Are you ready to unlock a world of unlimited 2% cash rewards on virtually every purchase? The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is a fantastic option for those who want a simple, rewarding, and no-annual-fee credit card. Applying for a new credit card can seem daunting, but we're here to guide you through every step of the process. Let's get started on your journey to earning more cash back!
The Wells Fargo Active Cash Card: A Quick Overview
Before we dive into the application, let's quickly highlight why the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card stands out:
- Unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases: This is the main draw of the card, offering a flat rate on everything you buy, without worrying about bonus categories or activation.
- $0 Annual Fee: Enjoy all the benefits without paying a yearly fee.
- Introductory APR Offer: Typically, the card offers a 0% introductory APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers for a set period (e.g., 12 months). This can be incredibly useful for large purchases or consolidating debt.
- Cellphone Protection: Pay your monthly cell phone bill with your card, and you can get up to $600 in cell phone protection against damage or theft (subject to a deductible).
- Visa Signature Benefits: Access perks like auto rental collision damage waiver, roadside dispatch, and more.
Now, let's get you on the path to applying for this great card!
Step 1: Are You Ready to Apply? (Pre-Application Checklist)
Before you even think about hitting "Apply Now," it's crucial to assess your readiness. This step will save you time and potentially a hard inquiry on your credit report if you're not quite prepared.
Sub-heading: Understanding Eligibility Requirements
Wells Fargo, like all lenders, has specific criteria for approving credit card applications. While there's no guaranteed approval, here's what they generally look for:
- Good to Excellent Credit Score: This is paramount. While Wells Fargo may approve with a good credit score (typically FICO® Score of 670 or higher), a score of 700+ is often recommended for the best chances of approval. If your score is lower, consider building it up before applying.
- Age Requirement: You must be at least 18 years old.
- Steady Income: You'll need to demonstrate a reliable source of income. Wells Fargo doesn't specify an exact income threshold, but it should be sufficient to manage your debts.
- Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN): A valid SSN is typically required. An ITIN may be accepted if you don't have an SSN.
- Physical U.S. Address: Federal regulations require a physical address, not a P.O. Box.
Sub-heading: Checking the "Six-Month Rule"
Wells Fargo has a specific application rule: you generally cannot qualify for a new Wells Fargo credit card if you've opened one within the last six months. Make sure you haven't opened another Wells Fargo credit card recently, as this will lead to an automatic denial.
Sub-heading: Considering Prequalification
Wells Fargo offers a prequalification tool on their website. While prequalification doesn't guarantee approval, it allows you to see if you're likely to be approved without a hard inquiry on your credit report. This is a smart first step if you're unsure about your eligibility.
- To prequalify, you'll typically enter your name, address, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
Step 2: Gathering Your Information
Once you've determined you're a good candidate, it's time to assemble all the necessary information. Having this ready will make the application process much smoother and quicker.
Sub-heading: Personal Details You'll Need
- Full Legal Name: As it appears on your government-issued ID.
- Date of Birth: To verify your age.
- Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN): Essential for credit checks.
- Current U.S. Residential Address: This cannot be a P.O. Box.
- Phone Number: A reliable contact number.
- Email Address: For communication regarding your application and account.
Sub-heading: Financial Information to Have Handy
- Employment Status: Are you employed, self-employed, retired, a student, etc.?
- Annual Income: Your gross annual income (before taxes). Include all sources of income that you can reasonably access, such as salary, wages, investments, and any other regular income.
- Monthly Housing Payment: Whether it's rent or mortgage.
- Employer Information (if applicable): Name and phone number of your employer.
Step 3: Navigating the Wells Fargo Application Online
The most common and convenient way to apply for the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card is online through their official website.
Sub-heading: Visiting the Official Wells Fargo Website
- Go to the Wells Fargo Credit Card Section: Open your web browser and go to the official Wells Fargo website (
www.wellsfargo.com - Locate the Active Cash Card: Navigate to the "Credit Cards" section. You should see a list of their various credit card offerings. Look for the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card.
- Click "Apply Now": Once you've found the Active Cash Card, click on the "Apply Now" button associated with it. This will take you to the secure online application form.
Sub-heading: Filling Out the Application Form
The online application will present a series of sections for you to complete. Take your time and ensure accuracy in all your responses.
- Personal Information: Carefully enter all your personal details as gathered in Step 2. Double-check for typos!
- Contact Information: Provide your current mailing address, phone number, and email.
- Financial Information: Input your employment status, annual income, and monthly housing payment.
- Security Questions (Optional but Recommended): You may be asked to set up security questions for future account access.
- Review Terms and Conditions: This is a critical step. Before submitting, carefully read the cardholder agreement, including the interest rates (APRs), fees (like late payment fees, balance transfer fees, foreign transaction fees), and any introductory offers. Make sure you understand them completely.
- Consent to Credit Check: By submitting the application, you are typically consenting to Wells Fargo obtaining your credit report, which will result in a hard inquiry.
Sub-heading: Submitting Your Application
Once you've reviewed all the information and are comfortable with the terms, click the "Submit" button.
Step 4: What Happens After You Apply?
The waiting game begins! Here's what you can expect next.
Sub-heading: Instant Decision vs. Under Review
- Instant Approval: In many cases, if you meet all the criteria and your application is straightforward, you might receive an instant approval decision on screen. Congratulations!
- Under Review: If your application requires further review, you'll usually see a message indicating that your application is "under review" and that Wells Fargo will contact you with a decision. This is a common outcome and doesn't necessarily mean a denial.
Sub-heading: Checking Your Application Status
If your application goes under review, you can typically check its status online.
- Existing Wells Fargo Customers: If you're an existing Wells Fargo Online customer, you can usually log in to your account and check the status.
- New Customers: If you're not an existing Wells Fargo customer, you may receive an email with an "Access Code" that allows you to securely check your application status on their website. You'll usually need your last name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your SSN along with this code.
Sub-heading: What if You're Denied?
If your application is denied, don't be discouraged. Wells Fargo is required to send you an adverse action notice, which will explain the reasons for the denial. This notice is valuable as it can help you understand what areas you need to improve (e.g., credit score, debt-to-income ratio) before reapplying in the future.
Step 5: Receiving and Activating Your Card
If approved, the final steps involve receiving your card and setting it up for use.
Sub-heading: Card Delivery
- Once approved, your Wells Fargo Active Cash Card will typically be mailed to your physical U.S. address within 7-10 business days.
- Your PIN (Personal Identification Number) may arrive in a separate mailing for security reasons.
Sub-heading: Activating Your Card
For security, you'll need to activate your new card before you can start using it. Wells Fargo offers several convenient ways to activate:
- Online: Log in to your Wells Fargo Online account (or create one if you don't have one) and follow the prompts to activate your card.
- Wells Fargo Mobile App: Download the Wells Fargo Mobile app, log in, and activate your card through the app.
- Phone: Call the activation number provided on a sticker on your new card or in the accompanying paperwork (usually 1-877-294-6933).
- At a Wells Fargo ATM: If you have your PIN, you can activate your card at any Wells Fargo ATM.
Sub-heading: Setting Up Your Account Online
Once activated, enroll in Wells Fargo Online if you haven't already. This allows you to:
- View your statements and transactions.
- Make payments.
- Set up alerts for account activity.
- Manage your rewards.
- Access your FICO® Score with Credit Close-Up®.
Step 6: Enjoying Your Wells Fargo Active Cash Card!
Congratulations! You've successfully applied for and activated your Wells Fargo Active Cash Card. Now you can start enjoying the benefits, particularly the unlimited 2% cash rewards on all your purchases. Remember to use your card responsibly, pay your bills on time, and keep your credit utilization low to maintain a healthy credit score.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check my Wells Fargo Active Cash Card application status?
You can check your application status online by visiting the Wells Fargo "Application Status" page. If you're an existing Wells Fargo Online customer, you can sign in with your username and password. If not, you'll typically use an Access Code sent to you via email, along with your last name, date of birth, and the last 4 digits of your SSN.
How to activate my Wells Fargo Active Cash Card?
You can activate your Wells Fargo Active Cash Card online through your Wells Fargo Online account, via the Wells Fargo Mobile app, by calling the activation number provided with your card (usually 1-877-294-6933), or at any Wells Fargo ATM if you have your PIN.
How to redeem Wells Fargo Active Cash Card rewards?
You can redeem your Wells Fargo Active Cash Card rewards in various ways, including as statement credits, direct deposits into eligible Wells Fargo checking or savings accounts, cash at Wells Fargo ATMs (in $20 increments), paper checks (in $25 increments), or toward qualifying Wells Fargo mortgage and loan balances. You can typically manage redemptions through Wells Fargo Online or the mobile app.
How to pay my Wells Fargo Active Cash Card bill?
You can pay your Wells Fargo Active Cash Card bill online through Wells Fargo Online (one-time or automatic payments), via the Wells Fargo Mobile app, by mail, or by calling the customer service number on the back of your card.
How to add an authorized user to my Wells Fargo Active Cash Card?
You can typically add an authorized user to your Wells Fargo Active Cash Card by logging into your Wells Fargo Online account and navigating to the "Account Management" or "Card Services" section, or by calling Wells Fargo customer service. You will need the authorized user's personal information, such as their name and date of birth.
How to increase my Wells Fargo Active Cash Card credit limit?
To request a credit limit increase for your Wells Fargo Active Cash Card, you can often do so online through your Wells Fargo Online account, or by calling Wells Fargo customer service. Wells Fargo will review your credit history, income, and payment behavior when considering your request.
How to report a lost or stolen Wells Fargo Active Cash Card?
Immediately report a lost or stolen Wells Fargo Active Cash Card by calling Wells Fargo's 24-hour Customer Service number (typically 1-800-642-4720) or by logging into your Wells Fargo Online account and navigating to "Replace my card."
How to dispute a charge on my Wells Fargo Active Cash Card?
To dispute a charge on your Wells Fargo Active Cash Card, log in to your Wells Fargo Online account, go to your transactions, and look for an option to dispute a charge. Alternatively, you can call the customer service number on the back of your card to initiate a dispute.
How to set up cell phone protection with my Wells Fargo Active Cash Card?
To activate the cell phone protection benefit, simply pay your entire monthly cell phone bill with your Wells Fargo Active Cash Card. There's usually no separate enrollment required, but review the card's Guide to Benefits for full terms, conditions, and coverage details, including the deductible and claim limits.
How to close my Wells Fargo Active Cash Card account?
To close your Wells Fargo Active Cash Card account, it's generally recommended to call Wells Fargo customer service directly. Ensure your balance is paid off before closing the account. Be aware that closing a credit card account can sometimes impact your credit score, especially if it's an older account or reduces your overall available credit significantly.
