Propel Amex Cards Getting Declined, Wells Fargo Sending Replacements

Oct. 11, 2018

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2 min read

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I'm a big fan of Wells Fargo Go Far Rewards and the new Wells Fargo Propel American Express® card (card no longer available). As the card and program have grown in popularity, one complaint I've heard a number of times is that the card is often rejected when people try to use it in store. Several card members have reached out to me in exasperation, saying that the card was declined so often that they gave up on using it. After repeated calls to Wells Fargo, agents began to say it was a known problem and they were working a solution.

I had no problems with mine until I visited the convenience store within walking distance of my house. Every time I've tried to use my card there (in the hopes it codes as 3x for a gas purchase) my card has been rejected. I hadn't received any fraud alerts, and the card still worked when I tried to use it at other merchants.

It appears the problem has become so widespread that Wells Fargo is now going to issue replacement cards to current Propel cardholders. I just received the following letter in the mail:

Account numbers will remain the same, but security codes and expiration dates will be updated. Hopefully this fixes the problem so card members can get on with the business of earning valuable Go Far Rewards, worth up to 1.75 cents each toward airfare if you also hold the Wells Fargo Visa Signature card.

If you're having problems with your card, make sure to check your mail or call Wells Fargo and ask for your replacement card to be sent.

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.