One of the most interesting things about Wells Fargo’s roster of credit cards is their scarcity – rather than offer you dozens of options based on every conceivable angle for a credit card holder, they prefer to provide six simple, straightforward cards that function as well-rounded options for customers seeking cards that aren’t so complicated.
While there are some specialty cards, of course (cards for students, or for those seeking to rebuild credit), most Wells Fargo cards just vary in their rewards programs. Most can take advantage of their rewards-sharing program Go Far Rewards (more on that later), and a lot of them benefit from decent, if unremarkable, travel rewards and cash back.
If you’re looking for the best Wells Fargo credit card on the market, we’ve got your back – let’s take a look at the lion’s share of their options and see who each card might be perfect for.
Wells Fargo Cash Wise Visa Card
Highlight: Good general cash back rewards and no annual fee
| |
Intro APR 0% Variable APR 14.49% - 26.49% Annual Fee $0 Cash Back 1.5% |
Why It's Good
In Wells Fargo’s selective repertoire, The Cash Wise Visa Card is the only cash back rewards card they have, so it’s a must for cardholders who prefer that to points or miles. As cards go, it’s fairly simple – a flat-rate cash back rewards card where you earn 1.5% cash back on every purchase.
There are a few bonuses, depending on how you use it and when – for the first 12 months, you can get 1.8% cash back on mobile purchases, if you use Apple Pay or Android Pay.
Also, if you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first three months of opening the account, you can get a $200 cash back bonus. It’s a nifty signup incentive, but one that’s de rigueur for most cards of this type.
Luckily, like with most Wells Fargo credit cards, there’s no annual fee and a generous introductory APR (0% for 12 months), making it easy to invest in this card with little commitment up front.
Overall, the Cash Wise Visa Card is the best Wells Fargo credit card for people who prefer cash back as their primary mode of rewards redemption. It’s got basic rewards programs that aren’t too complicated, and its no annual fee and year of zero-interest spending are good enough reasons to invest in this as your primary workhorse card.
Wells Fargo Secured Credit Card
Highlight: Below average annual fee and APR among cards that have them
| |
Intro APR None Variable APR 20.49% Annual Fee $25 Main Perk Building Credit |
Why It's Good
If you are just getting your start in handling credit, or need to rebuild it after some bad circumstances in the past, the Wells Fargo Secured Credit Card is a welcome option. It essentially functions like a prepaid card – you place a set amount of money on the card as a ‘security deposit,’ which then comprises your credit line.
Because it’s a simple, secured credit card, there are no rewards options, nor is there an introductory APR. There’s even a $25 annual fee, which places it behind a lot of Wells Fargo’s other cards. If you’ve already got good credit, this may not be the card for you.
However, for those who need to get their credit back up to snuff, the Wells Fargo Secured Credit Card serves as a no-frills stepping stone. It doesn’t offer much beyond the ability to reliably build your credit back up with on-time payments and skillful balance handling, with the prospect of ‘graduating’ to an unsecured credit card if your performance is high enough.
Simply put, don’t get the Wells Fargo Secured Credit Card unless you’re in a position with your credit where your options are limited. It’s a lifeline for those with average-to-poor credit to build their scores back up. Despite having some standard amenities (zero liability protection, auto rental collision damage waivers, etc.), it doesn’t offer much to those with strong credit.
Wells Fargo Platinum Card
Highlight: Good liability protection and no annual fees
| |
Intro APR 0% Variable APR 16.65% - 26.49% Annual Fee $0 Other Perks Travel |
Why It's Good
Balance transfers can often suck up a lot of money in fees and interest; luckily, balance transfer cards like the Wells Fargo Platinum Visa Card alleviate that trouble by offering 0% introductory APR for 15 months on not just purchases, but balance transfers as well.
Keep in mind, though, that fees still apply – for the first 12 months, you have to pay an introductory fee of $5 or 3% of the balance transfer amount (whichever is higher). After that, that percentage goes up to 5% ($5 minimum). Still, the lack of interest makes it great for one-time transfers of larger balances from, say, credit cards with higher APRs.
That’s not all the card offers; there’s no annual fee, and you can get $600 in cell phone protection against theft or covered damage. Other amenities include travel accident insurance, roadside dispatch and auto rental collision damage waivers, making it a good card to use when you travel.
Overall, the Wells Fargo Platinum Visa Card is the best Wells Fargo credit card for balance transfers. With 0% APR for 15 months on transfers, it’s a good solution if you want to get out from under balances that build up mountains of interest. Just get the card, transfer it over, and give yourself some breathing room to pay off the balance.
Wells Fargo Rewards Card
Highlight: No annual fee and solid shopping perks
| |
Intro APR 0% Variable APR 18.65% - 27.49% Annual Fee $0 Main Perks Shopping |
Why It's Good
The titular Wells Fargo Rewards Card does exactly what it says on the tin; it offers a points reward system for purchases, which you can redeem through their Go Far Rewards program for everything from merchandise to trips. Most interesting is their decent airfare redemption value, which is higher than a lot of other cards of this kind (1.5 cents on the dollar).
The rewards system is simple: you get 1 point for every dollar spent on every purchase you make on the card, but get 5x points on purchases made at gas stations, grocery stories and drugstores for the first six months. For those who plan on capitalizing on that reward tier for the promotional period, you can accrue a lot of rewards.
When it comes to spending it, the Go Far Rewards program adds another fun element to the mix: you can pool your rewards with other cardholders to buy bigger gifts. If more than one person in your family has a Rewards Card, you can all work toward earning that big family vacation you’ve been planning for months.
The Wells Fargo Rewards Card is the best Wells Fargo credit card for those who want a traditional rewards system. Just make sure you’ve got good credit, as the card’s variable APR can go up to 26.99%, which is high.
Wells Fargo Visa Signature Card
Highlight: Great rewards for gas and groceries
| |
Intro APR 0% Variable APR 13.65% - 27.49% Annual Fee $0 Reward Type Points |
Why It's Good
In the whole of Wells Fargo’s stable of credit cards, the Wells Fargo Visa Signature Card is probably their most flexible. Combining the gas/grocery/drugstore promotion of the Rewards Card with the introductory APR of the Platinum Card, you get the best of both worlds with this particular card.
Like the Rewards Card, the Signature Card uses Wells Fargo’s Go Far Rewards system, with unlimited 1 point per dollar rewards on every purchase (after the 6-month introductory tier where you earn 5 points for gas, grocery and drugstore purchases). You can spend them in the Go Far program, or pool them to reach common goals, which is great for those cardholders who have loftier ambitions for their rewards points.
Furthermore, there’s no annual fee, as well as Visa Signature privileges including protection on travel and purchases, and free access to your monthly FICO score. This makes for a card that balances eagle-eyed tracking of your credit performance with the flexibility of a rewards card.
In the end, the Wells Fargo Visa Signature Card is the best Wells Fargo credit card for cardholders seeking flexibility. You get rewards, low maintenance fees, and all the amenities of a Visa Signature card, as well as zero liability.
