A great student card on its own — but you may be even more impressed by its competitors.
- Get this card if… you want a student card that comes with no annual fee and cash back.
- Pick something else if…you want a signup bonus or consistent cash back accelerators.
- Recommended fair credit score of 620 to 679. You can also apply with no credit history.
| Product Name | Wells Fargo Cash Back College℠ Card |
|---|---|
| Card Type | Visa |
| Annual Fee | $0 |
| APR (Annual Percentage Rate) for Purchases | 12.90% to 22.90% variable |
| Introductory Purchase APR | 0% for the first 6 months (then 12.90% to 22.90% variable) |
| Introductory Balance Transfer APR | 0% for the first 6 months (then 12.9% to 22.9% variable) |
| Balance Transfer Fee | 3% or $5 of the transaction, whichever is greater |
| Cash Advance Rate | 25.74% variable |
| Cash Advance Fee | $10 or 5% of the cash advance amount, whichever is greater |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | 3% of the transaction value |
| Interest Free Period | Up to 25 days |
| Minimum Interest | $1 |
| Late Payment Fee | $37 |
| Returned Payment Fee | $37 |
| Additional Cardholder Fee | $0 |
| Minimum Age | 18 years of age |
|---|
| Reward Value per Dollar | 1% cash back |
|---|---|
| Rewards Points Expiry | Never |
The basics
How do you know the student card market is competitive? When even a good offering like the Cash Back College is overshadowed.
For a student card, the Cash Back College offers generous rewards: 3 cash back on gas, groceries and drugstore purchases and 1 on everything else. Unfortunately, you get 3 back for only the first six months.
That’s a shame, since other cards really turn up the heat. The Discover It for Students, for example, offers 5% cash back in rotating categories indefinitely. And the BankAmericard Cash Rewards for Students offers 3% cash back on gas and 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs every quarter. What’s more, both cards offer signup bonuses — but the Cash Back College doesn’t.
Still, the Cash Back College is a fine card on its own merits. It has no annual fee, so you won’t feel you aren’t getting your money’s worth. It also doesn’t hurt to get 0% APR for 6 months on purchases and balance transfers. Just be sure to consider other student cards — especially when there are excellent options to choose from.
You’ll also like
- Visa benefits. Enjoy perks like roadside dispatch, travel and emergency assistance, auto rental coverage and cell phone protection.
What to watch out for
- You must be a Wells Fargo customer to apply online. If you’re not a Wells Fargo customer, you can apply at a Wells Fargo branch.
- Expiration on intro APR. Your 0% intro APR lasts 6 months. After that time, your interest rate reverts to at least 12.90% to 22.90% variable .
- Fees. Late and returned payments come with fees as high as $37. Balance transfers, cash advances, overdraft protection advances and foreign transactions also come with fees.
Consider other cards if
- You want more cash back on everyday purchases. The Wells Fargo card offers 3% cash back on some everyday purchases, but only for six months. Meanwhile, the BankAmericard Cash Rewards for Students offers accelerated cash back — 3% on gas and 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs — for as long as you own the card.
Compare the best student credit cards
Wells Fargo Cash Back College℠ Card vs. the competition
BankAmericard Cash Rewards
What should I know before I apply?
To apply for the Cash Back College, you must be at least 18 years old and a college student.
Information you’ll need
When you apply for the card, you’ll need to submit:
- Your Wells Fargo account details.
- Your full name and contact information.
- Your Social Security number.
- Your school information.
- Your income information.
Getting a credit card when you’re under 21
If you’re under 21 years old, you must prove that you have enough income to repay your credit card debt. Usually, you can report only personal income (such as wages and allowances), scholarships and grants. If you can’t prove sufficient income, you can ask someone over 21 to be a cosigner on your application. Alternatively, you can become an authorized user on someone’s credit card account.
What credit score do I need?
Because the Cash Back College is geared toward students, you may qualify with no credit history. However, you could be denied if your credit is poor. In that case, consider a secured card with no credit checks.
How to apply for the Wells Fargo Cash Back College℠ Card
1. Go to the Wells Fargo website and click Apply Now.
2. Enter your Wells Fargo user name and password. Then proceed to the application, where you’ll submit your contact, school and income information. 
If you’re not a Wells Fargo customer, you can apply for the card by visiting a Wells Fargo branch.
I got the card. Now what?
- Make timely payments. You can pay your card bill online at the Wells Fargo website, where you can also enroll in autopay.
- Avoid interest. After the close of each billing cycle, you have a grace period of 25 days to pay your balance. If you do, you won’t pay interest on your purchases.
- Avoid fees. Late and returned payments cost up to $37. Balance transfers, cash advances, overdraft protection advances and foreign transactions also come with fees.
- Customer service. If you have questions, call Wells Fargo at 1-800-869-3557 or send a secure email through the bank’s website. You can also connect with the bank through Twitter @Ask_WellsFargo and Facebook @WellsFargo.
Bottom line
Compared to the competition, the Wells Fargo Cash Back College℠ Card leaves a bit to be desired. You’ll wish it had a signup bonus and that its 3% cash back period lasted forever.
Still, it’s a great student credit card in its own right. It charges no annual fee, so it gives pure upside as you use it. It also offers 0% intro APR for six months on purchases and balance transfers. You can take advantage of that interest rate to buy new school supplies — maybe even a new laptop.
