2020 Review: Wells Fargo Platinum Card – Helpful 0% APR Offers
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Our Rating: 4 Out of 5 Stars
We give the Wells Fargo Platinum card four out of five Stars for its intro periods and uncomplicated user experience.
Why We Like It
- Long 0% interest introductory period for both purchases and balance transfers
- No annual fee
- Provides one of the latest versions of FICO credit score: FICO Score 9
- Cell phone protection
Why It Could Be Better
- There’s a balance transfer fee
- Basic benefits package
- No rewards
Wells Fargo Platinum card
Details
securely on the issuer's website
- Pay down balances instead of interest with Wells Fargo’s longest intro APR
- $0 Annual Fee
- Get up to $600 protection on your cell phone (subject to $25 deductible) against covered damage or theft when you pay your monthly cellular telephone bill with your Wells Fargo Platinum card
- Easy access to your FICO® Credit Score with Wells Fargo Online®
- Zero Liability protection for promptly reported unauthorized transactions
- Convenient tools to help create a budget and manage your spending with My Money Map
- Select “Apply Now” to learn more about the product features, terms and conditions
The main draws here are the two introductory periods. You’ll get:
- Purchase APR: 0% for 18 months, after which it’ll be 15.49%-24.99% Variable
- Balance transfer APR: 0% for 18 months on qualifying balance transfers made in the first 120 days; following that it’ll increase to 15.49%-24.99% Variable
So you can use this card to save cash in two ways. If you have a large purchase in your sights, you can give yourself a good deal of time to pay off the balance before it starts to accrue interest.
Or, if you have a balance on another card that’s accruing interest at a high rate, you can transfer it to this card. Then you can pay it off for less money overall by avoiding those interest charges.
While there are no rewards, there are still some useful features all credit cards share, like the ability to help you build credit.
So, is this the card for you? Keep reading to find out, and learn how best to use it to your advantage.
Insider Advice: Getting the Most Out of Your Card
- Take advantage of the introductory offers: You’ll have 18 months to make new purchases and pay off balance transfers without accruing interest. That’s quite a lot of time, and it can be a great lifeline if you’re looking to make a large purchase, or carrying a balance on another card that has a high interest rate.
- Keep an eye on the fine print: Be aware, you’ll have to make balance transfer requests within the first 120 days of account opening in order to qualify for the intro offer.
- Check your credit score: Wells Fargo offers free credit score monitoring, using one of the latest FICO versions — FICO Score 9, based on your Experian credit report.
- Consider picking up a rewards card: This card offers nothing in the rewards category, so if you want to earn points or cash back for the purchases you make, think about finding a rewards card that suits you best.
The Benefits
You’ll get a few benefits most cards share, such as zero liability protection. On top of that, you’ll get a collection of Visa Platinum protections, with the addition of cell phone protection. While the main idea of this card is saving money with 0% intro rates, having some additional coverage while traveling might prove useful.
For more information on the benefits your card will provide, see your Guide to Benefits.
- Free FICO credit score: See your FICO Score 9, based on your Experian credit report.
- Cell phone protection: You’ll be covered against damage, theft, or involuntary and accidental parting of your phone, up to $600, when you pay your monthly cellular telephone bill with this card. Does not cover lost phones.
- Auto rental collision damage waiver: Your eligible rental cars are protected against theft and covered damage like collisions, as long as you decline the rental company’s own insurance.
- Roadside dispatch: Having car trouble and need some help? Call 1-800-847-2869.
- Travel accident insurance: You and yours are covered from accidental death and loss of limb, sight, or speech up to $150,000.
- Travel and emergency assistance: If you need some help while traveling, Visa is happy to help, 24/7, with medical and legal referrals, lost luggage locating, and ticket replacement, among other services.
- Emergency cash disbursement and card replacement: If you’re in a bind from lost cash or card, Wells Fargo will send you both to a secure location of your choosing.
The Terms & Fees
| Purchase APR | Balance Transfer APR | Cash Advance APR |
|---|---|---|
| 0% for 18 months, then 15.49%-24.99% Variable | 0% for 18 months on qualifying balance transfers, then 15.49%-24.99% Variable | See Terms |
| Annual Fee | Foreign Transaction Fee |
|---|---|
| $0 | 3% |
| Balance Transfer Fee | Cash Advance Fee |
|---|---|
| 3% for 120 days, then 5% | See Terms |
| Penalty APR | Late Fee | Returned Payment Fee |
|---|---|---|
| None | Up to $37 | Up to $37 |
The biggest features of this card are the two introductory APRs for balance transfers and new purchases. Both could prove helpful, depending on your situation.
Should you have a balance on another card that’s accruing interest at a high rate (or any interest at all), you can transfer it here and gain more time to pay down your debt without seeing it grow. But, it’s important to note there is still a transfer fee.
So let’s say the transfer fee is 3%. That means if the balance you’re looking to transfer over is $3,000, you’ll have to pay a fee of $90 to move it to the Wells Fargo Platinum. Compare this cost to how much you would’ve spent by keeping the balance where it was: Depending on the APR of the original card and how long it’d take to pay off, the transfer fee may pale in comparison to the money you’d have spent on interest.
Be aware, you’ll need to request balance transfers within the first 120 days of account opening in order to qualify for the intro offer.
As for the purchase APR, the same principle applies: If you have any large purchases lined up, especially those necessary purchases you can’t quite afford, you might want to consider using this card to make them. You’ll get some extra breathing room by making smaller payments month by month, without being charged extra.
The Bottom Line
The biggest points for the Wells Fargo Platinum card are the long introductory 0% interest periods for both purchases and balance transfers.
Basically, if you need to make a large purchase and are looking for a comfortable amount of time to pay it off, or you need to move a balance from one card to another, this card could prove useful.
However, if you have no need for a balance transfer but want to earn rewards and have 0% interest for new purchases, there are some other options available. Though the durations might not be quite as long as what the Wells Fargo Platinum offers.
How Do I Apply for the Wells Fargo Platinum Card?
To apply now, simply click the button near the card name. You’ll be directed to the credit card issuer’s website, where you can safely input the required information.
You’ll often hear back instantly if you’ve been approved or not, but in some cases it can take longer.
What Credit Scores Do You Need for the Wells Fargo Platinum Card?
The Wells Fargo Platinum Card is designed for people with fair credit.
As long as you’re within 580–669 for FICO and 601–660 for VantageScore, you’ll be considered to have fair credit. Obviously, it’s all the better if you have even higher credit scores.
That being said, these are more like guidelines, which means even if you have lower credit scores than what are recommended, you may still be approved. Or, even if you have high credit scores, you might not make the cut.
Qualifications and Requirements
- Must be 18 years old to apply
- Personal information: Name, address, email, phone number, Social Security number, date of birth, mother’s maiden name, citizenship status
- Financial information: Housing status, monthly rent/mortgage payment, employment status, employer, length of employment, annual income
- You may not qualify if: You have opened another Wells Fargo credit card within the last six months
Wells Fargo Platinum card
Details
securely on the issuer's website
- Pay down balances instead of interest with Wells Fargo’s longest intro APR
- $0 Annual Fee
- Get up to $600 protection on your cell phone (subject to $25 deductible) against covered damage or theft when you pay your monthly cellular telephone bill with your Wells Fargo Platinum card
- Easy access to your FICO® Credit Score with Wells Fargo Online®
- Zero Liability protection for promptly reported unauthorized transactions
- Convenient tools to help create a budget and manage your spending with My Money Map
- Select “Apply Now” to learn more about the product features, terms and conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to pay off purchases and balance transfers at no interest?
You’ll get 18 months to pay off any new purchases or balance transfers at 0% APR. After that your rate will be 15.49%-24.99% Variable.
Keep in mind that balance transfers must be requested within 120 days to qualify for the introductory 0% offer (see other great balance transfer cards).
Does the Wells Fargo Platinum card offer rewards?
No, the Wells Fargo Platinum card has no rewards, like points or cash back. Looking for one that does? Check out our favorite cards that earn rewards.
Can I monitor any of my credit scores?
Yes, you’ll be able to see your FICO Score 9, based on your Experian credit report.
Alternatives to the Wells Fargo Platinum Card
U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card
Details
securely on the issuer's website
The U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card has one of the longest 0% intro APR offers on the market.
The offer here is even longer than what the Wells Fargo Platinum features, giving you more time before your transferred balances and new purchases begin to accrue interest.
The benefits of these two cards are pretty comparable, except the free credit scores vary. With the U.S. Bank card, you’ll see your VantageScore 3.0, based on your TransUnion credit report. With the Platinum, you’ll see your FICO Score 9, based on your Experian credit report.
If the Wells Fargo Platinum won’t give you the breathing room you need, the U.S. Bank card can provide even more time before interest starts to creep in.
- Free VantageScore credit score: View your VantageScore 3.0 credit score, based on your TransUnion credit report, to help monitor your credit.
- Auto rental collision damage waiver: Your eligible rental cars are covered against theft and collisions, as long as you decline the rental company’s own insurance.
- Travel and emergency assistance: Get help with medical and legal referrals, lost luggage locating, and ticket replacement, among other services.
- Extended warranty: You’ll get an extended manufacturer’s warranty on eligible products.
- Cell phone protection: Pay your cell phone bill with your U.S. Bank Visa Platinum Card to receive coverage for damage and theft claims up to $600, up to two claims per year, with a $25 deductible.
- Purchase and Balance Transfer APR: 0% for 20 billing cycles, then 14.99%–24.99% Variable (for transfers completed within the first 60 days)
- Balance transfer fee: 3%, $5 minimum
- Annual fee: $0
- 0% introductory APR for 20 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers, then 14.99%–24.99% Variable
- Savings at various retailers through Visa Discounts
- Travel and shopping protections
- Cell Phone Protection
- Free VantageScore based on your TransUnion credit report
- No annual fee
HSBC Gold Mastercard® Credit Card
Details
securely on the issuer's website
The HSBC Gold Mastercard® Credit Card (Review) is nearly identical to the Wells Fargo Platinum card.
You’ll have the same length of time to make new purchases and balance transfers without accruing interest. There’s no annual fee, and you can check your FICO Score 8 based on your Equifax credit report.
There are fewer protections provided by this card however, and the balance transfer fee is slightly higher than what the Wells Fargo Platinum card charges.
- Free FICO credit score: Check your FICO Score 8 based on your Equifax credit report for free.
- Mastercard Airport Concierge: Get a 15% discount on eligible airport Meet and Greet services.
- Travel accident insurance: Coverage against accidental death and dismemberment for you and yours when traveling by common carrier, up to $1,000,000
- MasterRental Coverage: Your eligible rental cars are covered from damage and theft.
- Purchase and Balance Transfer APR: 0% for 18 months, then 12.99–20.99% Variable
- Balance transfer fee: Either $10 or 4%, whichever is greater, will apply on each balance transfer and credit card check.
- No foreign transaction fee
- Annual fee: $0
- 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 18 months from account opening. Then a variable APR of 12.99% – 20.99% will apply.
- No Penalty APR.
- Late Fee Waiver.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- $0 Annual Fee.
- $0 liability for unauthorized purchases.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Citi® Double Cash Card - 18 month BT offer
Details
securely on the issuer's website
The Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer (Review) is one of the more rewarding no annual fee cards available.
The Double Cash earns cash back at a flat rate for every purchase you make, with no fussing over bonus categories. On top of that, you’ll have 0% for 18 months on Balance Transfers to pay off a balance without it accruing interest (after that your rate will be 13.99% – 23.99% (Variable)).
But, it would probably be a good strategy to use the balance transfer offer before reaping the rewards. If you attempt both at once you could lose your grace period, and interest will accrue on your purchases as soon as you make them.
So if you’re looking for a quality rewards program and have need for a place to move a balance, perhaps this is a good option for you.
| Spending Rewards |
|---|
|
- Free FICO credit score: See your Equifax-based FICO Bankcard Score 8 on statements, online, and by mobile app.
- Citi Concierge: Get restaurant suggestions, reservations, travel arrangements, shopping research, and more.
- Citi Entertainment: Get preferred access and pre-sale tickets to events and experiences, from music to movies.
- Purchase APR: 13.99% – 23.99% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer APR: 0% for 18 months on Balance Transfers, then 13.99% – 23.99% (Variable)
- Balance transfer fee: Balance transfer fee applies with this offer 3% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum
- Annual fee: $0
- Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.
- To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time.
- Balance Transfer Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 13.99% – 23.99%, based on your creditworthiness.
- Balance Transfers do not earn cash back.
- If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
- There is a balance transfer fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
- The standard variable APR for Citi Flex Plan is 13.99% – 23.99% based on your creditworthiness. Citi Flex Plan offers are made available at Citi’s discretion.
Citi is a Credit Card Insider advertiser.
securely on the issuer's website
The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express (Review) is another rewards card with a 0% APR offer.
The idea behind this card is to provide rewards for purchases you’d make every day. These include earnings at U.S supermarkets, at U.S. gas stations, and at select department stores. And those purchases you make won’t earn any interest for a good while.
You’ll be able to check your FICO Score 8 based on your Experian credit report, and get access to Amex Offers. Through that, you can find special deals of extra cash back at a myriad of different vendors, giving you even more opportunities for great rewards.
| Spending Rewards |
|---|
|
|
|
| Introductory Bonus Offer |
|---|
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- Amex Offers: Earn extra cash back at a changing selection of merchants.
- Entertainment Access: Get pre-sale tickets to sports, music, and cultural events.
- Lowest Hotel Rates Guarantee: Book an eligible prepaid hotel room through Amex Travel and you can be reimbursed if you find the same room going for less before you check in.
- Complimentary ShopRunner membership: ShopRunner provides free two-day shipping and returns at select online retailers.
- Purchase APR: 0% on purchases for 15 months, then 13.99% - 23.99% Variable
- Annual fee: $0
- Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $1,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 3 months.
- 3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%).
- 2% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations and at select U.S. department stores.
- 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
- Low intro APR: 0% for 15 months on purchases from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 13.99% to 23.99%.
- Plan It® gives the option to select purchases of $100 or more to split up into monthly payments with a fixed fee and no interest.
- Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed for statement credits.
- No annual fee.
- Terms Apply.
American Express is a Credit Card Insider advertiser.
Wells Fargo Platinum card
Details
securely on the issuer's website
- Pay down balances instead of interest with Wells Fargo’s longest intro APR
- $0 Annual Fee
- Get up to $600 protection on your cell phone (subject to $25 deductible) against covered damage or theft when you pay your monthly cellular telephone bill with your Wells Fargo Platinum card
- Easy access to your FICO® Credit Score with Wells Fargo Online®
- Zero Liability protection for promptly reported unauthorized transactions
- Convenient tools to help create a budget and manage your spending with My Money Map
- Select “Apply Now” to learn more about the product features, terms and conditions
Do you use the Wells Fargo Platinum card? Have the introductory periods been helpful? Let us know in the comments!
See more 0% APR cards from various issuers, with different terms and features Best 0% APR Credit CardsFor rates and fees of the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express, please click here.
The Wells Fargo Platinum card has no annual fee and a long 0% APR period for both purchases and balance transfers. As that’s the main focus, there’s little in the way of rewards and benefits.
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