The basic steps to open a Wells Fargo credit card

You can open a Wells Fargo credit card online, by phone, or in person at a branch. The online route is fastest — you fill out the application on Wells Fargo's website, get a decision within minutes in most cases, and receive your card within 7 to 10 business days. By phone, you call 1-800-869-3557 and a representative walks you through the same questions. In person, you bring a government ID and Social Security number to any Wells Fargo branch.

Wells Fargo will pull your credit report during the application, which means your credit score will drop slightly for a few months. The bank looks at your credit history, income, and existing debt to decide whether to approve you and what interest rate to offer. If you're denied, Wells Fargo will send you a letter explaining why within 30 days.

You do not need to be an existing Wells Fargo customer to open a credit card with them, though having a checking or savings account with the bank may speed up the process slightly.

Key Takeaways

  • Online applications take 5 to 10 minutes and produce a decision within minutes; cards arrive in 7 to 10 business days.
  • Wells Fargo pulls your credit report, so your credit score will drop a few points temporarily.
  • You need a government ID, Social Security number, and proof of income (usually your most recent tax return or pay stub).
  • Wells Fargo offers multiple card types — cash back, travel rewards, and no-annual-fee options — so choose based on how you spend.
  • If denied, you can reapply after 30 days, or ask Wells Fargo what factors led to the denial.

What documents and information you need before you start

Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address ready. Wells Fargo will ask for your annual income — use your gross income (before taxes) from your most recent tax return or recent pay stubs. If you're self-employed, bring your last two years of tax returns.

You'll also need to provide employment information: your employer's name, your job title, and how long you've worked there. If you've changed jobs recently, list your previous employer as well. Wells Fargo uses this to verify income and assess stability.

Have your driver's license or passport nearby for the online application, though you won't upload it — you'll just confirm the information matches what's on file. If you apply in person or by phone, bring the ID itself.

Different Wells Fargo card types and what each one offers

Wells Fargo offers several credit cards, each with different rewards and fees. The Wells Fargo Active Cash Card gives 2% cash back on all purchases with no annual fee and no rotating categories to track. The Wells Fargo Propel American Express Card offers 3% cash back on dining, gas, transit, and streaming, plus 1% on everything else, also with no annual fee. The Wells Fargo Rewards Card earns points on all purchases and lets you redeem for cash, travel, or gift cards.

Wells Fargo also offers co-branded cards for specific purposes — for example, the Wells Fargo Autograph Card targets frequent travelers with airline and hotel benefits. Some cards charge an annual fee (typically $95 to $450) in exchange for higher rewards rates or premium perks like travel credits.

If you have limited credit history or a lower credit score, Wells Fargo offers the Wells Fargo Secured Credit Card, which requires a cash deposit (usually $500 to $2,500) that becomes your credit limit. This card helps you build credit; after 18 months of on-time payments, you may be able to convert it to an unsecured card.

Credit score and income requirements

Wells Fargo does not publish a minimum credit score, but most cardholders have a score of 670 or higher. If your score is below 650, you're more likely to be denied or offered a secured card instead. The bank also looks at your debt-to-income ratio — if you already owe a lot relative to your income, approval becomes less likely.

There is no stated minimum income requirement, but Wells Fargo expects you to have enough income to pay the card's balance. If you're unemployed or have very low income, you may be denied. If you have a co-signer or spouse with income, you can include their income on the application (though you'll both be responsible for the debt).

Your credit history matters as much as your score. Wells Fargo looks at whether you've paid past bills on time, how long you've had credit accounts open, and whether you've ever defaulted or filed for bankruptcy. A recent bankruptcy or charge-off makes approval much harder.

What happens after you're approved

Once approved, Wells Fargo will send you a welcome packet with your card, PIN, and account information. Your card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can activate it online, by phone, or in the Wells Fargo app before you use it.

Your first statement closes 25 to 55 days after you open the account (Wells Fargo sets this date). Your payment is due 21 days after the statement closes. If you pay the full balance by the due date, you pay no interest. If you carry a balance, interest accrues at your card's APR (annual percentage rate), which varies based on your creditworthiness and current market rates.

You can set up automatic payments through the Wells Fargo app or website so you never miss a due date. Most people set it to pay the full balance automatically each month, or at minimum the minimum payment if cash flow is tight.

If you're denied or want to improve your chances

If Wells Fargo denies your application, you'll receive a letter within 30 days explaining the reason — usually credit score, income, or credit history. You can call the number on the letter to ask for more detail. Some denials are reversible; if the issue is a recent missed payment or high debt, waiting 6 to 12 months and reapplying often works.

If your credit score is the barrier, focus on paying all bills on time for the next 6 months, paying down existing credit card balances (aim to use less than 30% of your available credit), and checking your credit report for errors at annualcreditreport.com. You can dispute inaccurate items for free.

If you're denied but have an existing Wells Fargo checking or savings account, ask a branch representative whether you're a candidate for a secured card instead. Secured cards are easier to get and build your credit for future unsecured applications.

How to use your card responsibly and avoid common mistakes

Pay your full statement balance by the due date every month if you can. Carrying a balance costs you interest and can hurt your credit score over time. If you can only afford the minimum payment, you're paying interest on the difference — a $1,000 balance at 20% APR costs about $200 per year in interest alone.

Keep your credit utilization low — use less than 30% of your available credit limit. If your limit is $5,000, try not to carry a balance higher than $1,500. This helps your credit score and gives you room for emergencies.

Do not miss payments. A single late payment stays on your credit report for seven years and can drop your score by 100 points or more. Wells Fargo charges late fees (typically $25 to $35 for the first late payment, $35 for subsequent ones within six months). If you're struggling, call Wells Fargo before the due date — they may offer a hardship program or payment plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get approved for a Wells Fargo credit card?

Online applications receive a decision within minutes in most cases. By phone or in person, you get a decision the same day. Your physical card arrives within 7 to 10 business days after approval. You can use your card number for online purchases before the physical card arrives if you activate it in the app.

Can I get a Wells Fargo credit card if I have no credit history?

If you have no credit history, a traditional card is unlikely. Wells Fargo's secured card is designed for this situation — you deposit $500 to $2,500, and that becomes your credit limit. After 18 months of on-time payments, you can convert to an unsecured card and get your deposit back.

What's the difference between Wells Fargo's cash back and rewards cards?

Cash back cards give you a percentage of your spending back as cash — 2% on everything, or higher percentages on specific categories. Rewards cards give you points that you redeem for cash, travel, or merchandise. Cash back is simpler; rewards cards often offer more value if you travel frequently or spend heavily in bonus categories.

What happens if I miss a payment?

Wells Fargo charges a late fee (usually $25 to $35) and your interest rate may increase. The missed payment stays on your credit report for seven years. If you're more than 30 days late, it damages your credit score significantly. Call Wells Fargo immediately if you can't pay — they may work with you on a payment plan.

Can I increase my credit limit after I open the card?

Yes. After you've had the card for a few months and made on-time payments, you can request a credit limit increase through the Wells Fargo app or website, or by calling customer service. Wells Fargo may do a soft pull (which doesn't hurt your credit score) or a hard pull (which does). Some customers receive automatic increases without asking.