If you’re eyeing the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card for its unlimited 2% cash rewards and $0 annual fee, you’re not alone. But before applying, there’s one big question most applicants ask:
What credit score do I need for the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the credit score requirements, discuss approval factors, explain how to improve your odds, and answer common questions about getting approved for this high-value card in 2025.
Let’s dive into exactly what it takes to get approved, and whether this card is a good fit for your credit profile.
Quick Answer: What Credit Score Do You Need?
To be approved for the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card, you generally need a good to excellent credit score, which typically means:
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FICO Score of 670 or higher
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VantageScore of 700+ (preferred)
However, credit score alone doesn’t guarantee approval. Wells Fargo also looks at:
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Your total income
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Credit utilization ratio
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Length of credit history
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Recent credit inquiries
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Debt-to-income ratio
So while a 700+ credit score gives you the best chance, some applicants with scores in the 660–680 range have also been approved—especially if they have solid income and clean credit histories.
Understanding Credit Score Tiers
Here’s a quick breakdown of FICO credit score ranges and what they mean in relation to Wells Fargo credit cards:
| Credit Score Range | Rating | Approval Likelihood |
|---|---|---|
| 800–850 | Exceptional | Very High |
| 740–799 | Very Good | High |
| 670–739 | Good | Moderate–High |
| 580–669 | Fair | Low |
| Below 580 | Poor | Very Unlikely |
While Wells Fargo doesn’t publish official requirements, historical data and user reports suggest that 670 is the informal minimum for the Active Cash Card. However, many applicants under 700 are either denied or approved with low limits.
What Is the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card?
Before applying, it’s important to understand what makes the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card so attractive—and why it’s often reserved for higher credit profiles.
Key Benefits:
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Unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases
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$200 welcome bonus after spending $500 in the first 3 months
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0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and qualifying balance transfers
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No annual fee
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Visa Signature benefits
Because of its generous cashback rewards and low barrier to use (no rotating categories), the card is often compared with other premium flat-rate cards like the Citi® Double Cash or Fidelity® Rewards Visa.
Why Credit Score Matters for Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo is considered one of the more conservative credit issuers in the U.S. They perform a hard inquiry when you apply and carefully evaluate your overall credit health. Factors include:
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Credit Score – The first filter for eligibility.
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Payment History – Missed or late payments can lead to rejection even with a good score.
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Credit Utilization – Using over 30% of your available credit can hurt your chances.
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Number of Accounts – Too many new credit accounts in a short period can raise flags.
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Income & Employment – Wells Fargo may ask for proof of income or employment if your application is borderline.
How to Improve Your Chances of Approval?
Even if your credit score is below the ideal 700+ mark, you can take action to improve your odds of approval:
1. Reduce Your Credit Utilization Ratio
Aim for a credit utilization rate under 30% across all cards. If your total credit limit is £5,000, keep your balances under £1,500.
2. Pay Down Existing Debts
High balances can lead to rejection even with a decent credit score. If possible, pay down your existing card balances before applying.
3. Check Your Credit Report
Request your free report from Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion and check for:
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Errors
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Duplicate accounts
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Outdated negative marks
Correcting even one mistake can give your score a quick boost.
4. Avoid Multiple Applications
If you’ve applied for other credit cards in the last 3–6 months, wait before applying again. Wells Fargo may view multiple inquiries as a sign of financial distress.
What Happens If You’re Denied?
If you apply and get denied, you’ll receive an adverse action letter explaining why. Common reasons include:
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Insufficient credit history
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Low income
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High debt-to-income ratio
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Recent late payments
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Too many new accounts
What to Do Next:
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Wait at least 3–6 months before reapplying
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Work on improving the specific factors cited in your denial
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Consider applying for a different Wells Fargo card or a secured card to build your profile
Alternatives If Your Score Is Too Low
If your score falls below 670, consider these lower-barrier options before aiming for the Active Cash Card:
1. Wells Fargo Reflect® Card
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Focuses on balance transfers and long intro APR
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Lower credit score requirement (~650)
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No cashback, but easier to qualify
2. Capital One QuicksilverOne
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Accepts fair credit (580+)
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1.5% cash back
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$39 annual fee
3. Discover it® Secured
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Builds credit over time
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Offers cash back (2% in some categories)
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Graduation path to an unsecured card
Using one of these cards responsibly for 6–12 months can help you build your credit score and become eligible for the Active Cash Card later.
How Long Does It Take to Get Approved?
Most applicants get a decision within minutes online, but some applications go into manual review. In that case, it may take:
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3–7 business days to receive a decision
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7–10 business days to receive the card after approval
If it takes longer, you can call Wells Fargo Credit Card Services to check the status of your application.
Can You Pre-Qualify Without Impacting Credit?
Wells Fargo does not currently offer a public pre-qualification tool for the Active Cash Card like some other banks do (e.g., Capital One or American Express). This means applying involves a hard inquiry on your credit report.
However, some existing Wells Fargo banking customers may receive pre-approved offers via:
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Email
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Online banking dashboard
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Physical mail
These are soft pulls and do not affect your score—so if you get one, it’s worth acting on.
Does Income Matter?
Yes. Even if your credit score is excellent, low income can result in denial. Wells Fargo wants to see that:
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Your income supports your credit limit
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You can manage the minimum payments
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Your debt-to-income ratio is within healthy bounds
There’s no published minimum, but most applicants report approval success with £25,000+ annual income, especially if self-employed or applying as a sole proprietor.
Will Wells Fargo Report to Credit Bureaus?
Yes, the Active Cash Card is a standard unsecured credit card and is reported to all three major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion). Using it responsibly will help you:
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Build payment history
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Improve credit utilization
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Increase your credit age over time
Final Thoughts: What Credit Score Do You Really Need?
To recap:
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Minimum Recommended Credit Score: 670 FICO
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Ideal Credit Score for Approval: 700+
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Other Important Factors: Income, debt-to-income ratio, payment history
The Wells Fargo Active Cash Card is one of the most rewarding flat-rate cashback cards available in 2025. But with its generous benefits comes a stricter approval process. Don’t just focus on your credit score—look at your entire credit profile.
If you’re close to qualifying, it may be worth waiting a few months to improve your credit. That way, you can get approved and enjoy the full benefits of one of Wells Fargo’s most powerful financial tools.