How to do a balance transfer with Wells Fargo
If you've just opened a new Wells Fargo credit card, you might want to set up a balance transfer to your new card. After all, it can be a great way to lower your interest costs as you work to pay off your credit card balance.
Here, we'll explore how to execute a balance transfer with a Wells Fargo card, including how to check the status of your transfer once it has been submitted. We'll also cover the best Wells Fargo balance transfer credit cards so you have an overview of your options.
How to do a balance transfer with Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo balance transfers are straightforward and can be done in three ways: online, over the phone or by using a balance transfer check.
If you're going the online route, log in to Wells Fargo's Credit Card Service Center and select "Request Balance Transfer" under the "Account Management" tab. If you prefer to process your balance transfer over the phone, you can call 1-800-642-4720.
In either case, you must specify the amount you’d like to transfer and which bank or issuer you're transferring from. Once you do that, Wells Fargo will contact the card issuer on your behalf and transfer your balance for you. It's that simple.
If you haven't yet applied for a balance transfer card, Wells Fargo will allow you to request a balance transfer when you complete your credit card application.
Of course, you can always visit a Wells Fargo branch in person to learn more about balance transfers.
Things to know about Wells Fargo balance transfers
What is a balance transfer?
A balance transfer is a process that allows consumers to transfer an existing credit card balance from a credit card with a higher interest rate to one with a low or 0% introductory annual percentage rate.
Doing so allows you to continue paying off your credit card balance over a specified period without worrying about snowballing interest.
Balance transfers are typically done between cards from different issuers — meaning if you want to transfer debt to a Wells Fargo credit card, your existing balance has to be on a non-Wells Fargo card.
How long does a Wells Fargo balance transfer take?
Wells Fargo balance transfers may take up to 14 days to complete. If a balance transfer is taking longer, contact Wells Fargo to ensure things are proceeding smoothly.
How do balance transfer fees work?
Most balance transfers include a one-time balance transfer fee, which is a percentage of the transfer amount, typically 3% to 5%.
Balance transfer fees and 0% APR periods can vary from card to card, so you should keep this in mind when choosing a balance transfer credit card. After all, you want to ensure you are saving money in the long run.
How to check the status of a Wells Fargo balance transfer
As mentioned, balance transfers can take up to 14 days. You can check the status of a pending balance transfer by signing into your online account or calling 1-800-956-4442.
Remember to continue making payments on your old credit card account until the balance transfer has been completed. Any missed payments could negatively impact your credit score.
Best Wells Fargo balance transfer credit cards
Wells Fargo has several cards that can be used for a balance transfer. Here's a closer look at what's available.
Wells Fargo Reflect Card
Why we like it: The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card (see rates and fees) is perfect for new cardholders looking to consolidate debt. It offers a 0% introductory APR for 21 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers (and purchases); 17.49%, 23.99% or 28.24% variable APR thereafter. The card is light on earnings rates and overall benefits but does offer cellphone protection when you pay your monthly bill with this card.
Welcome offer: None
Annual fee: $0
Read our full review of the Wells Fargo Reflect card for more information.
Apply here: Wells Fargo Reflect
Wells Fargo Active Cash Card
Why we like it: The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card (see rates and fees) offers 0% introductory APR on qualifying balance transfers and purchases for the first 12 months after account opening. The variable APR will be 18.49%, 24.49%, or 28.49% thereafter. Regarding rewards, cardholders receive 2% cash rewards on purchases, and the card includes a welcome offer.
With no annual fee and a handful of other perks, this card could be a good option for those who want a rewarding yet simple card in their wallets. It's also a Visa Signature card, which means it has a handful of perks and benefits often seen on more premium cards.
Welcome offer: Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus when you spend $500 on purchases in the first three months of opening an account.
Annual fee: $0
For more information, read our full review of the Active Cash.
Apply here: Wells Fargo Active Cash
Wells Fargo Autograph Card
Why we like it: The Wells Fargo Autograph® Card (see rates and fees) offers 0% introductory APR on qualifying balance transfers and purchases for the first 12 months after account opening. The variable APR will be 18.49%, 24.49% or 28.49% thereafter.
You'll earn 3 points per dollar in popular spending categories and enjoy straightforward point redemptions and several value-added benefits not common on cards with no annual fee.
Welcome offer: Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 or more on purchases in the first three months of opening an account.
Annual fee: $0
For more information, read our full review of the Autograph card.
Apply here: Wells Fargo Autograph Card
Bottom line
While your goal should always be to pay off your credit card balances in full each month, balance transfers can be helpful if you are unable to. If you need more time to pay off your debt, they can prevent interest from accruing for several months.
Before signing up, however, factor in the cost of any balance transfer fees and be mindful of the 0% APR period. If you play it smart, you'll be well on your way to debt-free living and won't have to rely on balance transfer cards moving forward.
Related: Wells Fargo Rewards program: How to earn, redeem and transfer points
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| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
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Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
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- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.