How To Apply For A Wells Fargo Student Credit Card?

Shawn Manaher
Shawn Manaher
Updated on November 16, 2022
wells fargo student credit card

Looking to get a Wells Fargo student credit card but aren’t sure how to get one? Use this guide for all the application details.

Wells Fargo is one of the top names in banking because they have many different credit cards to choose from. One of the main ones people like to apply for is the student credit card. It’s available to younger people who might not have extensive credit.

You can apply for the Wells Fargo student credit card online on their website. You need to make sure you know your social security number and other personal information before applying. The online system will run a credit check and then approve or deny your application.

Applying for a student credit card might be your first time applying for a credit card, so you might have many questions when it comes to the application and approval processes. This guide will cover everything you need to know.

Who Can Get A Wells Fargo Student Credit Card?

Student credit cards are generally available to those 18 and older that are in high school or college. Most student credit cards also have an age cap. You generally can’t apply once you’re 26 or older, but if you already have the credit card, you can continue using it even if you’re older than 26.

Student credit cards are aimed at people who have never had a credit card before and have little to no credit history. Other credit cards might not be attainable with no credit, but student cards are made to help you build credit and make receiving your first credit card easy.

Keep in mind that student credit cards often have low credit limits to keep you from racking up too much credit card debt. This can help teach you how to use a credit card wisely.

Benefits Of Student Credit Cards

College students can get a Wells Fargo Student Credit Card even if they have a limited credit history. Some card options even have introductory interest rates which means the first few months you are paying no or very little interest.

The student credit cards also have rewards options where you can earn points and then use them for travel, dining out or shopping.

If you need to make a big purchase, you can spend it on the credit card during the introductory period while the interest is low and then pay back the money before your interest rates rise.

Application Requirements

Even though student credit cards often have fewer requirements than normal credit cards, there are still certain criteria you need to meet before Wells Fargo will give you their student cards. Here are some of the requirements you will need to meet:

  • Be 18 or older
  • Show that you can pay back your debt 
  • Satisfy minimum income requirements 

What If I Don’t Meet The Requirements?

If you do not meet the requirements, it does not automatically mean that you can’t get the credit card. You will need to have a co-signer though. This means someone will fill out the application with you and will be in charge of paying back your debt in the event that you cannot.

Most students ask a parent or trusted relative for help when they need a co-applicant. The co-applicant will also need to meet the minimum income requirements and show that they can make the payments to the company every month.

Why Should I Get A Wells Fargo Student Credit Card?

There are many different reasons you should consider a student credit card from Wells Fargo. One of the main reasons is that they offer better terms and interest rates compared to some other lenders that offer student credit cards.

Here are some of the other reasons:

All Your Banking In One Place

If you have a Wells Fargo checking or savings account, getting a credit card with them also can put all your banking in one convenient place. You can also set up automatic payments from your checking account so you never forget to make the monthly credit card payment. 

No Credit Needed 

Unlike traditional credit cards, the student credit card from Wells Fargo does not require you to have a credit history. You can still get the credit card as long as you have met the other requirements in regard to income and age.

Good Way To Build Credit

When you get a student credit card, you can begin to build credit. Credit is extremely important. When you have a high credit score and a long credit history, you are able to get mortgages and auto loans much easier.

Some employers even look at credit scores to determine if they will hire you or not since credit scores show whether a person is responsible or not.

A good credit score also allows you to get loans and credit cards with lower interest and with better payback terms.

Applying For A Wells Fargo Student Credit Card

If you have read the above and know you are ready for a student credit card, you can apply online through the Wells Fargo website. You need to log into your account if you already have one or make one if it’s your first time using Wells Fargo.

Alternatively, you can visit this website and see all the credit card options that Wells Fargo has. Click the Apply Now button once you scroll down and find the option for the Wells Fargo credit card. It will take you to the application page so you can begin the signup process.

As with any credit card application, they will ask you many different questions including your name, birthdate, address, and social security number. Your social security number is needed so they can make a credit report.

Once you fill in the application, they will run a credit report and check your income. They will then notify you if you are approved or denied. They will usually notify you via email.

If you have been approved, you will get the credit card in the mail within a few business days. Once you receive the card, you can activate it and begin spending it. If you need a cosigner, the card will be addressed to both of you.

If a parent or relative agrees with you, you should always let them know you received the card and are spending it with them. If you can’t make your monthly payment at all, you also need to let them know as missing payments affects their credit score and credit history. Always try to be responsible with the card and only spend the money you can pay back.

Maintaining Good Credit With The Card

Once you have the card, you need to make sure you are maintaining the good credit you’re building with it so that eventually you can move onto a traditional credit card rather than a student credit card. Traditional cards often have a lower interest rate and a higher spending limit. Your spending limit with the student credit card will be very low so this prevents you from being able to make large purchases.

Once you have started building credit, it’s important to keep the momentum going and make sure you are keeping up a good credit score. This can easily be done. The things that bring your credit score down the most are late payments and missed payments.

Exceeding your credit limit can also bring your score down. Make sure you are making all your payments on time. If you’re having a hard time remembering, you can set up automatic payments so that it withdraws from your bank account every month without you needing to manually make the payments.

You also need to make sure you know your spending limit and that you are closely monitoring it to not go over it. Most credit card companies will let you go over the limit temporarily but this will be reported to the bureaus as your credit usage goes up. It will also create your debt-to-income ratio.

If you have good spending and payment habits with the student card, it will be easier to get other Wells Fargo cards in the future since they already know you as a responsible customer.

In Closing

A Wells Fargo student credit card is a popular option for building credit for college students who do not have a credit history. Building credit when you are young can help you secure big loans like a mortgage when you've graduated and are ready to make big purchases. You can also use the student credit card to practice making payments on time and being wise with credit cards.

If you are ready to apply for the Wells Fargo credit card, you can visit their website and click Apply Now. Make sure you enter all the information correctly including your billing address and your social security number. Once you submit the application, they will notify you via email whether you have been approved or not.

Shawn Manaher

Shawn Manaher

Shawn Manaher is a former financial advisor, has founded 5 online businesses, and is a coach, speaker, podcast host, and author.

He's been featured on Forbes, The Consults Corner on TAE Radio, The Writing Biz, What's Your Story, and more.

He loves to share his personal finance tips and money management wisdom with others to help them find financial freedom.
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