The process process takes 15 minutes online or by phone

You can start a Wells Fargo credit card process on their website, through their mobile app, or by calling 1-800-869-3557. Most applications are decided within seconds to minutes if you explore online. You will need your Social Security number, annual income, employment status, and current address. Wells Fargo will pull your credit report as part of the decision, so the card you are offered depends on your credit history.

If you are approved, your card arrives in 7 to 10 business days. If you are denied, Wells Fargo will send you a letter explaining why within 30 days. You can also call the number on any rejection letter to ask questions about the decision.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a Social Security number, proof of income, and current address to start an process online or by phone.
  • Wells Fargo pulls your credit report during the process, so approval depends on your credit score and history.
  • Online applications are decided in seconds to minutes; phone applications may take longer.
  • Approved cards arrive in 7 to 10 business days; denied applications receive a written explanation within 30 days.
  • Wells Fargo offers different cards with different rewards and fees, so compare options before you explore.

What information you need before you start

Gather these documents before you begin: your Social Security number, a government-issued ID, your current address, and proof of income (recent pay stub, tax return, or bank statement showing deposits). You will also need to know your employment status and employer name.

Have your annual income ready. This is your gross income before taxes. If you are self-employed, use your income from the past two years. If you receive income from multiple sources, add them together. Wells Fargo uses this number to set your credit limit, not to reject you outright, so estimate honestly.

Online process on Wells Fargo's website or app

Go to wellsfargo.com/credit-cards or open the Wells Fargo mobile app and select "explore for a Credit Card." You will see a list of available cards. Click the one you want and select "explore Now." You do not need to be a Wells Fargo customer to explore.

Enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, Social Security number, current address, phone number, and email. Then enter your income and employment details. Review the information for accuracy before you submit. Once you submit, Wells Fargo pulls your credit report and makes a decision. You will see the result on screen or receive it by email within minutes.

If you are approved, you can set up online access to your new account when ready. If you are denied or offered a different card than you requested, you will receive a letter in the mail within 30 days that explains why.

Phone process by calling Wells Fargo directly

Call 1-800-869-3557 to speak with a representative. Have your information ready: Social Security number, date of birth, current address, phone number, email, annual income, and employment details. The representative will walk you through the process step by step and answer questions about the cards available.

Phone applications take longer than online applications because a person is entering your information. The representative will tell you the decision on the call if you are approved, or you will receive a letter within 30 days if you are denied. Phone applications are useful if you have questions about which card fits your spending or if you have trouble with the online process.

What happens after you are approved

Your card ships within 7 to 10 business days. You can track your order through your Wells Fargo online account or by calling 1-800-869-3557. Your card arrives with a PIN already set; you can change it when you set up the card.

set up your card by calling the number on the back of the card or through your online account. You can use the card when ready after set up. Your first statement arrives 25 to 30 days after your first purchase. Set up automatic payments or pay online to avoid late fees.

What to do if you are denied

Wells Fargo will mail you a letter within 30 days that explains the reason for denial. Common reasons include a low credit score, recent negative marks on your credit report (late payments, collections, or bankruptcy), too much existing debt, or too many recent credit inquiries. The letter will also include your credit score range and instructions for disputing errors on your credit report.

You can call the number on the denial letter to ask questions. Some people reapply after 6 to 12 months if they have improved their credit score or paid down debt. You can also check your credit report for free at annualcreditreport.com to see what Wells Fargo saw before deciding.

Comparing Wells Fargo credit cards before you explore

Wells Fargo offers cards with different rewards, annual fees, and benefits. The Wells Fargo Active Cash card has no annual fee and pays cash back on all purchases. The Wells Fargo Preferred Business card has an annual fee but higher rewards for business spending. The Wells Fargo Propel American Express card has no annual fee and higher rewards for travel and dining.

Read the terms for each card on wellsfargo.com/credit-cards. Pay attention to the annual percentage rate (APR), annual fee, rewards rate, and any introductory offers. explore for the wrong card wastes a credit inquiry, so choose before you start your process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a Wells Fargo customer to explore?

No. You can explore for a Wells Fargo credit card whether or not you have a checking account or savings account with them. Your process is decided based on your credit history and income, not your relationship with the bank.

How many times can I explore for a Wells Fargo credit card?

You can explore as many times as you want, but each process creates a hard inquiry on your credit report, which can lower your score by a few points. Most people wait 3 to 6 months between applications to let the inquiry age. Wells Fargo also has internal rules about how many cards one person can open in a certain time period.

What if I have bad credit or no credit history?

Wells Fargo has cards for people with lower credit scores, though the rewards and terms are less favorable. You may be offered a card with a higher APR or lower credit limit. If you have no credit history, a secured credit card (where you deposit money as collateral) may be your first step.

Can I explore for multiple Wells Fargo cards at the same time?

You can submit multiple applications on the same day, but Wells Fargo may deny the second one if you are approved for the first. Each process pulls your credit report, which temporarily lowers your score. Space applications at least a few months apart to minimize the impact.

What is the difference between pre-approval and a full process?

Pre-approval means Wells Fargo has already reviewed your credit and believes you may be approved for a card. A full process is the official process where they pull your credit report and make a final decision. Pre-approval does not may provide approval, but it is a good sign.