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A question worth asking is if the Wells Fargo credit cards portfolio is closing as the bank changes its consumer banking model. Wells Fargo is in the process of reshuffling its consumer credit products as the big bank may offer fewer services than other megabanks. Here are a few things to know.
Wells Fargo Personal Line of Credit Ends
In a somewhat surprising move, Wells Fargo announced in early July that all existing personal lines of credit are closing down, and no new applications are being accepted.
This unsecured loan is similar to most rewards credit cards as it doesn’t require collateral but can have a borrowing limit as high as $100,000 and a lower interest rate. For example, a home equity line of credit (HELOC) uses your house as collateral. If you default on a HELOC, the bank can foreclose on your house.
On the other hand, personal credit lines can damage your credit score if you miss payments and default on the loan. The lender can also legally require you to make payments.
However, it appears Wells Fargo is discontinuing personal credit lines as a way to reduce risk.
Inactive Credit Cards May Shutdown
For now, it’s still possible to apply for unsecured credit cards from Wells Fargo and keep your existing Wells Fargo cards.
One slight exception to this statement can be inactive credit cards. Most banks reduce spending limits and may even close credit card accounts with minimal activity.
This practice increased in 2020 due to the pandemic. A LendingTree survey reports 70 million Americans saw their credit card limit involuntarily reduced or their entire account closed from mid-May to mid-July 2020.
More recent statistics are currently unavailable, but banks regularly prune their portfolio of inactive credit cards to minimize consumer risk.
Whether you have a credit card with Wells Fargo or not, make purchases several times a year to prevent account closings, and credit limit decreases. Either event can negatively affect your credit score.
New Wells Fargo Credit Cards
Despite the rumors that Wells Fargo is shutting down its credit cards and other loan products soon, the opposite is happening. In a June 2021 press release, Wells Fargo announced two brand new cards in 2021 and a revamped rewards card portfolio in 2022. It appears Visa will be issuing these cards.
The Wells Fargo Active Cash Card
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is the bank’s cash rewards credit card launched in 2021.
Select card benefits include:
- Earn unlimited 2% back on all purchases
- $200 bonus cash after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months
- Up to $600 cell phone protection (subject to a $25 deductible)
- No annual fee
You can redeem the rewards for purchase statement credits ($1 redemption minimum), Wells Fargo loan payments, ATM withdrawals ($20 minimum), and gift cards.
The Active Cash Card 3% foreign transaction fee means you should consider another card for international travel.
Applicants are not eligible for this card’s signup bonus if they have received another Wells Fargo credit card signup bonus in the last 15 months.
Learn More: Cash Back Credit Cards
The Wells Fargo Reflect Card
The second Wells Fargo credit card launched in 2021 was The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card. You might consider this card if you need a balance transfer credit card.
Current Wells Fargo Credit Cards
In addition to the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card, two other Wells Fargo credit cards are accepting new applications.
Hotels.com Rewards Visa Credit Card
If you use a third-party booking site to find hotel rooms when you travel, the Hotels.com® Rewards Visa® Credit Card can be a rewarding option.
Card benefits include:
- Earn 1 Hotels.com stamp for every $500 in card purchases
- Earn 1 per night on Hotels.com bookings
- Get one free award night after collecting ten stamps (excludes taxes and fees)
- Hotels.com Silver loyalty membership for the first 12 months
- Trip cancellation and interruption insurance
- Up to $600 cell phone protection (after a $25 deductible)
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fee
The current signup bonus is the ability to get 2 reward nights worth $250 total (max $125 per night)*, when you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months. *Excludes taxes and fees. If a night costs less than $125, you won’t get the difference.
Related: Best Hotel Credit Cards
Summary
Wells Fargo isn’t closing its entire credit card line. Instead, quite the opposite is happening as the new cards launching in 2021 and 2022 might offer more benefits than the current lineup. If you’re an existing Wells Fargo credit card customer, continue making purchases on your card to keep the account active and look for potential upgrades as new products launch.
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Marvelous works but we have had the worst in thieving and negligence in Modesto, California. Three to five banks with not enough customership. Ex-news people just sitting there behind the counter and desk never wearing the clothing of trained bank workers. When I first entered the old Mason bank In Modesto the symptoms that overwhelmed my body and mind was a morgue. I need help with my accounts and I want out into my own possession.
Credit should always be due to escalating prices of products needed for the home, vacation from what does not allow to see the new, old, etc. As well as the cards are the charges pickup in the economy where the public qualify and where others may not need or qualify. Mini startups at $250 were well in range for startup or lesser powered income keeping lesser charges. So if they fall just like curfew or probation you one and one half year to see what the discourse is. Small amounts are not overwhelming in paybacks so the government should provide insurance for me, you and the lender.??
I have this propel card for myself, I believe it’s a great card with no annual fee and issued by a major credit bank. Thanks. J.J.