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 bank will check your credit history and income to decide whether to approve you. If you're approved, the card usually arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.
The process itself is straightforward: you provide personal information (name, address, Social Security number, income), Wells Fargo reviews your credit report, and you get a yes or no decision. Most online applications take about 15 minutes. If you're denied, Wells Fargo will tell you why — usually because of credit score, income level, or existing debt.
You don't need to be an existing Wells Fargo customer to open a credit card, though having a checking or savings account with them can sometimes help your chances.
Key Takeaways
- You can start a credit card process online at wellsfargo.com, by calling 1-800-869-3557, or at any Wells Fargo branch in person.
- Wells Fargo will review your credit history and income before deciding whether to approve you, and you'll usually know the decision within minutes if you explore online.
- Different Wells Fargo credit cards have different rewards, fees, and credit score requirements — the card you're approved for depends on your credit profile.
- Your card typically arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after approval, and you can set up it online or by phone before it arrives.
What Wells Fargo credit cards are available
Wells Fargo offers several credit cards, each with different rewards and annual fees. The Wells Fargo Cash Wise Visa has no annual fee and gives cash back on purchases. The Wells Fargo Active Cash Card also has no annual fee and offers a flat cash-back rate. The Wells Fargo Propel American Express is designed for people with good to excellent credit and charges an annual fee but offers higher rewards on certain categories.
There are also cards for specific purposes — the Wells Fargo Secured Credit Card is for people building or rebuilding credit, and it requires a cash deposit that becomes your credit limit. If you have limited or poor credit history, this is often the card you'll be approved for first.
Each card has different requirements. Cards with no annual fee and basic rewards are easier to get approved for. Cards with higher rewards and annual fees typically require a credit score of 670 or higher. The Secured Card has no credit score requirement — you just need the deposit.
What information you'll need to provide
When you explore, have these documents or information ready: your Social Security number, date of birth, current address, phone number, and email address. You'll also need to provide your annual income (or household income if you're married and filing jointly) and information about your employment.
If you're explore online, you may be asked to verify your identity by uploading a photo of your driver's license or passport. Wells Fargo uses this to confirm you are who you say you are.
If you have an existing Wells Fargo account, the process will be faster because the bank already has some of your information on file. If you don't have an account, you'll need to provide more details upfront.
How credit score affects your chances
Your credit score is the main thing Wells Fargo looks at. A credit score is a three-digit number (usually between 300 and 850) that shows how reliably you've paid debts in the past. The higher your score, the more likely you are to be approved and the better the interest rate you'll receive.
If your credit score is below 580, you'll likely be approved only for the Secured Card, which requires a deposit. If your score is between 580 and 669, you may be approved for basic cards with no annual fee. If your score is 670 or higher, you have access to most Wells Fargo cards, including those with rewards and annual fees.
You can check your own credit score for free through websites like annualcreditreport.com (which gives you your official credit report once per year) or through many banks and credit card companies that now show your score in your online account. Knowing your score before you explore helps you choose a card you're likely to be approved for.
explore online versus in person
explore online is the fastest method. You go to wellsfargo.com, find the credit card you want, click "explore Now," and fill out the form. You'll get a decision within minutes in most cases. If approved, you can set up your card when ready and start using it online before the physical card arrives.
Calling 1-800-869-3557 takes longer — you'll speak to a representative who walks you through the process over the phone. This method works well if you have questions or prefer not to explore online, but you won't get an when ready decision. The bank will call you back within one to two business days.
explore in person at a Wells Fargo branch lets you speak face-to-face with a banker who can explain the different cards and answer questions. This is helpful if you're new to credit cards or want personalized guidance. The process process is the same, but you may wait for an appointment or a banker to be available.
What happens after you're approved
Once approved, your credit card is mailed to the address you provided. Delivery usually takes 7 to 10 business days. You can set up your card as soon as it arrives by calling the number on the back or by logging into your Wells Fargo online account.
Before the physical card arrives, you can often use your card number to make online purchases or set up automatic payments. Wells Fargo will email you your card number and other details after approval. Check your email (including spam folders) for this information.
Your first statement will arrive about 30 days after your first purchase. You'll have a grace period — usually 21 days from the statement date — to pay your balance in full without paying interest. If you carry a balance past that date, interest charges begin.
If you're denied or want to improve your chances
If Wells Fargo denies your process, you have options. You can ask why you were denied — the bank must tell you the reason. Common reasons are low credit score, insufficient income, or too much existing debt. If the reason is a low credit score, you can work on building credit before explore again.
To build credit, use a Secured Card (which Wells Fargo offers) or become an authorized user on someone else's credit card account. Make all payments on time, keep credit card balances low, and avoid opening too many new accounts at once. After 6 to 12 months of responsible use, you can explore for a regular unsecured card.
You can also reapply for the same Wells Fargo card after 30 days. Don't explore multiple times in a short period — each process creates a "hard inquiry" on your credit report, and too many inquiries can lower your score slightly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a Wells Fargo customer to open a credit card?
No. You can open a Wells Fargo credit card even if you don't have a checking or savings account with them. However, if you already bank with Wells Fargo, the process may be faster because they already have some of your information.
How long does it take to get approved?
Online applications usually get a decision within minutes. Phone applications take one to two business days. Once approved, your physical card arrives in 7 to 10 business days, though you can use your card number online when ready after approval.
What's the difference between the Secured Card and regular cards?
The Secured Card requires you to deposit cash (usually $500 to $2,500) that becomes your credit limit. It's designed for people building credit. Regular cards don't require a deposit. After 12 to 18 months of on-time payments with the Secured Card, you can often upgrade to a regular card and get your deposit back.
Can I use my credit card before it arrives in the mail?
Yes. After approval, Wells Fargo emails you your card number. You can use this number to shop online or set up automatic bill payments right away. You'll receive the physical card in the mail within 7 to 10 days.
What if I have no credit history?
Start with the Wells Fargo Secured Card, which has no credit score requirement. Use it responsibly for 12 to 18 months — make small purchases and pay the full balance on time each month. This builds a credit history, and you can then move to a regular card.