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The Wells Fargo Cash Wise Visa Platinum Card is a popular choice for those looking to maximize their rewards. It offers 1.5% cash back on all purchases, which is a great starting point for earning rewards.
This card also has a sign-up bonus of $200, which can be earned after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months. This is a great opportunity to earn a significant amount of cash back right off the bat.
To maximize your rewards, make sure to use the card for all your daily purchases, from groceries to gas to entertainment. This will help you earn cash back on all your expenses.
Benefits and Features
The Wells Fargo Cash Wise Visa Platinum Card has a range of benefits and features that make it a great option for those looking for a no-annual-fee rewards card.
Unlimited 1.5% cash back is a standout perk, allowing you to earn cash back rewards every year without any caps.
You'll also earn an additional 1.8% cash back on digital-wallet purchases for the first 12 months, which can add up quickly if you use digital wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay.
The card also offers cell phone protection, which covers you for up to $600 in damages or theft, with a $25 deductible.
Another benefit is that you get to monitor your FICO score for free, courtesy of Experian.
And, as an added bonus, there's no annual fee, which means you can keep your cash for other expenses or savings goals.
Here are some other benefits to consider:
- 24/7 fraud monitoring to protect you from unauthorized transactions
- Cell phone insurance that provides assistance when your phone is damaged or stolen
- Auto rental insurance that offers primary coverage for damage or theft when renting a car
The card also offers a 0% intro APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers for the first 15 months, which can be a huge help if you're looking to make a large purchase or consolidate debt.
Earning Rewards
The Wells Fargo Cash Wise Visa Platinum Card offers a solid rewards program, earning 1.5% cash back on all purchases. This means that for every dollar you spend, you'll earn 1.5 cents back.
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You can earn an additional 20% digital wallet transaction bonus cash reward above the base earnings of 1.5% on purchases, for a total of 1.8% cash rewards during the first 12 months. This is a great opportunity to boost your earnings with digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay.
The card's rewards potential is impressive, especially when you consider that you can earn up to $396.15 in cash back per year, based on average household spending. This is calculated by Forbes Advisor, using data from government agencies to estimate baseline income and spending averages.
Using mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay in the first 12 months can get your cash rewards bumped to 1.8% on qualified mobile wallet purchases. So, keep an eye out for mobile wallet readers at your favorite shops to maximize your earnings.
Intriguing read: How to Add Master Card to Apple Wallet
Pros and Cons
The Wells Fargo Cash Wise Visa Platinum Card has some great benefits that make it worth considering. One of the best things about this card is that it doesn't charge an annual fee, so you can keep it in your wallet without any extra costs.
Here are some of the key pros of the card:
- The card provides cellphone protection against qualifying theft or damage if you pay your monthly cellphone bill with the card (up to $600 per claim, $25 deductible, up to two claims per year)
- The ongoing APR has the potential to be lower than the current average credit card interest rate
- There's no yearly cost to continue carrying this card
However, it's worth noting that the cardholder perks are barebones and don't stand out against other cash back credit cards, which might be a drawback for some users.
Pros
The benefits of a good credit card can't be overstated. Here are some pros to consider:
This card doesn't charge an annual fee, so you won't have to worry about paying extra just to keep it in your wallet.
Cellphone protection is a valuable feature, especially if you pay your monthly bill with this card. You'll be covered against qualifying theft or damage, with a maximum payout of $600 per claim and a $25 deductible.
Rewards won't expire as long as your account is open, which means you can keep earning benefits without worrying about losing them.
The ongoing APR on this card has the potential to be lower than the current average credit rate, which could save you money on interest if you carry a balance.
There's no yearly cost to continue carrying this card, so you can keep it in your wallet without breaking the bank.
Cons
The cardholder perks are barebones and don't stand out against other cash back credit cards.
A balance transfer fee is a cost to consider, and this card's fee is on the higher side.
You'll have to pay a foreign currency conversion fee if you use this card abroad.
This can add up quickly, so it's essential to factor these costs into your decision.
Alternatives and Comparison
The Wells Fargo Cash Wise Visa Platinum Card is a solid choice for those with excellent credit, but if you're looking for alternatives, there are some great options out there.
The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card is a top contender, earning 1.5% cash back on every purchase and 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. It also offers a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, with a 3% balance transfer fee for the first 15 months.
Worth a look: Navy Federal Platinum Credit Card Balance Transfer
If you're a frequent digital wallet user, the Wells Fargo Cash Wise might be a better fit, as it offers additional cash rewards in the first year. However, if you're looking to maximize your earnings, consider a flat-rate cash back card offering richer rewards of up to 2%.
If you plan to travel or shop abroad, the Cash Wise might not be the best choice due to its foreign transaction fee. In that case, consider a card like the American Express Platinum or the Capital One Venture X, which are designed for international travel.
Here are some alternative cards to consider:
- American Express Platinum
- Wells Fargo Active Cash
- Chase Sapphire Preferred
- American Express Gold
- Chase Sapphire Reserve
- Capital One Venture X
- Chase Freedom Flex
- Chase Ink Business Unlimited
Ultimately, the best card for you will depend on your individual needs and priorities.
Final Thoughts
The Wells Fargo Cash Wise Visa Platinum card is a solid choice for those who value simplicity and want to earn rewards on everyday purchases. It's a good option for those who like effortless rewards.
The card's cash back potential may not be the highest available, but it's still a great option for those who want to earn cash back without too much hassle. If you're a frequent digital wallet user, you'll reap additional cash rewards with the Cash Wise in your first year.
The card's $600 cell phone protection is best in class for a no annual fee card, and the free FICO score is a handy tool for those who like to keep a close eye on their credit profile. This is a great feature that can help you stay on top of your credit score.
If you're looking to maximize your earnings, consider one of the other flat-rate cash back cards on the market, such as the Wells Fargo Active Cash or the Chase Sapphire Preferred. These cards offer richer rewards of up to 2%.
Here are some other cards that may be worth considering:
- American Express Platinum
- Wells Fargo Active Cash
- Chase Sapphire Preferred
- American Express Gold
- Chase Sapphire Reserve
- Capital One Venture X
- Chase Freedom Flex
- Chase Ink Business Unlimited
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the credit limit for Wells Fargo Platinum credit card?
The Wells Fargo Platinum credit limit starts at $1,000 and can be higher for approved applicants. Credit limits may vary based on individual creditworthiness.
Is the Wells Fargo Platinum card being discontinued?
The Wells Fargo Platinum Card is no longer accepting new applications, but existing cardholders can continue to use their card. This change was implemented in October 2021.
What are the benefits of a Wells Fargo Platinum card?
The Wells Fargo Platinum card offers benefits such as cellular telephone protection, emergency cash disbursement, and auto rental collision damage waiver, providing peace of mind for cardholders. With additional perks like roadside dispatch and card replacement, this card is designed to help you navigate life's unexpected moments.
Sources
- https://www.creditkarma.com/credit-cards/i/wells-fargo-cash-wise
- https://www.bankrate.com/credit-cards/reviews/wells-fargo-platinum-visa-credit-card/
- https://www.bankrate.com/credit-cards/reviews/wells-fargo-cash-wise-visa-card/
- https://awardwallet.com/blog/wells-fargo-cash-wise-visa-card-review/
- https://www.forbes.com/advisor/credit-cards/reviews/wells-fargo-cash-wise-visa-card/
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