Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
Best Wells Fargo Credit Cards in 2024
Best for 2% Rewards Everywhere: Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
How we rate our cards Advertiser disclosure
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
20.24%, 25.24% or 29.99% variable APR
Intro Bonus
$200 cash rewards After spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Credit Score
Credit ranges are derived from FICO® Score 8, which is one of many different types of credit scores. If you apply for a credit card, the lender may use a different credit score when considering your application for credit.
Good-Excellent
Why we chose it: Rewards are important, but simplicity is valuable as well. Having a 2% cash rewards card in your wallet means that you don’t have to shuffle through a stack of cards to ensure you’re getting decent rewards. With no annual fee, the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card is one of the best 2% cash back credit cards out there. Read our Wells Fargo Active Cash Card review.
Pros
- Earn 2% cash rewards on purchases
- Easy welcome bonus lets you earn $200 cash rewards after $500 in purchases within the first three months
- Cellphone protection with a $25 deductible
Cons
- No purchase protection or extended warranty benefits
- No bonus categories for rewards
- Cash rewards back must be redeemed in $25 increments
Best 3X Categories: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card
How we rate our cards Advertiser disclosure
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
20.24%, 25.24% or 29.99% (variable)
Intro Bonus
30,000 bonus points After spending $1,500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Credit Score
Credit ranges are derived from FICO® Score 8, which is one of many different types of credit scores. If you apply for a credit card, the lender may use a different credit score when considering your application for credit.
Good-Excellent
Why we chose it: If you’re going to chase increased rewards in bonus categories, consider carrying one card that offers rewards that cover a large portion of your spending. The Wells Fargo Autograph offers 3X points on restaurants, gas, transit, popular streaming services, phone plans and several travel categories. With the Autograph card, you can earn generous rewards on a wide variety of purchases with a single card. Read our Wells Fargo Autograph Card review.
Pros
- Unlimited 3X points on a long list of useful spending categories
- Cellphone protection (subject to a $25 deductible)
- No annual fee
Cons
- No extended warranty or purchase protection benefits
- Many redemption options require you to redeem in 2,500-point increments
- Points aren’t transferable to partners
Best Introductory APR: Wells Fargo Reflect® Card
How we rate our cards Advertiser disclosure
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
18.24%, 24.74% or 29.99% variable
Intro Bonus
0% intro APR for 21 months
Credit Score
Credit ranges are derived from FICO® Score 8, which is one of many different types of credit scores. If you apply for a credit card, the lender may use a different credit score when considering your application for credit.
Good-Excellent
Why we chose it: The Wells Fargo Reflect Card offers a 0% introductory APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers for 21 months, which matches the longest promotional APRs available (18.24%, 24.74% or 29.99% variable APR thereafter). With a new Reflect card, you get a promotional interest rate on balance transfers you initiate within 120 days of opening the card. We especially like that the card’s introductory APR applies to both purchases and balance transfers, so you can use the card for daily spending while you pay down your balance. Read our Wells Fargo Reflect Card review.
Pros
- One of the longest promotional 0% APR periods available
- Promotional APR applies to both purchases and balance transfers
- Cellphone protection (subject to a $25 deductible)
Cons
- Balance transfer fee is 5% (minimum $5)
- Balance transfers must be made within 120 days of account opening to qualify for the introductory rate
- No rewards
Best for Rent and Travel: Bilt Mastercard®
How we rate our cards Advertiser disclosure
Annual Fee
None
Regular APR
See Terms
Intro Bonus
N/A
Credit Score
Good-Excellent Credit ranges are derived from FICO® Score 8, which is one of many different types of credit scores. If you apply for a credit card, the lender may use a different credit score when considering your application for credit.
Why we chose it: No other card will pay your landlord who doesn’t accept credit cards and give you points for it. With the Bilt Mastercard, you can earn points on your biggest monthly expense and avoid the fees of third-party bill pay services. The card offers only 2 points per dollar on travel, but it’s still worth using it to book your flights and rental cars because of its trip delay reimbursem*nt protection and primary auto rental collision damage waiver insurance. Read our Bilt Mastercard review.
Pros
- Earn up to 100,000 points on rent each year
- Earn double points on the first of each month (excluding rent payments)
- Points are transferable with no annual fee
Cons
- Must use the card at least five times each statement period to earn points
- Limited reward bonus categories
- No welcome bonus
Best for Choice Privileges Members: Choice Privileges® Select Mastercard® Credit Card
How we rate our cards Advertiser disclosure
Annual Fee
$95 (waived for first year)
Regular APR
20.99%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR
Intro Bonus
60,000 bonus points Spend $3,000 in purchases in the first 3 months
Credit Score
Credit ranges are derived from FICO® Score 8, which is one of many different types of credit scores. If you apply for a credit card, the lender may use a different credit score when considering your application for credit.
Good-Excellent
Why we chose it: For $95 a year, you’ll earn twice as many points on your Choice hotel stays as with the Choice Privileges Mastercard Credit Card, and you’ll earn 30,000 points each year on your account anniversary, enough for a night at a Choice hotel. You’ll also enjoy automatic Choice Platinum Elite membership and get a boost toward earning Diamond status, thanks to the 20 elite night credits you get from having the card. We think that, for travelers who frequently stay at Choice Hotels, the Choice Privileges Select Mastercard offers plenty of value.
Pros
- 10X points on Choice hotel stays
- 30,000-point bonus on account anniversary
- 20 elite night credits annually, which qualifies you for Platinum Elite status with Choice Privileges
Cons
- Earns only 1X points on other purchases
- Points can only be redeemed at Choice Privileges
- No bonus points in non-hotel travel-related categories
A Closer Look at the Best Wells Fargo Credit Cards
Best for 2% Rewards Everywhere: Wells Fargo Active Cash Card
Why we love this card: We love the simplicity of earning 2% cash rewards on purchases with the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card. Although several banks offer cards with 2% rewards, few of these cards offer additional benefits. The Active Cash card gives you an auto rental collision damage waiver benefit and cellphone protection (subject to a $25 deductible), making it stand out from other competing cards.
Who should have this in their wallet: Shoppers who value simplicity should look to the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card for generous rewards on purchases This card could serve as the only card in your wallet, but you might want to also pick up a card that has an extended warranty benefit.
Other cards to consider: As a standalone card, the Wells Fargo Active Cash is better than the Citi Double Cash® Card, but if you also hold the Citi Premier® Card, the points you earn with the Double Cash card can be transferred to airline partners. If you’re a small-business owner looking for 2% rewards, consider the Capital One Spark Cash Plus for cash back or The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express if you prefer earning Membership Rewards points.
Best 3X Categories: Wells Fargo Autograph Card
Why we love this card: Too often, cards offering cash back rewards in bonus categories only offer increased rewards in one or two categories. A card might give you extra points for spending on dining, travel or gas, but the Wells Fargo Autograph card earns you 3X points on all of these purchases and more.
Who should have this in their wallet: Whether you’re a commuter, frequent diner or road warrior traveler, you can get increased rewards on a large swath of your spending with the Wells Fargo Autograph. The card’s list of 3X categories includes restaurants, travel, gas and more, meaning that almost anyone can increase the rewards they earn on spending by getting the Autograph Card.
Other cards to consider: Few cards feature as many 3X categories as the Wells Fargo Autograph. The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card offers an unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores) and is a good alternative if it matches up with your spending patterns. If you want to earn even more points on dining, you could pick up the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card for its 4X points on dining.
Best Introductory APR: Wells Fargo Reflect Card
Why we love this card: If you want to transfer a high-interest credit card balance to save on interest, a long promotional APR period can give you relief from interest charges while you pay down your balance. The Wells Fargo Reflect will give you more time than almost any other balance transfer card on the market to pay off your balance before interest charges resume. We like that the card’s introductory APR applies to both purchases and balance transfers, so you won’t be surprised by interest charges if you need to use the card to pay for essentials.
Who should have this in their wallet: For the person paying interest on a credit card balance, the Wells Fargo Reflect can provide a 21-month reprieve from interest before the rate rises to a 18.24%, 24.74% or 29.99% variable APR.
Other cards to consider: The U.S. Bank Platinum Visa® Card also offers a promotional 0% intro APR on both purchases and balance transfers for 21 months (18.74% to 29.74% variable APR thereafter). If you don’t need 21 months to pay down your balance but want a card that features an automatic review for a credit line increase and the opportunity to lower your ongoing interest rate, look at the Chase Slate Edge℠.
Best for Rent and Travel: Bilt Mastercard
Why we love this card: Bilt offers a feature that no other card does: the ability to make rent payments directly to landlords who don’t accept credit cards. Plus, the card awards you points that you can transfer to airline and hotel transfer partners, all for no annual fee. If that isn’t enough, the Bilt card is nearly the only card with no annual fee that offers primary auto rental collision damage waiver and trip delay protection. For that much value, you might not mind Bilt’s requirement to use the card five times per billing cycle to earn points.
Who should have this in their wallet: For renters who are into travel rewards, the Bilt Mastercard is an essential credit card. The Bilt Mastercard is the only card that earns rewards on rent payments without a transaction fee. If you also make use of Bilt’s many airline and hotel transfer partners, you can get incredible value out of the card.
Other cards to consider: For rewards on rent, the Bilt card has no equal. We know of no other card that we can use to pay landlords who don’t accept credit cards without jumping through hoops and paying fees. If you like the card for its premium travel protections and want to find an alternative, you’ll probably need to spend $95 a year for a premium card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card.
Best for Choice Privileges Members: Choice Privileges Select Mastercard
Why we love this card: Having elite status with your preferred hotel chain can help you get room upgrades, more points and other benefits. Many hotel credit cards give you mid-tier status as a perk of having the card, but the Choice Privileges Select Mastercard gives you elite night credits. The difference may be subtle, but that means you’re only 20 nights away from top-tier Diamond status when you have the card. An elite night boost plus generous earnings on your Choice hotel stays and a 30,000-point annual card member anniversary bonus give you plenty of reasons to keep this card in your wallet.
Who should have this in their wallet: Road warrior travelers who stay at Choice Hotels frequently may appreciate getting the Choice Privileges Select Mastercard. Having the card in your wallet means you’ll enjoy maximum rewards on your stays, a boost toward Choice Privileges elite status and enough bonus points for a free night on your cardmember anniversary each year.
Other cards to consider: Perhaps you don’t stay at Choice Hotels often enough to make the Choice Privileges Select Mastercard worth it. If you’re not loyal to a hotel chain, for $95 a year, the Chase Sapphire Preferred can get you 5X points on hotels you book through Chase Ultimate Rewards, plus a robust suite of travel insurance benefits. Alternatively, if you’re collecting free nights, the World of Hyatt Credit Card and the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card from Chase both give you a free night on your cardmember anniversary.
Who Should Get a Wells Fargo Credit Card?
Wells Fargo’s credit card portfolio is geared toward the everyday consumer who wants cash back rewards on their spending. Between the Active Cash and Autograph, you can get 2% cash rewards on general spending and 3X points on a variety of categories that likely represent a large amount of your budget. In most cases, you’ll need to look elsewhere if you want a card that protects your purchases with extended warranty and purchase protection benefits.
If you rent, there is one Wells Fargo card that you should absolutely have in your wallet: The Bilt Rewards Mastercard. The Bilt card lets you use your credit card to pay your landlord—even if they don’t accept credit cards for payment—with no transaction fee. Plus, you’ll earn points when you pay your rent using your card.
Frequent travelers will likely want to look at cards from other issuers. Wells Fargo doesn’t offer any airline credit cards or premium travel credit cards with perks like lounge access. Other than its two Choice credit cards, you won’t find any other cards that get you free hotel nights or a boost to your favorite hotel’s elite status program.
Types of Wells Fargo Credit Cards
Wells Fargo issues credit cards with rewards and benefits tailored to different consumer styles. Here are the different types of credit cards offered by Wells Fargo:
- Cash back credit cards: These cards offer rewards primarily in the form of a cash rebate on purchases. With a cash back credit card, you can typically redeem rewards for a statement credit, a deposit into a linked bank account or a check mailed to your billing address. The Wells Fargo Active Cash is a cash back credit card.
- Rewards points credit cards: Some cards give you points instead of cash back. Depending on the card, you might be able to redeem your points for cash awards, purchase gift cards with your points or transfer your points to airline and hotel loyalty programs. The Bilt Mastercard and the Wells Fargo Autograph are examples of cards that earn points.
- Balance transfer cards: A balance transfer credit card features a 0% introductory APR on transferred balances, typically for 12 to 21 months. Some balance transfer cards, like the Wells Fargo Reflect Card, offer a longer balance transfer promotion that also applies to purchases. Transferring a balance can give you a temporary reprieve on interest if you’re paying a high APR on another card.
- Travel credit cards: Travel credit cards offer rewards and perks geared toward people who travel. Travel credit cards might offer more points or cash back for travel purchases, benefits like trip delay protection or high-end perks like airport lounge access.
- Hotel co-branded credit cards: These cards are issued in partnership with a hotel brand. Hotel credit cards earn rewards within a hotel’s loyalty program. Some hotel loyalty programs have multiple redemption options, but the best use of hotel points is usually for stays within a hotel chain’s family of brands.
How Do I Get a Wells Fargo Credit Card?
Once you’ve found a Wells Fargo credit card that you’re interested in, you’ll need to apply for the card. Most people will apply for a Wells Fargo credit card online, but you can also apply by phone, in person at a Wells Fargo branch or even by mail if you’ve received a mail offer.
During the application process, you’ll provide identifying information including your name, address and telephone number. You’ll also need to provide your Social Security number so that Wells Fargo can verify your identity and pull your credit report. Wells Fargo may also ask you for your employment status, your income, whether you rent or own your home and the amount of your rent or mortgage payment as part of its application process.
Once Wells Fargo has collected the information it needs, it will process your application for credit and decide whether to issue you a card. In some cases, you may receive an immediate decision that you’ve been approved or that your application has been denied. In many cases, Wells Fargo may need to manually process your application or contact you to provide additional information. Whether you are approved or denied, you will receive a notification of Wells Fargo’s decision in the mail. If you are denied credit, you have the right to request a free copy of the credit report that Wells Fargo used.
How Do I Choose the Best Wells Fargo Credit Card for Me?
Finding the right Wells Fargo credit card for you requires a look at how you use credit cards and what the biggest line items in your monthly budget are. Here are the four things to consider when picking a Wells Fargo credit card:
- If you carry a balance on a credit card
- Monthly budget and spending patterns
- If you pay rent
- If you stay in Choice Hotels often
If You Carry a Balance on a Credit Card
If you currently carry a balance on a credit card and pay interest, no amount of rewards on spending is going to offset the high interest rates charged by most credit card issuers. The best Wells Fargo credit card for you will be the one that helps you access a promotional 0% APR on balance transfers: The Wells Fargo Reflect Card.
Monthly Budget and Spending Patterns
Assuming that your objective is to earn the most rewards on your spending, look at your monthly budget to inform your analysis about which credit card is the best for you. If your spending trends toward travel, gas, transit and the other categories where the Wells Fargo Autograph earns bonus rewards, that might be a better card for you. If you don’t spend much in the Autograph’s categories, it’s possible you could do better with the Wells Fargo Active Cash.
If You Pay Rent
If a rent payment is one of your biggest monthly expenses, getting the Bilt Mastercard might be the most rewarding move for you. It is the only card we know of that offers points for rent payments, the ability to pay landlords who don’t accept credit cards and charges no transaction fees on rent payments. You won’t earn the cash back rewards of the other cards—the best use of Bilt points is to transfer them to travel partners—but using the Bilt card for your rent payment means you’ll at least get something for your biggest monthly expense.
If You Stay in Choice Hotels Often
Wells Fargo only offers two co-branded hotel credit cards, and only one that’s really worth considering. If you stay in Choice Hotels often, picking up the Choice Privileges Select Mastercard will enable you to earn 10 points per dollar on your Choice hotel stays, get boosted to Platinum elite status with Choice and earn a 30,000-point bonus each year.
Benefits of a Wells Fargo Credit Card
Wells Fargo credit cards are generally light on benefits, but here are some of the benefits commonly included with Wells Fargo credit cards. Check your card’s Guide to Benefits for details on which benefits your card offers.
- Cellphone protection
- Zero liability protection
- Secondary auto rental collision damage waiver insurance
- Travel and emergency service assistance
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chase or Wells Fargo Better?
Chase and Wells Fargo are both among the biggest four banks in the United States, and each bank offers a product line that might be better for you. If you prefer cash back and cards with no annual fee, Wells Fargo might have products that offer more for you. If you’re looking for travel points or want premium travel protections, Chase likely has a more compelling offering.
Who Is Wells Fargo’s Biggest Competitor?
Chase Bank is the largest bank in the United States. Chase competes with Wells Fargo in consumer banking, small-business banking and credit cards, among other markets. Chase offers a wider variety of credit card products than Wells Fargo.
Can I Get Two Credit Cards From Wells Fargo?
It is possible to get multiple credit cards from Wells Fargo. You might consider getting both the Wells Fargo Active Cash and the Wells Fargo Autograph cards to earn 2% cash rewards on everyday spending and 3X points on popular bonus categories, respectively.
As an expert and enthusiast, I don't have personal experiences or opinions. However, I can provide you with information related to the concepts mentioned in the article you provided. Let's break it down:
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card:
The Wells Fargo Active Cash Card is a credit card offered by Wells Fargo. It is considered one of the best 2% cash back credit cards available. Here are some key features of the card:
- Rewards: The card allows you to earn 2% cash rewards on purchases.
- Welcome Bonus: You can earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 on purchases within the first three months.
- Annual Fee: The card has no annual fee.
- APR: The regular APR ranges from 20.24% to 29.99% variable APR.
- Cellphone Protection: The card offers cellphone protection with a $25 deductible.
- Pros: The card provides easy-to-earn cash rewards, a welcome bonus, and cellphone protection.
- Cons: There are no purchase protection or extended warranty benefits, and cash rewards must be redeemed in $25 increments.
For more information, you can read the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card review [[1]].
Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card:
The Wells Fargo Autograph Card is another credit card offered by Wells Fargo. It is known for its bonus rewards in various categories. Here are some key features of the card:
- Rewards: The card offers unlimited 3X points on a wide range of spending categories, including restaurants, gas, transit, popular streaming services, phone plans, and several travel categories.
- Welcome Bonus: You can earn 30,000 bonus points after spending $1,500 on purchases within the first three months.
- Annual Fee: The card has no annual fee.
- APR: The regular APR ranges from 20.24% to 29.99% variable APR.
- Pros: The card provides generous rewards on a variety of purchases, cellphone protection, and no annual fee.
- Cons: There are no extended warranty or purchase protection benefits, and points aren't transferable to partners.
For more information, you can read the Wells Fargo Autograph Card review [[2]].
Wells Fargo Reflect® Card:
The Wells Fargo Reflect Card is a credit card offered by Wells Fargo that focuses on providing an introductory APR period. Here are some key features of the card:
- Introductory APR: The card offers a 0% introductory APR for 21 months on purchases and qualifying balance transfers.
- Regular APR: After the introductory period, the regular APR ranges from 18.24% to 29.99% variable APR.
- Annual Fee: The card has no annual fee.
- Pros: The card provides one of the longest promotional 0% APR periods available, applies the introductory APR to both purchases and balance transfers, and offers cellphone protection.
- Cons: There is a balance transfer fee of 5% (minimum $5), and the balance transfers must be made within 120 days of account opening to qualify for the introductory rate. However, the card does not offer rewards.
For more information, you can read the Wells Fargo Reflect Card review [[3]].
Bilt Mastercard®:
The Bilt Mastercard is a credit card offered by Bilt. It is known for its unique feature of allowing rent payments to landlords who don't accept credit cards. Here are some key features of the card:
- Rewards: The card allows you to earn points on rent payments, with the potential to earn up to 100,000 points on rent each year. You also earn double points on the first of each month (excluding rent payments).
- Annual Fee: The card has no annual fee.
- Regular APR: The regular APR is variable and depends on the terms.
- Pros: The card offers the ability to pay rent directly to landlords who don't accept credit cards, earns points on rent payments, and provides trip delay reimbursem*nt protection and primary auto rental collision damage waiver insurance.
- Cons: To earn points, you must use the card at least five times each statement period, and there are limited reward bonus categories. However, the card does not offer a welcome bonus.
For more information, you can read the Bilt Mastercard review [[4]].
Choice Privileges® Select Mastercard® Credit Card:
The Choice Privileges Select Mastercard is a co-branded hotel credit card offered by Wells Fargo. It is designed for Choice Privileges members who frequently stay at Choice Hotels. Here are some key features of the card:
- Rewards: The card offers 10X points on Choice hotel stays and a 30,000-point bonus on account anniversary. It also provides 20 elite night credits annually, which qualifies you for Platinum Elite status with Choice Privileges.
- Annual Fee: The card has an annual fee of $95, which is waived for the first year.
- Regular APR: The regular APR ranges from 20.99% to 29.99% variable APR.
- Pros: The card provides generous rewards on Choice hotel stays, elite night credits, and automatic Choice Platinum Elite membership.
- Cons: The card earns only 1X points on other purchases and does not offer bonus points in non-hotel travel-related categories.
For more information, you can read the Choice Privileges Select Mastercard Credit Card review [[5]].
Wells Fargo Credit Card Types:
Wells Fargo offers different types of credit cards tailored to different consumer styles. Here are the types of credit cards offered by Wells Fargo:
- Cash back credit cards: These cards offer cash rebates on purchases. The Wells Fargo Active Cash Card is an example of a cash back credit card.
- Rewards points credit cards: These cards earn points instead of cash back. The Bilt Mastercard and the Wells Fargo Autograph Card are examples of rewards points credit cards.
- Balance transfer cards: These cards feature a 0% introductory APR on transferred balances, providing relief from interest charges. The Wells Fargo Reflect Card is an example of a balance transfer card.
- Travel credit cards: These cards offer rewards and perks geared toward travelers. Wells Fargo does not offer specific travel credit cards.
- Hotel co-branded credit cards: These cards are issued in partnership with hotel brands and earn rewards within the hotel's loyalty program. The Choice Privileges Select Mastercard is an example of a hotel co-branded credit card.
For more information, you can visit the Wells Fargo website or contact Wells Fargo directly.
I hope this information helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.
