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How to prequalify for Wells Fargo credit cards

You can't check online or at a branch. But you can increase the odds of targeted preapproval on your next card.

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Kevin Joey Chen

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Steven Dashiell
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Wells Fargo doesn’t allow you to check for prequalified offers either in person or through its website. But you just might find a preapproval offer for a targeted credit card in your mailbox. Here’s how to increase your chances of receiving one.

Wells Fargo prequalification vs. preapproval

Wells Fargo is among the few banks that don’t offer prequalification as a way to learn whether you might be eligible for a credit card without hurting your credit score.

Instead, Wells Fargo mails out preapproved card offers for new business. These mailed letters typically mention preapproval on the envelope and go out only to people the bank’s considered creditworthy.

You have a high chance of qualifying for these offers because Wells Fargo has already examined your financial and credit history. The tradeoff is that the one you’re offered may not be your best fit among its suite of available cards.

Taking the bank up on preapproval

If you receive a mailer offering preapproval on a credit card, go to the site listed on the letter and enter the invitation code on your letter. You’ll see the rates, fees and details of the card you’re qualified for, which you can use to shop around for similar cards at other banks or apply on the spot.

How to prequalify yourself for a Wells Fargo card

While you wait for a preapproval letter, match your credit history with Wells Fargo cards through a simple check of your finances:

  • Order your credit report for free from one of the three major bureaus.
  • Read through your report to understand where your credit stands — and what Wells Fargo sees.
  • Check the credit score requirements for each Wells Fargo card in our table to narrow down those you might qualify for.

If your credit score is higher than the card’s requirement, odds of application success are in your favor. If your credit score isn’t quite within the range, your overall financial history might play a larger part in whether you qualify. Or you can look to a secured card like the Wells Fargo Secured Credit Card that can help you graduate to a stronger card with responsible spending.

Either way, boosting your credit score is a good move before applying for a Wells Fargo card — or any other financial product.

Bottom line

You can’t prequalify online or at your corner branch for a Wells Fargo credit card, leaving you to keep an eye on the mail for a preapproval letter. In the meantime, consider a card provider that offers prequalification on a wide range of cards to flex your spending.

Compare credit cards from brands that offer prequalification

Name Product Filter values Rewards Purchase APR Annual fee
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
6% on select US streaming services, 3% on transit and US gas stations, 6% at US supermarkets on up to $6,000 annually, then 1% after that and on all other purchases (redeem as statement credit)
0% intro for the first 12 months (then 13.99% to 23.99% variable)
$0 intro annual fee for the first year ($95 thereafter)
Apply now
View details
Perfect for families: Get up to 6% cashback as statement credit on everyday purchases and a welcome offer worth $300. This heavy-hitter rewards card has uncontested value. Terms apply, see rates & fees
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
2% at US gas stations and select US department stores, 3% at US supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year, then 1% after that and on all other purchases (redeem as statement credit)
0% intro for the first 15 months (then 13.99% to 23.99% variable)
$0
Apply now
View details
This everyday cashback card offers a higher than average welcome offer for no annual fee, letting you earn $200 after you spend $1,000 in the first 3 months. Terms apply, see rates & fees
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase, 5% on Lyft, 3% on dining and drugstores and 1.5% on all other purchases
0% intro for the first 15 months (then 14.99% to 23.74% variable)
$0
Apply now
View details
This solid 1.5% cashback card gets even better with the addition of up to 5% back in categories like travel, drug stores and dining.
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