as a statement credit or a deposit to your Wells Fargo savings, checking, or money market account at a value of 1 cent per point.
What makes the Autograph Card's redemption options flexible?
The card provides flexibility in redemption, allowing points to be redeemed for various options, including cash rewards, travel, or withdrawal from an ATM, making it convenient for cardholders with different preferences.
The Wells Fargo Active Cash℠ Card
Reward details
Current Offer
Credit Rating
Annual Fee
0% Intro
APR
The Wells Fargo Active Cash Card does not charge any annual fee and stands out by it offers. You can earn 2% cash rewards on purchases (unlimited) on every purchase you make with this card, as well as a decent bonus for a card with no annual fee and an introductory 0% APR with a cash bonus.
Wells Fargo also offers built in protections against unauthorized transactions with additional security features such as Voice verification.
- Rewards Plan: 2% cash rewards on purchases (unlimited)
- APR: 20.24% to 29.99% variable APR
- Annual fee: $0
- Balance Transfer Fee: $5 or 5% (the greater)
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 3%
- Sign Up bonus: $200 cash rewards bonus when you spend $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
- 0% APR Introductory Rate period: 15 months on purchases and qualifying balance transfers
- Sign-Up Bonus
- No Foreign Transaction Fee
- Cashback on All Other Categories
- No Annual Fee
- 0% APR on Balance Transfers and Purchases
- Minimum Redemption Amounts
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Lower Cashback Rate
- Can I get car rental insurance? Yes, it offers rental insurance for cars if you pay for the full cost with this credit card and you decline the rental company’s insurance.
- Is there a cash-back rewards limit? No cap
- Does Wells Fargo Active Cash Card ask for proof of income? No out and out income requirements and normally you will not have to provide proof of income.
- Can I get pre-approved on card Wells Fargo Active Cash Card? Yes, pre-approval is a possibility.
- What is the initial credit limit ? It will usually be at least $500.
- How do I redeem cash back? You are able to redeem the rewards in numerous ways. This includes as statement credit, as cash, withdrawn at an ATM, or redeemed as a gift card. You can also use the rewards when paying through PayPal at an online checkout.
- What purchases don't earn cash back? All purchases will earn you cashback
- Why did Wells Fargo Active Cash Card deny me? What to Do Next? Perhaps you did not meet all of the requirements. You can ask the customer service team what you need to do to get accepted or you can look at other card options.
- How to Use Wells Fargo Active Cash Card Benefits? Use in conjunction with other cards and make the most of the signup offer.
- Top reasons NOT to get the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card? If you want bigger cashback rates or don’t want to pay any foreign transaction charges.
Choice Privileges® Mastercard®
Reward details
Current Offer
Credit Rating
Annual Fee
0% Intro
APR
The Choice Privileges® Mastercard® offers a lucrative opportunity for travelers to earn free hotel stays at over 7,000 Choice Hotels worldwide. Cardholders earn 5X points on stays at participating Choice Hotels plus on choice privileges point purchases properties, 3X points on purchases at gas stations, grocery stores, home improvement stores and phone plan services and 1X points on other purchases.
New cardmembers can enjoy a welcome bonus of 40,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases within the first 3 months7 – enough to redeem for up to 5 reward nights at select Choice Hotels® properties. Additionally, the card provides Choice Privileges Gold Elite status, offering perks like a 10% bonus on points, early check-in, and late check-out. Apart from the rewards, cardholders benefit from Mastercard World Elite perks
While the card excels in its bonus categories, it may not offer the highest earnings for non-bonus spending. The Choice Hotels portfolio tends to favor budget and mid-range properties, especially in the U.S.
- Rewards Plan: 5X points on stays at participating Choice Hotels plus on choice privileges point purchases properties, 3X points on purchases at gas stations, grocery stores, home improvement stores and phone plan services and 1X points on other purchases
- APR: 20.99%, 25.24%, or 29.99% variable
- Annual fee: $0
- Balance Transfer Fee: 5% or $5, the greater
- Foreign Transaction Fee: $0
- Sign Up bonus: 40,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases within the first 3 months7 – enough to redeem for up to 5 reward nights at select Choice Hotels® properties
- 0% APR Introductory Rate period: N/A
- No Annual Fee
- Choice Privileges Gold Elite Status
- Points Transfer Options
- Global Hotel Network
- No Foreign Transaction Fees
- Subpar Earnings Outside Bonus Categories
- Limited Advance Booking for Award Stays
- Points Plus Cash Copay Requirement
- Emphasis on Budget and Mid-Range Properties
Can I transfer points from other credit card programs to Choice Privileges®?
Yes, the card allows point transfers from programs like American Express Membership Rewards and Capital One Miles.
What is Choice Privileges Gold Elite status?
Gold Elite status provides a 10% bonus on points, early check-in, late check-out, reserved parking, and a welcome gift at select Choice Hotels.
How soon can I book award stays with Choice Privileges Rewards?
Award stays can be booked up to 100 days in advance through the Choice Privileges Rewards program.
Are there any limitations on the Choice Hotels portfolio?
The portfolio leans towards budget and mid-range properties, with fewer options for luxury accommodations, especially in the U.S.
What is the Points Plus Cash option for bookings?
It allows cardholders to use a combination of points and a cash copay for making bookings.
Can I book award stays with Choice Privileges Rewards Exchange partners?
Yes, some airlines include Alaska Mileage Plan, Aeromexico Rewards, Qantas Frequent Flyer, United MileagePlus, Air Canada Aeroplan, and Southwest Rapid Rewards.
Wells Fargo Reflect℠ Card
Reward details
Current Offer
Credit Rating
Annual Fee
0% Intro
APR
The Wells Fargo Reflect℠ Card offers one of the longest 0% intro APR in the market – 21 months on purchases and balance transfers (18.24% to 29.99% variable APR after that), which mainly relevant for those who are looking to pay off their debt or planning a big purchase in the next couple of months.
The card also offer perks such as Roadside Dispatch – 24/7 on-demand referral dispatch network that provides emergency roadside assistance, towing, or locksmith service when you need them. You're eligible for cell phone protection (up to $600 worth) and zero liability protection – you will not be held responsible for any unauthorized transactions that you have promptly reported
However, while there is no annual fee attached, the card doesn't offer any type of cash back rewards or sign up bonus, so if you're looking for rewards you may choose another card.
- Rewards Plan: N/A
- APR: 18.24% to 29.99% variable APR
- Annual fee: $0
- Balance Transfer Fee: 5$ or 5% (the greater)
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 3%
- Sign Up bonus: N/A
- 0% APR Introductory Rate period: 21 months on purchases and balance transfers
- No Annual Fee
- 0% APR Introductory Rate
- Roadside Dispatch
- Cell Phone + Zero Liability Protection
- No Cashback Rewards
- No Welcome Bonus
- Foreign Transaction Fee
- Balance Transfer Fee
Yes, it offers rental insurance for cars if you pay for the full cost with this credit card and you decline the rental company’s insurance. Please review the specific details before, to make sure you're covered as needed.
There are no out and out income requirements and normally you will not have to provide proof of income.
Perhaps you did not meet all of the requirements. You can ask the customer service team what you need to do to get accepted or you can look at other card options.
You are not able to earn any sort of rewards when you are using the Wells Fargo ReflectSM Card to make purchases, so there is no such cap in place for you to consider.
You are not able to earn any sort of rewards when you are using the Wells Fargo ReflectSM Card to make purchases, so there is no such cap in place for you to consider.
Yes, you can get pre-approval when you are signing up for a Wells Fargo ReflectSM Card. This allows you to see if you can get your hands on this card without needing a hard credit check.
The credit limit for this type of credit card is usually at least $500. The exact limit will depend on your personal financial situation that you have outlined in your application.
What Credit Score Do You Need for Wells Fargo Cards?
Wells Fargo has a focus on keeping customers informed about their FICO scores, with online tools to help you to keep track of any changes in your score. However, for many of the Wells Fargo credit cards, you will need a good to excellent score to qualify. This means that you will need a score of 690 or more to successfully apply for a card.
The reason for this is the generous rewards offered across the board with the range of Wells Fargo cards. There is no annual fee for any of the current Wells Fargo cards, which is unusual in today’s marketplace.
Additionally, you can earn some impressive rewards. You can earn up to 5x rewards on your purchases, so Wells Fargo is targeting customers with an established record for creditworthiness.
Once you qualify, your APR, after any introductory bonuses will be determined by your creditworthiness. So, those with excellent credit scores will attract a lower rate.
The only exception to the high credit score requirements is the Cash Back College. Since this card is designed to help college students build their credit, the credit score requirements are far more flexible.
How Do Wells Fargo Points Rewards Program Work?
The Wells Fargo Go Far Rewards program is a loyalty program offered by Wells Fargo to its banking and credit card customers.
Points earned in the Go Far Rewards program can typically be redeemed for various options, including travel, merchandise, gift cards, and more.
Common redemption options include:
- Travel Rewards: Points can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and other travel-related expenses.
- Cash Back: Some cash back options may be available, allowing you to receive statement credits or cash deposits.
- Merchandise: Points can often be used to purchase a range of products, including electronics, apparel, and more.
- Gift Cards: You may be able to redeem points for gift cards from a variety of retailers.
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How to Maximize Wells Fargo Credit Cards?
With such a simple reward structure, you don’t need to be highly strategic to maximize your rewards. You don’t need to time purchases or wait for specific offers to get the most amount of points. However, there are some tips and tricks that can help you.
- Focus on Grocery, Drug Store and Gas
If you are disciplined about using your card and can pay off these purchases at the end of each month, you can maximize your rewards by focusing on these categories. Many of the Wells Fargo cards including Rewards, Cash Back College and Visa Signature offer a far higher reward rate of up to 5x on these purchases.
- Make Use of the Introductory Bonus
Part of the Wells Fargo cards offer an introductory bonus, so in case you're eligible – it can be a nice option to increase rewards . For example, the Active Cash card provides $200 cash rewards bonus when you spend $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- Make Your Payments on Time
Wells Fargo will suspend your rewards if you are late making your credit card payments. While this suspension will be released when your account is up to date, you could miss out on a really good deal. During a suspension, you will be unable to redeem or trade your points, so it could prevent you from getting the maximum redemption at the opportune time.
- Team up
Wells Fargo does allow family members and friends to pool their points. So, think about teaming up if you want to save for a great reward. You could use your communal rewards to pay for a superb group vacation.
- Don’t Let Them Expire
Most reward points have a five year expiration. So, don’t leave money on the table by allowing your points to expire. If you’re approaching the expiration point and you’re still unsure how to spend your points, simply request gift cards or statement credit, so they don’t go to waste.
What Are the Other Benefits of Having a Wells Fargo Card?
Each card has its own advantages, but there are some great benefits associated with having a Wells Fargo card. These include:
- Travel Protections: Some cards offer some fantastic travel protections including travel accident insurance trip cancelation protection, lost luggage reimbursement, 24/7 travel assistance, auto rental collision coverage and emergency card replacement.
- Travel Features: There are also offers some hotel benefits such as 24/7 complimentary concierge service.
- Cell Phone Protection: Many of the Wells Fargo cards offer cell phone protection. This protects against theft or damage when you pay your monthly cell bill using your card.
- Zero Liability Protection: This protects you from unauthorized transaction liability when you promptly report them.
- Activity Alerts: You can enjoy account and card activity alerts to track purchases and your spending.
- Overdraft Protection: You can link your credit card to your Wells Fargo checking account to cover a negative balance and prevent overdraft fees.
- Retail Protection: Some Wells Fargo cards offer coverage for eligible items purchased using your card. This provides 90 days of coverage should they be stolen or damaged.
- Extended Warranties: You can also double the manufacturer’s original warranty on eligible purchases.
- Budget Watch: This is a great tool to help you get your finances on track. You can set budgets, maintain budget goals, track your income and spending, and even view charts and graphs.
How Many Wells Fargo Credit Cards Can I Have at One Time?
There are no hard and fast rules that prevent you from having multiple Wells Fargo cards at any one time. However, the company does stipulate that you may not qualify for another Wells Fargo card if you’ve opened a Wells Fargo credit card account in the last six months.
This means that you will need to adequately space out your applications, or even if you have an excellent credit score, you may be rejected.
Additionally, since the rewards programs are so generous, the company is likely to be hesitant to permit multiple cards that will allow rewards stacking.
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How We Picked The Best Wells Fargo Cards: Methodology
To select the best Wells Fargo credit cards, our team thoroughly researched various offerings from Wells Fargo, analyzing their features and benefits across two key categories:
Rewards Program (50%): We evaluate the rewards structure, including the type of rewards offered (points, cash back, or miles), earning rates per dollar spent, bonus categories for accelerated rewards, and flexibility in redemption options. Wells Fargo cards with generous rewards rates, diverse redemption choices, and valuable sign-up bonuses receive higher scores in this category.
Card Features & Benefits (50%): This category assesses additional features that enhance the overall value of the card, such as introductory APR offers, absence of foreign transaction fees, complimentary airport lounge access, travel credits, purchase protection, and extended warranty coverage. Wells Fargo cards offering a wide range of benefits without excessive fees earn higher scores.
This comprehensive evaluation ensures that the best Wells Fargo credit cards offer valuable rewards, benefits, and a seamless user experience while maintaining a positive reputation, catering to the preferences of cardholders seeking Wells Fargo products.
