Best Wells Fargo Credit Cards

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Update: Some offers mentioned below may have changed or are no longer available. View current credit card offerings from our partners at CardCritics here on the issuer’s website.

Wells Fargo is one of America’s largest banks, and it’s working to overcome the consequences of a number of scandals in recent years that have resulted in billions of dollars in fines and restrictions imposed by the Federal Reserve. That said, regulators are keeping close tabs on the bank as it continues to serve 1 in 3 American households and over 10% of small businesses.

Like any bank this size, Wells Fargo has a dizzying array of banking products to choose from. Its primary credit card offerings, however, stick with the basics: one standard credit card, one hotel rewards card and one cash-back rewards card. This guide aims to help you decide which of these Wells Fargo credit cards is best for you.

Who it’s best for: Shoppers or Wells Fargo mortgage holders

Why we like it: The is a rewards card that gives you unlimited 2% cash back on all of your purchases. You can redeem the rewards online, in person or by phone for the following:

• Payment of recent eligible purchases made using the card
• Statement credit on a qualifying Wells Fargo credit card, checking account or mortgage
• ATM withdrawals ($20 increments)
• Gift cards
• Travel

If you’d rather share your rewards with another account holder or a charitable organization, you can do that, too, in $25 increments.

Although Wells Fargo considers its Active Cash card a cash-back rewards card, it does double duty as a balance transfer card. You get a . See Rates & Fees.

In addition to receiving cash-back rewards on all your purchases, you can earn a after spending $500 in the first three months you own the card. Other exclusive Active Cash benefits include around-the-clock concierge service that can help you book dinner reservations, travel and entertainment. Cardholders also get special benefits from a luxury collection of participating hotels.

Sign-up bonus:

Earning rate: Unlimited 2% cash back on purchases

Annual fee:

Benefits:

• 2% cash back on all your purchases
• Lots of ways to redeem rewards, including ATM withdrawals
• 0% introductory APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers
• Generous cash bonus offer for new cardmembers
• Travel perks
• Contactless card
• Up to $600 of protection against damage or theft of your cellphone when you pay your phone bill with your Active Cash card, subject to $25 deductible

Drawbacks:

• High balance transfer and cash advance fees
• 3% foreign transaction fee
• The high end of the variable APR can be steep

Who it’s best for: Anyone who’s currently paying high interest on other credit card balances

Why we like it: The is Wells Fargo’s best card for those looking to take advantage of a low introductory APR. In fact, it has a solid 0% intro APR period (then ), making it Wells Fargo’s best card for balance transfers, too. You’ll get 21 months on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. To qualify, balances must be transferred within the first 120 days after account opening.

The Reflect card’s other perk is the cellphone protection benefit also available for the Active Cash card. Pay your cell bill using your credit card and get up to $600 in coverage against damage and theft once you’ve paid a $25 deductible.

Sign-up bonus: 0% introductory APR for purchases and qualifying balance transfers for 21 months from account opening. See Rates & Fees.

Earning rate: N/A

Annual fee:

Benefits:

• Wells Fargo’s longest 0% introductory APR period for purchases and balance transfers
• Cellphone protection
• 24/7 roadside assistance

Drawbacks:

• APR can be high for a no-frills card
• High balance transfer and cash advance fees
• 3% foreign transaction fee

Hotels.com Rewards Visa Credit Card

Who it’s best for: Frequent travelers

Why we like it: The Wells Fargo Hotels.com Rewards Visa card is a great option for travelers who aren’t particularly loyal to one hotel brand but book lodging often. Instead of earning loyalty points toward a brand such as Hilton or Marriott, you can earn rewards for finding the best deal on Hotels.com.

You’ll collect one stamp for every $500 spent on the card and one stamp for every night’s stay booked through Hotels.com at eligible properties. Each time you hit 10 stamps, you receive one free hotel night. You have options — there are over 500,000 properties available in more than 200 countries worldwide to choose from.

Best of all, you’ll get started on the right foot with a bonus of two reward nights valued at $125 per night, which you can earn by spending $1,000 in the first three months of card ownership. In addition to the hotel rewards, the card comes with other travel benefits, including trip cancellation/interruption insurance, as well as automatic Silver membership for the first year, which comes with perks such as free hotel breakfasts, airport transfers and Wi-Fi.

Sign-up bonus: Two reward nights (worth $250 total) after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first three months

Earning rate:

• One stamp for every $500 in eligible card purchases
• One stamp for every night you book with the card on Hotels.com at eligible properties

Annual fee: No annual fee

Benefits:

• Earn free hotel nights based on your card spending
• Two free rewards nights after meeting spending requirements
• No foreign transaction fees
• Hotels.com Silver status the first year for extra perks such as free breakfasts and airport transfers
• Cellphone protection coverage for up to $600 with a $25 deductible
• Trip cancellation/interruption coverage

Drawbacks:

• You’ll need to pay taxes and resort fees despite the free rewards stay
• Stamp redemptions may not be refundable
• Automatic Silver status is only available for the first year after approval

Which Wells Fargo Credit Card Is Best for You?

The Active Cash card takes first place overall because of its cash-back rewards, bonus offer and travel perks. The 15-month 0% introductory APR on balance transfers from account opening gives you time to pay down any debt you’re carrying on other cards, but the more of your credit limit you use on balance transfers, the fewer rewards you can earn on spending.

However, you can’t dismiss the long interest-free period of the Wells Fargo Reflect card. It’s the better choice for anyone who wants to transfer a lot of higher-interest debt. Just be mindful of the Reflect card’s APR — you’ll pay anywhere between on any balances that remain after the introductory period ends.

The Hotels.com card could be useful if you book hotels regularly. Best of all, you’re not limited to one particular brand or location since you have access to all of Hotels.com’s partners. The stamps you earn for hotel nights and for every $500 spent can add up quickly, earning you free stays at hotels and resorts around the world.

Takeaway

GOBankingRates can’t choose what card is best for you, but all three cards are recommended. However, each card serves a very different consumer. Decide on what card would fit your lifestyle best. Whether transferring balances is important, free hotel stays could help you travel more, or applying your rewards toward your mortgage payment, credit card statement or purchases could be helpful, only you know which card is best for you.

Cynthia Bowman contributed to the reporting for this article.

Information is accurate as of May 16, 2022.

Editorial Note: This content is not provided by Wells Fargo. Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by Wells Fargo.

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