With a good credit history and responsible spending habits, pre-approving a credit card can be an easy way to gauge your chances of getting your credit card approved or rejected. Pre-approval doesn’t guarantee approval, but it can help avoid the harsh inquiries that apply to your credit report. Wells Fargo will mail or email prequalification offers to eligible consumers. You can verify that you have been pre-selected for a credit card by visiting the Wells Fargo website.
Which Wells Fargo credit cards offer pre-approval?
Wells Fargo’s credit cards may not offer as many options as other popular banks, but despite their smaller portfolio, some decent rewards cards are lucrative options for consumers and small businesses alike.
The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card is the newest addition to their lineup and the first to be issued in partnership with Visa. Cardholders earn 3 points per dollar spent on dining, travel, gas stations, public transportation, popular streaming services and phone plans. Plus, earn 1 point per $1 on other purchases. Points can be redeemed for travel, gift cards and refunds on purchases made with signature cards. Plus, first-time cardholders can earn 30,000 bonus points after spending $1,500 in the first 3 months.
If you want to transfer your balance over time to pay down debt, the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card offers an introductory 0% APR for 18 months, starting with account opening purchases and eligible balance transfers. The introductory APR can be extended for up to 3 months with minimum payments made on time during the introductory and extended periods. Thereafter, a variable annual rate of 15.24% to 27.24% applies. Balance transfers made within 120 days are eligible for the introductory rate and a 3% fee, then a balance transfer fee of up to 5% applies, with a minimum $5.
Wells Fargo does not state on the Wells Fargo website whether a card is eligible for pre-approval, but you will know if you have been pre-selected when you receive an offer in the mail or email.
How credit card pre-approval works
Receiving pre-approval means that you are considered eligible for a credit card based on the personal and financial information the bank has about you. Pre-approved applications do not require a rigorous credit check, and if too much is done in a short period of time, it can negatively impact your credit score.
Occasionally, credit card issuers or banks will proactively contact eligible individuals via mail or email. Banks obtain information from credit card companies such as Experian, TransUnion or Equifax, which maintain lists of potential cardholders based on criteria required by banks. You can opt out of pre-screened offers.
Some credit card issuers offer pre-approval tools on their websites. Applicants can complete the pre-approval form by themselves before applying for the card. Knowing which credit cards you may be eligible for without formally applying and passing strict credit report requests can benefit your shopping experience.
How to Get Wells Fargo Credit Card Pre-Approval
The Wells Fargo website offers a pre-screening tool that uses information from credit bureaus to see if you have been identified as a potential cardholder. Unlike pre-approved applications, card issuers can ask for your annual income and monthly expenses to quickly determine if you qualify for a credit card.
Current Wells Fargo customers may be more likely to be preselected. If you currently have a credit card, checking or savings account, retirement account or existing loan, you can log into your online account and see if you’ve been shortlisted.
You can also respond to quotes you receive by post or email. Just follow the instructions in the offer letter for more details. Be sure to read the fine print of any agreement before formally applying or using any of your approved cards.
This will increase your chances of getting pre-approved
Whether you’re requesting pre-approval or being pre-selected by your card issuer, knowing which credit cards you’re eligible for can make your credit card buying experience easier and less stressful.
Your best chance of getting pre-approved comes from good spending habits: don’t exceed your means, pay every bill on time, and keep your card balance low. If you follow these basic rules, your credit score will likely improve, your credit report will be easier to read by lenders, and you’ll be more likely to get a credit card with better rewards and better benefits.
Recommended credit scores for Wells Fargo credit cards can help you understand which cards you are most likely to receive after you apply. Increased income can also improve your chances of getting credit card pre-approval, as lenders use your income as part of calculations to determine if you can afford to pay off your debt.
Pre-approval is not a guarantee of approval. If your credit or financial situation deteriorates between the time you received your pre-approved offer and your formal application, the card issuer may still deny your application. Sometimes it is best to apply as soon as you receive the shortlist.
Bottom line
Buying a credit card can trigger anxiety, but pre-approved tools can make the process more reassuring. If you’ve been pre-selected for a credit card, Wells Fargo may send you an offer by mail or email, but the issuer doesn’t host a traditional pre-approval tool on its website – instead, you can check to see if the company has pre-selected about you. After pre-selecting an offer, make sure you only apply for the credit card you want. Each application can cause additional difficult inquiries on your credit report and temporarily lower your credit score.
Learn more:
-
-
-
-
Delta Skymiles® Reserve American Express Card Review – See more.
-
AmEx focuses on customer experience with new checking account and redesigned application
-
