Getting a new Wells Fargo card – whether it's a credit card or a debit card – is an exciting step towards managing your finances! But that excitement can quickly turn into impatience as you wait for it to arrive in your mailbox. So, how long do Wells Fargo cards really take to ship? Let's break it down, step by step, and make sure you're well-informed.
Step 1: Are you waiting for a new card or a replacement? Let's figure it out together!
Before we dive into timelines, let's establish what kind of card you're expecting. Are you:
- A. A brand new Wells Fargo credit card applicant?
- B. A new Wells Fargo checking or savings account holder waiting for your debit card?
- C. Someone who needs a replacement for a lost, stolen, or damaged Wells Fargo card (credit or debit)?
Knowing this will help us pinpoint the most accurate shipping estimate for your situation.
Step 2: Understanding Standard Wells Fargo Card Shipping Times
Wells Fargo, like most major financial institutions, has standard delivery timelines for their cards. These estimates apply to regular mail delivery and generally don't include processing time, which happens before the card even ships.
For New Wells Fargo Credit Cards:
- Typical Delivery Time: You can generally expect your new Wells Fargo credit card to arrive within 7 to 10 business days after your application has been approved. Some sources even suggest it could take up to 10 business days or even up to 30 days in some cases after approval, so it's always best to err on the side of caution.
- Important Note on Approval: Keep in mind that the shipping time starts after your application is approved, not when you apply. If your application goes into "pending" status, it could take an additional 5-7 business days for a human underwriter to review it.
For New or Replacement Wells Fargo Debit/ATM Cards:
- Typical Delivery Time: For both new debit cards linked to a checking or savings account, and replacement debit cards, the standard delivery time is generally 5 to 7 calendar days. This is usually a bit faster than credit cards.
For Replacement Wells Fargo Credit Cards (Lost, Stolen, Damaged):
- Typical Delivery Time: If you're requesting a replacement credit card, Wells Fargo usually aims to get it to you within 5 to 7 business days.
Step 3: Expedited Shipping Options - When You Need It Sooner
Life happens, and sometimes you just can't wait for standard delivery. Maybe you're traveling soon, or you just really need that card in your hands.
- Credit Cards: Wells Fargo does offer rush processing options for credit cards if you're in a hurry or traveling. You'll need to contact Customer Service directly to discuss these options. They may be able to replace your card in as little as 24 hours, but additional fees may apply.
- Debit Cards: While standard debit card delivery is already relatively quick (5-7 days), it's always worth contacting Wells Fargo customer service if you have an urgent need for a debit card. They may be able to offer a faster solution, potentially through a branch pickup or expedited shipping.
Step 4: How to Track Your Wells Fargo Card's Journey
Once your card is on its way, you'll want to keep an eye on its progress. Wells Fargo offers a few ways to do this:
Sub-heading 4.1: Checking Your Application Status Online
- For New Credit Card Applications: If you applied for a new credit card, you can often check the status of your application online.
- If you're a Wells Fargo Online customer: Sign on to Wells Fargo Online with your existing username and password, and look for "Finish Application or View Status" under Account Services.
- If you're not a Wells Fargo Online customer: You should have received an email with a unique Access Code when you submitted your application. Use this Access Code, along with your last name, date of birth, and the last 4 digits of your Social Security number, to sign on to the Application Status page.
- What you'll see: The application status page will keep you updated on major milestones and action items related to your application. While it might not give you a precise shipping tracking number, it will indicate when your card has been approved and dispatched.
Sub-heading 4.2: Contacting Wells Fargo Customer Service
- This is often the most direct and reliable way to get specific information about your card's shipping status, especially if you're looking for a tracking number for a replacement card or if the online status isn't clear.
- Credit Card Application Status: You can call 1-800-967-9521 for Wells Fargo Visa Credit Card application status, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Lost/Stolen/Damaged Card Replacements: For general account management and replacement cards, you can call 1-800-642-4720.
- Be prepared to provide: Your personal details, account number, and any relevant application or reference numbers.
Sub-heading 4.3: Utilizing USPS Informed Delivery (for standard mail)
- If your card is being sent via standard mail, signing up for USPS Informed Delivery can be incredibly helpful. This free service from the United States Postal Service sends you daily email digests with images of your incoming mail, allowing you to see what's arriving before it hits your physical mailbox. This can give you an early heads-up that your Wells Fargo card is on its way.
Step 5: What to Do if Your Card Doesn't Arrive
While most Wells Fargo cards arrive within the estimated timeframe, sometimes delays happen. Don't panic!
- Allow for the full estimated delivery window: Before taking action, make sure the entire estimated delivery time (e.g., 7-10 business days for a new credit card, 5-7 calendar days for a debit card) has passed.
- Check your mail thoroughly: Sometimes cards can get mixed in with junk mail or placed in an unexpected spot.
- Contact Wells Fargo immediately: If your card hasn't arrived within the expected timeframe, it's crucial to contact Wells Fargo customer service.
- Report it as not received: They can verify the shipping address, check the status on their end, and if necessary, cancel the original card and issue a new one. This also helps protect you from potential fraud if the card was lost or stolen in transit.
- Inquire about tracking: They may be able to provide a tracking number for the shipment, especially if it was sent via a courier service like FedEx.
Step 6: Activating Your New Wells Fargo Card
Once your card finally arrives, the last crucial step is activation!
- Look for activation instructions: Your card will come with clear instructions on how to activate it. This usually involves:
- Online Activation: Signing into your Wells Fargo Online account and following the prompts.
- Phone Activation: Calling a toll-free number provided on the card or the accompanying letter.
- ATM Activation (for debit cards): Using your card at any Wells Fargo ATM with your PIN.
- Don't forget your PIN: For new debit cards, if you didn't select a PIN during the application process, a system-generated PIN will likely be mailed to you separately a few days after your card arrives. For replacement debit cards, you can typically use your existing PIN.
- Destroy your old card: If you received a replacement card, be sure to securely destroy your old one (shredding is best) to prevent any misuse.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Wells Fargo card shipping and related topics:
How to Check the Status of My Wells Fargo Credit Card Application?
You can check the status of your Wells Fargo credit card application online by signing into your Wells Fargo Online account or by using the Access Code provided in your application confirmation email if you're not an online banking customer. Alternatively, call 1-800-967-9521.
How to Get My Wells Fargo Card Faster?
For credit cards, you can contact Wells Fargo Customer Service to inquire about rush processing or expedited shipping options, which may incur additional fees. For debit cards, standard shipping is already relatively quick, but you can also ask about expedited options or potentially picking up a temporary card at a branch.
How to Track My Wells Fargo Debit Card Delivery?
Wells Fargo typically ships debit cards via standard mail, so a direct tracking number isn't always provided. However, you can sign up for USPS Informed Delivery to see incoming mail. If it doesn't arrive within 5-7 calendar days, contact Wells Fargo Customer Service.
How to Activate My New Wells Fargo Credit Card?
You can activate your new Wells Fargo credit card online through Wells Fargo Online, by calling the activation number provided on the card or accompanying letter, or via the Wells Fargo Mobile® app.
How to Activate My New Wells Fargo Debit Card?
You can activate your new Wells Fargo debit card online through Wells Fargo Online, by calling the activation number provided, through the Wells Fargo Mobile® app, or by using it at any Wells Fargo ATM with your PIN.
How to Replace a Lost or Stolen Wells Fargo Card?
Immediately report a lost or stolen Wells Fargo card by signing on to Wells Fargo Online® or visiting
How to Know if My Wells Fargo Card Has Been Shipped?
For new credit card applications, the online application status might indicate when the card has been dispatched. For replacement cards, directly contacting Wells Fargo customer service is the best way to confirm shipment and potentially get a tracking number.
How to Change My Shipping Address for a Wells Fargo Card?
It's crucial to have the correct address on file with Wells Fargo. You can update your contact information, including your mailing address, through Wells Fargo Online, by calling customer service, or by visiting a branch. Make sure your address is current before requesting a new card to avoid shipping issues.
How to Get a Temporary Wells Fargo Card?
While Wells Fargo doesn't generally issue "temporary" physical cards in the same way some other banks do, if you're waiting for a new or replacement debit card, you might be able to get a temporary card from a Wells Fargo branch. It's best to call your local branch beforehand to confirm availability.
How to Contact Wells Fargo Customer Service for Card Shipping Issues?
For credit card related shipping inquiries, you can call 1-800-642-4720. For debit card shipping concerns, you can use the same general customer service number or look for specific numbers related to debit cards on the Wells Fargo website.
