How Long Does It Take For Wells Fargo To Send A New Card

People are currently reading this guide.

👤

Published by A contributor at Hows.Tech sharing helpful insights.

📝 Article edited 0 times 🕒 Last modified by Default Author

Wondering when your new Wells Fargo card will arrive? Let's get that sorted out!

Whether you've just opened a new account, your old card expired, or you unfortunately lost it, waiting for a new card can be a bit nerve-wracking. You need to know when you can start making purchases again, pay your bills, and access your funds. Don't worry, we're here to walk you through the typical timeline and what you can do to keep track of your new plastic.

Let's dive into the specifics of how long it generally takes for Wells Fargo to send a new card.

Step 1: Identify Why You Need a New Card

First things first, let's figure out why you're expecting a new card. The reason can sometimes subtly affect the timeline or the steps you need to take.

New Account Opening: Congratulations on joining Wells Fargo! If you've just opened a new checking, savings, or credit card account, your initial card will be sent to you.
Replacement for Lost/Stolen Card: This is often the most urgent scenario. If your card is gone, you'll want a replacement as quickly as possible to prevent unauthorized transactions.
Expired Card (Reissue): Cards have expiration dates for security and wear-and-tear. Wells Fargo typically sends out new cards automatically before your current one expires.
Damaged Card: Sometimes cards just give up the ghost. If your card is no longer working due due to physical damage, you'll need a replacement.
Customized Card (Card Design Studio): If you've opted for a personalized card design, there's an additional approval step for the image.

Engage with us! Which of these scenarios applies to you? Knowing this will help you understand the next steps more clearly.

Step 2: Understand the Standard Delivery Timeline

For most new or replacement cards, Wells Fargo adheres to a standard delivery timeframe.

Standard Delivery for Debit and Credit Cards:

General Expectation: You can typically expect your new or replacement Wells Fargo debit or credit card to arrive within 5 to 7 calendar days. This applies to both new cards and replacements due to loss, theft, damage, or expiration.

Important Considerations for Standard Delivery:

Business Days vs. Calendar Days: While Wells Fargo often states "calendar days," remember that mail services primarily operate on business days. Weekends and holidays can add a day or two to the overall delivery time.
PIN Delivery: If you didn't select a PIN when you requested your new card, you might receive a system-generated PIN in a separate mailing a couple of days after your card arrives. This is a security measure to keep your card and PIN separate.

Step 3: When Things Might Take a Little Longer (or be Faster!)

While 5-7 days is the general rule, there are a few exceptions or special circumstances.

Sub-heading: Customized Card Delivery

If you used the Wells Fargo Card Design Studio service to personalize your card, there's an extra step involved. Wells Fargo needs to review and approve your customized design. This approval process typically takes approximately 2 business days.
Once your design is approved, then the standard 5-7 calendar day delivery timeframe begins. So, for a customized card, factor in those extra 2 business days for design approval.

Sub-heading: Rush Service Options (Credit Cards Only)

For credit cards, Wells Fargo may offer rush processing options, especially if you're in a hurry or traveling soon.
Availability: You'll need to contact Wells Fargo Customer Service directly to discuss if rush service is available for your specific credit card and situation.
Timeline for Rush: If available, a credit card replacement could potentially arrive in as little as 24 hours, but additional fees may apply. This is typically not available for debit cards.

Sub-heading: Factors That Could Cause Delays

Incorrect Address: If the address Wells Fargo has on file is outdated or incorrect, it will undoubtedly delay your card's arrival. Make sure your contact information is always up-to-date.
Mail Delays: Standard postal service delays can sometimes occur, especially during peak seasons or due to unforeseen circumstances.
Application Processing (New Accounts): While card delivery is generally quick after approval, the initial application processing time for a new account can vary. However, once approved, the card delivery timeline should still be within the 5-7 days.
International Shipments: If you are requesting a card to be sent to an international address (though this is less common for standard reissues), delivery times will naturally be longer and vary significantly.

Step 4: Tracking Your New Card & What To Do If It Doesn't Arrive

It's natural to be anxious about your new card, and fortunately, there are ways to keep tabs on it.

Sub-heading: Checking the Status of Your Card Request

Wells Fargo Online: The easiest way to check the status of your card request is usually by signing on to your Wells Fargo Online account. Look for sections related to card services, account services, or replacing your card.
Wells Fargo Mobile App: Many of the same functionalities available online are also accessible through the Wells Fargo Mobile app.
Phone Call: If you can't find the information online or prefer to speak with someone, call Wells Fargo customer service.
- Personal credit, debit, and ATM cards: 1-800-869-3557
- Business credit, debit, and ATM cards: 1-800-225-5935

Sub-heading: What to Do If Your Card Doesn't Arrive

If your card hasn't arrived within the expected 7 calendar days (or the extended time for customized cards), it's crucial to contact Wells Fargo immediately.
Do not wait too long, especially if it's a replacement for a lost or stolen card, as this could prolong your inability to access your funds or increase security risks.
They will be able to investigate the delay and, if necessary, reorder your card.

Step 5: Activating Your New Card and Next Steps

Once your shiny new Wells Fargo card arrives, there are a few critical steps to take.

Sub-heading: Activating Your Card

Immediately Activate: It's imperative to activate your new card as soon as you receive it. This activates the card for use and often deactivates any old cards linked to that account number (especially for replacements).
Activation Methods: Wells Fargo typically offers several ways to activate your card:
- Online: Through Wells Fargo Online banking.
- Phone: By calling the activation number provided on the card or in the accompanying materials.
- ATM: Some cards can be activated by making a transaction (like a balance inquiry) at a Wells Fargo ATM.

Sub-heading: Updating Automatic Payments

If your new card has a different card number or expiration date (which is common for lost/stolen replacements, and sometimes for reissues), you'll need to update any recurring payments or subscriptions you have set up with merchants. Think streaming services, utility bills, gym memberships, etc.
Failing to do this can lead to missed payments and potential late fees.

Sub-heading: Securely Disposing of Your Old Card

Once your new card is activated, securely destroy your old card. Do not just throw it in the trash.
Methods for secure disposal:
- Shredding it with a cross-cut shredder.
- Cutting it into multiple pieces, ensuring the chip, magnetic stripe, and account number are completely unreadable.
- Using scissors to cut through the card number, expiration date, security code, and your name.

10 Related FAQ Questions (How to...)

Here are 10 common questions related to receiving a new Wells Fargo card, along with quick answers:

How to check the status of my new Wells Fargo card order?
- Quick Answer: Sign on to Wells Fargo Online or the Wells Fargo Mobile app, or call customer service at 1-800-869-3557 (personal) or 1-800-225-5935 (business).
How to get a Wells Fargo card faster than standard delivery?
- Quick Answer: For credit cards, you may be able to request rush delivery by calling Wells Fargo customer service, but additional fees may apply. This option is typically not available for debit cards.
How to activate my new Wells Fargo debit or credit card?
- Quick Answer: You can activate it online through Wells Fargo Online, by calling the activation number on the card/packaging, or at a Wells Fargo ATM.
How to update my recurring payments with my new Wells Fargo card?
- Quick Answer: You'll need to manually log in to each merchant's website or app where you have recurring payments set up and update your card information (new card number, expiration date, and security code).
How to dispose of my old Wells Fargo card securely?
- Quick Answer: Shred it with a cross-cut shredder or cut it into multiple pieces, ensuring the chip, magnetic stripe, and all numbers are destroyed.
How to find my Wells Fargo card's PIN if I didn't set one?
- Quick Answer: If you didn't select a PIN when you requested your card, Wells Fargo will mail you a system-generated PIN a couple of days after your card arrives.
How to report a lost or stolen Wells Fargo card?
- Quick Answer: Immediately call Wells Fargo customer service at 1-800-869-3557 (personal) or 1-800-225-5935 (business), or report it online through Wells Fargo Online to prevent unauthorized transactions.
How to order a replacement Wells Fargo debit card online?
- Quick Answer: Sign on to Wells Fargo Online and navigate to the section for managing your debit card or requesting a replacement.
How to reorder a Wells Fargo credit card that is expiring soon?
- Quick Answer: Wells Fargo typically sends a new card automatically before your current one expires. If you don't receive it, contact customer service.
How to get a new Wells Fargo card if I moved and my address is different?
- Quick Answer: Update your address with Wells Fargo immediately through Wells Fargo Online or by calling customer service before requesting a new card to ensure it's sent to the correct location.

4711240517195926040