topic Re: Short Story: Dealing with Wells Fargo Propel Customer Service (Also questions at the end) in Credit Card Applications

Wells Fargo Propel Customer Service

Anonymous — Sat, 21 Mar 2020 02:07:15 GMT

Hello everyone! A little bit new to the credit card game so please forgive me in my choice of cards. I will tell you what it was like for me to apply for the Wells Fargo Propel Card. It was a long one and I would like advice on my next steps. My apologies for the long post.

Okay, my current two cards I use at the moment is my Discover IT Chrome card (Referred by a friend) and the Citi Double Cash Card (My own personal choice). I got the two relatively close to each other in January of this year, which could be the reason why I was declined so much in the first place. Anyway, I wanted my next card to be Propel due to its easy signup bonus to get (I'm College Student so $3,000- $4,000 Minimums Spends is way out of budget), spending categories, no annual fees and just a nice compliment to Citi Double Cash. I am a fan of having only two to three main cards for most of my spending.

Now let's start by saying my credit score the first time I applied was in the Mid 600s, so I understood why I was declined the first time. The usual "not enough balances paid", "high balances on retail cards", just things involving balances with my cards. Okay, that was fine with me. Over the course of the month to 2, I improved my score drastically by dropping my credit utilization to below 10 and in turn brought my score to the high 600s close to 700. I apply again seeing if I get approved, decline for the same reason. Okay, this was not a good solution so I called the reconsideration line to tell them the reason is incorrect because I called the credit bureau themselves ~~(Experian is really hard to contact by the way)~~ and they gave Wells Fargo my most updated report. I spoke to so many representatives and even a supervisor to get the real reason why I was declined. The decline reason didn't make sense to me and my complaints were so bad that they had to bring my case to the Executive Office. Finally, after a long 3 months of back and forth, they gave me my answer. Too many hard inquiries (applied to this card so many times) and length of time of my accounts.

Okay sorry for the long-winded story. It's good to know the context of what Wells Fargo and I been through over the new year. Now I want to know if this card is still a card to pursue. I made a recent application to see any final decline reason and my credit score at the moment. ~~I really need to calm down with these hard inquiries, I believe I have more than 10.~~ Final application decline reason "your oldest back card has not been open long enough (We look for a history of credit use over time)" and my score from Experian that they pulled is 707 at that current time. I don't even know how long should I wait to reapply again due to the decline reason.

Question: Should I go into other opportunities such as the Trifectas/Cards (even if I can afford to sign up bonus) or should I continue my current setup as the Citi Double/Propel Combo?

P.S: My credit use continues to stay below 10% at this time. I learned the errors of maxing out credit cards and now taking my credit much more seriously.

Re: Short Story: Dealing with Wells Fargo Propel Customer Service (Also questions at the end)

AllZero — Sat, 21 Mar 2020 02:15:25 GMT

You have a thin and young credit profile. You'll read this a lot, It's a marathon not a sprint.

Wells Fargo denial gave you some insight on future application(s) if were to apply. You need to age your accounts. Lenders want to see that you can manage an account and credit limit for a period of time.

Perhaps, best to wait until 6 months if not a year from account open to pursue credit applications.

During your wait time, you can try and request SP CLI with your current cards.

Re: Short Story: Dealing with Wells Fargo Propel Customer Service (Also questions at the end)

Anonymous — Sat, 21 Mar 2020 02:27:04 GMT

Thank you so much for the advice. I wish the waiting was a shorter in honestly. Well eventually you will get tired if you sprint out the gate in a marathon.

As far as SP CLI is concern. I don't think I actually need one with my daily spending habits. Unless it's to help increase credit use. My spending automatically goes below 10% naturally.

Re: Short Story: Dealing with Wells Fargo Propel Customer Service (Also questions at the end)

AllZero — Sat, 21 Mar 2020 02:35:14 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
Thank you so much for the advice. I wish the waiting was a shorter in honestly. Well eventually you will get tired if you sprint out the gate in a marathon.

As far as SP CLI is concern. I don't think I actually need one with my daily spending habits. Unless it's to help increase credit use. My spending automatically goes below 10% naturally.

If lender is offering SP CLI, might as well take it. You want a decent credit line for utilization padding. Also, to show other lenders that you can manage a certain credit limit.

Discover, not sure on the interval for request.

CITI is 6 month interval IIRC. Look out for SP language.

Discover unOfficial Data Points

Re: Short Story: Dealing with Wells Fargo Propel Customer Service (Also questions at the end)

Anonymous — Sat, 21 Mar 2020 02:42:41 GMT

@AllZero wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
Thank you so much for the advice. I wish the waiting was a shorter in honestly. Well eventually you will get tired if you sprint out the gate in a marathon.

As far as SP CLI is concern. I don't think I actually need one with my daily spending habits. Unless it's to help increase credit use. My spending automatically goes below 10% naturally.
If lender is offering SP CLI, might as well take it. You want a decent credit line for utilization padding. Also, to show other lenders that you can manage a certain credit limit.

Discover, not sure on the interval for request.
CITI is 6 month interval IIRC. Look out for SP language.

Discover unOfficial Data Points

Thank you for the information! Now with that in mind. Is the strategy I am going for something you would recommend or would you go about a different method. After the 6 months is up of course. Some of the major credit issuers have sign up bonuses way out of my minimum spend range.

Re: Wells Fargo Propel Customer Service

chiefone4u — Sat, 21 Mar 2020 02:47:23 GMT

If you open a checking or savings account, 6 months without inquiries will usually get you approved (if score and income qualify).

I was also denied, was told to many inquiries last 12 months. Read Wells Fargo likes a relationship... opened a savings account with $300 (minimum balance to avoid monthly fees) waited 30 days and applied again (27 inquiries previous 12. Nine inquiries previous 6 month... nearly identical to previously denied for to many). This time I again got the notice they would send me a letter. The following day I received a phone call, the person sent me a text message I had to read to them. After proving I was me (apparently answering when they call and a text message is all that's needed to prove your identity? ) I was congratulated and told I was approved for $3k limit.

Re: Wells Fargo Propel Customer Service

chiefone4u — Sat, 21 Mar 2020 02:50:28 GMT

@chiefone4u wrote:
If you open a checking or savings account, 6 months without inquiries will usually get you approved (if score and income qualify).

I was also denied, was told to many inquiries last 12 months. Read Wells Fargo likes a relationship... opened a savings account with $300 (minimum balance to avoid monthly fees) waited 30 days and applied again (27 inquiries previous 12. Nine inquiries previous 6 month... nearly identical to previously denied for to many). This time I again got the notice they would send me a letter. The following day I received a phone call, the person sent me a text message I had to read to them. After proving I was me (apparently answering when they call and a text message is all that's needed to prove your identity? ) I was congratulated and told I was approved for $3k limit.

Should have added "Your milage may vary" and... banking with them does not guarantee approval but can get them to overlook some aspects of your profile.

Re: Wells Fargo Propel Customer Service

Anonymous — Sat, 21 Mar 2020 02:59:13 GMT

@chiefone4u wrote:
@chiefone4u wrote:
If you open a checking or savings account, 6 months without inquiries will usually get you approved (if score and income qualify).

I was also denied, was told to many inquiries last 12 months. Read Wells Fargo likes a relationship... opened a savings account with $300 (minimum balance to avoid monthly fees) waited 30 days and applied again (27 inquiries previous 12. Nine inquiries previous 6 month... nearly identical to previously denied for to many). This time I again got the notice they would send me a letter. The following day I received a phone call, the person sent me a text message I had to read to them. After proving I was me (apparently answering when they call and a text message is all that's needed to prove your identity? ) I was congratulated and told I was approved for $3k limit.
Should have added "Your milage may vary" and... banking with them does not guarantee approval but can get them to overlook some aspects of your profile.

I was just going to ask if that was guaranteed haha. I mean I never thought of opening an account that way because I currently like my current banking system. Also for your situation did you wait the 6 months? Or once open the account waited the 30 dates then went through with reapplying? Let's say I do go about opening an account, do I have to continue having the account open even if I have the card in my possession.

Re: Short Story: Dealing with Wells Fargo Propel Customer Service (Also questions at the end)

AllZero — Sat, 21 Mar 2020 03:03:11 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
@AllZero wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
Thank you so much for the advice. I wish the waiting was a shorter in honestly. Well eventually you will get tired if you sprint out the gate in a marathon.

As far as SP CLI is concern. I don't think I actually need one with my daily spending habits. Unless it's to help increase credit use. My spending automatically goes below 10% naturally.
If lender is offering SP CLI, might as well take it. You want a decent credit line for utilization padding. Also, to show other lenders that you can manage a certain credit limit.

Discover, not sure on the interval for request.
CITI is 6 month interval IIRC. Look out for SP language.

Discover unOfficial Data Points
Thank you for the information! Now with that in mind. Is the strategy I am going for something you would recommend or would you go about a different method. After the 6 months is up of course. Some of the major credit issuers have sign up bonuses way out of my minimum spend range.

Sign Up Bonuses are great if you can meet the spend. It's meaningless if you can not. You have to strategize a different method. Look for lenders that has SUB within your realm of spend. BoA for example has their Cash Rewards card with 3,2,1% cash back categories.

SUB will probably still be around, new credit card products come out, some get nerfed. So take your time and research.

Perhaps, look at building your credit profile. Join a credit union or two. I would suggest building a relationship with lenders such as credit unions that has products you are interested in that you can use in the future.

Re: Wells Fargo Propel Customer Service

chiefone4u — Sat, 21 Mar 2020 04:04:19 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
@chiefone4u wrote:
@chiefone4u wrote:
If you open a checking or savings account, 6 months without inquiries will usually get you approved (if score and income qualify).

I was also denied, was told to many inquiries last 12 months. Read Wells Fargo likes a relationship... opened a savings account with $300 (minimum balance to avoid monthly fees) waited 30 days and applied again (27 inquiries previous 12. Nine inquiries previous 6 month... nearly identical to previously denied for to many). This time I again got the notice they would send me a letter. The following day I received a phone call, the person sent me a text message I had to read to them. After proving I was me (apparently answering when they call and a text message is all that's needed to prove your identity? ) I was congratulated and told I was approved for $3k limit.
Should have added "Your milage may vary" and... banking with them does not guarantee approval but can get them to overlook some aspects of your profile.
I was just going to ask if that was guaranteed haha. I mean I never thought of opening an account that way because I currently like my current banking system. Also for your situation did you wait the 6 months? Or once open the account waited the 30 dates then went through with reapplying? Let's say I do go about opening an account, do I have to continue having the account open even if I have the card in my possession.

I tried again 30 days after opening the savings account... I think it was about 45 days after most recent denial.

I believe any account counts as a relationship, some have used home loans/auto loans for example. Once approved it's highly unlikely they will close your credit card because you closed your other accounts (to be safe I'd make sure you wait until you have the card in hand and activated before making changes that may have improved your chances of getting the card).

Advice on app WF Propel

Anonymous — Sat, 02 May 2020 20:17:22 GMT

I will source my WF Propel Denial: https://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/Credit-Card-Applications/Wells-Fargo-Propel-Customer-Service/m-p/5958173#M259817

I just wanted to know if it's a lost cost to even try for the card. With all the RECON and HP I am trying for this card, it's literally destroying me.

I established a savings account just today with the company, not sure it will help. The account is not where I will do my primary banking and the account wasn't originally for the card

I just wanted something to at least get 3% in most other categories. A middle ground between my Discover card and Citi. ~~That isn't the AOD, because trust me I tried my hand on that already.~~ One more card before I will sink in the garden and save me from pulling my credit lol.

DPs
They pull from EX
11 HP in 2020 (I need to be stopped), 5 for WF
608 EX

Recent Inq for WF is 04/26/20
UTL is 1%

Open Cards

Discover IT (Its PC soon): 01/2020

Citi DC: 02/2020

Best Buy Store Card: 04/2019

PayPal Credit: 04/2019

CU Card: 07/2018

Re: Advice on app WF Propel

Anonymous — Sat, 02 May 2020 20:25:50 GMT

Anecdotally, I spoke with someone on my app status yesterday and they said they like to see 2-3 years history with at least 2-3 cards and credit mix/variety. She sounded pretty hard pressed on that credit experience.

From looking at other posts, they seem to not like credit seeking.

Also every time you apply within a 60 day rolling period, it resets the 60 day timer, and so you'd have to call in for a manual review, if you apply to often.

Might be better off with another card like SavorOne, and apply for propel later when the profile is stronger.

Re: Advice on app WF Propel

RehabbingANDBlabbing — Sat, 02 May 2020 20:35:50 GMT

I applied the other day for this card. My Experian was frozen, so they pulled Equifax. I was denied for too many new accounts with a FICO score of 803. They are very conservative with this card, so you might have to wait a while before applying. I think they are also new account sensitive, so please keep that in mind.

Re: Advice on app WF Propel

mumbogray — Sat, 02 May 2020 20:41:13 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
I will source my WF Propel Denial: https://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/Credit-Card-Applications/Wells-Fargo-Propel-Customer-Service/m-p/5958173#M259817

I just wanted to know if it's a lost cost to even try for the card. With all the RECON and HP I am trying for this card, it's literally destroying me.

I established a savings account just today with the company, not sure it will help. The account is not where I will do my primary banking and the account wasn't originally for the card

I just wanted something to at least get 3% in most other categories. A middle ground between my Discover card and Citi. ~~That isn't the AOD, because trust me I tried my hand on that already.~~ One more card before I will sink in the garden and save me from pulling my credit lol.

DPs
They pull from EX
11 HP in 2020 (I need to be stopped), 5 for WF
608 EX
Recent Inq for WF is 04/26/20
UTL is 1%

Open Cards
Discover IT (Its PC soon): 01/2020
Citi DC: 02/2020
Best Buy Store Card: 04/2019
PayPal Credit: 04/2019
CU Card: 07/2018

what 3% categories are you after? It's a nice well rounded card, but its not the only 3%er.

DP for you: I was denied 11/18 when my credit was 3-4 years old, during an app spree. Opened a checking through them a month later (got a bonus!). Applied again 5 months later and denied again for too many new accounts. I switched my DD to WF and made sure to keep $5k+ in the account at all times. Around 11/19 got a pre-screener in my online account with a set APR. Applied and approved, and its my highest limit. I was 1/12 and 4/24, 765ish EX.

They seem to approve thin files as the 2nd or 3rd card occassionally when there is no credit seeking, or you have had an account with them for a while. Once your credit report has a few accounts on it, they tighten up.

Re: Advice on app WF Propel

kdm31091 — Sat, 02 May 2020 20:44:19 GMT

Well is conservative, does not like credit seeking, tends to prefer a relationship (it's not required, but it seems to matter more to them than most banks), and is just not that easy to get in with.

That said, I would not burn an excessive amount of apps on this card. There are plenty of very similar cards out there.

Re: Advice on app WF Propel

Anonymous — Sat, 02 May 2020 20:47:20 GMT

@mumbogray wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
I will source my WF Propel Denial: https://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/Credit-Card-Applications/Wells-Fargo-Propel-Customer-Service/m-p/5958173#M259817

I just wanted to know if it's a lost cost to even try for the card. With all the RECON and HP I am trying for this card, it's literally destroying me.

I established a savings account just today with the company, not sure it will help. The account is not where I will do my primary banking and the account wasn't originally for the card

I just wanted something to at least get 3% in most other categories. A middle ground between my Discover card and Citi. ~~That isn't the AOD, because trust me I tried my hand on that already.~~ One more card before I will sink in the garden and save me from pulling my credit lol.

DPs
They pull from EX
11 HP in 2020 (I need to be stopped), 5 for WF
608 EX
Recent Inq for WF is 04/26/20
UTL is 1%

Open Cards
Discover IT (Its PC soon): 01/2020
Citi DC: 02/2020
Best Buy Store Card: 04/2019
PayPal Credit: 04/2019
CU Card: 07/2018
what 3% categories are you after? It's a nice well rounded card, but its not the only 3%er.

DP for you: I was denied 11/18 when my credit was 3-4 years old, during an app spree. Opened a checking through them a month later (got a bonus!). Applied again 5 months later and denied again for too many new accounts. I switched my DD to WF and made sure to keep $5k+ in the account at all times. Around 11/19 got a pre-screener in my online account with a set APR. Applied and approved, and its my highest limit. I was 1/12 and 4/24, 765ish EX.

They seem to approve thin files as the 2nd or 3rd card occassionally when there is no credit seeking, or you have had an account with them for a while. Once your credit report has a few accounts on it, they tighten up.

Basically a well-rounded card. The reason why I choose the Propel is that it has benefits and its 3% categories.

I will then have to sit on that savings account then. It would seem.

Re: Advice on app WF Propel

Anonymous — Sat, 02 May 2020 20:51:20 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
Anecdotally, I spoke with someone on my app status yesterday and they said they like to see 2-3 years history with at least 2-3 cards and credit mix/variety. She sounded pretty hard pressed on that credit experience.

From looking at other posts, they seem to not like credit seeking.

Also every time you apply within a 60 day rolling period, it resets the 60 day timer, and so you'd have to call in for a manual review, if you apply to often.

Might be better off with another card like SavorOne, and apply for propel later when the profile is stronger.

Explain a little bit about that manual review.

I was looking at the Savor One, it's broad but doesn't include travel which what drew me to the Propel in the first place. Should I wait till my CU card hits its 24 and just go into Chase Prefered? That AF though haha.

Re: Advice on app WF Propel

mumbogray — Sat, 02 May 2020 21:04:26 GMT

If I could do it over again, I would probably put that amount of effort into getting the NFCU more rewards Amex. Similar rewards structure, but grocercies instead of online streaming services. You also lose the 3% on flights and hotels, but keep it on gas and ground transport. Everyone around here loves them, unlike WF.

As someone mentioned the SavorOne also has a similar rewards structure. PNC also has a 4 3 2 1 card. If you are set on the WF, you will want to put in at least a few k with your banking relationship. A while ago, posters were getting denial reasons citing their low banking balances.

Edit: also IMO WF falls short in their travel benefits. They cover lost bags, but not delays or cancellations. 3x trains and taxis is great though.

Re: Advice on app WF Propel

Anonymous — Sat, 02 May 2020 21:06:32 GMT

@mumbogray wrote:
If I could do it over again, I would probably put that amount of effort into getting the NFCU more rewards Amex. Similar rewards structure, but grocercies instead of online streaming services. You also lose the 3% on flights and hotels, but keep it on gas and ground transport. Everyone around here loves them, unlike WF.

As someone mentioned the SavorOne also has a similar rewards structure. PNC also has a 4 3 2 1 card. If you are set on the WF, you will want to put in at least a few k with your banking relationship. A while ago, posters were getting denial reasons citing their low banking balances.

The NFCU is the poster child of these forums. Trust if it weren't for the membership requirements I would have established it with them already. Now the PNC card I don't hear that often, sadly its major category I don't use the gas. Is my only option the Savor One Card?

Re: Advice on app WF Propel

CYBERSAM — Sat, 02 May 2020 21:08:02 GMT

No app, no new CCs for 2 years and by then have your utli low, then you'll get it.

They denied my app for adding 3 accounts this year. That was their number one issue. They told me that they want to see good history on new accounts! 🙄 How you suppose to show history on a new account? lol

Go to garden and vist them when ALL of your inqs are gone as of now.