Can you prequalify for Wells Fargo credit cards?

Prequalification can be useful if you want a better idea of where you stand on a credit application. While you can’t get prequalified for a Wells Fargo card, you can potentially get a preapproval letter.

How do I get prequalified for Wells Fargo products?

Wells Fargo currently doesn’t accept prequalification requests. That said, the bank may send you a preapproval offer in the mail if it thinks you may be a good fit for one of its cards.

While it’s not possible to request a preapproval letter, you can increase your chances of receiving one. Wells Fargo, like most banks, prefers customers with good to excellent credit. It may also send more offers to its own customers. Check out a few ways to boost your credit score.

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If you’re not sure if you’ll qualify you for a Wells Fargo product, consider the Wells Fargo Secured Credit Card. You’ll need to put down a security deposit for it, but it may give you better approval odds.

What does prequalification mean?

Prequalification means a bank has initiated a soft pull on your credit and thinks you might be approved for one of its credit cards. If you’re prequalified, you may have a strong chance of approval — potentially 80% to 90% or higher.

You’re not out of the woods yet if you’re prequalified, as approval is never guaranteed. Your card provider will take a deeper dive into your credit profile through a hard pull, and you may still be denied. However, prequalification can give you a better sense of where you stand.

What’s the difference between a soft pull and a hard pull?

In a soft pull, a lender conducts a background check to see if you might be right for one of its products. This doesn’t affect your credit.

A hard pull is a credit check lenders use when you apply for a credit product. It will typically lower your credit score slightly. This is a normal part of a credit application, and your score will rebound as you consistently make on-time payments.

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Bottom line

Wells Fargo doesn’t allow consumers to request prequalification. However, you may be able to increase your chances of getting a preapproval letter.

If your credit isn’t where you want it to be, consider a secured product such as the Wells Fargo Secured Credit Card. And if prequalification is important to you, consider a provider with prequalification such as Chase or American Express.

Frequently asked questions

• What kinds of cards does Wells Fargo offer?

  You’ll find both cashback and travel cards. The Wells Fargo Propel American Express® Card is an excellent travel product with no annual fee. The bank also has a secured card and college card.

• Do Wells Fargo cards have signup bonuses?

  A few do. You’ll find traditional signup bonuses — for example, spend a certain amount within the specified time period to qualify.

  You’ll also find reward-accelerating signup bonuses. For example, the Wells Fargo Visa Signature® Card offers 5x points on up to $12,500 spent on gas, grocery and drugstore purchases for the first six months of card membership. After that and on all other purchases, you’ll earn 1x points.

• Why will my credit score drop after a hard pull?

  You’ll see a hard pull when you apply for credit. This slightly increases your risk profile as a borrower, as lenders may think you’re more likely to default on your bills or are desperate for credit.